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Football Anyone? My home town team starts with a win!

So,  I’ll be honest, the Bengals haven’t exactly had the best history over the years,  but the late 4th quarter comeback against the talented Indiapolis Colts today was impressive.  Down by 6 points at half-time,  the always talented and agile A. J. Green received for a 38 yard touchdown with 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.  Next, newly acquired Joe Mixon  scored again to gain a lead of 24-23.  The Bengals finally finished Indy off with Safety Clayton Fejedelem, forcing a fumble and recovering the ball to return an 83 yard return with 24 seconds left!  I have to admit,  this game was inspiring and a scene worth painting!

The Bengal’s defense kept getting better!

Safety Clayton Fejedelem with the game finalizing defensive touchdown!

McIlroy: Champion Once Again

After going winless for 18 months, Rory McIlory finally regained glory as he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational this past weekend by going eighteen under par over 64 holes. Tiger Woods was not to far behind by finishing tied for fifth place. Rory ended the tournament with a stunning eight under round four and went the whole tournament without a bogey. Will Rory be able to keep up this play and get his first Master’s win in April, or will Tiger be able to retake the throne?

Image result for rory's arnold palmer win

Augusta National: Amen Corner Available for purchase

Olympics

It’s finally time for the winter Olympics again.   Although I’m not a huge fan of winter my husband certainly is.  He’s an avid hockey player and a long term snowboard instructor.  I guess spending 20 years in Colorado will do that to you…haha.  I have to admit, I do like watching the winter games and all the amazing athletes but warm inside my condo works best for me!   So far I loved watching 17 year old Red Gerard win the men’s slopestyle gold.  I heard today he almost missed the competition because he slept past his early 7am alarm; sounds like my kids!

Well stay warm and enjoy some great athleticism these next couple weeks.

 

 

Which was bigger?

So who watched the super bowl this year?  Seems like pretty much everyone does but did you notice the attendance records at the Phoenix open during super bowl weekend?  Saturday’s round broke the single day attendance record for a golf event…200,000!!!  And although the viewing audience is way bigger for the super bowl, I’ve heard ratings were down compared to previous years. So is golf on the rise and football on the decline?  I guess we shall see.  For me being a huge golf fan who tries to watch every weekend, it’s no surprise to see golf on the rise.  Call me crazy but for me nothing is more exciting in sports than watching a final round where the leaders are all within a couple strokes with 3-4 holes to play.

NFL Playoffs

So who out there wants to see someone other than New England or Pittsburgh represent the AFC in the super bowl?  I have to say as a long time Bengals and Broncos fan, I’m not a fan of those teams but I do respect them.   But wouldn’t it be a nice change see an up and coming team dethrone those two AFC perennial powerhouses this playoff season?  Sometimes it’s even hard to remember who else is in the AFC playoff picture but one can hope for a major upset this weekend coming from either Jacksonville or Tennessee.  I’m not sure what the point spread is currently but I imagine Pittsburgh and New England are heavy favorites.  Well I will be crossing my fingers this weekend!!!

Golf’s off season?

 

Winter in Cincinnati is always a bit rough but does the golf season have to end?  Many places stay open but the idea of skirting around in a cart at 40 degrees is not my idea of fun! However my son, who indecently made his High School golf team, has discovered how to keep in good golf shape during the off season.  Besides the obvious trips to the gym to work on his core, he practices once a week at an indoor facility where he also receives coaching.  If you live in a winter climate, I highly recommend keeping that swing sharp by visiting an indoor facility throughout the winter.

Cloud Computing Wins the Preakness. Once again no Triple Crown.

Well, once again another year of no Triple Crown winner.  This battle was supposed to be a duel between the Kentucky Derby Winner, Always Dreaming and Classic Empire (who was initially favored).  Up until the last sixteenth of a mile, it did look like a battle.  However, the 13-1 long shot Cloud Computing defeated Classic Empire as he came from behind in a nose to nose battle.

Sadly,  as my horse-racing fan friend Dave says,  “When the Preakness is over with a different victor than the Kentucky Derby,  not much is excitement is left for the Belmont.”  Oh well,  at least we have mint juleps and great hats.  Cheers!

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Once again, this Kentucky Derby print by Amy Youngblood is a favorite in the horse racing art world.

Classic Empire favorite for Kentucky Derby

Well,  we all know that rarely does the “favorite” win and if so, the payout is low.  Not to mention, everyone loves a Cinderella story.  However, this year’s favorite Classic Empire drew an ideal post position of #14 in the 143rd Kentucky Derby.

A bit about Classic Empire:  He won last year’s Arkansa Derby and is trained by Mark Casse.  He was named as the 4-1 favorite earlier this week by oddsmaker Mike Battaglia.

Personally,  I am a bit more concerned about this rainy, cold weather for our Derby Party tomorrow and what hat I am going to wear.  Let the games begin!

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The Countdown to the Kentucky Derby!

Less than a week from now,  we will experience the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby.  On Saturday, May 6th, at 6:34,   a full field of 3 year old thoroughbreds will be taking out of the gates to the opening bell of this historic,  landmark horse race.

Given that,  Amy’s limited edition “Derby” print is the perfect acquisition to your sports art collection.  Taken from the Kentucky Derby historic race in 1986, where Ferdinand won at the final finish after coming from behind,  this print has won awards and the original considered one of Amy’s most acclaimed pieces.

Priced at only $120 a print,  “Derby” is a great buy and will go in any decor!

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The Masters: Sergio Garcia finally wins his first Major over Justin Rose in Sudden Death!

Wow,  what a week of ups and downs in this tournament!  In other words, no clue who was a guaranteed win….or even close.  Not to mention, the weather ranging from cold and rainy early in the week to a beautiful, final weekend.  Loved Matt Kuchar’s hole in one today on #16 where he generously donated his ball to a young boy on the sidelines.  Lots of fun and excitement!

Speaking of which,  check out my Augusta National,  Amen Corner limited edition print, available for sale. This piece depicts the historic p_augusta_croppedHoles #11 and #12.  Buy now while still in stock!