A Dose of Local "Flavour"

No, I have not as yet fallen off the wagon...not yet.  The 2011 Art Journal is still developing, and it's actually been really nice to get back into the habit.  I'm waiting on a chance to pick up a necessary art supply before I reveal my next spread, so in the meantime, let me share a recent Scottish experience.

Burns Night!

What you see here is the teensy bit of Haggis that I left on my plate.  Please believe me when I say that this plate was heaped, positively heaped with Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties before I dug in.  For those of you unfamiliar with Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, here's a loose translation.  Haggis is similar to the hot dog in that, you really don't want to know what it is exactly or how it's made, Neeps are mashed turnips, and Tatties are potatoes.

Every year around January 26th, it's tradition to eat this meal to celebrate Robert Burns, Scottish Poet extraordinaire (Google it if you don't believe me).  Our Burn's Night also consisted of drinking some Irn Bru, the real Scottish man's drink of choice (not a fan), and watching the Piping In of the Haggis.  A bagpiper, in all the traditional garb, marches into the hall, followed closely by the cook holding up a plate of the stuff.  I was really struggling at this point not to appear irreverent.  They make it look so easy.

Back on the Wagon

After months of neglecting my art journal, I've finally started journal #3...well, technically #4.  Journal #3 was very disappointing.  So disappointing that it's lost its number status.  The pages were not watercolor friendly, and honestly, any page that doesn't get along with watercolor, doesn't get along with me.  In the past, I made my own journals using a Moleskine planner cover and watercolor paper, but seriously...this time I could not be bothered.

So, Hobby Lobby to the rescue!  I made time during my Christmas holiday to make a couple visits to this amazing store, and boy did it come through for me.  It's by far the best art and crafts store I have ever visited and possibly will ever visit.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder they say, but my love for this store has been a constant for years.

Anyway, here's the main event:

Hmmm...it's 3:00...tea time!

America!

Hello!  Goodbye...

That was quick.  Obviously, despite my good intentions I neglected to keep up with my blogging while away on vacation.  In fact, I could count the number of times I was on the computer on my fingers (this is amazing).  I also neglected to take pictures (which isn't unusual at all), but I did take a few and I think they document my trip pretty well considering.

Orange pop!  The true artificial kind!  I was really really excited about this...obviously.

 The pickle section at Walmart!  For those of you that may not already see where this is going...  A pickle in the UK is a completely different food than what it is in America.  I happen to love pickles...American pickles that is!

My niece Elena passing the time with her mom's laptop.  She is truly a girl after my own heart :)

All in all, I had a great time at home, and managed to check almost every dream activity off my list.  Yes, I'm gonna say it...  There's no place like home!