After our pleasant experience at the remarkable zoo in Omaha last week, I thought it might be fun to take K to the Elmwood Park Zoo -- a small but sweet little zoo that is very close.
It was a wonderful surprise for both of us that they offer pony rides!
After our big morning, these pals curled up with a 'blankie' and puzzle to unwind.
This past weekend, I flew to Nebraska with K and his folks to visit with our Midwest family. 
Kiran had a blast with all their pets -- but especially this nearly hugged-and-kissed-to-death kitten.
He stopped just long enough (kind of) to have his photo taken with his great grandmother and cousins.
We visited the Henry Doorly Zoo while we were there, and we'll go back for sure.
This peacock was showing off for a female, but we enjoyed his display as well.
My brother-in-law was able to recreate something similar in the front yard last night.
Atticus is a big dog . . . a huge dog actually.
Because of A's size and build, I am very aware of his risk for bloat. Perhaps too acutely aware.
He's okay. Didn't bloat. Came home with meds for his upset stomach and gas. Yes, gas.
I've been there before, and I'll be there again.
But, that's what happens when you love a dog. . .
Except, not really. He's just testing this face.
His real face is here, with Atticus, where words are all good.
You asked for more photos of Barron Storey's journals that are on display at the Society of Illustrators until July 31, so here they are.
You can view even more images of his awesome work on Karen's and Susanna's blogs.
And, as always, you can get a closer view if you click on an image that grabs your attention.
I am inspired to sketch, to journal, (to work on my handwriting), and to visit this exhibit again before it leaves!
Now, thanks to Mo'a, there is a new smiling face around here! 
The details on this little doll are so sweet. Look at her acorn cap hat and the tiny acorn cap on the back of her dress.
Thank you, thank you dear Mo'a. I will treasure her always!
I also didn't know that I'd be watching Kiran today - Wednesday. But, I'm always happy about that.
And LOVING this photo of a nap shared . . .
I always tell folks that I suffer from AADD (art attention deficit disorder) because I flit from project to project. Technique to technique.
But recently I find that book-making, paper-making and book-binding have grabbed the lion's share of my creative time.
Botany.
I've gone through many plate patterns over the years, even switching between them depending on the season, but recently I've settled on two favorites. The first is this green pattern made by United Crafts -- a company I can no longer find. I'd love to expand my set of eight; these came from an Arts and Crafts show in Ashville, North Carolina. I ordered a few more pieces from them after that, and then poof, they disappeared.
The other set of dishes we routinely use around here are these made by Rowe Pottery Works. They are from a Bob Timberlake/Old Salem collection.
And you guessed it. They don't make these anymore either. I only have four sets of dinner/salad plates.
While I don't eat off of this plate, it does make me smile.
"maggie and millie and molly and may
and maggie discovered a shell that sang
millie befriended a stranded star
and molly was chased by a horrible thing
may came home with a smooth round stone
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
For years, I spent summers at the Jersey shore.
As soon as school was out, we'd pack up the kids and the dog and head to the beach.
But, it's been a lifetime since then.
And I viewed my old friend -- the beach -- with new eyes yesterday.
Maybe it's true what they say about absence. 
I shared an inspired weekend making nature-based art under the gentle guidance of L.K. Ludwig with a small group of friends at Bee Shay's stunningly beautiful and comforting studio.
L.K. led us through several techniques using natural materials, starting with dye and salt printing and then using patina to create prints on metal.
And then book-binding . . . 
And gelatin prints.
To aid in my re-entry, I came straight home and ordered all the materials necessary to recreate the techniques L.K. taught this weekend.
It made me feel just a little better about leaving.
"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." ~John Muir
