Ocean City

Happy Monday, everyone. I hope you had as wonderful a weekend as we did. We headed east as far as we could go without dropping off the continental shelf, and perched our weary bodies upon the Ocean City, Maryland, beach.

The waves were spectacular, thanks to the brewing of Hurricane Bill, out in the deeps. The lifeguards weren't allowing anyone in at all on Saturday. With the 10 to 15 foot waves and the seriously strong undertow, I don't blame them. It was almost enough to pull us off our feet just standing in the swash zone, and in fact we did see that happen to an unsuspecting lady. Total face plant.

On Sunday, they allowed people in, but were constantly whistling and waving at people venturing too close to dangerous areas. We watched as one lifeguard swam out and rescued a girl who had gotten too far out and had underestimated the pull of the currents, and her ability to swim against them. He had to work extremely hard to get her back to shore. Heroically, even.

The boardwalk was active and lively and colorful and loud. We wandered aimlessly toward the arcades and rides - enjoying the ocean breezes and the completely different flavor this beach has than what we are used to...

For my readers who are familiar with the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee...it was strangely reminiscent of Gatlinburg, except without all the bears.

We ate Boardwalk Fries and had ice cream for lunch.

We saw the most #1 famous world famous only gallery like it in the world gallery. Ahem.

We gulped it all in and savored it, as the light faded to spun gold, storing it up in our treasure box memories until summer comes our way again...

When

When he was a baby, I had the hardest time getting a picture of him in-focus. He was so soft and radiant, the camera couldn't read him properly.

Now that he's 8, his lines have become a little more angular. But he's still pretty radiant.

When he was little, he was constantly frustrated because he couldn't do everything immediately. Like walk and talk and ride his bike like the big kids. Or stay awake all day.

Okay. He still has a little trouble with that.

When he was younger, his brother was his best friend, and they did everything together.

They still do.

When he was 7, he was my baby.

Now that's he's 8?

What, are you kidding me? He's still my baby. Always and always and every day.

Happy Birthday, Junebug. Mama loves you.

A Taste of Things to Come...

It may still technically be summer, but I can already feel the change in the air, can you? Sure, it's 95 degrees with 843% humidity, but that doesn't mean it isn't coming. It's just around the corner.

Every year I do a great big happy dance when spring rolls around. Really - it's kind of embarrassing when I go back and look. Like here and here and here and here. From all that dancing, you'd think that spring was my absolute favorite season, but while I adore spring and all its showy, flowery goodness, it isn't my favorite season.

Without a doubt, it's the fall that stirs my heart the most. I love the changing light - the way the sun lingers in amber liquid, lighting up the golden leaves. I love the smell - a caramel-y, smoky shimmer in the air. I love the way the temperatures start to drift downward, slowly becoming crisp and cool without moving all the way to chilly. I love the dusk, as the light fades on the horizon and the sky turns indigo blue.

I'm looking forward to this fall - my first in the mid-Atlantic region of the US. In the deep south, the fall tends to be slow to start and long to linger - the months changing before the temperatures and leaves begin to fall. I don't know what it will be like here, but I'm looking forward to finding out. My scarves are ready and waiting, my knitting needles are looking at me with a sharp desire to be useful...

...and my paintings are moving from the birds of spring and summer to the golden leaves that start to flutter in the breezes...keep an eye out here and in the shop. In 30 days, fall will be here...you're not going to want to miss it.

Front Page!

I made the Etsy front page this evening!

For you non-Etsy folks...that's HUGE. Do you know how many GAH-jillions of Etsy items there are for sale? Me neither. But it's MANY.

That's my Thaddeus, column 1, row 3.

A nice ending to an otherwise incredibly BLAH day.

What an oxymoronic statement...incredibly BLAH. I can't believe I wrote that. I really can't believe I left it, but I'm just trying to be real here, peeps.

I do it all for you.

Lil' Abner and the Randomness of Tuesday

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We had a gorgeous, hot day here in the DC area, and so we had no choice but to spend it basking like lizards on a rock, only without the rock and with a swimming pool in which to cool ourselves. This was the first day we've gone that the pool wasn't overtaken with day camp kids - not sure where they were, but I can't say we missed the extra crowds.

