View From the Oak

Winter Tree

2012-01-29T06:09:00.001-05:00

Winter Tree, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140CP

The imagination is a wonderful thing. We walked around the park yesterday with light sweaters and jackets, and there were folks in tee shirts and shorts! Temperatures were in the low 60sF, the sun was bright and cheery, and yet, the calendar read "JANUARY!" Sigh.

I look forward to winter ... and while I do appreciate the mild temperatures, somehow, the season of rest and renewal that winter promises just doesn't reach the depth I need when the sun and warmth continue to beckon me outdoors to play and work. For that seasonal renewal we all need, I need a bit of cold and hibernation. And that just hasn't happened with such a warm winter.

So I've created my own little snowstorm, decked my beloved trees in a bit of frosting, and splattered my world with the snow I crave.

I'll turn the air conditioning down a bit lower, don my warm blanket and stir the fire. Care to join me with a cup of tea and scones?

Pink Poppies - To Dream of Spring

2012-01-27T07:09:00.001-05:00

Pink Poppies - To Dream of Spring, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

When I got home last night, the evening was so warm that it felt like spring was really stirring. The fellow who mows our property had just spread some rich looking compost in the front garden bed, and so in the bit of time I had before sundown, I collected my seed packages of poppies - pink, yellow, red, purple, orange. In our region, these seeds are to be scattered in January so that the winter's cold and rain will help them germinate.

I scattered all the seeds I had in the front garden - so that the blooms can be enjoyed from approaching the house as well as the porch. This garden receives a lot of light - and the most attention. I used all the seeds I had, and some very special seeds from one of my dear friends.

And this morning the rains that were predicted -- came -- and has been falling in a fierce downpour that woke me, and will be with us all day. BUT! they'll also be one essential ingredient that the seeds will need to begin their lives.

The second thing will be cold. And to be honest, this season hasn't seen much of that. Still, we are expecting a day or two this weekend with temperatures in the 30sF - and I'm hoping that this will be enough of a freeze to break the seeds' dormancy.

So today, as the rain drums the windows and the skies remain gray, I can think of poppies ...and imagine a garden filled with their joyous blooms.

Hope your day is bright!

Another Snow - Thank YOU - Fran!

2012-01-25T06:24:00.001-05:00

Another Snow - Thank YOU - Fran!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

It's been such an unusually warm winter. Already the temperatures are in the 40sF and dawn hasn't even broken. We're expecting to reach the high 60sF by this afternoon. The flower buds are swelling on most plants, and some have even been fooled into blooming. I watch the Prunus mume (flowering apricot) trees by one of our campus lakes as they dress our gray days in vivid pink blossoms, and I hope that if the weather is to be as mild as it's been, that perhaps THIS year, the fruits will survive any remaining winter winds, and I'll be able to make apricot preserves once more. It's been well over four years since any of their fruits have survived a winter.

Still, I know those folks in the north are tired of it, but I still would love a good snowfall. Somehow it just doesn't seem like winter without at least one dusting of white. Barring that, I am ever grateful for those folks who do have snow, like my friend Fran in Canada, generously share their white worlds with us. If I can't experience the softening silence of the white stuff, thank heavens I can vicariously share a bit of it through photos and paintings. Thank YOU again, Fran, for the inspiration and for allowing me to have a bit of snow this year through your photos and my painting of your marvelous world. Please see Fran's incredible flickr stream!! (www.flickr.com/photos/fahansen/6703711969/in/faves-linfrye/).

May your day be warm and wonderful -- sun, snow or rain!

Olives

2012-01-23T05:19:00.001-05:00

Olives, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though I have been to Italy several times, I've never been there during the olive season. I have seen these incredible trees, old, gnarly and with the most challenging-to-paint leaf color - like a pale blue green. They're typically not too tall - maybe 10-15 feet - at least in the groves I've been to - and in the spring, their tiny white flowers are ever so fragrant. I've walked through the dappled sunlight under them, stumbled over their crawling roots - but have yet to see with my own eyes the turning of those wee flowers into the fruits that we love and the oil that we depend upon for our healthy cooking.

So each year, I return to painting olives ... symbol of peace, reminder of a country that has claimed my heart.

The weather has turned cold again, at least for today, with a warm up promised for the rest of the week. It'll be a week of planning for us with back to back workshops from February through May ...no restive winter for us. We'll be gearing up for gardening season!

BTW, we had a ball with the grands! I've never turned a pot on a wheel, before, but I could tell that my granddaughter is a natural. Her long fingers just gently molded that bit of play clay as easily as if she had been doing all her eight years of life. It'll be thoroughly dry when she returns and we can paint it. I'm so proud of her! And then both she and her brother and I made cupcakes, and finished the day with a tea party! Fun!

Hope your week is enjoyable too!

The Lake

2012-01-21T06:43:00.001-05:00

The Lake, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Dawn breaks in a misty, dreamy light. Though there's a chill in the air that reminds us it is still winter, there's a subtle warmth too, promising that today at least, will be a bit warmer.
The light comes slowly to the land, and the day begins.

This is how our winter has been here in the piedmont of North Carolina. A few mornings of misty cool followed by warm days. Every once in a while, probably not more times than ten, have we had extreme cold. Clouds would gather and look like the promise of a snowfall, but instead, we have another day of gray, drippy rain.

While this kind of weather has helped everyone's heating bills and has been a delight in terms of outdoor activities, gardeners and nature observers watch with concern as flowers, shrubs and trees are fooled into an early bloom, and then promptly get 'nipped in the bud' by those infrequent days of real winter cold. At the Arboretum, we remove browned flower petals and pile more mulch around those early plants to try to keep them warm through the cold days. But there is only so much we can do against this type of weather roller coaster.

Today will be one of the warm, rainy ones, and we'll be spending time with the grands this afternoon. With all the busyness of the holidays and then mom's illness, they haven't even had time to play with the Christmas gifts they received from us ... so today, we play with clay, bake cookies, build a few things, and maybe get to paint a bit.

Hope your day is wonderful!

Marsh View of River - THANK YOU, Sally!

2012-01-19T05:15:00.001-05:00

Marsh View of River - THANK YOU, Sally!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I spent some of my most formative years on the coast of South Carolina where the salt marshes played a most important part of my life. I learned to love these incredible waterlands teeming with all sorts of life - from fish to birds to flora. I love the subtle seasonal changes of the spartina grasses ... and when Sally posted this dramatic image of the river from the marsh side, I was deeply moved - and had to pick up my brush to capture it in watercolor. Thank YOU so much, Sally, for allowing me to paint from your photo and for the inspiration and memory-evoking !! Please see Sally's webstream for more inspiration and wonderful work! www.flickr.com/photos/salbug00/6672808157/in/photostream.

I've been far from the Atlantic Ocean this week. My cooking workshop went exceptionally well, and I think I have convinced a few more gardeners to add additional herbs to their plant lists. I've also spent this week learning about new plants coming to the industry that will dazzle and please the homeowner and gardener. I have to admit that I am a 'utilitarian' gardener -- so my plant excitement, while aesthetic, focuses on those plants that can serve more than one purpose - such as attractive plants that are edible, plants that bring butterflies or birds, plants that can be used for medicine or crafts -- and the like. Yesterday was spent in classroom lectures; today, we get to see, feel, smell the plants we were introduced to on the screen. Should be exciting!

And though I will be very involved with the plants and displays before me (along with the hundreds of other conference attendees), my heart will return, again and again, to that rich waterway and marsh .... a place for me, of solace, peace, and quiet.

Hope you have a great day ... and once again, THANK YOU, Sally, for returning me to the marshland!

Mattinale - Inspired by Maurizio!! THANK YOU!

2012-01-15T07:47:00.001-05:00

Mattinale - Inspired by Maurizio!! THANK YOU!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

There is something about the sunset and the color orange that seems to most inspire me most these days. According to some authorities, orange is vibrant. It's a combination of red and yellow so it shares some common aspects of those colors. It denotes energy, warmth, and the sun, and can bring to mind thoughts of vitamin C and good health. In the western world, orange is often viewed as a symbol of warmth and nature, and in religion, joy and a catalyst of God's blessings. It is also viewed as being associated with creativity. Perhaps for all of those at least to me, unconscious meanings, I have been most drawn to all things orange these last few weeks.

This painting, inspired by Maurizio51 (www.flickr.com/photos/53359531n04/6158717850/in/faves-lin...) was thus a huge inspiration for me. His work is filled with such beauty and hope - that each image makes me gasp in appreciation. I am honored by his permission to be allowed to paint and post my painting created from one of his works. Thank you ever so much, Maurizio! Blessings! Please stop by his flickr stream for some incredible, awe-inspiring viewing!

I spent yesterday in the kitchen preparing for my herb cooking class this Tuesday. What treats! Appetizers, salads, pasta and a main dish and desserts - mint chiffon cake, lavender-lemon cookies and a most unusual chocolate candy to end the evening. I hope my participants will be pleased.

Charles has his jam today so our home will be filled with music. My mom, thank heavens, and you for your prayers, is doing so much better. According to my sisters, she's returned to her pre-infection state of mind (best of all news!) and is slowing beginning to gain her ability to stand on her own.

I hope your Sunday is filled with the orange glow of health, warmth and joy!

Landscape - Season's Light

2012-01-13T07:40:00.001-05:00

Landscape - Season's Light, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

When I was in New York with my mom and sisters, I spent most of my days in the hospital with mom. When she slept, I'd sit in the break room that happened to be across from her bed, so I could keep an eye on her room while not disturbing her with any of my own activity. I found a work of art on the wall across from the seat I typically occupied ...and as time permitted, used it to inspire this work. I could never make out the artist's name, but what appealed to me about it was the seasonal light. It spoke to me of hope, warm weather, and yet the turning of the seasons.

And so, bit by bit, I painted, and with the act of painting, wove the hopes and prayers for my mom, and hope for another season of her life. She's improving daily, and I know that each time I view this image, it'll bring me right back to that room, right back to the memories of this particular season.

It's funny how the act of capturing a certain time, scene, or feeling in words or images can have such emotional attachments. I suppose that is what 'art' is all about ...and I'm grateful for it.

Dreaming of Snow -- Again

2012-01-11T06:21:00.001-05:00

Dreaming of Snow -- Again, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

No -- no snow here -- instead another grey, rainy day. We're expecting over an inch of rain -- and all the while, I'm wishing it were snow. I heard on the news that Alaska has received 18 FEET of snow -- wow! That's a bit more snow than I'd want too - but a dusting of white, the welcome hush that comes with it, and the clean, clear air -- yes --- ! That's what I'm dreaming of!

It's been a catch-up kind of week with preparations for next year's events, budgets, and workshops. We have a late night tonight but an exciting program on landscaping with herbs. We've a full house, so by the time everyone leaves this evening, it'll be after 9 pm.

I've been preparing for my own workshop next week- Cooking with Herbs. I've found some unusual recipes to share so I'll be cooking this weekend to prepare for Tuesday's presentation.

Mom continues to improve and seems to be doing well. She still has a long road to recover her freedom of motion but from the sound of her voice, she is growing in strength. And today, she celebrates her 89th birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Stay dry today -- that rain is going to be a 'big event' all along the East Coast.

The Fogotten Season - Pods - THANK YOU Ronah Lee

2012-01-10T06:42:00.001-05:00

The Fogotten Season - Pods - THANK YOU Ronah Lee, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

As I walk the fields and streams, the beauty I find in winter, the fogotten season, reminds me that even the pods and seedheads that remain after fall's glory contain their own splendor.

This painting was inspired by a fabulous image by my dear friend, Ronah (www.flickr.com/photos/kookie895/6654941143/in/faves-linfrye/). Please drop by her site to admire the most wonderful images!!! Thank you again, Ronah!

Though my walks through the fields have been curtailed of late, I have an earthware pot filled with forgotten winter beauties. Dried grasses, pods, capsules, seedheads fill that floor-standing vase and it brings all the colors of winter to the corner of my home where it lives.

To some eyes, the winter terrain is dull and colorless, especially following fall's more brilliant, vivid hues. But if one looks closely, the colors, quieter, a bit more serene, are just as magnificent: chocolate, ecru, coffee, russet, tan, olive, auburn, ginger. Naming the colors is almost as enticing as finding all the variations of earthtones!

There's a book I read ages ago entited "The Forgotten Season" that identifies the pods and seedheads that we tend to overlook. That wonderful volume reminds me that each season has its magnificence - all we need are eyes to see and a heart to appreciate.

