Still here!

Yes, I'm still here!

Eben left for San Jose last week and flies home on Wednesday.

Nilo is back to school this morning.

Husband has been working on this new blog in his spare time.

And as for me, I'm still working on my designs. But I'm trying to keep my eye on you!

Yesterday we watched a green vine snake devour a live frog head first. When we scared it, it started off into the bushes with the frog's legs hanging out of it's mouth like handle bars. A rather bizarre sight!

Here's a neat beetle for you. I have to get me some of those sapphire blue shoes! ;}























(c) Reinaldo Aguilar, 2010.

Now here's a thing...

I've been up for a few hours and am doing stuff, but it's still fairly early here and I haven't checked anybody's new posts yet. I just wanted to show you this, which I came across when checking through Nilo's workbooks last night. He is doing the senses right now (tedious stuff, as he knew this like five years ago!) and the teacher had written Draw two things that would make a sound. And he's drawn one. And it's divine. And here it is.
















Any ideas?... Answers on the back of a post card! ;]

Making Movies: Monsters in the Middle of Nowhere

Nilo is off school and making movies.

Leafing into Spring: Part I

I have to start by saying a big thank you to my friends Arlee Barr and Jude Hill for plugging my blogs and my new adventure over at A Common Thread . Also to everyone who has already joined me there. Welcome! And don't forget to tell all of your friends :}

And... sheeeeeeeeeeee's off! A new idea. But this is all you're getting right now, because I have to get on with it... a sneak peak of what's on the work table today. I am busy busy here!



















Leafing Into Spring

Before I go... remember folks... there's very little that a serving spoon of Nutella can't fix! ;}



















Nilo. That's one happy child!

Chad Frick & Co.

My husband has a friend called Chad Frick. I haven't met Chad yet, but we've been in contact recently and I've been admiring his creative work.

You have to see his paintings and also visit the The Chandrea Collection, a series of plush toys, that he makes with his wife, Andrea Alfaro Frick.

You can visit the Chandrea doll museum or shop at the YUKYUK store on Etsy.

Ok, I confess that I have rather a soft spot for monster art dolls. Each of Chad and Andrea's has a hand-painted canvas face, which gives it a totally unique personality. It's hard to choose between them, but I do love this one, it has such a delightful satisfied expression!



















"The Chandrea Collection"- No.85
by Chad Frick & Andrea Alfaro Frick
(c)2008.

Chad's paintings are adorable, have an educational imperative, and are based on his experiences in the field biology. This is one of my favorites...



















Coleonyx switaki v. switaki - Chad Frick
Acrylic on Canvas
10" x 10"
(c)2007

My youngest son is an avid herpatologist. Lizards are his thing. I don't think there's a species here which he hasn't handled at some time or another (with parental supervision of course!) Chad's painting of Coleonyx switaki v. switaki makes me smile, and reminds me of moments like this, of pure contentment...
















Nilo Francisco with a Casque Headed lizard at Los Charcos de Osa.

Thinking about it, there's something about monster doll No. 85 and Nilo's smiles...