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It's also the first day since July 31 that I haven't spent most of my waking moments endlessly obsessing over whether or not I was promoting my shop enough - twittering and chatting online with hot babes all day, except without the hot babes.

Or, I guess they could be hot babes.

They are excellent artists and crafters.

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In any case - I spent the day reading and soaking in the sun and watching two little water bugs learn all about buoyancy and how that means that little bugs can lift big bugs and "throw" them in the water.

Gosh, I love homeschooling.

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I did do one bit of work by listing Abner in the shop. I painted him last night while watching Soylent Green - perhaps the finest bit of work in which Charlton Heston ever had the opportunity to star.

Ahem.

It's people.

Spread the word.

Ewan

Have you ever watched a bird while it sang?

How it opened up its mouth and the song just poured out, unashamed?

Have you ever sat motionless in a meadow and closed your eyes?

Allowed the swell of sounds to envelope you?

Have you ever stood in the quiet, amber, morning light?

Have you ever heard the song your heart sings?

Ewan is singing over at the shop today.

And he's been featured at Tiny Theatre (Now Showing: Birds of All Stripes), a blog by Susan Sanford. You can catch Susan's own work at her personal bog, ArtSpark Theatre. Thank you, Susan!

Scooter Shadow

My big boy and his shadow... scooting across the pavement in the afternoon sun.

For more shadow fun, visit Hey Harriet! and click on the links!

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In other news - I've had my first feature in an Etsy Treasury - please click here to see it! How nice to be included with such lovely items!

Have a restful Sunday evening, folks - I'll be back tomorrow with some more paintings!

The Offspring

Doodlebug's Cardinal

Kindly note the official "Ott" signature...his idea...not mine.

Junebug's sandpiper...also with the official "Ott" signature. I'm thinking of registering it as a trademark.

It's funny - that signature - the way I sign all my paintings. It's completely nerdy. In an artistic way.

It's a circle. And pi.

'Cause that's just the way we roll.

Thirsty Fun

Back in 2006, Linda and I went on a sketchcrawl of Knoxville, and we both drew a little run down place called "Toddy's". The sign in front of the building proclaimed it to be "Knoxville's Fun Place to be Thirsty," which struck me as rather odd. I mean - if you're thirsty IN the bar, doesn't that mean that your bartender isn't doing his/her job? Maybe it means that even though the service is really bad, you'll still have a good time?

I don't know. I never actually went inside.

I drove past there about a month ago and saw that it is no longer called Toddy's. Another bar has taken its place, although they hung onto the tagline, strangely enough.

So I thought it needed be immortalized as it used to be. The Toddy's that Knoxvillians knew and thirsted over - the best place in town to not get a drink.

It's newly listed in my Etsy shop - feel free to purchase it to hang in a really dry part of your house... SOLD

It's a Baby!

Well, not really. Just a tiny little painting. I thought I would try my hand at some ACEO sized birdies and put them in the shop. This is the first.

The second didn't work out quite so well. Could have been the distraction of the TV. I'll try again tomorrow.

And no...you don't get to see the second one.

Show and Tell

I just had to show you the ACEO that steviewren gave me when we met up last week...

She's got such style, this girl - with her jaunty magenta hat and bauble earrings. But I think she looks a little melancholy too. Maybe she's trying to offset her mood with the accessories - I don't know. Her eyes are so expressive - a little world-weary, but with a glint of hope, I think.

She belongs on the cover of a detective story.

She makes me want to invent stories about her - and that's exactly why I love her so much. Thanks for letting me bring her home with me, Ms. Wren - she's got a place of honor in my studio...

Luella

This iris grew up by my back garden gate - so tall and proud and gloriously purple. I thought she needed a proper welcome. Click on the picture for a closer look at Flickr, click here to see her in the shop, along with her garden mates.

Watch Out, Little Birds...

There's a new sheriff in town.

Merle is an osprey...bigger, stronger and faster than all those other little guys, and a bit of a threat. (SOLD)

Just trying to keep it interesting over at the shop...can't have the fellas getting complacent...

