Tuesday, September 30, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A Milestone


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A Milestone
Originally uploaded by linfrye
A Milestone

I turn 60 today – whew! So I refuse to put all those candles on this wee cupcake! LOL

It's taking me a while, and still is I suppose, to fully digest the milestone of this particular birthday. I've been thinking a lot, and what comes to mind are those words of John Denver in his song "Poems, Prayers and Promises":

I’ve been lately thinking
About my life’s time
All the things I’ve done
And how its been
And I cant help believing
In my own mind
I know I’m gonna hate to see it end

Vie been lately thinking
About my life’s time
All the things Vie done
And how its been
And I cant help believing
In my own mind
I know I’m gonna hate to see it end

Vie seen a lot of sunshine
Slept out in the rain
Spent a night or two all on my own
Vie known my lady's pleasures
Had myself some friends
And spent a time or two in my own home

And I have to say it now
Its been a good life all in all
Its really fine
To have a chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire
And watch the evening tire
While all my friends and my old lady
Sit and pass the pipe around

And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long its been since yesterday
And what about tomorrow
And what about our dreams
And all the memories we share

The days they pass so quickly now
Nights are seldom long
And time around me whispers when its cold
The changes somehow frighten me
Still I have to smile
It turns me on to think of growing old
For though my life’s been good to me
There’s still so much to do
So many things my mind has never known
Id like to raise a family
Id like to sail away
And dance across the mountains on the moon

I have to say it now
Its been a good life all in all
Its really fine
To have the chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire
And watch the evening tire
While all my friends and my old lady
Sit and pass the pipe around

And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long its been since yesterday
What about tomorrow
What about our dreams
And all the memories we share ….

After all these years, events, day-to-day stressors and crises, loses and joys, all of these have taken their toll and can be read in the wrinkles at my eyes, the ‘smile’ lines around my mouth, the slower pace I’ve had to keep, the muscles that are gradually losing their firmness. There have been many accomplishments over the years, many more to come, I hope! LOL And my friends and sweet husband tell me I’m aging ‘well!’ LOL

But this particular milestone has me looking over my life, counting my incredible blessings, and feeling very grateful for the time I’ve been allotted on this grand, good earth, for the family, friends, opportunities to work, to contribute to the world in my own small way, in the words of John Denver to really believe: “It’s been a good life, all in all!”

Thank you dear friends for sharing it with me!

Monday, September 29, 2008

FEEDING TIME!


FEEDING TIME!
Originally uploaded by linfrye

An Introduction to Crunchy Food


A prelude to football -- playing with my siblings


Ground Nut - Apios


Ground Nut - Apios
Originally uploaded by linfrye
I didn't get a chance to post this from the plein air trip last month -- I recognized it winding its way amongst the cattails and shrubs at the Mill we visited -- It's Apios - or ground nut ---

It's tan/lavender dual-colored, cloverlike blossoms had a sweet, rich scent that kept us company as we painted along the water's edge. If one follows this twining vine to the ground and digs beneath it, you'll uncover tiny white tubers filled with starch. These are edible and were used by early people much like potatoes. I found a field of these during a wildfood workshop I conducted years ago. We dug up several handfuls, sliced the tubers and fried them as French fries ...

My fuzzy-headedness is making painting a real challenge! Sigh ... I hope today goes better with the brush AND the coughing ... thanks too for your kind well wishes ...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Squash Still Life


Squash Still Life
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Another still life for the kitchen ...

The weather has been changeable this weekend -- we've had two days of hard rain, a bit of sun, cool temps and then warming to the 80sF .. the changes have me a bit under the weather -- typical for me when the seasons change ... so it's been a restive weekend ... with more focus on the kitties than painting...! LOL

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Italian Doorway


Italian Doorway
Originally uploaded by linfrye
The kindness and incredible friendships forged across miles and miles through the miracle of technology and the Internet never fail to amaze me.

I met Jona (http://jona-sunnydays.blogspot.com/) though her wonderful blog and paintings, and though she lives in Slovenia and I thousands of miles away in the US, our love of Italy binds us in so many ways.

On her recent trip to Italy, Jona most generously shared some photos with me to paint -- and this beautiful doorway was one of them -- THANK YOU, JONA!

Though the perspective is a bit off, I so hope I did this scene justice, as well as sharing a love of place that seems to bring so many of us together.

