Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

"Hmmm. Thanks for some praline christmas log mum!"

"That's alright Ax, glad you enjoyed it, I know you can't have a lot though, otherwise you get all itchy and your skin gets a bit black and patchy"

"I know I only got to lick the plate, but I know most of it got stuck to my nose. I couldn't seem to reach it either!"

"That's alright Axle, it seemed to work its way into your mouth, after a time".

So; hope you all had a jolly good scoff. Have you started jogging now? Or even a little power-walking? No? Shame. Neither have we. Besides; the weather has been stuck in a winter groove. We've actually had a 'white Christmas' for the first time ever, too. Not because of snow, but of freezing fog. White ice has been stuck to this landscape and hasn't shifted for over a week. The whole land has looked as if life has forsaken it; aside from our neighbour's apple-tree: which is the local hang-in for all the birds now. They hang around causing noise and trouble. They wear little hoodies, too and gang up on the greedy birds. As soon as food is out, there's always a fight.

No, I'm just joking really. Our birds are sweetiepies. But since, ours is the only watering-hole for what seems miles around now, we really get a great range of birds. We see chaffinch, robin, woodpecker and your ordinary sparrow and black-bird.

I got one of those great Nintendo brain gadgets from my husband for Christmas. It's fantastic! It improves your brain age over time: with lots of games and puzzle challenges. I started at age 63 on day one, and today have a 27 year old brain! The ideal is 20, apparently (though I'm not sure being nearly the same age as my son is ideal! I don't want to start getting spots again.)  Talking of spots, I've had the grossest couple of cole sores on my bottom lip over Christmas. They were both placed to each side of my mouth, as if drawn by a truly accurate red pen. So, they ended up looking like two horns, on my bottom lip. Not a pretty sight for the Christmas party frock, I can tell you. Anyway, yes the Nintendo: you can play against your family, too. You can really see the competitive juices start to flow in the family: when brain begins fighting brain.

My husband recieved a huge box of lego. Lots of bits, you know. I'm afraid you have to piece it all together. It doesn't come ready built. It has these cute little characters that come with the turbo truck. I guess they may drive it.

We had one beautiful day of sunshine yesterday. It's been grey for so long, I'd almost forgotten how beautiful the sun  was. It quickly began melting everything and great chunks of ice could be heard crashing to the ground. I wonder if that's 'bye bye' to the snow and ice for this winter?

Freezing Fog

Here's a little window into my neighbour's garden, covered in icy freezing fog. Brrrrr! Everything and everywhere has been like this for over a week. Can you still see that blessed red apple, in the left of the photo? Hanging on for dear life?  Maybe, it's trying to manage a whole year? Or at least until new leaves start growing?  How tenacious is that little red apple!

We've had not a breath of wind, either. I'm sure the world must've stopped. Did we notice? Were we too busy  eating? We had a lovely little turkey, by the way. I didn't know you could get small ones. We bought ours in a local supermarket, here in Fribourg, Switzerland. It was perfect, because it was about twice the size of your ordinary chicken. The meal came together beautifully. And of course, my husband found a delicious little yule log, in a local Swiss bakery, which was surprisingly gorgeous, with a hint of coffee. How lovely with a cup of tea. The only downer really, is that every time we pulled a cracker around the Christmas table, the dog ran into the garden. He hated the noise, you see. Then he had a huff with us and wouldn't come back in. Eventually the promise of turkey did the trick.

Hope you had a lovely Christmas, too. 'Happy New Year' to all you English friends and 'Bonne Anne!' to all my Swiss friends.

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime

Hey; thought you wouldn't hear from me till after Christmas eh? You can't get rid of me that easily!

Winter Dog

Introducing Axle! The fabulous squinting dog. Well, you would've been squinting too, in that icy wind. I should have called it 'winter squinter'. To be fair, only one of his eyes was squinting. He's lovely isn't he? He's so full of beans at the moment. Well, hubby is home for the holidays now, so he gets very excited about that. Don't we all! And of course, he never usually gets so many treats on a normal day!

All Axle does, is race to the ice puddles on his walk now. He's like a rocket. Then, he sets about attacking and bashing them, like a dog possessed. It must be awful good fun, if you're a dog. No wonder, he starts licking his paws when he comes home. We think he makes them sore. Though, I suppose, some things are worth getting sore for.

