Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

Tis the season - so I have been working on a bunch of Christmas presents, for me, for others, and well some I can show and some I can't. Which is frustrating!!!  I am going to share this little one, even though it is yet to be sent out. I am fairly confident that with vague background information that this painting will not be "discovered" by the potential recipient.  That being said...

I'd like to introduce my newest theme - "Going on a bear hunt":

"b's" woods

THE BEAR

Rabbits, rabbits, lots o' rabbits

My father in law tells a mean version of "going on a bear hunt, " he really gets into it, leading the group of kids (and sometimes newly initiated family members...but I digress) in running, slooshing, sneaking through the woods to and away from the bear!  My own father began telling stories to Jon about a bear that liked to eat every one's pancakes.  Jon had a slight addiction to pancakes a few years back, but I am happy to say with intervention we have been able to get that under control and branch out his breakfast options to eggs, waffles and pop tarts.  In my dad's story the bear would sneak in your house and eat all your pancakes, or in another version he would knock on your door and demand all your pancakes.  So seeing that kids love things with bears, I thought I would do my own version of the woods and pay tribute to the bear.  It is a perfect theme for a room with no real theme.  If you know me, my children don't have "themed" rooms, they have simple colorful walls, bedding and such, so that as they get older I'm not replacing comforters and lamps and things with their current obsession.  It has worked so far, but we'll see.  Now please don't think I am against themed rooms, that isn't the case at all - but I like to try to create themes that will work in most any room at most any stage of a child's life.  I think this is one of those themes.  I mean who doesn't love a friendly bear, some adorable rabbits and a wise old owl?  I am looking forward to hearing what the recipient thinks of this little fella.  I am very happy with how it all turned out!

Only two weeks away until Christmas!  I can hardly believe it!  I hope you all have a great day and thanks!