As I scavenged to come up with a name, I wikied “Iris” to double check that this flower I just painted is indeed an iris. I loved to learn that in Greek Mythology Iris – the goddess of the rainbow, who acted as a messenger of the gods. Fabulous.

Al and I put up our Christmas tree last weekend.  I had been looking forward to getting out my batch of ornaments I brought back from Grandma’s. These awesome old skool balls, that Mom was shocked when only one broke after being checked during my journey back to Phoenix. (Also notice the cutest ugliest pony from my childhood!)

Also in my luggage that particular trip was a huge 7 point rack of antlers, which I’ve since painted black and gold..

This little angel cracked me up and was my personal favorite from grams..

My friend Jennifer, her husband Jamin and their new baby Maeve came to visit so I was also in a cleaning frenzy.

I decided to test out silver cleaner I’d brought back just in time as grandma’s silver was starting to tarnish.  It’s a lot of work to keep them clean and shiny! Also notice her cool scarf I’m using as a table runner..

Mom and I counted I’ve seen her 10 out of 12 months this year.  That is a huge record for us since I’ve moved out west. Unfortunately it wasn’t for good reasons, but we have gotten very close again. I love you mom!

As I’ve appreciated Grandma’s accessories, my love of painting with silvers, golds and bronzes has deepened.

Notice the top of our Christmas tree – last year it was my cowboy hat with a star on it, this year it’s my candy cane antlers I painted with my dad and nieces last year! And yes that is another rack hanging next to it..  🙂