Mom continues to improve and once more I thank you most gratefully for all your prayers.

Nick on his Seventh Birthday

2012-01-08T21:08:00.003-05:00

On Golden Pond - Thank you, Fran!

2012-01-08T07:24:00.001-05:00

On Golden Pond - Thank you, Fran!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature.
It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures
the depth of his own nature.
from the chapter "The Ponds" in Walden

The true peace of God begins at any spot a thousand miles from the nearest land. ~Joseph Conrad

Water, the essence of life and an essential part of the life force, seems to be beckon me these days. I'm drawn to the water as a thirsty woman, seeking the solace and tranquility it provides. This painting, inspired by my dear friend, Fran and her awesome images of her homeland, drew my attention and admiration. Painting it, brought a huge measure of solace.

Thank you so much, Fran! Please stop by and visit Fran's flickrstream for more of Nature's finest beauty (www.flickr.com/photos/fahansen/6474424161/in/photostream/).

Mom's days are up and down - filling us with sad worry one moment, and huge joy and hope the next. I've never been fond of roller coasters, and so this emotional one is pretty taxing. She seems to be making a bit of progress in rehab, has a fine room-mate and she is enjoying the sunny and warm room she's in. The nurses have been incredibly kind and helpful, and she's finally been able to use the wheelchair successfully without, like when one first learns to paddle a boat, going in circles! LOL I'm praying her progress continues and her bouts of confusion lessen.

Today we celebrate my grandson's seventh birthday. Wherever did the time go? I can still remember my son walking out of the delivery room to tell us the news of Nick's birth - the absolute JOY in his face, the tears of elation! This young man, so much like his father, is the only male in a family of female grandchildren - so needless to say, he is teased, but spoiled magnificently! He's a 'male's male' following his father and Pawpaw Charlie around like a mimic - with a sweetness that is abiding. He, like his father, loves the water, and boating and fishing, but today, he'll rollerskate with friends and family as he glides into another year.

In our part of North Carolina, ponds are fairly common. Most farms have at least one pond for livestock especially, for fishing, for storm water control. I like to think that at least some of these ponds, are there too for the inspiration and tranquility they bring. For when the sun sets and turns that water to gold, can anyone not be moved?

Iceland Poppies

2012-01-06T07:46:00.001-05:00

Iceland Poppies, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Home. There are few other words in the language of humans that conjure up so many emotions and thoughts, images and memories. I feel as though I haven't seen my own for months .... and to finally sleep in my own bed, drink my own coffee, make order how of the remains of my hasty departure, are truly balms to the soul.

I chose flowers today, Iceland Poppies painted in between times of mom's wakefulness and sleeping; the quiet colors, simplicity and stark white of the paper to remind me of mom - her gentleness, simple ways, love of flowers.

She's finally well enough to be in rehab and moved there yesterday. She's still somewhat confused, and thinking she's in her former dwelling in Florida - but she's being looked after well and the stimulation of moving around more, exercising her new hip, eating with other people, should (?) we hope, give her a bit more liveliness and normalcy.

I too hope to return to a more normal schedule, but since her illness is long term, we'll all be preparing to repeat the last few weeks experiences.

What all this keeps telling me is how very precious each and every moment of our lives, the way we choose to spend each moment and with whom. I find myself even more grateful for those friends and loved ones who take the time to chat a moment, give a smile or a hug, have a cup of coffee, share their own lives. I have always found solace in the natural world and this continues even more.

The situation brings up the question, once more, of priorities, and how our lives are lived, and what is truly important. I've always been one to share such thoughts and ideas, and hope to do so here in words and images, as I too work through my own evaluations. I suppose we do this each New Year - resolutions of a kind. But I hope this 'evaluation' is far larger than dieting (again), keep off the cookies, and exercising daily!! LOL

Meanwhile, it'll be rest, a walk through the woodlands (isn't it unusually warm again???), and God willing, a bit of painting.

I'm thinking of starting a journal again - I used to keep one but I find it challenging to add one more thing to my day - so we'll see where my contemplations lead me.

Thank you once more for all your prayers and kindnesses. They have sustained me and my family more than you can know.

Biggest hugs ... and a heart of gratitude!

Rosy Sun-Up - THANk YOU!!!!!

2012-01-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

Rosy Sun-Up - THANk YOU!!!!!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Rosy Sun-Up - THANk YOU!!!!!

9" x 12" Arches 140#CP

My Thanks to BeataCz for inspiring this work!!! Thank you, Beata ---!! Please see her incredible photography (www.flickr.com/photos/57909733@N02/6522120939/in/faves-li... )!

I painted this before Christmas and long before Mom's illness, but it is fitting to post this positive and glowing work today! Mom has finally 'woken up', regained her consciousness and cogency, is eating, even walking a bit since her hip replacement, recognizing us, and returning to herself!

Thank you is a paltry few words to express the heartfelt gratitude of my entire family for your thoughts, prayers, good wishes, support and kindness during this most difficult time. I think now, especially, this painting speaks louder than any words I might find. Though the road to full recovery is long, we believe we've turned a corner - and can finally smile a bit more optimistically than we have in the last month. And we owe YOU our gratitude to helping bring that hope and glow to life.

My mother's favorite flower has always been the rose, and the symbolism of this painting - the sun rise, the colors, the woodlands (such a source of comfort for me) - couldn't speak more loudly of the joy and gratitude we are feeling.

Thank you again, Beata - for inspiring this -

Snowy Lake - HAPPY 2012!

2012-01-01T07:57:00.001-05:00

Snowy Lake - HAPPY 2012!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

2012!
A new year
A new start
A new hope for all the best and brightest in this
New year!

May 2012 bring everyone joy, creativity, prosperity and good health!
May we all enjoy the little, everyday things that make a life,
May we spend more of our precious time with those we love ...

Here's to 2012 ... May it be wondrous!

Wintry Landscape

2011-12-30T20:09:00.001-05:00

Wintry Landscape, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I painted this wintry landscape before I left to be with my mom. I was playing with some of my friend Doris' techniques (www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/) and this was the result. It wasn't what I had hoped to post at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, but it sort of fits with the experiences I've had this week with my mom's illness.

She's suffering from Parkinson's disease, had a bad fall, a hip replacement, infection. Her condition seemed to be improving, but the roller coaster ride we've been on this week continues, and the optimism we felt yesterday, has been dashed today.

If I can use this painting as an anology, my sisters and I stand in the foreground, aware of the snow and the trees and the winter, and mom, sadly, stands in the magical light away from us - much like the etheral forest of this painting. At times, she joins us, othertimes, she's across a chasm ...

It's mighty sad, depressing, frightening, for us ... and more ... for her. We all deeply appreciate your prayers thoughts, encouragement. We'll all need the strength to endure this until the end, whenever that comes.

We know that we are not alone in this kind of challenge as we watch our beloved parents age and decline, and we lose them bit by bit ... physically and mentally.

Thank you for your patience as my family and I work our way through this...

I'll come home in a few days time to pick up the threads of my own life and my sisters try to fit this new challenge into their daily routines. I imagine I'll be making more frequent visits to see my sisters and mom and lend what support, encouragement and relief I can.

It's going to be quite a different new year than we had hoped for ...

But we're strong, we've got some wonderful support, and like many others, we'll come through this ... and we thank you for being with us through the long, journey ahead.

May 2012 be bright and surprise us all with miracles!

Illness in Family - Back Soon - Foggy Night - Morning Moon

2011-12-28T06:38:00.001-05:00

Illness in Family - Back Soon - Foggy Night - Morning Moon, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches140#CP

My thanks to TT_Mac (www.flickr.com/photos/j_mac_tt/6514098065/in/photostream) for inspiring this painting!!!! THANK YOU TT! Please stop by to see some incredible photographs from TT!

It's been a roller coaster of a holiday for us. We've had some incredibly joyful times with our grands and visits with family.

But my mom has been ill. Just before Christmas she had a fall, fracturing her hip and requiring a partial hip replacement. She was doing quite well in rehab, but then fell ill with an infection. Just before Christmas Day, her infection worsened and she was rushed to the hospital. For a few days, we weren't quite sure if she would recover.

As of last night, she seems to be making a bit of progress - though it's slow going. I'm heading out of town to visit her for several days and will be MIA.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers on my mom's behalf. At 88 years old, these set backs take a long time to work through.

Hope your holidays were joyous ...

Stay well!

Winter Roses - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-25T12:30:00.001-05:00

Winter Roses - MERRY CHRISTMAS!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140# CP

MAY THIS SPECIAL DAY AND SEASON BRING EACH OF YOU THE MOST PEACE, JOY AND LOVE YOUR HEARTS CAN HOLD!

May you be filled with peace and blessings!!!

We are sharing this day with our grandchildren - and thus have returned to the wonder of children and the delight of the holiday.

We pray for those who are ill, sad, depressed, lonely....that the holiday season may fill them as well with hope and with love.

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T05:17:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Quarter Sheet
Arches 140#CP

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...
Just like the ones I used to know ....
Where treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear
Sleighbells in the snow......."

Yes, my dream as well for that soft blanket of white that hushes the world and carpets it with a momentary innocence and a feeling of hope....

That white that casts an incredible shimmer of light when darkness falls

That white that seems to amplify the magic of the season.

Denis Collette recently posted a photograph that inspired this painting (www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/6534622675/in/photost...) and it fed the dream of white Cristmases that I hold dear. Thank YOU, Denis, not only for permission to use your photo, but more for the inspiration that continues to feed this holiday season and the white Christmases I love. Blessings, my friend!

I wish each of you a most joyous, memorable, peace-filled holiday season. And may you be surrounded by love, family and friends, and all good things....

Buon Natale..........May the peace and joy of the season fill your homes and your hearts!

Gold Ornament - "Celebration" - Thank you, Ronah! Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T06:47:00.001-05:00

Gold Ornament - "Celebration" - Thank you, Ronah! Merry Christmas!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This painting was inspired by a glorious photo taken by my dear friend, Ronah (www.flickr.com/photos/kookie895/6499102511/in/photostream). THANK YOU SO MUCH for the inspiration!!! Please stop by Ronah's flickr stream for some amazing and glorious works!

Today is the first day of winter .... the solstice has passed, and now, ever slowly by bits and bits of time, with each circle of the earth our days will begin to lengthen. I know, I know, it's hard to believe, when in the northern hemisphere, the cold, damp, freezing temperatures have really set in, and the deep dark of night seems longer than ever. A trick of perception perhaps ...the cold making those jet black nights seem longer than they are. For most of us, we'll rise in the dark, travel to work in the dark or just at daybreak, and end our workdays -- in the dark once again.

Another reason, I think, for the wonderful emphasis on "light" during this special season. The twinklings on the tree, starlight, candles in the windows, flames of fireplaces, Advent wreath candles, the shininess of gold and silver -- all offer that mystery and magic of light than can illuminate even the densest, deepest dark...

Let your light shine this holiday season! Let's make merry!

Rainy Winter Day

2011-12-20T06:49:00.001-05:00

Rainy Winter Day, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

In the denser air of grey, brooding clouds
I smell the coming rain.
Muted autumn colors are saturated, yet
Dulled without sunlight’s bright touch.
There’s a somberness to this winter's day,
A foreshadowing of the season's advance, creeping
ever toward us
As the earth slides away from center.

We've seven days of rain predicted for this last of the pre-holiday weeks. It's warmed up again, with temperatures in the mid 60s - and tomorrow, we're to reach 70F! Though I welcome the warmth - I really dislike being cold - there's something un-Christmasy about it.

Each Christmas when I was a girl, my father, who also disliked the cold, used to take our family from the frigid, damp New York suburbs to the sunny, warm sands of Florida. We'd wake up Christmas morning to swim in the Atlantic, while we bathed ourselves in bright sunlight. After a week, we'd return with our holiday 'tans' ...

While it was fun and felt good to be warm in the middle of winter, the palm trees and Santas in airplanes instead of sleighs somehow made us long for snow and cold even more! (go figure! LOL)

I suppose I am still that little girl longing for 'chestnuts roasting, sleighbells and white Christmases' .... and if it's going to be damp and wet and grey, it'd be more enjoyable if it were white and snow! LOL Guess I'll be painting my own, this year!

Today is my last day at work before holiday break. Already the students have left for a couple of weeks and most of the staff and faculty will leave after this evening. The campus is quiet, and it's a good time to get a few of those 'never can get to' things accomplished.

