Morning Poem

The morning light calls to me, it begins with a whisper, just a faint light creeping,

calling. A single bird begins the chorus that will greet those who listen and wait for the dawn. 

Reluctent to go forth into the day and leave my place of quiet, but the light breaks out and the coffee is gone.  I remember the thrist of my garden and am anxious to save those delicate colors from the coming heat.

There is no stopping the sun now as it leaps and plays across the woods.  It's full of joy and sings it's song, chasing the dampness, calling the birds, calling to me, it's a new day.

           I hope you enjoy this poem I wrote this morning, the magnolia is from my yard.

Broken Eggs

I really had fun painting these eggs.  The subtle changes in color were the result of many brush strokes and much blending. 

People say a artist doesn't reach his best until he is first broken by some of the realities of life.  So they say, the beauty comes out of the broken heart.  I remember some of my classmates in art school who skipped class because they said they had to get out and live life before they could really paint.  I thought that was pretty funny myself.  Since I had paid my tuition, I planned to show up and learn the craft.  Turns out there was plenty of time to "live life" after I graduated.  I am thinking of getting some chickens to raise so I can have some yard chicken eggs.  I don't know much about chickens, so I'd have to study up on it.  Could be fun!

The Iris seems to do well in Georgia,  my neighbor always has an abundance of them.  I had to paint them.  I had fun with the background, it was done with a white glaze over wet paint, which gives you a nice soft look.  I painted this right after a trip to Europe,  where I saw a lot of impressionistic paintings done with similar edges.  Gauguin especially does this.

I donated a couple of my butterfly painting for a Humane Society fund raiser, and felt good about that.

My little terrier came from the same shelter, she is now 15 years old and a little deaf and confused, so we have to keep an eye on her, which we are happy to do.  I'm going to switch gears and work on a collage for awhile.  I'll be on a hunt to find just the right elements.

Violet grapes card

Here is another card.  Made a key lime pie this AM for our supper.  If you have never made one, take a look at a recipe, you'll see it is one of the easiest pies to make.  It only takes 15 minutes in the oven, which makes it great for summer cooking.

This card was made with a small watercolor painting of mine.

A new ribbon card

Lately I've been into card making.  It's a nice creative diversion from oil painting and it gets me out of the studio.  I took some heavy fabric and painted the back with white glue.  When it dryed I was able to cut it into any shape I wanted.  I combined it with stamping, ribbons, colored papers and buttons.  I use craft glue for the heavier items.

I have made all my own cards for years, since it's such fun.  After 7 cards I finally quit.  I hope this card will be an
"idea maker" for you.  I used two different ribbons on this one, but still kept it simple.

Bloom where you are planted

Years ago I gave someone a small painting with the words, bloom where you are planted on it.  Little did I know she would be transferred many times around the country.  She told me she kept it in a place where she could see it as a daily reminder.  It's a simple slogan, but I can see the wisdom of it.  What inspires you and spurs you on to new growth?  It's different for each of us.  Music, friends, gardening, all can be inspiring.  You know when your there, because you are refreshed, and move on to do and be your best self.  So dust yourself off, and grow baby, grow!

Painting of Sitka Alaska

This painting was done after a trip to Sitka Alaska.  The harbor had a cool grey feel to it as you approached.  But once on shore the town was rich in Russian culture and history.  There was an old Russian church,  and you could buy hand painted Russian Easter eggs, which is one of my favorites.

Alaska was a great place to catch Salmon.  In fact there were so many fish being caught, that I got hit with a hugh salmon as it put up a fight on my husbands line. 

I guess it left a lasting memory of the roughness of Alaska

Antiques & Mother's Day

Visited a friends Antique shop in Gainesville GA this AM.  I collect Ruby red glass.  Took pictures to post, also submitted a portrait to a new show.  I hope it gets in!   Shopping is crazy, everyone is shopping for Mother's day.  Looks like flowers are a big item.  I had a dozen frozen sticky buns delivered to my door in a ice chest.  Very nice.  So I'll sit with my coffee and enjoy them on Sunday, then go for a bike ride to burn them off!   So grateful for my beautiful children.   Happy Mother's day all you beautiful Moms!  Every sacrifice you make for your kids is worth it. 

Music and Art

I had to hit the treadmill for 30 minutes this AM.  I told my husband we have to keep moving or they will throw dirt on us.  Exercise is the fountain of youth.  Met a good friend for Mexican lunch with flan.That was beautiful, stopped and bought myself flowers and new makeup.  Life is very good.
Burned a CD with a painting I will submit to a local gallery.  It's a portrait of a young boy playing a violin.  My favorite portrait.  I enjoy a good portrait, but they are the most difficult thing to paint.

Delight

Delight is an amazing word.  What do you delight in?   Delighting in someone brings you to that "happy place".   I like to take notice of the super fine qualities of the people around me.   
While shopping I noticed the  "deli associate" was grumpy, so I asked him how he did in the recent storms we had.  He said he lost his trailer home and had to move in with his sister,  Now I understand his demeanor and am glad I took the time and interest in him.

Recently created a lemon meringue pie for my husband's birthday.  Lemon meringue pie is a work of art, a sculpture, that can be enjoyed,with all the senses standing up to take notice.  It's a delicate delight, here for a day then gone.  Some of the people I meet will be with me for an shorter time than that pie.  I want to stand up and take notice. 

celebrating monday

All is quiet after a busy weekend at the Gainesville Chicken Festival with some old friends.  Gainesville is the chicken capital of the world.  I'll bet you didn't know that.  Of course I had to paint several roosters and some cracked eggs. 

This rooster won first place at the "fowl Art" contest last year.  This year
 I just enjoyed eating the different samples, until all I wanted was a coke in the shade.  Found the shade, and the coke, along with my friends who stopped by.
It was a good day.  The friends were the best part.
If there is something you really want to do, and you think you can't, well that might be the thing, that you really must try to do.  Surprise yourself!