Salsa With Me! : Daily Art Practice
Couch Talk
It’s hard to believe that we are already a month into school. I thought I would have more down time, but my schedule has been jammed full of errands, work, football games and salsa making. We weren’t able to make salsa last year on account that canning lids were completely sold out. I remember checking Amazon and the price of lids were at $30 for a 12 pack. Crazy!! Since then, I have found lids at the Mennonite grocer and have been picking up a bag here and there when we go. I have enough for several years of salsa now.
My MIL started making salsa in her 30’s with her mother and sister. Every year since, with the exception of last year, we have carried on. Her mother is unable to participate due to her health and her sister lives elsewhere but the two of us continue the tradition, using the same recipe. Instead of doing it all in one day, we split it into two days this year and it was less stressful. We are still learning how to tweak things to get them just right. By the time my daughter is ready to take over, we will have the system down perfectly.
Daily Art Practice
I am still picking Zinnia’s from my garden, but I am guessing that will not be much longer with the chill in the air. One day, back in August, I picked a large bouquet of zinnias and sat for 15 minutes to practice sketching with brush pens. I have never been very good at flowers and seeing this, makes me cringe and chastise myself for not practicing more. But then, I am comparing myself to others that are great at flowers because they have practiced a lot, so I guess if I want to get better, I need to practice more. I am learning that art is NOT about talent but like anything else, what you put into it. If you want to get better… Practice, Practice, Practice.
Last sketch for today, Peaches! I could eat them at every meal. One afternoon, while snacking, I made myself sit and sketch when I would much rather be eating. I love the colors and the way they blend and bloom with the wet on wet technique.
Tea Day
I am a little late to the party but better late than never. I am joining the Tea Day ladies, hosted but Elizabeth and Bleubeard. My tea today is one that I have been drinking a box a week, Tension Tamer Tea. It is relaxing and perfect for early mornings.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate
I so envy people who can draw like you!
Love the peaches Kate. I know what you mean about practice, some people it’s all the do is paint flowers, so of course they have mastered it, I have mastered nothing because I want to paint everything lol. I also love salsa, but i tend to just make some fresh, when I need it. If I was growing tomatoes I would love to do some canned. Have a great week! Happy T Day! Elle/EOTC xx
Your salsa looks good. I buy mine at the grocery store, but yours looks better 🙂 Our zinnias were less enthusiastic than usual this year but are still hanging on. I have had the Tension Tamer tea and enjoyed it. Happy T Tuesday!
How nice you and your MIL are once again making salsa. I have a ton of lids and rings and haven’t canned anything for years. I feel bad for hoarding them when they are now so expensive. I had to laugh when you said when your daughter was ready to take over the salsa making. I thought you had a SON who likes to cook. Does it have to be mother daughter (grin)?
I LOVE that peach. You know how to make wet on wet work for you. I was ready to take a bite when I saw how lovely it is.
I have a few Celestial Seasonings teas, but never heard of tension tamer. If it works, I think it is probably perfect for a first cup in the morning. Thanks for sharing your salsa, your incredible drawings, including the peach, and your tea with us for T this Tuesday, dear Kate.
Salsa sounds like a wonderful tradition to share!!!
Your flowers look great, I think! The first one especially.
And the peach – great!
Happy T-Day!
Sounds like you’ve been busy with the kids back a school, I can’t believe it’s been a month already 😊. Your slasa looks so good, glad you got the canning lids ok this year. That tea sounds perfect for early mornings – Happy T Day! Hugs Jo x
Aaaww your sketches are always lovely and you know i agree with you that art is a skill you can learn.. My hubby LOVES his peaches and has had quite a few this Summer.. Happy T day! Hugs! deb
Yes, PEACHES! I love the ones from our local orchards, but they only are in season very briefly. I love your watercolor of them.
best….. mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Yes give me peaches any day. I love that you can just sit down and paint flowers and peaches. You are awesome! LOL Ohhh salsa. I make my own as well and can it. I have been stocking up on lids too. This year jars with lids are so darn expensive. I am hoping to get some on sale for next year. We will see how it goes. Have a great day today.
I’ve never tried homemade salsa but it looks and I bet tastes great too. I am half expecting my flower season to be over any night now. Fall has really set in, hasn’t it? And your zinna drawing is amazing.. aren’t zinnias just fantastic plants? I am going to plant a lot more next year because they do grow up easily from seeds. I hope you had a great T day and have a great week ahead too. hugs-Erika
Your salsa looks great. I am so impressed with people who can do canning. Wow.
How fab to draw your flowers using your own flowers as models and the same with the peaches. Lovely colors, sketching and painting, Kate.
I definitely need to try tension tamer – what a fun name and the tea sound fabulous.
Happy T-day, Kate, and hugz
Your watercolor florals and peaches are luscious. You are too critical of yourself. How fun to carry on a family tradition. I love the graphics on the Celestial Seasons boxes. Happy T Day
I love your Zinnias, I certainly need to practice more! The peaches look delicious- I am a strawberry fan myself! Belated Happy T Day, Chrisx