Hope your day is terrific!

The Pond

2011-12-18T07:11:00.001-05:00

The Pond, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

The Pond

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The cold has finally come - at least for a short while - but here in the piedmont of North Carolina, no ponds are frozen, and there is an unlikely chance that we'll have snow for Christmas. I suppose I'll just have to make my own -- on paper, at least! LOL

After such a party-filled workweek, it's been a far more quiet weekend. I've prepared our Christmas spaghetti sauce (traditional for our family) and a few other things, and all that remains is the cheesecake from my mom's recipe om and handed down to all her children and grandchildren.

We drove around a few towns last night to view the Christmas lights and beautifully decorated homes, a display of decorated and lighted tractors (so much a part of our rural life), big Santas and snowmen, Crèches, candles in windows, snowflakes -- a wonderland indeed.

What struck me most, I think, were the lights .....those bits of brightness against the mantle of black sky.

Each tiny bit of illumination seemed to defy the cold depth of the dark - offering a glimmer of optimism and promise against the deep vastness of space ...

Ancient peoples worshipped the light, the sun - and knew the power of a tiny spark, and how that one glowing ember could light the world. These days, with lights and warmth at our fingertips, we tend to take them all for granted...and forget the miracle that they are ....

But driving around in the cold, ebony evening, those bits of light glowed their messages of hope ..

And isn't that what this season is all about?

Pink Poinsettias

2011-12-16T06:39:00.001-05:00

Pink Poinsettias, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Poinsettias - the icon of the holidays! The greenhouse program at our college (run by Johnston County Mental Health as horticultural therapy) grows HUNDREDS of poinsettias each year. A walk through their greenhouses is a visual delight - poinsettias in all styles, colors, sizes - pink, speckled, ruffed, red, marbled and more!

I chose to paint PINK this year - perhaps influenced by the unseasonably warm weather we've been having. For our holiday parties yesterday - the temperature reached 70F!!!! And here we all were with Santa, jingle bells, bright red, holiday fashioned sweaters and scarfs! LOL

We had one wonderful, incredible day yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!! It began with our Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteer breakfast--- oh my gracious -- the tables were bowed with the bounty! Breakfast foods, candies, sweets, cookies, cakes, veggies, dips -- holy moly! What an AWESOME - and DELICIOUS feast!

And to add to the flavor -- these over-the-top generous individuals brought gifts -- for everyone! Wrapping paper was flying, gifts were admired, giggles drowned out the talking, the recipe books we put together were examined and ooohed and ahhhhed over! There was more food, calendars, ornaments, hugs, laughter...I tear up just thinking of the heart-filling JOY and friendship of this small group of women and men. But those hours together --THOSE to me, were the essential spirit of Christmas .... amplified by the smiles and good cheer of folks who thoroughly enjoy one another, the work they do, and the enthusiasm them demonstate! What a blessing!!

After eating more than any one wee, short woman should do, this delightful time was followed by our annual college luncheon ... another scrumptious feast! Every employee, staff, faculty, board of trustee member, past president, retiree, council member -- all squeezed into the auditorium lobby for some of the best holiday music performed by our chorus, mouth-watering food, laughter, years of service recognition and more. I was recognized for ten years of service yesterday - the time sure has gone by quickly! And more gifts - and at each table - a marvelous poinsettia! (I didn't win it - but it was great to SIT by the beauty!!! LOL)

By the time I got home last night and unpacked the car (truly loaded down like Santa's sleigh), find a place for everything, feed the cats and catch up on email and flickr ... it was after 11 pm ... and I turned in.

But the day replayed in my dreams last night...
As I lifted again a heart filled with thanksgiving .....

Ice on the Lake - Thank YOU - Denis Collette

2011-12-15T06:40:00.001-05:00

Ice on the Lake - Thank YOU - Denis Collette, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 14"
Arches 140#CP

When the day begins with frost on my windshield, and the darkness of morning seems deeper and denser than any ink,
When day breaks with a mere changing of the grey,
and clouds gather even more closely,
When sound echos and arrows through the cold air
Then THAT
is a day that I so hope
for snow.

But here in the piedmont of North Carolina, even with days that begin with such promise, by afternoon that bright El Sol seems to win the battle of the sky, temperatures rise, and no snow falls.

But it is most often then, that my Northern friends on Flickr, provide just the inspiration to fill that longing -- and one of these dear hearts, Denis Collette inspired and filled me with joy with his image "Rivage sur glace...!!!" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/6489454849/in/photostream). Thank you Denis -- not only for permitting me to use your photograph for this painting -- but for bringing me that longed for SNOW that sends my heart singing!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Driving into work this morning, I saw a shooting star -- another rare event for me ....it so made me smile!

We have our 'eat-a-thon' today - our volunteer brunch and our college annual Christmas luncheon ...The day will be filled with holiday music and laughter, the joy of folks coming to celebrate the season, and for those of us in higher education, the close of a fall semester. We are all ready for a small break.

There's no snow in the forecast for the next week - but I'll keep hoping. And thank Denis, and those of you who are fortunate enough to have some, for sharing that part of the season with me!

Christmas Swag

2011-12-13T08:06:00.001-05:00

Christmas Swag, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Everywhere I go, the homes, rooms, restaurants, towns, buildings, stores, even PEOPLE - are bedecked for the holidays. Red and green are the predominant colors, and Christmas carols and music, specials on television and radio, have taken over the airwaves.

The newscasters give daily countdowns for the number of days until Christmas, and the lines at the Post Office and UPS stores are as long as those at the food kitchens.

The weather has turned cold - no snow predicted - yet (fingers crossed!) - and frosty mornings envelop the fields, and windshields need scrapping.

Work remains intense as the list of 'get done by this week' grows as long as those other lines. And in between the push for the year's closure, are the celebrations of food, gift exchanging, and visiting.

And all the while ...

I wish for snow

and that quiet cloaking,

so the frenzy of the season can slow a bit,

the white, peacefulness

still the racing and the madness,

and the world return to center.

Sunset - Thank you Taru!

2011-12-11T06:56:00.001-05:00

Sunset - Thank you Taru!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

Sunset.

Day's end - the putting down of a rushed, intense busyness that marks this time of year. The last glimmers of an almost 'celebratory' completion of a day filled with cooking, wrapping, preparing, planning, and more cooking.

My Friday.

My Saturday.

And then -

Sunset!

That soul-lifting, heart-jumping joy of 'finished' - with a kitchen that still holds the aroma of the day's work. The amen and halleluhah of a good day of labor followed by sundown and the satisfaction of a long night's rest.

Sunset.

This painting began with a challenge posed by my friend Doris with permission from Taru to use her incredible capture (www.flickr.com/photos/taruski/6256283498/) to inspire a painting that both Doris (www.flickr.com/photos/djr-aquarelle/) and I would do. A most special thank you to Taru for the inspiration and the jaw-dropping beauty of her work! THANK YOU, Taru!! Please take a look at Taru's wonderful flickr stream! And check out Doris' alternative and spectacular approach! A really interesting aspect of imagery - to see the same scene through different eyes!

I began the painting after a two-day marathon of holiday baking and gift wrapping and completed the work yesterday. I took a more moody approach to the image, trying to capture that rosey, sienna light that marks the kind of sunsets I love best.

In writing my comments this early morning, with the last glint of moonlight in the west and the sunlight just rimming the east, the sense of celebration did indeed inspire the work ... as it truly marked the ending of two long, long days. It was indeed - my sunset - felt through every tired muscle! LOL I LOVE when life comes together like that!

Hope your Sunday is filled with celebration and all good things!

Winter's Coming Landscape - Thank YOU Andrey Salikov!

2011-12-09T06:52:00.001-05:00

Winter's Coming Landscape - Thank YOU Andrey Salikov!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x12"
Arches 140#CP

One should be careful for what one wishes. Our warm weather has disappared, and the freezing morning temperatures have arrived! And though I throw on an additional article of clothing -- it FEELS more like the season -- and I can begin to ready for the holidays with a more spirited soul.

My thanks to Andrey Salikov for inspiring this painting! Thank you Andrey! Please see his awesome flickr stream! www.flickr.com/photos/andrey_salikov/6441432041/in/photos... Andrey's view is of a frozen winter scene - and it looked so much like the view of my neighbor's farm that it begged to be painted! Thank you again, Andrey!

Here and there beech and oak leaves linger on the trees....but for the most part, the woodlands are bare save for the evergreens that seem to anchor the landscape. While the mornings are frigid, the afternoons warm to a wonderfully pleasant 50F to 60F. There is often fog in the morning, and often sunshine in the afternoons. Yesterday was one such marvelous day as we took our Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers to see the Christmas decorations at our state's capitol and Governor's Mansion. What a treat!

There was a small crowd queing to go through the metal detectors before entering the stately home, but we moved quickly - and oh was it worth the wait! The main floor was decorated in high style - enormous Christmas trees from various North Carolina counties decked in different styles. Some were gold, some old-fashioned reds and greens, others, like the one tree in the sunroom and dedicated to our state's military, fashioned with children's drawings and ornaments in red, white and blue! Carolers were singing in one of the rooms and chandeliers, walls, doors, stairways were all swagged with our native greenery! Eye candy to be sure.

Our own wreath-making class the night before - see
www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002973201572
made us even more aware of how rich our own woodlands and properties are for collecting an incredible variety of different greens and berries and using our native plants for decorations and wreaths.

We had a warm, talk-filled lunch, did a bit of holiday shopping, then returned to the college to finish out the day. A grand time for everyone - bringing this kindred group of generous volunteers even closer.

I got home late last night and began this weekend's busy commitments. Next week is the last workweek for most of our college employees (not me, sigh), and so it will be filled with gift exchanges, luncheons, and the like. I must have all my gifts, recipes, lunch items ready to take on Monday - so I'll be in the kitchen cooking, baking, and then wrapping and mailing gifts in order to get those delivered in time for Christmas. I won't have much painting time, but the house will smell divine! LOL

I hope your weekend is wonderful and filled with those memory-making scents of the holidays!

Rose Hips Redeaux

2011-12-07T06:38:00.001-05:00

Rose Hips Redeaux, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Fickle weather this week -- for the last three days, we've had temps in the mid 70sF, sunshine and mild winds. The plants too are confused - and though they all need cutting back and readying for winter, here and there these same plants are sending up new shoots and blossoms!! YIKES! We have a cold front moving in tonight with rain and cooler temperatures -- and though I am the LAST one who wants to see -- or feel -- the cold - this lingering heat spell just seems out of season!

I suppose it's where one spends most of his or her time that determines what 'feels' like a normal seasonal weather. Growing up on the East Coast of the US, I'm used to four pretty distinct seasons -- winter, spring, summer, fall. Even when I moved to the South, I could still have a winter season -- milder and shorter, perhaps, but a winter - cold, grey, wet, and snow every once in a while. I like this sort of weather -- albeit for a short time -- but enough to be called 'winter.'

Winter for me is a calming and slowing down, a contemplative period when the sun doesn't quite beckon me out of doors, when the plants and animals can be left to slumber and hibernate -- and in a way -- so can I. Winter for me is a time of planning, a time to consider the year and activities ahead. And even though at work we hold classes all winter long, that frenzied feeling of spring and summer activities just isn't there. Quite truthfully, I need a bit of winter to recuperate from the activities of the past year, and rest up for those to come -- don't you? Right now, I am longing for fireside cups of coffee, cuddling up with a good book, retreating to my art table for more than a few minutes at a time... and winter seems to provide just the 'excuse' I need to do these things -- bring it on! (ahem ... but only for a short while ...it doesn't take me long to miss the sun!! LOL)

So that brings us to rose hips. There are still some lingering on the bushes ... provider of vitamin C, bright berries for the birds, and wonderful color amid all the sere foliage. I painted this view of rose hips a while back and the painting found its way to a new home. I enjoyed painting it and so, with warm weather still around me, I repainted the view .... adding a bit more leaves ....perhaps my bit of a nod to the unseasonable weather ... and making the painting as bright as the sun has been this week.

Today we make our wreaths. The workshop has been sold out for weeks and we've a full house. I'll be glad for cooler weather coming later this week - it will help keep our fresh greens brighter and longer lasting. AND it will feel more like winter...!