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Random thoughts:

1. I've been wanting to use the word "debacle" in my blog, but I haven't come up with a good story in which to use it, so I just used it in this bullet point. Wait...DEBACLE...it just felt like it should be capitalized.
2. It's 10 days into August and I still have my July banner up. I'm trying to decide if I should just wait and start working on my September banner, or go ahead and design an August one. I'm stumped. It's a debacle. DEBACLE. Debacle averted.
3. I have realized that when I iron, I think in Twitter bursts. I wish I could hardwire my brain into my iPhone's Twitterific app, 'cause DANG, I'd be funny.
4. Summer walked right up to the Washington Monument and smacked it on its pointy head today.
5. I love JONAS.
6. Farkle. I'm just sayin'.

A Little Birdie Told Me...

...that I was going to adore steviewren, and it was right!

We met up at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens yesterday afternoon, and just had a lovely time. She brought along two of her granddaughters, her daughter and her adorable 6 month old grandson. I brought Dr. SmartyPants and the bugs.

It's so interesting, this global community in which we live. I saw them walking into the gates, and knew who they were, having never met them. We started talking and already knew so much about each other that it was more like catching up with an old friend than meeting a new one.

I gave her the bluebird painting and she let me choose one of her gorgeous and expressive faces that she draws. If I had a scanner, I'd scan it and show it to you, but I'll have to wait until I get back to Arlington for that.

If you ever have a chance to meet up with one of your blogging buddies - do it! We're so blessed to be able to meet such wonderful folks online - people we'd never connect with otherwise...it definitely makes you feel a little less alone in this world, doesn't it?

Thaddeus

There's a new kid in town...

We're traveling again - in Alabama to visit Dr. SmartyPants' family. I'm also planning a visit with steviewren of a little birdie told me so. She won the bluebird painting a few weeks back, and I thought it would be fun to deliver it in person.

We'll be heading back north over the weekend, and then hanging out there for a while - giving the car a much needed rest!

Jed

Jedediah just joined the gang at the shop. Why don't you mosey on over and say, "hi!"

SOLD





-- Post From My iPhone

Shadow Smoochin'

Just a little love for all you fine people...

For more kissable shadow shots, head over to Hey Harriet! and click on the links!

Have You Seen Digby?

Well - you would have if looked at my Etsy shop yesterday.

But you won't if you look today.

He's flying away to a new home.

My first sale!

Yay!!

Let's Go Shopping!

Zebedee is going to be there - and he'd really like you to come, too! I'm open for business! Woo!

I've got 8 little guys in the shop right now, and plans to add a few more over the next few days, along with some non-birds (like the irises from yesterday.) I'd really love your feedback on the store, if you have a minute. This is all kind of new to me, and I want to do the best job possible.

I've really appreciated all your wonderful comments and support over the last few weeks - you've made this new venture seem like a good idea! If you happen to be a seasoned Etsy seller, let me know, and I'll come investigate your shop and steal all your best ideas look for inspiration.

I hope you all enjoy your last day of July!

Phineas Needed a Friend

Phineas just looked so dadgum lonesome all by himself over there in etsy-land, so I thought I'd try another upload and give him a friend.

This is Basil:

He's currently residing next door to Phineas in my shop. Feel free to go say hi and give him a little love, too...he'll be joined by the rest of the flock very soon!

Only one business day until I'm officially opened!

Iris Three

I don't want you all to think I'm a complete bird brain, so I thought I'd show you this one. These lovely irises were in my backyard garden this spring, and I couldn't help but photograph and sketch them.

I'll be putting this one in the shop, along with another iris, so if you aren't a bird fan, don't feel like you won't have anything to choose from... SOLD

Happy Wednesday, everyone - I'm off to run the weekly errands and get my walking in at the same time - See you tomorrow!

The Early Bird...

...gets the crow...

I'm starting the process of opening the shop, and the best way to do that is to just upload something and see what happens...consider it a preview sale for my very best friends.

This is Phineas - he's currently residing in my Etsy shop, and looking for a good home. Please go say hi to him and give him a little love, okay?