Friday, September 26, 2008

What's Over There


What's Over There
Originally uploaded by linfrye

What's Over There


What's Over There
Originally uploaded by linfrye

They have stolen my heart


They have stolen my heart
Originally uploaded by linfrye

SO CUTE


SO CUTE
Originally uploaded by linfrye

How do they sleep like that


How do they sleep like that
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Cautiously Curious


Cautiously Curious
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Boots is a great mom


Boots is a great mom
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Rose


Rose
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

It seems a long time since I worked on roses, so with the rain beating against the roof, the kitties finally tucked inside the house in a snug box, and a weekend before me, I return to the practice of delicate flowers.

I've painted this particular rose before, constantly challenged by the curving petals, shades of peach, pink and bright yellow, the contrasts of the greens. Methods of practice - wet-in-wet, glazing, highlighting all used here, and each time, a bit less pencil mark ...

On the home front, Boots and babies spent the first night ever indoors -- and Boots allowed us to not only move the babies, but pet them as well. They've grown so much, tumbling and 'patting' one another just like human siblings; personalities of each of them just beginning to show. With the lot of kitties indoors today I hope I can get some painting done -- they are entirely too entertaining!!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Rebecca's Pitcher


Rebecca's Pitcher
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

Sometimes I think I should change this to "Evening-squeeze-in-something-to-paint" practice!! LOL

Another late night this week and a return to the B&B after 9 pm ... a quick sketch before falling into bed at 10:30 pm ... and another early morning...

It's raining, blustery, and cold this morning ... a few more meetings this morning and then I'm heading home to tuck myself into my computer there and try to knock out yet another grant. Things at the office are too busy and demanding to give the concentration needed to focus on writing.

Stay warm and dry!

BTW, some folks have asked about purchasing some prints of my work -- THANK YOU!!! -- I've placed a small selection at Red Bubble, or you can always write me .. again, thank you for such encouragement!!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Tuscan Landscape


Tuscan Landscape
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

Italy is on my mind lately, and so practicing its landscapes transports me to a place I'm longing to visit once more.

Temps are cool this morning, and winds are gusty ....With night temperatures in the 50s, I'm expecting to return home to find the beginnings of fall colors a bit more prominent in our woodlands than when I left ...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Rebecca's Glass Bottle


Rebecca's Glass Bottle
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

It's a dash this morning for a birthday party we're hosting -- but wanted to post my evening's glass practice. I'm not entirely happy with the results, so I think this week I'll practice a bit more on the glass and reflections ...

Temps are cooler again -- fall is here!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Moravian Gardens at Bethabara

The Apple Festival! What Fun! It was held, as it is annually, at Bethabara Historic Park in Winston Salem, NC -- and celebrates the Moravian settlement in this region.

The gardens have been recreated -- from medicinals to grapes (arbor above) to fencing, vegetables and of course, apples! When we arrived and were touring the gardens again, we ran into an oil painter and someone sketching some of the structures there -- lots of fun exchanging ideas -- all of us busy with cameras. This year the gardens looked better than ever!

Music was playing and we toured some of the exhibits - baskets, visual art, quilts, jewelry, food vendors and the like .... and though we bought a variety of proffered apples, the ones we really love -- Pinova -- hadn't been ready for harvest by festival time -- so we'll be traveling back west to pick them up when ready. Still, we enjoyed an apple or two, and to top it off -- apple cinnamon ice cream -- yum!

We met "The Country Store Band" -- a bluegrass feast for the ears --! Wonderfully entertaining -- a 'Southern" spin on Prairie Home Companion! We talked to the musicians, and during the 2nd set, Charles was invited to the stage to play the triangle! Really a lot of laughs and a great time!

We got home late Saturday night but it was such incredible weather and fun -- just the R&R we had hoped for!

Mike and the grands came over yesterday for dinner and play, and Ms. Boots brought some of her babies out of hiding to say 'hello' ... all in all, the kind of weekend prescribed for a bit of rest, a bit of family, a bit of art, and a lot of joy. Again, thank you ALL for your heart-warming well wishes!

The Shiest One


The Shiest One
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Boots brings her babies out to see us


Little Blackie ventures out


Little Blackie ventures out
Originally uploaded by linfrye

A few more venture out from their hiding place


What's Going On?


What's Going On?
Originally uploaded by linfrye

The Brazen Three


The Brazen Three
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Moravian Gardens at Bathabara

The Apple Festival! What Fun! It was held, as it is annually, at Bethabara Historic Park in Winston Salem, NC -- and celebrates the Moravian settlement in this region.

The gardens have been recreated -- from medicinals to grapes (arbor above) to fencing, vegetables and of course, apples! When we arrived and were touring the gardens again, we ran into an oil painter and someone sketching some of the structures there -- lots of fun exchanging ideas -- all of us busy with cameras. This year the gardens looked better than ever!

