This marks the first full week since December 18th that Chuck and I have been by ourselves at the Junction.  While it’s nice to get the house back in order, I definitely miss all our company.  I’ll post Christmas pictures soon, but for now, I wanted to share my latest endeavor into the art doll world plus some wacky adventures with my best friend Christine.

I was inspired to create her after visiting the Bissell House in Pasadena.  The owner had made a great fairy and told me how easy they were to create.  She learned to make hers from the most amazing Barbara Chapman.  I am hoping that Mom will fly back sometime and we can drive to sunny California for one of her classes.

I made the face from polymer clay and the body is batting and wire.  I had a great time shopping at Joann’s for fabric for the wings.  Boy, the possibilities are endless with fabric.  I need to learn to use my sewing machine.  Chuck thinks I don’t like it.  Of course this is not true.  I just need some more space in my craft room to set it up.  (wink.)

She sits on one of my new Christmas trees.  I am sad to have to put them up until next season.  Any suggestions for naming the fairy?

After Mom left on the 3rd, my best friend in the whole wide world came to visit.  We had a fun time viewing “ZooLights” at the Phoenix Zoo and then a kick ass adventure the following day.

This is Christine and I in front of a rabid rabbit.

This is my favorite tree at the zoo.  The blue absolutely goregeous in the dark.

Aren’t they cute?!

On Saturday, we drove up to Superior to explore a waterfall.  Chuck took a photography class at the Arboretum and they told him about a super cool place to take pictures.  When we got there, it wasn’t nearly cool as they said it was going to be.  That is, until Christine had the bright idea of doing some exploring above.

Don’t slip Jiggle Puff!  That’s some cold water!

These pictures were taken on the way back down, but just imagine us going up.

We found a mesh rope attached to an anchor in the rock.  That was the only way to make it up and over the rocks.  We were serious mountaineers that day.

Once we made it to the top we discovered a beautiful pool and a super duper high waterfall.

We were pooped!

This reminds me of a non-traditional American Gothic.  I can’t wait to come back in the summer and go swimming.
Check out the outtake of this photo.

Chucklebutt misjudged the timer.  Christine and I were cracking up.

I love this photo of Christine.

This is Nicole as a Ukranian refuge.

This was the lower pool.  I tease Christine and Chuck and call this the photo that shows the brave Americans who rescued the Ukrainian refuge.  It was a great day and I wish we had more of them.