Holly - Time to Gather the Greens

2011-12-05T05:30:00.001-05:00

Holly - Time to Gather the Greens, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Already the first days of December are behind us, and the days seem to shorten as cold returns and daylight disappears. It's after 7:00 am Eastern Standard Time before the first glimmer of sunlight breaks the cloak of dark and merely 4:00 pm EST when the sun begins its decent and evening begins to creep back. Add to this scant bit of 'day' the hustle and rush of the season.... the frenzy of preparations, decorations, purchasing, cooking, finishing up, closingup of the year ... and the days collapse into seemingly mere moments of time.

While it's true that daylight is shortening with the winter solstice is only weeks away, it seems that the FEEL of time is shortening as well. I took an incredible Anthropology class when I was an undergraduate - "The Reckoning of Time" - and how different cultures around the world sense and calculate time. Fascinating. And there's that marvel of a book "Einstein's Dreams' by Alan Lightman where ever few pages, time is being lived in different ways -- like we do - from past to future, or perhaps like in the movie Ground Hog Day - repetitive, etc. etc. Again -- fascinating and imaginative.

But think about it ... each of us lives the same 24 hours - but does every day FEEL the same way? For me, when I'm sad or disappointed, the same hour seems to DRAG and the clock click so v e r y s l o w l y. But when I'm in the flow of painting ... the same hour FLIES by! So .. time... and its reconing .. and its FEEL.

All this to say - it's that holiday "time"....

And for me it's marked with evergreens and berries. My holly trees are chockful of bright red berries and the shiny, pointed, prickly leaves that seem to mark the season. Today we 'gather in the greens' - holly, red cedar, wax myrtle, pine, cryptomeria, juniper, spruce, fir, boxwood, magnolia, ivy, hemlock, bay, boxwood, arborvitae, and pods, cones and berries such as pyracantha and holly berries, and more as we prepare for our wreath making class on Wednesday.

The time will fly as we stalk the woodlands and gardens seeking those plants that will decorate our doors. We'll be noting the wonderful fragrance of the evergreens and the bright berries that will brighten our eyes (and wreaths) with joyful color.

'Tis the season -- and time to gather the greens! But hurry --- time is aflyin'!

Winter in the Country

2011-12-03T08:13:00.001-05:00

Winter in the Country, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Nope, still no snow -- but THINKING about it as the holidays approach.

The cold welcomes me each morning, and though the temps rise nicely during the day, by 4:00 pm, the cold returns - seemingly even more frosty than the morning with the sudden drop. Still, I favor a bit of cooling these days, as it seems more 'holiday-ish.' I find it difficult to sing Christmas carols when I'm in short sleeves and flip-flops! So, I dream of snow, and imagine that the morning frost is really an inch or two of the white stuff, and the fleeting frozen dew stays on the ground long enough to create a winter wonderland. And what's even more fun ..... as picture-makers -- we can paint what our hearts see ... and not just our eyes! LOL

We begin our holiday cooking today as well, and a bit of decorating. My chores, except a few for work, are about done, and so the weekend can be filled with holiday preparations.

The sun is shining, the frost is quickly disappearing, and the clock is moving swiftly ....

Hope your day and weekend are wonderful.

Pair of Teasels

2011-12-02T07:26:00.001-05:00

Pair of Teasels, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

"The color, we say, is gone, remembering vivid October and verdant May. What we really mean is that the spectacular color has passed and we now have the quiet tones of Winter around us, the browns, the tans, a narrower range of greens, with only an occasional accent in the lingering Winter berries. But the color really isn't gone. The meadow is sere tan....the bronze curve of the goldenrod...the cinnamon seed head of the pungent bee balm....the white parentheses of the stark birches...bronze tuffs of one-winged seeds...of the box elder..." (Hal Borland - 'Sundial of the Seasons'

One of my most influencial nature writers - Hal Borland - was once a columnist for the New York Times. He died in 1978, so his books and words have been keeping me company and helping me 'see' the world around me for many, many years.

I like to start my day (when I'm home) with one of his 'journal' entries, In his book 'Sundial of the Seasons' these entries are daily and mark the progression of the seasons day by day as he saw them in his Northeastern home. Some days, like today, his sentiments echo the words I'm searching for, the observations I too have made - his pen far more eloquent than my own.

When I finish one of Hal's passages, I find myself a bit more aware of the world around me, better able to approach a new artwork with a heightened sense of 'seeing.'

Do you have books or music or words to inspire your paintings and creative work? I'd love to hear them ....

Fall Flowers - Almost All Gone

2011-12-01T06:53:00.001-05:00

Fall Flowers - Almost All Gone, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

December 1 -- and yet here and there in my own garden and at the Arboretum, I can find flowers that have not yet succumbed to the frost and cold. A few knock-out roses, some of my red verbena, clematis, and here and there, since it has been so warm during the day -- a few IRIS have been fooled into blooming!

These fall flowers were painted more in memory than in reality - as all of my daisylike flowers are slumbering for the winter. I wanted to paint something somewhat soft while using my splash and splatter approach. These remind me of some of those wonderful Thanksgiving bouquets that bright such cheer to the season.

Our soap crafting class was a BLAST! Oh my gracious -- so much going on - great creations, wonderful scents, herbs, ideas, and everyone went home with gifts for the holiday. We've been asked to hold another class so we'll probably do that in January. It was a late night, as expected, and so I'll be dragging as we weed the Plant a Row beds this morning and collect more of our cole crops for the hungry.

Hope your day is terrific!

Snow to Come ? - Memories of Last Year's Snow

2011-11-30T06:41:00.001-05:00

Snow to Come ? - Memories of Last Year's Snow, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/4 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

No, no snow here, just the cold and damp following our heavy rains yesterday. Instead of white, our world is grey and only those long-clinging leaves on the oaks and beech trees give our evergreen woodlands a bit of autumnal memory.

Snow fell in our mountains, and according to 'weather signs' - like the inside of persimmons seeds, we're to have a snowy winter. I like snow -- of course - when I don't have to shovel it, when the power holds, when I don't have to go out in it. So in the warmth of my office and no snow in the forecast, I can DREAM of snow, remember it from last year, and anticipate its falling this winter.

It's been a busy, productive week - designing portions of the ethnobotanic garden, preparing a wreath as a sample for our class, year-end reports and the like. Tonight, we hold our soap crafting class - and if it goes like those in the past, it will be a late, late night --- but a lot of good, clean fun! LOL

Temps will remain cold today but the sun should be up soon ...

Hope your day is bright!

Sunflowers for a Rainy Day

2011-11-29T06:20:00.001-05:00

Sunflowers for a Rainy Day, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The weather has turned cooler with rain, rain, rain and more rain - and this early in the morning (6:00 am EST) the dark is so DARK that the roads, especially with the precipitation, were difficult to navigate. I thought we might all be enjoy a bit of sunshine this morning in the form of some splash and splatter sunflowers.

I enjoy doing these types of paintings --- the freedom of splashing paint, the finding of form, the negative painting. It must be like the work of sculptors, in a way, the carving out of a 'thing' from the surrounding 'confusion.' Very meditative.

While we're having rain in our part of North Carolina, our mountains - four hours west of me - are having snow. Snowfall seems a bit late to the ski industry there, so we're hoping this snowfall will bring kick off the season for them.

Hope your day is sunny and bright!

Riverside Trees - Luminescence - THANK YOU Denis Collette!

2011-11-27T07:33:00.001-05:00

Riverside Trees - Luminescence - THANK YOU Denis Collette!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Frosty, gray mornings greet me this time of the year - and early mornings smell like winter on the wind. My friends to the north already have experienced snowfall - and it is especially around the holidays, that I begin my annual 'pining' for snow.

I have to make do with the frost - and your inspirational images - right now! I owe a special thanks to my friend, Denis Collette for allowing me to paint from his image of luminescence (www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/5214285398/).... THANK YOU, Denis! I have been admiring this capture since LAST November - and tried and tried to paint it without any success. Finally, my muse decided to be kind, and sat on my shoulder as I rendered this interpretation of winter trees, riverside. I LOVE Denis' work- there's a fabulous sparkle and light to them that is such a challenge in watercolor. Still, I hope I was able to capture a bit of the 'magic' I see in his incredible photography!

Though rain is in the forecast, snow is the furthest thing from reality for us. Temps reached 70F yesterday, and our visit to the JC Raulston Arboretum found roses, flowering maples, camellias and more still blooming like colorful candy!

And yet,

THIS morning, the sun waits behind pink/gray clouds and the woodland trees are somber in melancholy - and I wait
for the snows
to come.

Frosty Grasses - THANK YOU Nancy Rose!

2011-11-26T07:20:00.001-05:00

Frosty Grasses - THANK YOU Nancy Rose!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The mornings have really become schizophrenic these days. Upon awakening some mornings, the air is so warm that I'm reluctant to put on long sleeves and a sweater. Others, like this painting inspired by Nancy Rose's marvelous photograph (www.flickr.com/photos/nancyandwayne/6316312568/in/photost...) make me want to crawl back into bed and turn on the electric blanket! Frost covers the ground - making our sienna fields look as though we've had an early snow. There's a decided CRUNCH to the icy frostiness on those days - but acting as changeable as the wind, mornings that begin with a CRUNCH often end with soft winds and air conditioning ... and temperatures in the 60sF! Mercy!

Still, this game of see-saw will soon end. The trees have shed their cloaks and only those hardy evergreens and the persistent leaf clinging by a few oaks and beeches remain. In our area of North Carolina, pine trees dominate the landscape as do magnolia, red cedar and wax myrtle - so one can easily overlook all the bareness above those treelines. Still, the somber grey of tree bark and the olive evergreens will be our landscape palette for the next several months. Already, I am missing fall.

Thank you once more, Nancy for your inspiration!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Dawn is just breaking this chill Thanksgiving morning. With the leaves off the trees, I can now folllow the path the sun takes around the rim of my property - lighting first the eastern trees by the garage - moving westward around the back of the house - and if I linger too long at my computer - right into the window of my office.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving - a most appropriate time to stop and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. A traditional celebration centers on roast turkey, sweet potatoes, greens, cranberries, pumpkin pie - so many of these foods that our first peoples - Native Americans - gave to the world.

It is also a day to enjoy the deserved rest following the seasons of growth, maintenance, harvest, preserving - a bit of celebration for the work of the year and the larders we filled.

It is a time of family and friendship - a time to enjoy the blessings of relationships, the kindnesses and the giving.

It is a particularly difficult day for those alone, for those who are hungry, cold, sad....and so for those with plenty to be grateful for - may hearts be a bit more open to share and to help....

We give thanks for so much ...

I give thanks as well -- for you --- for your kindnesses, encouragement, comments, awards - friendships. So often we cannot know the ripple effect of a simple smile, a 'GREAT JOB', a friendly note. These bits of ourselves, given so freely and generously may encourage a struggling soul overcome a hard time, get past an illness, a sadness, a bit of trouble. And we share that with our words, with our art.

And so on this day of giving thanks, I thank each of you - for carrying me through a journey we share, an expressive art we love, and a place that brought us together.

Happy Thanksgiving..........you have filled my 'cupboard' with so many blessings ....
May we open the doors ...
And share with those who may be in need ...

Fall Walk - THANK YOU - Fossibear!

2011-11-22T06:39:00.001-05:00

Fall Walk - THANK YOU - Fossibear!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A quiet pause in the day
Save the scuffles
of leaves under
our feet ....

My sincere appreciaton to Fossibear for allowing me to paint from his incredible work ....!Please stop by to visit his wonderful flickr stream (www.flickr.com/photos/fossibear/)!

Our walk through the park this weekend graced us with a quiteness that we haven't experienced there in a long while. There were no ball games, no soccer games, not too many other walkers... just that rare autumnal hush that seems to quiet time and surround us with a long sigh. Only our feet making their way through leaf litter made any sound ....

Back to work and though a short week for the Thanksgiving holidays, it's been busy with meetings, budgets, planning meetings, and more changes. Somehow the immersion back to the workweek makes a week of art seem ages ago! LOL

We're in for some rain today and tomorrow, but the temperatures have -- including the flowering shrubs -- confused. Last week, we needed winter jackets and mittens; this week, our students are in shorts and flip flops ... and instead of readying for the winter, so many plants are putting out another flush of growth.

I'm having some computer issues at work, making comments and viewing difficult. I hope these will be remedied soon.

Hope your day is wonderful!