Music was playing and we toured some of the exhibits - baskets, visual art, quilts, jewelry, food vendors and the like .... and though we bought a variety of proffered apples, the ones we really love -- Pinova -- hadn't been ready for harvest by festival time -- so we'll be traveling back west to pick them up when ready. Still, we enjoyed an apple or two, and to top it off -- apple cinnamon ice cream -- yum!

We met "The Country Store Band" -- a bluegrass feast for the ears --! Wonderfully entertaining -- a 'Southern" spin on Prairie Home Companion! We talked to the musicians, and during the 2nd set, Charles was invited to the stage to play the triangle! Really a lot of laughs and a great time!

We got home late Saturday night but it was such incredible weather and fun -- just the R&R we had hoped for!

Mike and the grands came over yesterday for dinner and play, and Ms. Boots brought some of her babies out of hiding to say 'hello' ... all in all, the kind of weekend prescribed for a bit of rest, a bit of family, a bit of art, and a lot of joy. Again, thank you ALL for your heart-warming well wishes!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Oxford - A Former Gas Storage House for Gas Lights

Thank you dear friends for your generous Best Wishes for our anniversary! It was a beautiful, restive day -- just what we both needed! I'll write more about the festival after I've had a chance to paint a bit from it -- but it was a glorious day, weatherwise especially -- filled with music, and apples, crafts, art and the 'away from it all' both Charles and I needed!

The weather lately is finally turning fallish -- daytime temperatures are in the high 60s and 70s with evening in the 50sF -- This change has begun to affect our foliage -- and as we made our way west to the festival, more and more of the roadside trees were starting to wear bits of yellow, and here and there, even a spot of red.

When I drove home earlier this week, I really loved the look of all the fall yellows against this old barnish building that I pass just before turning into our cluster of homes.

Charles tells me that while it is now used mostly for storage, our farm neighbor, prior to his death, told us that it used to be where 'gas' was stored -- the gas used for lighting homes in this rural community. The field behind this structure is used for growing hay, and many of my 'hay field' paintings as well as rural field and tree scenes are based on this property.

It promises to be another cool morning and afternoon -- and we're expecting company for dinner ...I hope everyone has a wonderful day and has a chance to enjoy the last bit of 'official' summer ...

Saturday, September 20, 2008

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Originally uploaded by linfrye
To My Beloved Minstrel: Happy, Happy Anniversary!!!

Today Charles and I celebrate 16 years of marriage ... and I couldn't think of a better gift than to try to paint him doing what he loves to do -- play his music and fill our home with song and joy!

We'll celebrate simply -- a trip to an Apple Festival at an historic park, a simple dnner, the exquisite joy of just being together ...

Happy Anniversary, honey -- I love you to pieces!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Yellow Landscape


Yellow Landscape
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

It's been that kind of a week -- I bring myself to the practice table, but the 'inspiration' that ususally fills my time there seems to have fled. I'm sure fatigue and busyness, family and work concerns nibble away at that 'zone' one wishes to move into to practice or paint at one's best. And I know we've all experienced that restlessness every now and again. And we know too, that it shall pass. Still, the frustration of working THROUGH it, is such a BOTHER! LOL

Nevertheless, having been through these kinds of days before, I continue to put paint to paper DESPITE the outcome, knowing that when Ms. Muse decides to show up again, at least I'll be at the table READY for her return.

Despite the art frustration, we've been having some incredibly wonderful fall-like days -- cooler temperatures, blue skies, foggy mornings. Roadsides are yellow and lavender with wildflowers, and we've plans this weekend to visit an apple festival ... maybe I'll find Ms. Muse there... but if I don't, I know the apples we purchased last year will be well worth the trip!

Here's to inspiration! May we all find a bit more today!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Flowers from Brenda


Flowers from Brenda
Originally uploaded by linfrye
My friend, Brenda (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brendas_watercolors/) offered to let me use some of her flower photos to paint -- and of course, I chose flowers with flower pots for my night's practice -- Thanks, Bren!!

Seems like meetings and reports continue to occupy my days, nights and minds .. I'm so looking forward to a weekend home!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Storm Approach


Daily Practice
Rains are continuing this week. Standing behind the Arboretum one can see past some woodland trees and shrubs to a wee spot of red in the distance, white roof and dark spire ... this is the view we see when we're at the edges of Arboretum property ... a neighborhood church in the distance ... and this week, storm clouds making their way across the sky.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

At the Table


At the Table
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

Continuing my practice of "Italia" ....

Temperatures are cooling as fall creeps closer ... and we're all enjoying the relief from the heaviness of heat and humidity.

