So, my daily activities are probably not normal. I'm curious what other people do who don't work, work at home or are retired, so share your list! Here's what is on my list for today (will probably stretch for the week): - feed horses/chickens, see how far towards a mile I can go - check on salamander eggs - strain the turkey tail tincture and set the water decoction on the marc going - clean the bathrooms, fold clothes, sweep mud room - work on my article for NANPS about Cunila oreganoides (American dittany) - work on accompanying drawings for the article - make blog post (I'll probably use this post here to make the blog post) - make oil paint from bone and soot pigments (I need them for my owl painting, and want to see side-by-side comparison of the two) - get my shed painting out and covered to bring with when we go to town tomorrow - I need to drop it off to be scanned - withdraw shed painting from one exhibition bc I forgot I had entered it into another 😶 - work on sign layout using new graphic I used ChatGPT to design for my broker - put together a video of clips to promote this skool class on YouTube and entice new members - start getting my supplies and materials organized for April live paint-making class, order anything missing

I think my binder is good. The paint is a little gritty but did not smudge. I’m waiting for the pan to be really dry before I try rewetting it. It’s a nice brownish red. I did the muller for about 45 minutes. It was like making a roux and it looked like a roux too! It was fun and I’m ready to make another one. I just finished watching the pigment washing videos and I have plenty from this rock to try it out.

Did any of you watch the eclipse this morning? I did, but my phone can't take good pics of the moon. It was interesting to watch, though.

I decided to go to Shreveport for a birding event at the end of last week. Over the weekend and while I was away our dog passed away. She was old and had been declining but not sick. Thankfully she passed peacefully although somewhat unexpected. Anyway I’m a bit overwhelmed. I still didn’t get to making the rough paint yet. I went ahead and put the binder in the refrigerator. It looked like it had turned a little darker so I opened it to smell it and it didn’t smell sour, smelled like honey. I should be able to test it today or tomorrow and I hope it’s still good. I still have the small packet of gum arabic but I may go ahead and order some more from you since I see it in your shop.

Andrea and Daniel, welcome to this community of nature-lovers! When you get a chance, post an introduction. I just started a new discussion category for intro's, and I'll put one of my own up in a little while. Everyone else, post yours too when you get a chance!