Slow Monday

Goodness I am having a very sluggish day. I started by sleeping in and I've been moving like a snail ever since. It took me most of what was left of my morning to get the vacuuming and chores done. My head's in a fog too. I'm going to blame it on the cloudy, muggy weather.

Needing something cheery on a grey day, I went out and plucked a cone-flower from my garden for my lunch time sketching session.

I used my latest favorite combo-- colored pencils and watercolor pencils.
After that I was a bit restless, trying to decide what I felt like doing. I checked the weather and it seems we're in for more rain and possible thunder showers tonight, so I decided to go outside for a bit of exercise. I managed to ride my bicycle around the neighborhood in the easiest gear for about 15 minutes. With both a knee and hip problem this summer, I can manage only small bits of chores or exercise. I'm not sleeping well. either. I'm stubborn and tend to push too far.
Once I'd trimmed one more shrub (I can do one at a time), I was satisfied that I had done the most I could do. I came inside and settled in my studio to do a little stitching on the postcard.

It's almost done. I have to stop myself form adding too much detail, as I'm planning to put it into the mail.
On the weekend, I got the little second hand store desk put in place to see how it would work. My cutting mat fits perfectly and now I have empty drawers! I might put wheels on it which would raise it up a bit more and I can't decide if I want to paint it or not.

Sorry for the lighting; it was back lit by the window.
I must go see what I can do about supper. I haven't anything planned yet!

Seashells and a Big Old Pine Postcard

It didn't start out to be a great day--I went to bed with hip pain last night and awoke with it at 4AM. I took pain medication but couldn't get back to sleep until it was time to get up to drive my husband to work. My day for the car. I am thankful that I no longer have to go work; I was able to come home after a doctor's appointment and have a bit of a rest.
It is very hot and muggy here today. Thunder storms are forecast for later today. I haven't' ventured out except for my appointment and to water my plants. After the rain the other day, I took this photo of my lily which just came into bloom this week.

In summer, I always have a bouquet in the house although it's a little harder this year since I used some of my flower space for vegetables. I'll add wildflowers to the mix occasionally as well as fern or hosta leaves.
At lunch time, I still felt a little low, but the habit of sketching has become ingrained. It focuses me and takes my mind off the pain. I read somewhere just last night that the act of reating art can increase production of serotonin, so I guess it was just what I needed.

Something else that I saw  recently on Facebook (Martha Stewart, I think) was the idea of using a coffee press to steep loose tea for iced tea. What a great idea! Add some honey and lemon and put it in the frig when cooled.

While I was out this morning, I picked up a roasted chicken breast from the grocer and I made a corn and black bean salad to go with it. Easy. Gave me time to do a bit of stitching.

This is postcard sized 4" by 6". It is based on the picture you see on the I Pad screen taken by my niece.The background was done using the Neocolor II crayons and heat set.

It's going to be a little gift for someone.