Haiku Winner

The boys mulled over the choices, looked at me like I was nuts because it was too hard to choose, but finally decided that Dan Kent's Haiku was the winner!

Royal stroll, alone,

Snowy steps of sun on sand,

Crown of white tendrils

Congratulations, Dan! Email me your address and I'll put the sparrow sketch in the mail to you this week!

And a BIG thank you to everyone who entered this week - haiku or non-haiku - you all really know how to make a girl feel special.

And the Egret Goes To...

Random Number 20! That just happened to be Rebecca of Highland Happenings. Rebecca is an American in Scotland, and her blog features her lovely photographs of her life and travels. Congratulations, Rebecca!

I'll be back this afternoon with the winner of the Haiku contest. The boys haven't quite picked their favorite, yet!

This series of giveaways has been so much fun for me - I've loved meeting all the new folks who have stopped by, and getting to know them a little through their lovely blogs. You've all made this new adventure of mine a great deal of fun!

Tuesday through Thursday of this week, I'll be previewing a couple more paintings that will be going into the shop - then on Friday, I'll fling open the doors and pull up the shades and invite you all in for the grand opening. I do hope you'll all come by and say hello and add me to your favorite sellers and, you know, buy something!

See you this afternoon!

Shadow Swinging

Junebug swinging the shadow...

For more swinging shadow shots, visit Hey Harriet! and click on the links!

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This is the last opportunity to win an original gouache and ink painting - leave a comment in the previous post before midnight on Sunday to be entered to win!

Don't Just Stand There...

Comment and win!

I'm giving away this original gouache and ink painting to one of my dear readers as a lead-up to opening my new etsy shop on NEXT FRIDAY!!. It is 5x7 on pastel paper - ready to be matted and framed and hung in your favorite corner.

Leave me a comment, in this post, any time between today (July 24, 2009) and Sunday, July 26, 2009, at midnight and I'll enter your name into the drawing one time. Easy!

But wait...there's more! Write a little something about my giveaway on your own blog or Twitter feed, link back to this post, and email me to tell me about it at diahnott at gmail dot com...one more chance to win!

In addition, even after my pitiful attempt yesterday, if you feel like writing Haiku...please do. I'll have the boys pick their favorite and send this to the winner:

I'll stir all the entries (Haiku and non-Haiku) up in a random number generator and have it spout out a winner on Monday morning!

Don't forget to make sure that your name is included in your post!

Have a great weekend, everyone - and good luck!

Is it Tomorrow Yet?

Because I want to give something away!

But not this...

No - this I drew at the park over the weekend while all my boys played basketball. It was much easier to draw the tree than the basketball players. It didn't move as much...

But tomorrow - that's a different story! Tomorrow I'll be giving away one more painting to promote my Etsy shop, which will open one week from tomorrow, on July 31! I've been painting like a crazy woman for the last couple of weeks, to make sure that I have enough stock to fill my cyber-shelves.

SOOOoooo...check back tomorrow for the painting and the entry procedures, which may or may not include writing Haiku.

Painting little birds

Watching them flit to and fro

It makes me happy

Okay...maybe not so much on the Haiku...

See you tomorrow, peeps!

Seven

This photo has nothing to do with the following post. Just thought I'd clear that up at the beginning...

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Ann, over at Blue Bird Hill, gave me an award on Sunday...

and part of that award is to list seven things you may not already know about me. I'm going to try, although I feel like you all know me so well already...so here goes:

1. I'm a reader. I love books. I adore words. I re-read my favorite books at least once a year. I don't have a favorite genre of literature - I'll read anything and I often have two or three books going at the same time. My favorite book from this summer, so far, is Broken for You, by Stephanie Kallos. Absolutely delightful book with interesting characters and a sweet little twist. I picked it up from the bargain book rack at Border's, and it was worth three times what I paid for it. I think it's out in paperback, now.