Well, we've had quite a few days of freezing fog here in Fribourg, Switzerland. Do you want some? Because we've got more than enough to share? It has turned everything white and hanging with icicles! Even the grass is white. Like the 'Snow Queen's' world.  It's very beautiful (from inside the house) from outside, it's more of a challenge. You can feel the warmth being sucked out of every pore, if you step outside. I think this is the coldest winter we've had, since moving from England to Switzerland. It only takes minutes for your hands to feel like they're beginning to freeze, if you leave them unattended. 

Hey, but that doesn't stop me taking to fabulous photos to share with you! Freezing fog, is like manna from heaven to an artist! Or, at least hand-made biscuits then! So, complete with running nose cold and watery eye, I brave the elements. Just for you! Well; and me of course. I even had to talk my best camera into coming with me, it was thinking of chickening-out. I had more clothes on than a clothes horse. Lord knows, what the neighbours thought.

Dried Wild Flowers

There's this wonderful field of wild flowers close to our home. It is always a riot of colour in the summer. These giant 2/3 foot stalks were amazing encrusted with freezing fog this winter. I'm going to impress you now by telling you what they're called 'Dipsacus fullorium'. There, you look impressed.

The cow-parsley looked enchanting, too. Great sprays of white. Let's see if I can find a little photo for you.

I took rather a lot of photos. Well, I just kept squinting and clicking until the cold finally found it's way into every available nook and cranny. It was worth it.

My husband is just off to cook us some festive spaghetti bolognese! Let's hope it's a good-un. Lovely not having to cook sometimes. Watching your husband banging and chopping in the kitchen sometimes, is such a good spectator sport. Especially, when he starts cutting the onions. Then, it becomes like some kind of Christmas pantomime: of running and moaning waving a dish-cloth. There's an awful lot of drama and over-acting involved. Ooops, he's probably going to read this. I'll be in trouble now.............. Just joking sweetie. Got you a lovely pressie........it's big too!

Keep warm and don't forget to stuff your turkey!

We bought some lovely new games for Christmas. But since they should long since have arrived by now, we suspect they have 'gone astray' from England. So, we are left with our one game of Scrabble! Could be a long game then! I wonder if 'dipsacus fullorium' will come in useful? Or should I just write 'big stalk'?

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.

Hello bloggers  Nearly Christmas now then. Are you getting Christmassy yet? Is your tree up and does it look nice? Mine looks a little drunk.

Yes, I know it doesn't look great. It looks lovely in the real though, honestly. We bought some LED lights this year, they kind of burn through your eye-balls because they're so powerful. I think I prefer the ordinary fairy lights. The fairy on the top of our tree seems to have broken her neck, it's very sad. So, she tilts over to the side, hoping someone will rescue her. No one has yet. I don't think anyone will either. Well, we can't seem to buy things like fairies here. Stars, but not fairies. So, I'm afraid she'll have to do for now. Obviously Swiss fairies do not sit on trees.

Christmas will be a little bit of a downer this year, too. Because now we've worked out my husband's food allergies, it kind of sucks the joy out of a Christmas dinner. And let's face it, one of the pleasures of Christmas is cooking and eating lovely food. He has to stick to all the basics: meat and veg. So obviously, the rest of us, can't express our christian spirit by scoffing Christmas cake and brandy cream in his face. No, it wouldn't be fair. So, I'll do it in secret. Myself and my son will  hide in the larder with mince pies. It's not a problem, honest. We've also gone for a 'one present Christmas' this year, too. So, I'll just get the one car then (just joking) I'll settle walking the Swiss countryside in my sturdy wellington boots anyday.

Honestly though, since painting professionally these five or six years, I seem to have become more and more dreamy-headed. Or, 'bubble-headed', my husband calls it. I suppose part of me knows I am not really required to concentrate on directions or the more complicated details of life. I walk around a bit like a zombie, too: after a painting sitting. I suppose.......it's alright. So, I guess, my husband will remain my chaffeur for now. It's very relaxing though. Allowing my life to just be filled with colours and textures. Slightly mad, but in a nice way. Will I forget how to go to the toilet by myself?