Fall Waters - Fransen - "A Walk in the Woods"

2011-11-18T06:27:00.001-05:00

Fall Waters - Fransen - "A Walk in the Woods", a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Getting the colors right on my screen for this painting has been a real challenge ... the wonderful reds and yellows in the painting itself seem to make the scanner go crazy!! (Maybe it too loves autumn!! LOL) Nonetheless, my thanks to Fran for the inspiration and the autumn view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fahansen/6336108819/in/photostream) -- her photograph that literally had me YEARNING to join her for a walk in these woodlands! Blessings and thanks once more, Fran!!!

Our workshop has been a blend of demonstrations and painting with critiques ...an interesting way of learning. Each of us choose our own images and we were encouraged to have Freeman critique and assist. I've had a good amount of time to paint, which has been a blessing in itself...and I've throughly enjoyed the week. Like most things, I truly hate to see it end!

The rain is behind us, but oh my, my woodlands no longer look like this painting. Bare trees are ever more visible, and the leaf litter at my feet is inches high. Temps are supposed to climb a bit this weekend -- another tease of fall ...but the loss of color in the landscape is more prediction of winter.

Hope your day is great!

Sunset - Moment of Magnificence - Thank You Fran!

2011-11-17T05:40:00.001-05:00

Sunset - Moment of Magnificence - Thank You Fran!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A Moment of Magnificence - inspired by Fran's fabulous photograph (www.flickr.com/photos/fahansen/6333363505/in/photostream) ... please stop by her flickr stream to see some wonderful, wonderful photos! THANK YOU Fran for the inspiration!!

My watercolor classes are going well - it's always interesting to see how different folks approach a painting ...! I LOVE Freeman's work (fbeardart.com/) - he makes it look so simple! LOL We've painted snow (will post soon), and yesterday we watched him paint a waterfall ...last, he'll demonstrate painting fall scenes. We paint today and I have a photo of mine that I'd like to attempt -- fingers crossed.

The weather's turned cold ... and we've had some good rain. With each bluster of the wind, more and more leaves fall ... and I am startled each time I look up to see so many branches losing their cloak of color ....

I can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us .. and with each advertisement, I'm beginning to panic to get some holiday shopping done.

And yet,
And yet,

I want to linger - longer still - in the remaining colors of fall ....

I so LOVE this season!

Sunup on the Lake - Carpe Diem - Nancy Rose

2011-11-15T05:45:00.001-05:00

Sunup on the Lake - Carpe Diem - Nancy Rose, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A special thank you to my dear friend Nancy Rose, whose incredible photography inspired this painting. Please check out her photostream ! Most amazing work! www.flickr.com/photos/nancyandwayne/6309202927/in/photost...

This image of Nancy's so reminds me of North Carolina - though she lives miles and miles north of me. There's a wonderful bond among flicker-ites I think - when they share places of home or of things they love. There's a kind of resonance that speaks louder than words that melts the miles and makes the world a bit smaller. Thank you, Nancy, for this part of your world that can now be so much a part of mine.

The workshop went well yesterday - we had a demonstration and -- homework! This part of the week we're focused on snow -- and though we get only a few days of it during the year, it's such a special time for us when the while fluff doth fall. So today we return with our value sketches and we'll paint. It's a small group of ten women - most of us know a few of the others, so already there's some instant camaraderie. Some are beginning their painting journey, others are looking to try something different, still others are there to learn how to make improvements to their work. It's a good group.

Temperatures are in the 60s and 70sF again - seems so fickle and a bit of a challenge to imagine bare trees and blankets of white. I've pulled out some of my photographs from last winter and know in my soul that those cold, icy days aren't too far away.

Still, lingering on the porch in only a sweater was an absolute delight -- one more day without bundling up and having the heater run.

Hope you have a day of sunshine and creativity. And thank you for your most kind comments and invitations. They are most sincerely appreciated!

Purple Pansies

2011-11-14T06:13:00.001-05:00

Purple Pansies, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" X 12"
Arches 140#CP

Despite the cold and frosty nights, these purple pansies are still peeking out from the leaf litter and adding a violet element to all the fall golds and reds. What I love most about pansies is not only their bright colors, but mercy, are they ever hardy! I planted these in early summer - and they've survived drought, torando, hurricane, hard, pounding rain, and now the first bit of frost. They won't last much longer -- but their seeds will be strewn wily nily around the property, and I'll probably find some of these purple pretties in the lawn, across to the vegetable beds, and hopefully, in other spots in my 'wild' flower garden. Whatever, it will be a marvelous surprise!

Today I begin my weeklong classes with Freeman Beard (fbeardart.com/). I'm looking forward to this week of art immersion as well as looking at landscapes with a 'new' eye. It should be fun -

Temps this week are on the rise again, teasing us once more with the last sighs of fall. Leaves are drying now, so when the wind blows, there's a wonderful rustling melody to the ear. Underfoot, the drying leaves have a definite CRUNCH, and in the mornings, wood smoke evokes feelings of warmth and coziness.

There is so much sensuosity to this season ... tart apples, brilliant leaves, wood smoke, crunching foliage, the nip of frost ....

And always, the fleeting nature of it all ...

Catch it while we can!

Church in the Mountains

2011-11-12T07:15:00.001-05:00

Church in the Mountains , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This painting was done for a workshop I'll be taking next week with Freeman Beard (http://fbeardart.com/). I"m looking forward to the workshop and working with landscapes for an entire week! After the last busy four months and the busy weeks that will follow, this weeklong respite and focus on art will be, I hope, most restorative for me and reenergize my creative side.

This painting is from a photo Freeman took while in Asheville, NC. His image was from the summer, and I wanted to focus a bit on the colorful season of fall.

As I look out my window this morning, those magnificent vertical boles of woodland trees are becoming more and more evident. Their splendid gowns of burgundy and gold now lie at their feet as if the trees were too tired to hang their dresses after the fun of the autumn ball.

When I fed the kitties this morning, there was ice in their bowl, and in my garden frost rimes the verbena. There are a few roses still struggling through the growing cold, and next week, our temps will tease us with yet again with warm breath....but the earth has made its annual turn, and autumn will soon slumber for another year.

In the stores, we are reminded that Christmas is less than 8 weeks away ...and like the roses, I am reluctant to see the end of autumn's splendor. I suppose that is the melancholy of fall - its short-lived, vibrant celebration of spring and summer's work, and the magnificent display of its harvest joy.

Still, like all creatures and Nature herself, winter is the time for rest, recuperation, the rebuilding of energy for another year. It too has its beauty ...but I have never been easy with goodbyes ....not even to seasons.

Today I hope to return to the art table and hopefully I'll find my muse patiently waiting for me. The busyness of the last months has made painting - and getting into that glorious 'flow' of the process - mighty challenging. Perhaps today, she'll whisper in my ear, and sit on my shoulder, and linger a while ...

Hope she joins you too! Have a great weekend!

Seasonal Grapes

2011-11-10T06:40:00.001-05:00

Seasonal Grapes, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Tis the season for these luscious orbs -- and after last night's class on fruit trees and berries -- I'm ready to plant even more! Here in North Carolina, muscadine grapes grow naturally - and many varieties are not only coming to market for the table, but even more are being grown for our expanding wine industry.

This morning our volunteers will harvest the cole crops we planted eight weeks ago -- brussel sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, turnips, carrots, mustards, collards ...we've been using 'floating row' covers - soft, woven netting that covers the plants - keeping out insects and also keeping the plants a bit warmer than the surrounding air. This method has worked well for us to help avoid insecticide use and also extended the season.

The last bit of warm days this week tease us like a lingering caress ...morning's chill reminds me that the sharp pangs of winter are on their way. Winds are rising and the beautiful kaleidescopic colors are quickly undressing the trees and returning to them in the form of next year's nutrition.

Let's savor this last bit of fall ...it won't be around for long.

Rico Montenegro, Fruit Tree Planting Foundation and Me

2011-11-09T14:35:00.001-05:00

Rico Montenegro, Fruit Tree Planting Foundation and Me, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

What a glorious, spectacular, incredible day yesterday! Seventy-eight people showed up for the celebration, and more than half remained to plant our 43 fruit trees!

The day was warm, sunshiney, and filled with fall color all adding to the celebration! The media was there, dignitaries, and volunteers, all enjoying the day and the time outdoors.

The project was an award from Dreyer's (Edy's Fruit Bars) and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. We were one of 20 projects awarded fruit tree orchards this year. Folks from the granting agencies worked with us to secure the trees, our staff and students worked to prepare the grounds, and everyone from hortictulure students from JCC and another college, to Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers, staff and friends all dug, planted, mulched and installed irrigation to the trees. At the end of the day, Rico gave us a fruit tree lecture - and tonight, we will learn more about those trees and berries that grow well in North Carolina.

Of course, we all were refreshed with Edy's fruit bars -- perfect for the 75 degree weather -- and fresh apples!

It's been a busy,busy time -- but in a few years, those trees will bear the fruits that will go to the hungry in our community - and extend this amazing gift.

Students, Plant a Row Volunteers, Staff

2011-11-09T14:34:00.007-05:00

Students, Plant a Row Volunteers, Staff, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Irrigation Installation

2011-11-09T14:34:00.005-05:00

Irrigation Installation, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Adding the Bubbler for Irrigation

2011-11-09T14:34:00.003-05:00

Adding the Bubbler for Irrigation, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

MORE TREES to install!

2011-11-09T14:34:00.001-05:00

MORE TREES to install!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Plant A Row Volunteers

2011-11-09T14:33:00.009-05:00

Plant A Row Volunteers, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

The Ceremonial Tree Planting

2011-11-09T14:33:00.007-05:00

The Ceremonial Tree Planting, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

rom Left to right:
David Johnson, JCC President
Denise Holder, VP, SGA Association
Rico Montenegro, Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Michael Cross, VP, Administrative Services
Jordan Astoske, Arboretum Gardener
Butch Culbreth, PAR Volunteer
Minda Daughtry, Arboretum Assistant
Lin Frye -- ME
Hank Daniels, JCC Board of Trustee
Lynn Auston, JCC Board of Trustee Chair

Planting the first tree - our native persimmon, Diospyros virginiana

More Planting

2011-11-09T14:33:00.005-05:00

More Planting, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Irrigation

2011-11-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

Irrigation , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Planting, Planting, Planting!

2011-11-09T14:33:00.001-05:00

Planting, Planting, Planting!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Dreyer's - Edy's Fruit Bars

2011-11-09T14:32:00.005-05:00

Dreyer's - Edy's Fruit Bars, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Attendees for Rico's Fruit Tree Lecture

2011-11-09T14:32:00.003-05:00

Attendees for Rico's Fruit Tree Lecture, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Rico and students end the day

2011-11-09T14:32:00.001-05:00

Rico and students end the day, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Golden Rain Tree Pods

2011-11-06T05:58:00.001-05:00

Golden Rain Tree Pods , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a native of Asia, growing up to 30 feet and when mature, equally wide. With compound leaves that at this season are a marvelous gold, the tree has a 'lacy' appearance. One of the most striking things about the tree is its fall production of showy yellow flowers followed by these multi-hued, long clusters of seed pots. When I saw this tree last month at Montrose Gardens, the pods were this incredible pink/tan,blue/green/brown ... not as bright, perhaps, as this painting shows in the scan, but with all those colors that just took made me gasp! Over time, the papery pods turn brown and cover a three-compartment, bladder-like structure full of seeds.As the pod dries, the compartment splits and each rolls back to reveal the seeds inside. In warm climates, this abundant seed-maker can become quite invasive. where the shorter growing season prevents formation of seed. The tree is used as a marvelous ornamental landscape additon.

I'm finding it difficult to drive this week - the colors of the leaves seemed to be just at their peek, and I'm constantly staring at their display! My head keeps turning from one vista to another and I can't seem to take in enough of the magnificence of it all!

Our weekend has been mighty cold - but there's another warm front coming in for the next few days .... teasing us into thinking winter will be delayed..... (we DO know better! LOL).

BTW, did you remember to set your clocks back an hour last night to standard time?

Hope your day is filled with the colors of autumn!

Last of the Basil

2011-11-05T05:38:00.001-04:00

Last of the Basil, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Fall weather has claimed almost all my flowers - but a few, especially those closest to the house and somewhat protected by south facing walls - still rally on a bit longer. My cinnamon basil is chock-full of seeds arranged in spires of rich purple that stand tall against leaves turning a fading yellow with smudges of purple. Once basil has bloomed, the energy of the plant goes into producing and protecting the next generation, thus,the leaves haven't the same rich flavor as they did in the summer. Still, those seedheads make a wonderful dried arrangement - as well as stores for next year's crop.

