Back in Blogland again

I must apologize for my absence over the past week or so. Personally, I've found it really hard to post about pretty houses when so many Queenslanders have tragically lost theirs. My heart just hasn't been in it, so instead I've tried to focus on ways to help. Last weekend, my sister, daughter and I spent some time out at Old Dog Farm, an animal refuge that specializes in re-homing dogs, particularly those in their twilight years. The farm is on the northern outskirts of Brisbane, and to see the devastation was truly heartbreaking. Fortunately, most of the dogs were still safely in foster care over the Christmas break, but the rebuilding process will take some time, and quite a bit of money. Best Friends Animal Rescue do an amazing job helping animals in need, so if you'd like to learn more about the fantastic work they do, head on over here.

As I mentioned in my last post, the profits from my Etsy shop for the remainder of January will be donated to charity. So many people will be needing help in the coming months, but my aim is to also help the animals who have suffered so terribly. So, here's my latest painting, which will has just been added to my shop:

Sea Coral III in Denim

Oh, and some very exciting news - my fabulous new printer arrived yesterday! I'll now be able to produce my fine art, archival-quality prints in-house, which makes life much easier. New works will be added to my Etsy shop over the next week, so please check it out - it's for a very good cause. And for those of you who have already purchased artwork - thank you so much. Your generosity will make the world of difference.

Ok, that's it from me today. Thanks for bearing with me over the past couple of weeks, and for your wonderful emails and words of support. I know I've said it before, but this community we have here is truly special. Before I go, I can't help but mention some really exciting things that I'll be sharing with you very soon. You know how it is - I just can't resist a good teaser!

Queensland Flood Appeal - Bloggers unite!

This blogging community never ceases to amaze me. I have truly never met such a supportive and generous bunch in my life, and in times of need, they go above and beyond. First, there was Digella's Baked Relief, and now, bloggers have started donating profits from their online stores to support those in need. The lovely Janette from My Sweet Prints started the ball rolling, by announcing that 10% of the profits from sales over the next two weeks will be donated, which is so generous. And today, the gorgeous Tina from Rubie's Place has decided to donate all profits from sales for the month of January. which is absolutely fantastic.

I thought that was such a great idea that I'm going to steal it (thanks Tina!) - for the rest of January, all profits from my Etsy shop will be donated to the flood appeal. So, if you're in the market for some unique artwork, or hand-made goodies, now is the time to dig deep and help those who so badly need it. Take a peek at just a little of what's on offer:

from my Etsy store - Sea Coral in Cobalt

courtesy Janette at My Sweet Prints

courtesy Tina at Rubie's Place

Thanks girls, you are truly inspirational!