Along with the cool air, we're expecting more rain ... and the grass and plants are thoroughly enjoying it!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Caltagirone, Sicily, Italy


Caltagirone, Sicily, Italy
Originally uploaded by linfrye
I'm slowly working my way through my photos of Italy and repainting those images I love most and those that bring back so vividly our time there.

This view, overlooking some ranchland and filled with yellow flowers, has been one of my favorites and I wanted to repaint it. It's a quarter-sheet, 140# cp Arches... I painted it last year (http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/504275045/) -- and quite surprised myself by the 'difference' a year's worth of practice can make. LOL

Off to work again -- have a great week everyone!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Boots' Babies


Boots' Babies
Originally uploaded by linfrye
They're growing like weeds - eyes are opened and mercy, their wee tummies are really bulging!

Boots' Babies


Boots' Babies
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Well, she moved them again ... the babies have been getting pretty daring now that they're eyes are opened ...

She's relocated them by our backdoor steps, and I cleaned their former 'nest' to ready it for them again, should they return this week if the rains predicted really do come.

Pastel Brick Building and Flowers

My friend Jen graciously permitted me to use one of her gorgeous photos for this sketch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8758175@N03/)---THANK YOU JEN!!!!

I am challenged to sketch buildings that aren't rendered too stiffly yet remain solid and grounded ... and so I keep trying to get on paper the 'feel' I have for them rather than simply their form. I have to admit that I haven't quite achieved what I had hoped to with this, so my apologies, Jen ...but I'll keep trying. And I thank you once more!

Busy time this weekend -- we visited an art show in Chapel Hill yesterday -- wonderful works! It's funny viewing art through one's own experience and challenges of creating paintings...somehow you see more of the 'hand' of the artist than you saw before ... beyond the picture painted. A very interesting experience.

My prayers continue for those affected by Hurricane Ike ... it has been a horrible, disasterous storm.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Gardening Pots


Gardening Pots
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

My heart and prayers go out to those in Hurricane Ike's path. From news reports this morning, there is horrible flooding and winds...I pray for the safety of those experiencing this storm, and that 'seeds' of hope can be planted as folks rebuild their homes, cities and lives ...

Friday, September 12, 2008

Foggy Field


Foggy Field
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

Mornings are still foggy here -- a sure sign of fall's approach. Roadsides are becoming yellow with wildflowers, and sienna with drying grasses. I LOVE this time of year -- moody, nostalgic, contemplative -- and yet, since we live in the southern US, some days are still bright and HOT as though reluctant to let summer pass.

Though shrouded in fog, our temperatures are still quite warm... and more rain is predicted for the weekend. BUT-- our drought is truly, abolutely, OVER!!! Thank heavens!

Sky Practice


Sky Practice
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

With all the rain we're been having this week, I am still practicing skies and fog ... and as Hurricane Ike threatens the Texas coastline, my thoughts and prayers go out to the folks in this strong Hurricane's path. Ike is HUGE; according to the news this morning, it occupies 40% of the GULF area ... so flooding is a severe threat.

May all those in his way be safe ...

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Antique Pump in Garden


Antique Pump in Garden
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

I love garden 'art' of all kinds -- and can only wish our garden (home and Arboretum) had a pump like this one I found in a reference photo.

I wanted to paint something a bit brighter today -- it's been raining all week and we're still engulfed in fog each morning ... fall is certainly on its way!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Arboretum Azalea Bed In Fog


Arboretum Azalea Bed In Fog
Originally uploaded by linfrye
With the fall approaching and more rain in the forecast, our mornings are often foggy and present wonderful opportunities to try to capture the misty-ness of the views I see.

I walked to the Azalea Gardens yesterday - the plants moistened with rain and the backdrop a curtain of hazy pines. One of the horticulture classes had just relined the paths with granite screenings, and somehow, the entire area looked fresh and clean -- as though the fog created a backdrop to bring the young plants into the spotlight.

BTW, the young red tree is a Crape Myrtle in wonderful dynamite red that gets more 'What's That!" questions when in full bloom (August).

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

My Creek after TS Hannah


My Creek after TS Hannah
Originally uploaded by linfrye
A few hours after Hannah finished with her rains, I walked down to our creek to see how far it had risen. There was evidence that the creek rose enough to flatten the vegetation along its banks, and for the first time in a LONG time, there was water RUNNING, and running FAST, enough to create this little falls.

I snapped some photos to sketch by, hesitant to remain too long by the waters with snakes on the prowl.

Though it is predicted that Hurricane Ike will miss this part of the US, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have or will be experiencing this vicious storm.

Oxford Sky after TS Hannah


Oxford Sky after TS Hannah
Originally uploaded by linfrye
More sky practice ...

