I'm Back! Hoping All Are Well!

My latest mini painting, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" based on a photo I took when we visited friends in Colorado.
In this photo, I made the gourd, the Chippendale sofa, the polymer clay goose and apples. Dale made the rug; Bertie's Miniatures made the zebra wood turned vase; Joyce of Mostly Art made the green pottery vase and red flowers; the butter churn is by Jane Graber; the dough board is by Sir Thom Thumb and the fireplace was a House of Miniatures kit.
This is my latest little floral chaise--I love this fabric by a Japanese company, Quilt Gate (hope they survived the tsunami and earthquakes okay).
In these two photos, I made the goose and hydrangea and the ivy from a kit. Mercedes Spencer made all of the lovely feminine, shabby chic accessories including the bird's nest, the trash can, the little bird houses and primitive doll, floral ewer and shopping bag.
I have been gone from my blog for nearly a year and I have missed it but it's been quite a tumultuouas year! We've had some family issues which are, for the most part resolved in a good way at this point. In addition to the hay we grow on our farm, Hampton Road Farms, he has started buying hay we cannot grow here from northern Kentucky and selling it and, so far, we've been blessed in that endeavor. It's hard work but he loves it and I pray for strength to continue to help him.

I want to thank all of you who have written to ask if we're okay--it touched me deeply and brought a tear to my eye! Thank you so much. Miniaturists are some of the most compassionate, loving, kind folks I have ever met and I'm privileged to get to know you through our shared passion. I had to leave blogging for a while since I couldn't devote the time to visit around to everyone (I'm still working three days a week as well) and make pertinent comments. I've been glad to keep up with some of you on Facebook. So, I'm trying to come back and I'll try to get around to everyone. I've lost so much not keeping up with what you've been up to but I'll try to go back a bit as I can and catch up! Thank you again for accepting me in your ranks, forgiving my lapses and checking up on me! And, Mercedes, if you read this, I am still collecting some goodies up for you! I am overcome with guilt I still owe you some things in our swap! I'll hope to send it soon!