I was honored to be interviewed by Leslie Panfil from Hubpages:

http://lpanfil.hubpages.com/hub/artistlinfrye

She also did an interview earlier with another flickr friend, Bev Morgan:

http://lpanfil.hubpages.com/hub/artistbeverlymorgan

Take a look if you get a chance.

Our orchard planting is coming along. The holes have been dug, trees and irrigation supplies received, invitations sent .... Tuesday's the big day so our fingers are crossed for good weather.

Here in the US we change our clocks tonight - turning them back one hour to 'standard time' - which will give us more daylight in the morning hours (good especially for school children waiting on street corners for school buses) - but will mean early evening darkness - Hard to believe how swiftly time is flying...

Charles has a performance today at one of our local craft shows so I'll take some photos for his blog and see what's new at the show - especially with the holidays around the corner.

Hope your day is great!

Fall along the River - Nancy Rose

2011-11-03T06:13:00.001-04:00

Fall along the River - Nancy Rose, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My heartfelt thanks to Nancy Rose whose magnificent images of fall inspired this painting. Please see Nancy's exquisite photos (www.flickr.com/photos/nancyandwayne/). Thank you so much, Nancy!

Our colors are still mighty bright - and though our evening temperatures are in the 30s and 40sF - our days are incredible warm and can range from 50s to mid 70s! While it's wonderful to walk in warm temperatures, it sure makes clothes layering a major necessity! LOL

Orchard preparations continue, and now we wait for our trees to arrive. Today we work on tidying up the rest of the gardens, organize the day, and work on the kitchen garden.

The cisterns we've also won are due to arrive any day. We will be collecting over 5,000 gallons of water from our greenhouse roofs ... and this water will go right to the orchard.

Should be another wonderful sunny day before rain returns tomorrow ... Hope your day is great!

Flowers in Red - Ernesto

2011-11-01T05:19:00.001-04:00

Flowers in Red - Ernesto, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A special thanks to my dear friend Ernesto for allowing me to use one of his incredible photographs for this work. Please check out his wonderfully inspiring photostream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/vilageron/ .

The cold has arrived - and after our bout of rain yesterday, the leaves are falling fast from the trees. Walking from my house to the mailbox is like walking in colorful litter -- only a bit crunchier! LOL

It'll be a super busy week as we prepare our grounds and celebrations for orchard planting next week -- it's exciting to think that we'll soon have over 40 fruit trees in the ground - and after a few years - delicious fruit to share! Each time I eat an apple, I'll be dreaming of these trees!

Hope your day is magnificent!

Pumpkins for Halloween

2011-10-31T06:23:00.001-04:00

Pumpkins for Halloween, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Oh the tree color! After a quick trip to visit family - and yes, more plane delays - 12 hours to ARRIVE to see my family -- one glorious fall day -- followed by rain and SNOW!!! -- we were able to return home to autumnal bliss with trees and landscapes a kaleidescope of golds, magentas, reds, oranges, yellows --- and the fields - that autumn ochre that sets off such vivid colors!

It was such a joy to finally visit with my family after such a fiasco in August. And our start to New York this time with three hour delays at our local airport and even more delays in New York - all seemed to be a repeat of the summer trip attempt. But we prevailed -- and our time together, though short, was incredibly wonderful. But travel lately just isn't the pleasure it used to be - nor the luxury. I suppose the next time we take off for a family visit, we'll steel ourselves for a long, challenging trip - and hope to be pleasantly surprised if and when it turns out to be as easy as it was returning home! LOL

Today is halloween - time for little goblins to play 'trick or treat,' visit their neighbors and collect treats of candy and the like. Living in such a rural community as we do, we have very few little visitors ... but I see them at the shopping centers, church parties, day care parties and the like... all dressed in costumes to frighten or delight.

It's a catch-up day for me - a bit of work from home, repacking for a busy week ahead preparing for the orchard planting and the cisterns that are en route, and a few more workshops...

We're expecting a bit of rain and cooler temps ...and with halloween ... the beginning of holiday preparations as well.

Have a marvelously SPOOOOKKKKYYYY DAY!

Fall Color

2011-10-27T06:48:00.001-04:00

Fall Color , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This fall view is a bit lighter in real life than on my screen this morning - but the bright colors are definitely what I see around me. Fall color - is just about at its peak in piedmont North Carolina.

Our trip yesterday went beautifully well - a gloriously warm day, beautiful colors, historic buildings, jaw-dropping, unique trees to marvel and purchase, a terrific lunch --- really a nice way to end the tour season just as our temps change to winter-chilly and rain.

I'll be off line for several days...and will catch up as I can ...

Hope your weekend is filled with sun and color!!

Hibiscus - Challenge

2011-10-26T06:19:00.001-04:00

Hibiscus - Challenge, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I FINALLY got a chance to paint my OWN challenge! LOL (http://www.flickr.com/groups/watercolouristpwl/discuss/72157627675865521/). These hibiscus were spotted on a recent visit to Montrose Gardens. My own hibiscus are long gone, but several weeks ago, these pretties were gracing the incredible historic garden in HIllsborough, NC - along with salvias, caster beans, lycoris, helianthus and rudbeckias. The gardens today are wearing their fall wardrobe - and while the blossoms have faded, leaves and berries have taken center stage ....

We're off on another tour - one of the last for our season .... and probably one of the last warm days. Winter is nipping at our mornings, warning us of its coming arrival....

Hope your day is grand!

Leaves of Fall

2011-10-25T06:25:00.001-04:00

Leaves of Fall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The winds seem to intensify this time of year, taking the colorful leaves on a final, rolicking adventure. As we walk, they fall around us, reminding me of large, bright snowflakes. They collect at our feet, on the shrubs, along the roadsides. On the paths, feet crumble these drying bits of autumn, and over time, the nutrients locked within their mighty cells, will go to feed the next generation of foliage. Amazing!

We continue our preparations for the orchard and celebration as well as a few remaining workshops. Right now, we're collecting berries, nuts, cones for our wreath making class in December. Tomorrow we venture through nature as we visit a state park to view the historic buildings and a nursery that has amassed a collection of unique trees. The weather should cooperate, and the travel to these sites a beautiful kaleidoscope of fall hues.

Hope your day is filled with autumn magic!

Sundown at the Park

2011-10-23T06:59:00.001-04:00

Sundown at the Park, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Walking through Granville Athletic Park the other day, our timing was perfect to capture the last yellow/pink rays of the sun as it settled between the boughs of the pines and illuminated the path we followed. A few 'spot lights' of sun remained, while the woodlands around us faded into the dark of slumber ....

It's almost 7 am, and all around me this morning, is still that slumbering dark. Not even a hint of sunrise as of yet ...instead, the scent of coffee welcomes my early morning activities and greets me -- as I anticipate the light ...

Hope sunshine fills your days and delights your Sunday ...

Barn in Yellow Field

2011-10-21T07:27:00.001-04:00

Barn in Yellow Field, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The fields are still a bit yellow, though the cold nights have begun turning their golds to brown. Still, coming home yesterday - the brilliant colors, again due to the cold nights and recent rains, have intensified -- and the reds of the maples, and even some of the oaks - are taking their place among the golds and oranges. Here and there, a sugar maple will blaze against the turquoise - Carolina blue sky- in a fire-bright orange - and just about stop me in my travels!

I LOVE this time of year ...the harvests, the colors, the crispness, the scent of woodsmoke and the taste of apples ....

Enjoy the day ...! This glorious season won't last long enough ...

Inspired by Porcelain Berries

2011-10-20T07:08:00.001-04:00

Inspired by Porcelain Berries, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I've never had the pleasure to actually find porcelain berries - or grow them - but I'm fascinated by their colors - blue, pink, yellow -- unusual berry color - and in the fall! This was painted from a photo reference - but oh I wish I could see these!

The temps have turned today - mid 40s to begin the day - and only rising to the low 60s! Our volunteers will be here in an hour and we'll be harvesting some of the cole crops that we've planted for the hungry, and weed and clean up in preparation for the orchard planting in a couple of weeks.

Thank you all for your most kind comments .... your generous words keep me painting and improving ... blessings!

Hope your day is warm and wonderful!

Fall Hay - Oxford, NC

2011-10-19T06:49:00.001-04:00

Fall Hay - Oxford, NC, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Although I have accentuated the colors of this painting a bit, the view is from one of the farmlands near my home. We're in our second season of hay harvest, and already I am watching the hay cut, rolled and moved under barn eaves. The feel of this hay season is different than the spring cutting - fall hay fields are more muted in color - the yellows more golden than lemon, the shadows more brown, and the surrounding trees of the farms - less green and more orange and brown ... LOVE each of these seasons!

Our trip today was canceled due to rain and tour guide illness -- so we'll reschedule when the weather and our guide are both better.

The trip yesterday was incredible! Lots of history, wonderful plants, awesome stories - and our lunch, catered by a winery, was followed by a taste tasting and mini-tour of the winery -- not on the schedule -- but a delicious surprise!

Hope your day is filled with color!

Farmers Market Mini Bouquet

2011-10-18T06:01:00.001-04:00

Farmers Market Mini Bouquet, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The mini bouquet I purchased at the farmer's market last week still looks as fresh and autumnal as the day I brought it home! Those reds, oranges, browns and golds echo the tree color swiftly capturing more and more of the landscape. I kept the vase soft and hazy to keep the accent on the flowers.

I'll be gone most of the week with trips and tours - it's another busy one!

Hope your week is delightful!

Farm View - "Heath - Heide" - Thank You Reina!

2011-10-16T06:58:00.001-04:00

Farm View - "Heath - Heide" - Thank You Reina!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This painting was inspired by a glorious photo by Reina - reintjedevos (www.flickr.com/photos/40610636@N03/). THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Please stop by to see her incredible photographs! An absolute delight!

I've given this painting a bit of an 'orangey fall' look ... much like I'm seeing in the countryside of North Carolina. (It's a bit lighter in tone in the original.)

So many of Reina's photographs remind me of North Carolina and the landscapes I love .... and to think that she lives almost across the globe!
I do believe that the things we write about, the stories we listen to, the paintings we choose to spend time creating, all give a hint about the people we are ...and it's amazing to me the common threads we all share...and the beauty so many of us appreciate in unique ways.

We've been blessed with incredible weather this weekend - cool mornings and warm afternoons. Our walk yesterday was a dazzle of falling leaves and colorful countrysides ...and the yearning for foods of fall -- apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squashes. I've become a bit like the proverbial ant of Aesops Fable - it's time for laying in stores for the winter. No time for grasshopper singing - and the Farmer's Market seemed to echo that same - 'get ready' atmosphere. The mood, like the currently opened North Carolina State Fair, was festive - and so colorful! Pumpkins, squash, cole crops of varying greens, beets, carrots, peppers - a riot of fall on tables, stands and shopping bags!

At home, my garden is still sporting bright petunias, roses, salvias, zinnias and more -- but those TALLLLLL swamp sunflowers (added this year in the drought!!) - stand 6' tall and are a blaze of yellow!

Don't you just LOVE this time of year?!

Inspired by Fall Berries

2011-10-14T06:38:00.001-04:00

Inspired by Fall Berries, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The culmination of a plant's lifecycle is the return to the fruit/seed stage of its life - coming full circle from seed, to plant, to flower, to seed again. Fall seems to be the berry-ist time of the year as trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals give the next generation of plant material the virtual 'push out of the nest.' From the fruits that are eaten and the seeds deposited by the consumer, to the wind-borne traveling seeds, to those buried for consumption and later forgotten, nature is preparing for next year's crop ...

Berries of all shapes, sizes, colors make this season even brighter ....Grapes, hawthorne, holly and dozens of others are all a fall delight ... and I love them all!

The cool weather is returning, but before the rains distribute seeds around the landscape, I hope to find more inspirational 'berry' materials to celebrate the season! Hope you do too!

Happy berrying!

Fall on the Eno

2011-10-13T06:43:00.001-04:00

Fall on the Eno, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

It's always a joy to return to the Eno River and walk its many trails and listen to the gurgle of water as it makes its way to the sea. But we won't get there for another two weeks when I lead a trip to that historic park. This view was painted from a photograph I took earlier this year and I adjusted the colors to reflect those of the changing colors I see today. Our yellows are still a bit muted, but more of the reds are showing, and the brilliant oranges of our sugar maples have a few more weeks before they show themselves!

