New Painting

We have a couple of nasty holes filled with toothpaste and paint on the wall at the bottom of our bed. I look at it every evening, and think to myself, "Gah, I really need to put something over that!"

Well, I finally painted a painting that I would be willing to look at every night before bed. Brody was disappointed that it wasn't the Wake Forest magnolia trees on the main quad wrapped in toilet paper after a Deamon Decon win. (He is getting sick of all the flowers hanging on the wall.) I promised I would try to expand my subjects, when we get back from our travels in the US.

We leave for Houston tomorrow night at 11:55 pm and arrive at IAH at 10:00 in the morning! I am so excited!

For some reason, I find the dark purple color very relaxing and calming. Yes, there is an artichoke in the middle of the bouquet of flowers.

Hope you like it!

Christmas Party

On Saturday, Brody and I attended my school's annual Christmas Party! It was SO much fun! From scarlet red roses covering the tables to the candelabras on the buffet table, the ambiance was breathtaking. The party planners created a bar in the middle of the room with lights shining up from the bottom. A dance instructor danced on stage to Michael Jackson songs, so everyone could learn the "Thriller" moves! It was a night to remember.

Before the party, the girls met at my friend's apartment. She did everyone's make-up and I tried to do everyone's hair. We drank champagne and ate cheese, crackers, and fruit! It was a blast!

Kahlie and me

Kim, Brody, Don, Iian, Jessica

Brody and me

Kahlie, Kim, and me

Erica, Kahlie, Shay, me

Kevin, my assistant, and me

Brody, Don, Rusty

New Paintings

I painted these bridal bouquets for the wives of two of my guy friends at work. The first painting is supposed to be white roses. I find roses difficult to paint, and giving depth to a white flower can be challenging. The second painting is of orchids and miniature roses. I experimented with layering colors to give more character and depth to the flowers. I hope you like them!

Samba Bar, Thanksgiving, Birthday Parties

We have bee very busy recently! Last weekend, we went to our first Samba Bar with a live band. We ate feijoada, drank caipirinhas and learned how to Samba!

Love the expression on the old man's face!

This Samba band was amazing!

This place was tiny, the bar is behind us.

Behind the musicians is a painting of Brazil's current president in the 70s.

Rusty and Abner

Brody (so handsome!) and our new friend Briana

Thanksgiving in Brazil

I made this Spicy Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing for our Thanksgiving meal. Fifteen of my friends from my American school celebrated the holiday together!

Photo taken before it was finished baking

Ben, Jenny, Don, Kahlie

These friends don't teach at my school, but they are teachers too at a British school here.

Me, Jenny and Kahlie

My Surprise Birthday Party at School

My students threw a surprise birthday party for me on Friday. They brought in tons of food! From brigadeiros and coxinhas to cakes, Brazilians know how to throw a party! Unfortunately, I cant post photos of my students on the internet, but I did take photos of the food!

Brigadeiros and Brigadeiro Cake

Kevin, my assistant, and me

Lemon Cake with Strawberries and "Chantilly"= whipped cream

Chocolate Brownie and eclair

Pizza bites

Coxinhas= chopped or shredded chicken meat fried in batter, molded into a shape resembling a chicken leg

My students made me three cards. This is one of them!

The note they wrote was a tear-jerker! SO SWEET!

Jenny is my sister in Brazil, she has the same birthday as me!

Huge Brigadeiro Cake

Adult Birthday Party at Jenny's Apartment

Jenny took most of the photos at the party with her nice camera.  I will add more later!

Erico and Kahlie

Brody and Jeff playing around!

New Paintings

Here are two paintings that I completed yesterday and today. I hope you like them!

Hiking on Holiday

Today is a National Holiday. We did not have to go to work, so we saw Catching Fire, the new Hunger Games movie, late last night. Then, we woke up early, rented a car, and drove 40 minutes to hike to a breathtaking view of Sao Paulo.

Little did I know that the hike would be 3 km UPHILL! I was so exhausted that Brody picked up a stick and said, "Here, hold on the the end of this and I will pull you!" Check out the photos below!

At least, the view was worth the pain!

Here are photos of Mari and Alwyn.

After the hike, we stopped at a plant store and Mari bought a beautiful hanging plant. Brody and I bought ceramic pots to plant our herbs in. Then, we we went to a long lunch!

Fresh Strawberry and Orange juice 

Steak with Chimmy-Churry Marinade

Rice with bacon, eggs, and potato strips