2. I am an email/Twitter/Facebook/Blog Reader junkie. There. I've said it. That's the first step...



3. I don't call my husband "Dr. SmartyPants" just because he's a snazzy dresser. In fact, he's actually super smart, holds a couple of patents and has just been informed that he and his colleagues have been honored with an R&D 100 award. You can read the press release here. I'm positively bursting with pride. And as if THAT weren't enough, he's incredibly handsome and he does dishes.



4. I'm loud. I come from a loud family. My children are loud. It's genetic. Sorry for interrupting your dinner with our excessively loud laughter. We can't help ourselves.



5. I very rarely cry. Except at the end of Apollo 13. Every stinking time. Even though I know what's going to happen. DANG.



6. One summer in college, I worked as the site photographer for an historical archaeological dig. I photographed every stone and brick that was discovered, which was completely non-thrilling. But I also went up in a helicopter to do the aerial site photographs which was awesome.



7. I love to travel. Road trip? Plane trip? Train trip? Cool. I'm there. I love going to places I've never been. I love maps and transit schedules. I should have been a travel photographer.

Now, I believe, I'm supposed to tag seven others...so...

You seven...over there on the right...no...the other right...my right...yes - you...TAG.

You're it.

Warbler

 

I'm a bit off my game today, I think.  It's already almost 10:30 in the morning, and I'm just now thinking about what I'm going to do today.  Strange.

No reason why.  Just, um, warbling.  Warblewarblewarblewarblewarble.

Must mean it's time to head outside and get some fresh air.  Too much time spent hunched over my painting table can't be a good thing, right?  Sure - paintings get done that way, but headaches form and a little knot right between the shoulder blades pops up and your children forget that you were in the house to begin with.

So.  Yes - there are paintings to be painted, and laundry to be sorted and folded and dishes to wash and math to review, but I think we'll all take a mental health day and go to the park and see what it has to offer, and go to the library and check out some new books and maybe, just maybe, find a place to sit and eat some ice cream before noon so we can ruin our appetites.

Have a fabulously rule-breaking day, my friends!

Drum roll, please...

And the birdie goes to...

Number 23!

Here's how it worked...as comments were made, I entered the names into a spreadsheet.  Then, as links were made, I entered those names into the spreadsheet, so the numbers don't match the number of comments.  So who the heck is #23, anyway?

It is steviewren of A Little Birdie Told Me So!  Somehow, that just seems perfect, don't you think?  Actually - I guess if Ann of Blue Bird Hill had won, it would have been a little more perfect and strangely coincidental, no?  In any case, congratulations steviewren!  I hope my little bluebird finds a happy spot in your home!

Speaking of Ann, she said some very nice things about my bird paintings over at her blog, and gave me an award, which I will try to pass along tomorrow, after I've considered what seven things you lovely internet people don't already know about me.  Thank you, Ann - I really appreciate your kind words and the award!

And, just to spread some more love about the blogosphere, I have to marvel at how generous friends can be - even friends that you've never met face-to-face.  Chris Beck and I have never met in person, and yet we've really enjoyed getting to know each other through our blogs and emails and Twitter and Facebook.  I want you all to click over there and see what she's got on her blog.  Go. 

Right now - I'll wait...

How cool is that?  Yeah - I know.  Pretty DANG cool.  Thanks, Chris - you're just awesome. 

Okay - that about sums it up, except to say thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway, I wish I had 43 paintings to give out, because you'd all get one.

But I don't.

I only have one more to give away.  Next Friday.

So come back, okay? 

Shadow Shot Shaggy

This fellow knows how to make the most of an umbrella-cast shadow.

For more fabulously cool shadow shots, visit Hey Harriet! and clink on the links!

OBX Dreamin'

I'm longing to be back here, sitting on the sand,

listening to the waves as they crest on the sandbar,

watching the pelicans dive,

and the dolphins slap the water with their tails.

I'm longing to feel the sun on my skin, gazing at the horizon,

hearing the delight in my sons' voices as they ride another wave,

seeing the gulls slowly inching toward my potato chip bag,

and the dogs dashing away from the encroaching water.

I'm longing to go and never leave, becoming a local,

riding my bike barefooted to the market to fill up the basket on the front,

walking into Sonny's and being greeted by name,

and knowing the names of those greeting me.