Yesterday was a less frantic day as part of the time, we were the ones listening to lectures, and the afternoon was spent giving them ... a nice balance ...

Despite the rainy week we've had, we'll attempt to put some fall flower color in our sign garden as we prepare for the orchard planting celebration early next month.

The warmth has returned, and already we're in the 70s! But the cool will be back this weekend, and with it, the feeling and coloration of fall.

Have a great one!

Morning Sun Up

2011-10-12T06:21:00.001-04:00

Morning Sun Up , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

It seems nine forevers since I painted a sunrise or sunset ...There's a bit more pink in this than shows on the scan and the sky is a light, multihued blue -- but alas, scanners and cameras - at least in my hands - just can't capture the subtleties ...

Our garden tour yesterday was rescheduled until next week, and that means three days of tours ... another week being out of the office ...With winter coming on, though, our trips will slow down and we'll be holding more classes ... then we'll rev up again in the spring. We certainly have seen some enviable gardens this year!

I'll be off line again today with lectures and classes and hope to catch up as I can ...

Rain is pounding my roof as I type and it's darker than dark out my window...We've got a garden to plant tomorrow in fall pansies -maybe by then the soil won't be too soggy ...

Have a great day!

Dawn on the Beach

2011-10-11T06:50:00.001-04:00

Dawn on the Beach, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A quick watercolor for these busy times ... I painted this a while back as I began playing with abstracts and wet into wet ...

I awoke to rain this morning - and we've a rescheduled trip to the gardens ... I'm still waiting for dawn to break to make a final decision about attempting the trip - but my inclination is to reschedule once again. There is so much history packed into each of those garden rooms, that I really want folks to hear the stories attached to each garden element as well as well as to experience the beauty of those gardens - without the distraction of wet grasses, umbrellas and rain ... we'll see.

Meantime, we're working on the preparations for the orchard planting and naturally, there are meetings upon meetings. I'll be offline for most of the week - but hope to catch up as I can ..

Hope your day is terrific!

Tradescantia

2011-10-10T05:23:00.001-04:00

Tradescantia, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The delicate blossoms of the spiderwort, Tradescantia, called for a soft, less defined painting treatment. Their delicate hues, tiny flowers, and soft blue-purple are in bloom now, and these were captured at Montrose Gardens last week.

These are common perennials here, and are not quite as upright as I've painted. These tiny flowers were being used as a border in the historic gardens we visited, but they also can be found growing wild.

It's the start of another busy week - classes and trips again - with rain in the forecast. Though we've finally caught up from our water deficient, the air feels so dry, that we are welcoming the showers.

More and more trees are turning golden and red. Our walk in the park yesterday seemed to show even more color that the day before ... Leaf fall has amplified, and I enjoy hearing their crunch underfoot as we walk.

Hope your week is terrific!

The Lake - Leeds Castle, Kent - THANK YOU IAN!

2011-10-09T08:27:00.001-04:00

The Lake - Leeds Castle, Kent - THANK YOU IAN!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A friend and I were discussing how words and paintings inspire us in all sorts of ways - music too - and so many images posted on Flickr never fail to inspire and uplift me - and Ian Dalton's work (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ians_paintings/6057167856/in/photostream) is one of those inspiring sites that I often turn to for just such musing. THANK YOU, Ian, for the inspiration - yet again!

It's SOOOO GOOOD to get my computer back from the shop - and to know that it is free of all the snags that seemed to give me trouble the last few weeks. C and I spent the day yesterday running errands - a trip to the Farmer's Market - always a festive event, groceries, eye doctor, this store and that, a walk around the neighborhood - all filled with the cool fall weather, sunshine, relaxation, and the landscape in golden, bright, delicious tones. Absolutely DELIGHTFUL!

I've begun seeing more and more reds in the trees and shrubs --- and with the rain coming and more cold nights, it will be a fast few weeks and our peek color should be dazzling!

The balers are in the fields, and I hope to capture a few photographs of my favorite hay bales and barns ...what can I say ... I love 'em! LOL

HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY!

Fall Morning

2011-10-08T08:21:00.001-04:00

Fall Morning , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

The mornings begin mighty cold lately - mid 40s ... but by afternoon, we are in short sleeves and enjoying temps in the 70s -- and some days, near 80F! This makes for our trees to really take on colorful changes. Yesterday, I was busy snapping photos of the yellows, golds and bits of red that have finally appeared ..... Though we are far from color peak ... it's amazing how a week of cooler tempratures, and this week we'll have rain, the parade of hues will really be running fast!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY CANADIAN FRIENDS!!! I'll bet YOUR colors are glorious about this time of the season!

Glorious day yesterday! We took my ailing computer to the shop -- I get it back today; spent a few hours painting with my friend in the great outdoors, had a quiet, terrific dinner, and then returned to the park for a leisurely walk! MY KIND OF DAY! Relaxing, and filled with just enough diversity to make it fun!

We're off to the farmer's market and running errands - but what seems different this weekend, is that NONE of these things are obligatory -- so there's a feeling of relaxation and adventure -- again, both needed after such a strained few months!

Hope your day is terrific ..! And thank you for your kindest comments yesterday!

Petunias

2011-10-07T07:06:00.001-04:00

Petunias, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Ah -- home ...! What an intense period of weeks it has been- ! Finally a weekend that promises to be a bit more relaxed and slower-paced ...!

The sun has not yet broken the horizon as I write - the house is quiet, my coffee hot and delicious, and with few obligations ahead of me, I feel an overwhelming sense of relaxation that I haven't been able to enjoy in quite a while ... thank heavens!

Though the nights have been cool, our temperatures during the day have been so incredibly pleasant - mid-70s!! Here and there, I'm beginning to find a few persimmons that are ripe enough to enjoy on our walks. My bright pink petunias are still in glorious bloom - and they made me grin when I got home last night to see such vivid brightness against a yellowing landscape.

The tomatoes have been hit by the cool temperatures and only the few ripening fruits remain in their cages. Mulch piles are begging to be spread -- and the rest of the gardens are scareaming for a clean up. But right now after so many frenetic weeks of activity, WE need a clean up - and so, despite the chores that cry for attention, this weekend will be one to rest!

Hope you enjoy your weekend too!

Fall Gourds

2011-10-05T06:22:00.001-04:00

Fall Gourds, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

We've been fortunate this fall to visit many different gardens as part of our lecture tour series, and we've seen such wonderful flowers, trees, vegetables. This painting was done from Old Salem Gardens and one of their historic, recreated gardens. The gourds were in the field, drying, and would have been used by earlier Moravians as dippers or bowls ...

My computer at home and internet connection crashed on Sunday and I spent 6 hours on the phone with IT to no resolution ... sigh. When I got to work, our own IT services were wobbly for some reason ... but thankfully, at least at work, service has been a bit better this morning. My dear C seems to have cobbled my computer back to an earlier 'set point' so I can now use the machine and Internet, but with all that was apparently wrong with it, I think she'll spend some time at the shop ....

Meantime, we'll be off campus again today on another garden outing and tomorrow busy with "Plant a Row' volunteers -- mercy -- and it's not even SPRING! LOL

The weather has been absolutely GORGEOUS! Cool in the morning - and this week, mid 70s and sunshiney! The leaves are turning more yellow and here and there a spot or two of red ... yep, season's turned!

Hope your day is great -- I'll try to catch up with everyone as I can ...

Fall Coming On After Papeix

2011-10-03T07:56:00.001-04:00

Fall Coming On After Papeix , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I'm still studying Papeix's work (http://sites.google.com/site/jcpapeix/) and attempting to blend the things I like about his wet in wet approach into my own ...

This painting is from a view of the fields I pass in rural Granville County. The trees haven't as yet turned as deep an orange - but with the cooler weather we are having this week, it won't be long. Already the cold nights have killed my tomato plants ---

Hard to believe it's already October .....

Have a great day!

Fall - at Montrose Gardens, Hillsborough, NC

2011-10-02T09:15:00.000-04:00

Some of the fall blooms at Montrose Gardens yesterday --- what a glorious day!!! Cool weather, sunshine, and flowers and berries and magic at every turn in this incredible garden!!!

Viburnum

2011-10-01T07:43:00.001-04:00

Viburnum , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Thank each of you for your incredibly generous birthday wishes yesterday!

It was a fantastic birthday!

We ran errands in the morning, and then spent the rest of the day with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. We went out to dinner -- and what a joy it was to sit at the table and converse with Nick and Emily -- like adult/children! When we got home, they each read me a story --- really a terrific way to spend a special day!

Today we're off to see Montrose Gardens again -- this time in the fall. The weather has certainly turned torward fall .. it's a cool 60 degrees -- so I'll be sporting a jacket! I can't wait to see what this season brings to one of my favorite places!

Again - thank you so very much!! I hope your day is filled with sunshine and all good things!

Rose of Sharon - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2011-09-30T06:45:00.001-04:00

Rose of Sharon - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

TO ME!! Although not one of those 'milestone birthday's - today gets me one year closer to retirement ... yippee!! LOL (now to hope the economy improves so retirement can be a reality! LOL) We'll celebrate with a quiet dinner tonight with my son and grands, calls from my friends and family, and for me -- much needed R&R!!!

We gleaned not one quarter of a friend's field of sweet potatoes yesterday(a most generous offer and donation by her family) - filling the back of one of our volunteer's trucks, an SUV and our school van - for a total of over 1,341.85 POUNDS OF SWEET POTATOES! Some of the potatoes were small - but mercy, some of those were as large as my foot! For nine older women and one older man -- we bent, dug, gathered, piled, hauled to the trucks -- and then unloaded all three vehicles at our drop off point for the Interfaith food shuttle. WHEW! How we all grew in admiration for the folks who do this type of work each and every day! Their backs and shoulders are mighty strong!

We ate lunch together guessing the weight of our donation - looked at plants and as tired and sandy as we were, simply rested and laughed in the followship of a job well done.

Got home late last night, started laundry, bill paying and the like -- Another dear friend of mine dropped off a bucket of chestnuts so this weekend we'll treat those so we can use them through the winter. Charles has his jam Sunday and we'll have company for dinner, and tomorrow is an open house at one of my favorite gardens -- yeah, yeah -- another busy one --

But sometime this weekend, I will wet those brushes and take a nap! LOL

Have a great day!!!!

PS the flower is from my garden -- and some flowers on that shrub are still in bloom!

Fall Morning on the Lake

2011-09-29T06:33:00.001-04:00

Fall Morning on the Lake , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A quick landscape painted last night after a full day of tours and guests and work-catch up after hours ....This scan doesn't show the light blue of the lake as in the original -- but it's the best I could adjust the uploaded image this morning ...

We're dashing out to glean sweetpotatoes (collecting after the harvest) from a friend's fields ... the pounds of food will be donated to the hungry. Already, between the friends of the Arboretum and what we have grown ourselves, we have donated over 1,000 pounds of fresh food to the area's needy.

Hope to catch my breath and spend a leisurely few hours visiting everyone tomorrow ..... Have a grand day!

Yellow Woods - Fall in Oxford

2011-09-27T06:32:00.001-04:00

Yellow Woods - Fall in Oxford, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Yellow fields have again captivated me -- and here, one of the many barns in Oxford, the yellow wildflowers and tangle of trees have almost hiding the barn.

This scene is but four miles from my home - and I carefully watch the site as the wildflowers change with the seasons. The fall's yellow flowers - rudbeckia, coreopsis, goldenrod - all mix with the wild grasses also found there. I don't venture far into the tangle - the knowledge that ticks are still active keeps me at road's edge. Still, I admire the way the changes play over this bit of rural life.

I'll be off line for the rest of the week as our classes and trips rev up --- I'll be checking in sporatically as I can - but hope to catch up on Friday ....

Have a grand week!

Beauty Bush

2011-09-26T05:30:00.001-04:00

Beauty Bush, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

The show in my garden this time of year is the American Beauty Berry (Callicarpa americana) - also known as French Mulberry. I have two varieties - this purple, and a white, more drooping shrub. Both take center stage.

This medium sized shrub is native to our area and can be grown in zones 5-10. The show-stopper, though are the bright purple to metallic berries - beloved by all types of birds. The flowers and leaves appear late in the spring, at least in my garden, but the berries last through most of the winter, and for the white variety, those wonderful drooping stems add a wonderful winter interest.

