a quiet week and a few sneak peeks

well life has taken a few unexpected twist and turns this week.

Mr. Yacula and I have travelled to uncharted lands

as parents.

as you know my oldest son is away at college

and this week brought the school's winter break

for my other two boys.

my second son has been traveling

out of country for the week. 

(just a tad scary to let your children

travel this far away from you)

our youngest stayed here at home with us.

of course, being like any teenager he has been

very busy with friends.

(no surprise there)

however, Mr. Yacula and i found ourselves

having dinner just the two of us.

not just once ... but many times over the week.

as a family we have always gathered for dinner.

i must admit I became a little teary eyed one evening

as we sat at our very empty table.

(many years of making meals and caring

 for a bustling family will do that.)

i can not tell you how excited i am that 

all my boys will be home under one roof

at least for the weekend.

(my world and my heart will be very happy!)

although my family life has been quiet,

 the studio has kept me very busy.

(nothing like burying yourself in your work!)

i have been working on several different projects

and i have been creating some new personal pieces.

i have also had a chance to be inspired by

another artist's online course.

(she left me with so much wonderment and inspiration for my creative soul)

so here are just a few things I have been working on.

a licensing partner asked me to add a few easter eggs to this illustration.

(thanks to the magic of photoshop)

a new stamp collection is in the works!

this piece is in progress.

i am just adding details to the background and  the wreath.

still much more work to go. 

but, 

i love, love, love

this stage of adding details

and seeing the piece really come to life.

(i have a hard time stopping to work on other things)

have a wonderful weekend!

(i think i will be baking for my sweet boys!)