Hey, thanks for asking: my painting 'Under The Moon' is coming on dreamily. I just love those dark-deep blues. It's a challenge to mix as many blues as I can though; to give variety. It really brings the scene to life: varying the colour tones. I love to look at it, it makes me drift back to years spent by the sea-side. There's something so enchanting about living by the sea. It kind of carries you somewhere else. I will be sad to see this painting go. But I already have some forty originals which I am too sentimental over, to release. This is because, each represents a journey to me, somewhere new I hadn't painted before. I can't keep many more. Be firm and strong Laurel!  I do love seeing them going to great homes though. I have some great customers, who say such lovely things. So; I know they are enjoying the art, probably more than I would. Because, as the artist, I think sometimes I may take my art more for granted. 

'Under The Moon' painting by Laurel Moore.

I know, I've already shown you it before. But I just can't resist showing you it again. It's just so dreamy! Each panel measures 30x40 centimeters. So it's one of the biggest I've done.

I'm just off to have an English fry-up before I put a few more hours painting in. My husband cleverly found an English  shop here, where we can purchase English sausages and bacon. Mmmmmm! I know you're jealous. I can see you drooling from here. It's not nice and it's not clever. Wish me luck.......

Find me and more me, at www.boundlessgallery.com  I've put loads more of my watercolours on now, for you to view. I'm amazed at how productive I was in watercolour in 2006. Terrible time of year, I know for buying paintings: just missing Christmas. Don't worry, I'm known for my bad timing.  

And don't be a stranger to www.MooreThanArt.com  Have a great Christmas, but DON'T EAT ALL THAT CHOCOLATE! Leave some for me! questions@moorethanart anytime.

Hello bloggers, I nearly put 'buggers' now, that wouldn't be very polite, would it?

Hello Mr. Santa Claus

Yo ho ho ho ho! Say hello to the Swiss Santa! He's a big boy, isn't he? They make some lovely Santa Claus ornaments here in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Yo ho ho ho br br br brrrrr, it's been bloody cold! Into the minus figures every day this week. And what an icy wind! Where does such a wind become formed? Does it circle around the Swiss Alps, until it's decided it really is cold enough to go visiting?

Lucky old me though, I've been all cosied-up in our lovely warm house! Only running out to go and grab some vegetables from our outside larder, or taking the dog out for a little play in the garden, wrapped up so that only my eyes are naked. I pity the poor wild-life. The cats are on the prowl, too. I think there's a lot of wild ones around here, looking for a flying snack.

I've been working on a lovely painting. Thanks for your guesses, though so far no one has got it right. No, it's not a horse, lovely Dee from Scotland! Well, impatience has got the better of me. And besides, I think it's gorgeous! It's been such fun, too: splashing around with impasto. The nights have been so clear and icy, that it's really inspired this painting. I'm sure the waves have begun to splash heavily on the shore. Have you got it? Of course you have. It's a seascape. But a beautiful moonlit one. Here's a little taster, though of course it's not yet finished.

Sea Painting by Laurel Moore.

Isn't it just sweet? See all the little figures in the foreground, enjoying the moonlight night? These are two panels of three. Yes, a tryptic. The third isn't painted yet. So, it will be quite large. A real centerpiece for a room. I think and hope it has a really magical quality to it. I hope it's like one of those paintings, where you keep seeing more details as you study it. I've really loved painting the little children in the fore-ground. They have that feeling of being a little scared, yet desperately not wanting to encourage their mum into taking them home yet. Can you blame them, on such a magical night?

Anyway, this will be up for sale in the new year at boundlessgallery.com so why not take a peak. There are some wonderful artists exhibiting there. And what can beat a piece of original art on your wall, eh?

With an icy sky, sometimes comes a beautiful sky. So I suppose there is some compromise to be made. Actually before I go there; there was a sweet little ice-skating rink at our shopping center today. It had been erected for December only. It was quite small, so I guess for small people, like toddlers. I was very tempted though. I love that kind of thing: ice-skating, roller-skating; though goodness knows if I can still do all that. Anyway, an icy sky.....

Icy December Sky.

Isn't that beautiful? Anyway gotta go, we're off to eat some Chinese food.  Yum yum, better dress up warm. Is it too drafty for a skirt, do you think? CU Soon.