Though the leaves are greener in summer, aleady mine have turned a muted olive and are soft and a bit fuzzy to the touch. It's a fast-growin shrub, and I have to admit, I seem to be finding a number more volunteers each year. These can be transplanted. I find that the white variety, at least where it is growing now, seems to reproduce a bit faster than the purple.

It's going to be another wild week for me and I'll be in and out with classes and tours and lectures. We're also gleaning sweet potatoes for the hungry from a friend's fields ...

Hope your week is fabulous!

Cape Lookout Live Oaks after Papeix

2011-09-25T07:49:00.001-04:00

Cape Lookout Live Oaks after Papeix , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

There has been precious little time to paint this rainy weekend - this was painted a few weeks ago during one of those rare, but welcome, fits of inspiration that seems to create paintings without effort. I painted from this same photo of the live oaks on Capte Lookout earlier (http://www.flickr.com/photos/linfrye/6143118477/) but wanted to see if I could approach the scene using some of the simple and effective brushstrokes I have been studyding by Papeix (http://sites.google.com/site/jcpapeix/).

I like both of these approaches for different reasons ... and I find it interesting how different an approach can make in a painting of the same subject.

It's been a busy weekend -- we put up two canners full of field peas - half a bushel!! that is, after we shelled them all! Then finally had a moment to dash out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary ... today, it's all those pesky chores that wait for me each week --- the weekend flies by and before I know it, the work week begins -- or in some cases lately, continues from the weekend.

Driving to town for our dinner yesterday, I was noticing how yellow our landscape has become - already our tulip poplars are not yet golden, but definitely yellowing. And I can see through the woodlands more as leaves have begun to fall and the foliage thins ...

In my area of North Carolina, the peak of fall color won't occur until the end of October to mid-November, so I've a long time to watch the season turn ... but already I am hunting for colored leaves and those wonderful fall berries ....

Hope your Sunday is terrific!

Hops

2011-09-24T08:21:00.001-04:00

Hops , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Another grey, rainy day -- perfect for a restful, quiet time. This painting is based on a photo I took last week at Old Salem of a huge hops vine .... I loved those pods - and though the vine itself reminded me of grapes with its heart-shaped leaves ... the scaly fruit of the hops (MUCH smaller than I've painted here) were not at all juicy or colorful as grapes can be.

Old Salem gardens are historically accurate recreations of the gardens grown and tended by the first Moravian settlers to North Carolina. Hops, probably for beer, was one of their crops. It's a hearty vine - and this particular plant was growing up a line extended from a pole more than 10' high ... I'd need two ladders to harvest the hops! LOL

I enjoyed a few hours painting yesterday with my friend Jodi - whom I hadn't seen all summer --- so good to be returning to normal things! We got a half bushel of field peas shelled and today, while the rain keeps me indoors, I'll can those for the winter and save some for dinner tomorrow.

My plans are to paint a bit and maybe get in that nap I just couldn't find time for yesterday ..

Hope your day is restful too!

Persimmons - HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL

2011-09-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

Persimmons - HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL! I know we had a mighty hot, dry summer - but it seems to me that fall has arrived far quicker that I could have imagined when we were suffering through 100F weather!

My persimmons are not quite ready-- but they are on the trees - both at home and at the Arboretum. Already I can imagine their sweet taste and the desserts I'll craft from them .... now to be patient enough to let them ripen!

It's a rainy wet day for fall's entry, but we're glad for the moisture and quietness of a grey day. It's been a wild week and I'm looking forward to catching up on rest and painting!

Hope your first day of fall is terrific!

Tree Reflections - Denis Collette

2011-09-22T07:02:00.001-04:00

Tree Reflections - Denis Collette, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This painting is based on a fabulous photograph by Denis Collette (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniscollette/) -- THANK YOU, Denis!! I painted it a long time ago and it has been sitting in my dwindling archives for months... On this rainy, busy week, I thought it might be appropriate to post today -- Once again -- thank you, Denis!

My workshop went well last night -- we all ate and learned and ate some more. I was mighty late getting to my room and up early for our volunteers this morning. I've one last busy, full day with meetings - and then home for my first real weekend of rest. I'm looking forward to it!

We're in for another weekend of rain - and my garden really needs my attention -- but perhaps the rain will give me that excuse I need to put it off a bit longer.

Hope your day is great!

Time for Pansies!

2011-09-21T06:41:00.001-04:00

Time for Pansies!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

With cooling temperatures and the offical 'date' of fall almost here, it's time to clean the gardens of spent summer flowers and plant those wonderful, versatile, cool season pansies!

The horticultural therapy program at our college grows these each spring and fall - and the variety of colors and sizes of these cheerful flowers are always amazing! We typically plant these en masse at the garden in front of the sign for the Arboretum - and waves of white and purple seem to show up best from the roadside. I love the multi-hued faces the best .. they never fail to bring a smile!

We've been having rain most of the week, and the weeds are having their way with the gardens. We need the rain - but mercy do we have work to do!!

Mike returns to Charleston today for follow up and stitch removal ..thank you once again for all your thoughts and prayers -- he's mending well ...

My class meets tonight so it will be mighty late evening - and early morning tomorrow when our volunteers come to harvest for the hungry and get those gardens in order.

Hope your day is bright -- no matter the weather!

Cape Lookout after Papeix

2011-09-20T06:40:00.001-04:00

Cape Lookout after Papeix, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

My good friend Bev Morgan introduced me to the work of Jean Claude Papeix (http://water-color-paintings.blogspot.com/2011/05/jean-claude-papeix.html) - and I fell in love with his style.

This painting is of Cape Lookout from the trip Charles and I made several weeks ago. I tried to emulate Papeix's style ...

I think of our trip today especially, on our 19th wedding anniversary -- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, CHARLES! It's been such a busy time for us this month, that we are both grateful for the brief respite we took weeks ago.

We'll celebrate our anniversary this weekend when, hopefully, our whirlwind will slow down!

Apples

2011-09-19T05:21:00.001-04:00

Apples , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Saturday's field trip to Historic Bethabara Park was fun - though cool and wet. Two years ago when the Arboretum made the trip, the festival was canceled due to excessive rain and ground that was too soggy to hold up the vendor tents and stage. This year, though overcast with scattered showers, the festival went on - music, old-fashioned games, crafts, and apples. From dried, to fresh, North Carolina grown varieties, pies, sauce, cider and more - the festival, and the cool of the day - the mood and feel -was apples! My favorite variety - Pinova - wasn't there again this year -so I settled for an apple that comes close in taste - the Honey Crisp ... a bit of sweet-tart, firm flesh and thin skin -- fall indeed!

The rest of the weekend was filled with grant reading and grading, taking down my exhibit and rehanging my paintings elsewhere, finishing the cooking for my class on Wednesday, packing the car ...after ten days away - it feel like three more days 'away' ...

And leads to a similiar busy week ahead with a meeting or class each and every night this week. Whew ...

Mike continues to do well. He returns to Charleston for stitch and drainage tubes removal later this week. We continue to be ever grateful ...

I'll probably be scarce because of work obligations - but will catch up as I can. Meantime, have an apple -- it's just about fall!

Fall in my Favorite Field

2011-09-17T06:57:00.001-04:00

Fall in my Favorite Field , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

It's that time again when yellow is the dominant color along the roadsides and in the fields. Fall's 'yellow', unlike the yellow of spring, is more golden, with hints of the season's end in tinges of brown, tan, ochre. Even the greens of the fields - emerald in spring - are now more olive with hints of red ... Season's turning ....

We're off to the apple festival at Bethabara today - the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina. Two years ago, our trip was rained out, so we rescheduled it again for this year. Weather is supposed to be overcast with a chance of rain -- so we've fingers crossed that the wet stuff holds off until tonight. It's cooler too -- in the mid 50s ... making the day really feel like fall.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Moorland in Evening's Glow - Challenge

2011-09-16T06:30:00.001-04:00

Moorland in Evening's Glow - Challenge, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Ahhh.... home!! So GOOD to sleep in my own bed again, visit my droughted garden, wild kitties, and unpack my poor car! LOL Mike got home safely as well and is feeling pretty good --- Grateful hearts all around!

It's a working weekend for me with a field trip on Saturday, cooking today for a class on dehydration I'll be teaching next week, and catching up from my time away.

This painting was done before I left for Charleston -- I wanted to focus on the colors of the heather -- to intensify those as the center of interest - and so I didn't paint in the bench from the original photograph. Seeing the painting again this morning - I think the addition of the bench would join the two trees somehow so I might add it later on. Still, I really enjoyed playing with these colors and the challenge of having those compliments work without becoming mud.

We've a cold front moving in ... at least for the weekend. Temps won't reach 70F ... quite a change from summer highs that hovered near the 100s!

Hope your weekend is restive!

Bananas and Apple - Returning Home!

2011-09-15T06:15:00.001-04:00

Bananas and Apple - Returning Home!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

We're heading home!!! Mike was released from the hospital yesterday, but must return next week to have his drainage tubes and stiches removed. He spent the night with his dad and will be driving to NC today. I left Charleston yesterday and arrived at work early afternoon and spent a good number of hours catching up and putting out fires -- but more than anything -- WE'RE ALMOST HOME!!

A million heart-felt thank you's for all your prayers and good wishes for my son. I am a true believer in the power of prayer and these have pulled him through another difficult, dangerous surgery. He will be home over a month as he more fully recovers.

This painting was finished in the hospital from a photograph I brought with me to keep me occupied during the long hours of sitting. But it also represents, to me, a bit of returning to normalcy - such as real food for Mike - and home-cooked meals for me! LOL

Again, my deepest gratitude to YOU ... and to our good Lord who keeps us all.

Live Oaks on Cape Lookout, NC

2011-09-13T06:54:00.001-04:00

Live Oaks on Cape Lookout, NC, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This painting is from a photo I took on Cape Lookout, North Carolina - that tip of the beach that reaches into the Atlantic Ocean across from Cape Lookout Lighthouse. We followed this path through the live oaks of this National Seashore Park, enjoying the relative quiet and coolness of the shady areas.

I post this today especially for those glorious giants I studied for all my college work, and which also line the streets of Charleston and maritime forests of the South Carolina's lowcountry. I pass many of these trees as I walk from my motel room to Mike's hospital room - and I always admire that unusual horizontal branching that is so characteristic of live oaks.

We had a bit of a set back yesterday after seeing the surgeon, and though all is well, progress has slowed a bit and we are still waiting for Mike's body to respond to food a lot better than its been doing. It's a very challenging waiting game right now.

Once more than you for all your thoughts and prayers .. I know it won't be too much longer before we call can head back to North Carolina.

Poppies for Peace- Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T06:12:00.001-04:00

Poppies for Peace- Remembering 9/11, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Ten years ago, our country experienced the worst tragedy of our existence - the bombing of the two World Trade Towers in New York. I know that each of us can remember where we were when the news came to us, and the days following, and the days following that.

My father was one of the thousands of construction workers who built the towers -- he's gone today, but I cannot think of the Towers without remembering his work there.

After the Towers' attack, I remembered the urgency I felt to hear the voices of my loved ones, to make sure they were safe, and the great need to be home and with those I loved. I suppose challenging times bring out those feelings .. no matter the threat - to be among those we love.

I painted this yesterday from Mike's hospital room -again, feeling the need to be with one of my own family members. I thought about him, our own family's losses and joys, and felt need to pray for peace ....

For all of us ....

Mike continues improving - perhaps he'll be ready for liquids today and to have even more tubes removed ...

Meantime, we are blessed, to be among those we love as we continue to work for the gift of peace ...

For the world ...

Watery Landscape

2011-09-10T06:42:00.001-04:00

Watery Landscape, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though I am 'close' to the Atlantic ocean and the marshes I love, l find it difficult to leave the hospital to venture around town, even though Mike is doing beautifully well ...somehow, my mind won't let me 'play' while I'm here for parenting and supporting purposes. But I view the harbor from the waiting room window and beyond that, I can just about see those watery marshes. This painting is somewhat based on experience and memory.

Mike continues to improve -- hopefully, he'll have improved enough to be allowed water and liquids today. He walks the halls several times a day, even took a shower yesterday, and has reduced his pain med intake so he is MUCH more cogent. Really good news!

His wife stays with him when I'm out to lunch or dinner and I am with Mike while she's on break. His dad and step-mom also relieve us -- so things are good. I am painting a bit - but it's a bit challenging space-wise -

Not sure when Mike will be released - probably after he's been eating and has other functions return on their own.

Again, many thanks for all your good wishes and thoughts!