Dodie's advice today -- "Work on the shading -- and the cow will just pop."

Also, I tried using just one tone in a painting and focusing on the lights/darks.  There was definitely a freedom in not having to focus/mix/worry about color.

To follow up on the bike trip --  my sister Anna's husband, Ryan, & I biked 170+ miles earlier this week.  Rode out to Watertown, SD w/my brother Aaron --- and biked 72 miles to Montevideo, 70 miles to Hutchinson, then 27 miles ending at Kt's driveway.  I may just be hooked.**