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.

Hello everyone

Sorry about the title, I have the Big Christmas Balls somewhere, honest. I'll show them to you in a minute.

RAIN! DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT RAIN! First day of stoppage, was yesterday. I'm sure it's rained forever. I'm sure we've had muddy footprints and puddles forever. But, probably, it's only been about ten days. It's hard when it rains all day though, isn't it? And we've got such clay around here, that it kind of suctions to your feet in clumps and never lets go.

So, the Christmas shops here in Fribourg, Switzerland are very pretty. Lots of festive things hanging from the ceilings. I'm sure it's the same where you are.

Big Christmas Balls

There you go! So anyway, Axle had his first walk outside of the soaking-wet garden yesterday. Our garden is like a carpet that's been flooded now. You stand on it and water kind of pools around your boots. Axle was so bouncy to stretch his legs, too. Not that he doesn't like playing 'goaly' in the garden. He loves to intercept a soft ball. He's quite quick, too, despite appearances to the contrary. He loves it when he managed to save a goal. He's a very funny dog.

Anyway, we have a field close to where we live. It started as a small puddle. Now this same puddle has stretched almost right across the field. So, I guess I can't really call it a puddle anymore. I guess a pond, is probably a better description? What, you don't believe me?

Luckily, I've started a new painting. No one has successfully guessed what it is yet.  You're only allowed one guess per person though at questions@moorethanart.com I forgot to mention that. I'll post your name up when you win. I'll give you a clue: it's a tryptic painting, i.e. composed of three panels of canvas.

Don't forget to visit my one-of-a-kind ORIGINAL PAINTINGS. I am represented at boundlessgallery, originalartonline, and talentdatabase and have been welcomed as a Listed Artist on artprice.com recently. See my fabulous feedback from satisfied customers and artists alike. They're very nice.

FOR SALE! Original Golden Labrador Puppy by Laurel Moore.

There are no leaves on any trees now. That makes me feel very sad.  It must be all that rain, by my goodness it gets to you after a while. Do we all get drabber and drabber as the winter goes on, or is that just me?

Hey, something cheery: teddy bears. Look at this little snapshot I took of a pool of teddy bears. I wonder what I should name a group of teddy bears? Any suggestions? It's a ' pride of lions', isn't it? Well, that's decided, by me: it's a 'cuddle of teddy bears'. It just has to be, doesn't it? They were quite giant, too. I think teddies should really be small. You can't cuddle something cute, if it's nearly bigger than you, can you? You can't feel protective over it, either.

Teddy Bear Heaven.

I was tempted to jump in, quite honestly. But, luckily my husband held me back

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.

Yes, it is, isn't it? Far too dark at this time of the morning! In fact, it's completely black. I hate that, don't you? Going to work then returning when it's still black is a real bummer, too.

Here's me annoying the dog. Well, it's something to do, isn't it? And he doesn't really seem to mind. He especially likes it when I suddenly grab his tail, to his surprise. Because he likes to play the game, 'chase my tail'. It's fun really; except that of course, he always wins. Well, who can beat four legs? It must be fun having four. If, a little complicated. Axle lets me put hats and scarfs on him, too. He's a very tolerant dog. He indulges me with much patience I think. This is my all-time favourite shot of Axle below.

Dog Wearing Hat, Clothes.

Or maybe he just knows how great he looks? Yes, hold that pose Axle, have you been watching 'Top Model', too? I don't really think he's tall or skinny enough though? He likes his food too much.

Hey; the sky's just turned a dark-blue colour, the sun is rising at last! I can tell it's time to do another painting today. I'm starting to obsess over colours and canvases. I was going to say that my juices have started running: but I rather think that's not the most appealing of images for you. Me, dribbling over my cornflakes, (rice Krispies, actually)

What kind of painting do you think it will be? Shall I give you a prize if you are correct? Hmmm. I'll tell you what: if YOU guess correctly (leave a message in my questions@moorethanart.com) then you get to choose the next subject of my next painting! Now, that's a great idea, isn't it? Just for fun, I won't force you to buy the painting, I promise! Don't get frightened. I'm only five foot.  I'll give you a clue though, it isn't a dog or a puppy. Shall I show you my gorgeous birthday pressie my husband gave me last year. Shall I?