This is what our sky looked like after the storm from the vantage point across our neighbor's farm.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Sicilian Street


Sicilian Street
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Every time I review my photos of Sicily, I 'see' something in a scene I didn't notice before or thought I couldn't attempt to paint. This scene was one of those.

Everywhere we went in Sicily, we found clothes hanging on lines and the tiniest of winding streets. I don't often paint buildings... but thought I'd give this one a go. I so love revisiting those photos for inspiration and for remembering one of our favorite trips.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

After the Storm -- Another Guest

Storm clouds have passed and thank heavens there has been minimal damage to major roads. Areas reported some flooding and a few collapsed roads, but overall, in the history of North Carolina storms, Hannah was quite mild -- the 4"plus rains we've had have replenished water supplies that had been droughted -- Areas that are low-lying will still be prone to flash floods until all the rivers have crested ..
and so overall, we are incredibly grateful.

Here at my home in the woods, we're all doing well -- infact, we must be doing so well that we have another 'guest' .....This spotted turtle showed up at our steps yesterday -- and no, I didn't feed it -- ! LOL I figured with all the water around, s/he found plenty to consume. Boots checked it out though and rendered it harmless ...s/he sauntered off to our grass area - probably for cover or, as others have in the past, to built a nest and lay a few eggs .. (if it is indeed a female!) ...

Our concerns now turn toward Hurricane Ike - a most powerful hurricane heading, it seems, for the Gulf Coast -- a part of the US already saturated by Hurricane Gustav ... we'll monitor the weather as one never really 'knows' what these storms will do. Meantime, prayers for those in the path of this killer storm.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Boots babies 9 6 08


Boots babies 9 6 08
Originally uploaded by linfrye
They're growing so fast ... I love how they fall asleep all in a furry heap. Their eyes are not yet open .. but follow one another by scent until they crawl into a black and white ball ...

Too cute!

Boots babies 9 6 08


Boots babies 9 6 08
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Huddled together in the nest on the porch - safe from the storm ... Momma Boots nearby.

Marsh and Approaching Storm


Marsh and Approaching Storm
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Imagination Painting

All eyes these days have been turned to the sky as hurricane after hurricane threatens and lands in the US.

I painted this yesterday from my imagination as I watched clouds forming with Tropical Storm Hannah's approach.

As I write, Hannah has come ashore on the NC/SC border, and we are having lots and lots of rain and wind. Gratefully, our electricity and Internet connections are still holding, while flooding is threatening areas of the region.

Boots moved her babies yesterday to a spot in the woods that 'seemed' to be protected from the rain. Regardless, I set up a dry, covered and protected area on a corner of our porch. Early this morning when rains and winds woke me, I checked the porch, and thank heavens, Boots had moved her babies once again -- but this time, in the safe 'nest' on the porch. Sappy me -- I cried.

Hannah heads north later this morning, but creeks will rise and flooding will be a threat for a while longer.

Stay safe everyone. Keep your eyes on the sky -- Hurricane Ike is expected later this week.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Oxford Tobacco Barn at Sunrise

I'm still playing with different lighting affects -- sunrise, skies, shadings ...

This tobacco barn is from a series of photographs taken during a 'sketch material search' my husband and I took a few months ago throughout rural Granville County. I've 'played' a bit with the lighting and sky trying for a different 'feel' as I continue my experimentations.

This morning's chores will find me securing the remaining objects still outdoors. Though the earlier predictions for Hannah's landfall in North Carolina have been downgraded in severity, here in my county, we are still expecting significant winds and rain. We're making full preparations nonetheless in case forecasters miss the mark.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Ike, a far fiercer storm, is another threat we're all keeping our eyes upon (http://www.wral.com/weather/hurricanes/page/1451614/?m=atl&p=8hrloop). And Josephine is right behind him ... busy time in the tropics this month.

Kittens have grown so much since Monday! LOL Now to find them shelter from the rain and HOPE Boots will approve of a move ...

Stay safe ...

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Calm before the Storm?


Calm before the Storm?
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice

The path of Hurricane Hannah is on the minds of most South and North Carolinians this week, as her hobbling path for landfall is still in question. Following along the same trajectory are two other tropical weather makers and so this daily painting ... calm waters before the Great Unknown.

It'll be a very late night tonight before I can drive the 2 hours back home and see my kitties ....but once there, it'll be battening down the house, making preparations for the 'what if's', finding a dry, safe place for Boots and Babes, removing anything outdoors that could be tossed in high winds.

Fingers are crossed that we merely get the rain we need to bring the water tables back to normal .....