Shure Band, Swing Microphone.

Wow! Now isn't that a work of art in itself. Hmmmmm sexy! It's wonderful to sing with. Feel like a real crooner. So, a new lady crooner, coming to you in hopefully the not too distant future!  I LOVE TO SING.

Actually, it was funny last night. I had a little session singing in the bath. I know most of my words now, so I did nearly a whole set in the bath. My husband said "you could make a lot of money doing just that!"   Just as I was, singing in the bath, I think he meant! I'll take that as a compliment (I think) dearest! Well, anyway, I thought I'd sang for about 20 minutes at most. It was an hour and ten minutes later! So that, when I exited the bathroom, all the lights were out and it was dark! I looked at my clock and thought it was lying!

I was very confused, bumping into my husband going to bed.  Nothing like loosing track of time, is there? Where does it all go? Does it all dribble down the plug hole? Yes, it does I'm afraid.  

I can't get these sunsets out of my mind. Can I show you some more?

Sunset Fruit www.MooreThanArt.com

Yep, it's those frozen apples again! Still hanging on, into December. There's at least 40 left. Ok, so I might have counted them. It's a lonely life being an artist, you know. Why do you think I talk to myself so much?

Hey, the sky has now turned a dish-water grey. Hmmm, and the weather? Well, wind and rain is beating itself at my window now, making strange shape on the mosquito nets. I love the way the sunset and these twisted trees looks so SPOOKY! Here's my spookiest shot of all.

Haunted Spooky House www.MooreThanArt.com

BOO! Our son returned from a night shift (I nearly put night-shit) at 5.am this morning. When it was very dark. He's obviously made of sterner stuff that I.  bye bye bye

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime

Hello, where have I been? Good question. I've missed you, too. Unfortuntately, I've been stuck in a phone queue all this time! Eversince my hosting site for this blog crashed! Very annoying being told you are queue number 49! So, finally I'm back, and it feels like forever that I've been gone.

Actually, I handed my husband - king of I.T.- the phone, just while I dashed to the toilet. By this point we were at queue number 7, so I didn't need to rush, did I? What do you reckon? Yep, straight away they started talking to him, at queue number 7!! Where's the justice in that? So, I don't come back straight away, cos I think he is faking the whole conversation. Grrrrrrrr!

Sunset Over Swiss Cottage House

Calm down now! Found some fabulous sunsets, since we've been away. I took this photo from my garde, spooky, eh? Lovely blood-red colours appeared through the apple-trees, too.  Which I might add, are still hanging on for dear life, despite the desperate pecks of the blackbirds now.

Had some terrible stormy nights here in Fribourg, Switzerland. You should've seen the state of our garden. Polystyrene and boxes everywhere. Took my ages with a rake. Even my plant protectors were racing around the garden: trying to get me to chase them. Yes, of course I did oblige.

Hey; my friend has been very upset with me! Because I forget to tell you about him, last time I spoke to you. He's not very patient either, he keeps bouncing on the top of his sofa with his big paws. He really can't wait for his cosy home for Christmas. He loves small children and especially likes to chase the family cat. Does that describe you??

Original Labrador Puppy Painting at www.boundlessgallery.com by Laurel Moore.

Whew! Finally, he's stopped bouncing up and down for a minute! He's a little difficult to train at the moment. He's only 7.9 x7.9 inches. Purchase him on www.boundlessgallery.com  I've put him on there because their checkout is very quick and efficient for you for Christmas. I can gift wrap him for you, if you like, and send him direct to a loved one. Don't worry, I'll leave air holes for him!

Please don't rain again today Switzerland. I'm tired of so many muddy footprints leaving their art on the floor. I'm tired of returning home wet and bedraggled, too. My husband agreed I was dressing a bit like an old lady these days. Last night I was wearing a large wrap-scarf, woolly socks, and now I've taken to wearing soft-velour track suits. The sort that active old ladies wear. It's the slippery slope I think.  

Well, I blame the weather. I told him I could wear a cat-suit if the need arose. He didn't look so convinced. I mean you can't beat a cosy dressing-gown, can you?

I'll try and show you my Christmas tree next time, something to look forward to, eh? Don't be rude, I'll ban you!

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.