Time for Pansies!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

Rose Hips

Rose Hips, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Thank each and everyone of you for your prayers, thoughts and good wishes sent our way. The surgery, 16 hours ago, went very, very well. The find doctors were able to remove a lot of scar tissue which was causing a tremendous amount of pain, fix a few things, and in less than 3 hours got my son into the recovery room. He was moved to his own room around lunch, and though well drugged for the pain, being in and out of consciousness, he is doing exceedingly well. I know it was all the good energy, thoughts and prayers on his behalf that helped make this possible.

He'll be in the hospital for 5-7 days, depending on his pain levels and how well he's mending. But in all, gratefully, a most successful day. It has taken two long years to get to this point--finding a doctor who was willing to risk the surgery and a brilliant surgeon and hospital staff to make such an operation such a success.

We all, family and friends, thank each of you for all your prayers. May you be blessed for such generous kindness.

I'll try to catch up with eveyone as I can ... but know most of all, how deeply I appreciate every one of you.

View from the Dune

View from the Dune, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Later today I return to the marsh, the sea, and a city I love to be with my son as he undergoes surgery tomorrow morning. It's a serious operation and I know the doctors who will be working on him are some of the finest. Still, when a loved one is in the hospital, there is always concern and worry. I'll be offline for a while - but will try to check in once we know how things go for him....

Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers on his behalf.... and I pray your week is a good one...!

Moorland, Fields of Heather - Janina

Moorland, Fields of Heather - Janina, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Janina offered a wonderful challenge - a photo of the Moorland - fields of incredible heather (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33128445@N05/6093547385/). Though I've never seen these types of fields, the photo so reminded me of the lavender fields that I try to visit each spring .... I LOVE that flow of purply pink flowers and can just imagine being amidst such beauty. As I look at my painting this morning, it probably could use a bit of 'grounding darks' ... and I thought maybe I'd add those later -- but on the other hand, I liked the dreamy quality of this - much as what I felt when I painted it -- so I left the painting as I finished it yesterday.

Today we celebrate the importance of work - "Labor Day" -- and our celebration is to take the day off FROM work for a day of relaxation and leisure -- and I'll certainly join in that kind of celebration!!!

We're expecting rain - and in a way, for those of us who spend a good part of their working lives out of doors, rain means a day of leisure. Somehow when that bright yellow orb is shining, it seems to compel me to go outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature around me ... When it rains, I tend to see that as an 'excuse' to cuddle in, paint a bit more, maybe catch a movie, maybe even a nap ...does the sun affect you the same way?

We've a bit of indoor chores to do despite the holiday and/or rain ... but for the most part, it should be a wonderful quiet day -- I hope you too have a terrific day of rest!

Orange Roses on Blue - Ernesto

Orange Roses on Blue - Ernesto, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

My thanks go my dear friend, Ernesto, for permitting me to use one of his photographs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vilageron/) as inspiration for this painting. THANK YOU SO MUCH Ernesto!! Stop by and see some of his magnificent images!!
(PS the soft blue of the background is more evident in the original painting.)

A busy day outdoors yesterday --we finally trimmed the jessamine - which was growing over the arbor, up the trees and over the roof -- be careful where you plant this vigorous vine!! Trimmed some water shoots from the eleagnus, and hit those stubborn weeds with poison. By the time we finished, we were hot and tired -- but it felt so good to get the property around the house a bit more 'under control'.

The rain we've been having has regenerated new growth in some of my flowers - and today I hope to distribute some seeds I've been saving from my purple cone flower patch. With the rain due later today and tomorrow, this should help get these wonderful plants established in a new area we cleared earlier this year.

My heart and prayers go out to the folks along the gulf coast, especially Louisiana, feeling the effects of Tropical Storm Lee and
already experiecing several feet of flood waters and power outages ... gracious. Lee is a very slow moving storm (2 miles per hour!!!!), dumping tons of rain, and heading northeast. We should be feeling its effects late tomorrow and through next week - meanwhile Hurricane Katia continues her path eastward and towards North Carolina ...

For today, we're in sunshine and relative quiet and coolness ... I'm going to enjoy it while I can ... hope you do too!

Marsh in Fall - From My Archives

Marsh in Fall - From My Archives, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

My archives are about depleted - but here's an oldie of the marsch I love ... it was done in the fall - probably last year. While I was living in Charleston, South Carolina, a coastal community, there wasn't that wonderful pronounced fall coloration that folks have in the northeast US - those deep magentas and reds and golds and oranges. We get a bit more of those colors here in piedmont North Carolina.

In Charleston, though, I would watch the marsh and observe the how the marsh grasses - spartina, needlerush, and others - lose their vibrant green in the fall, and turn a bit more tawny, to finally a more tan to brown color. The maritime forests along the marshes - those almost evergreen climax forests unique to the region - are filled with live oaks, magnolia, sweet bay, palmettos, and the few maple and oak growing among those evergreens - were the only hints of fall color - and rarely turned as vibrant a color as the same species growing in New England. Still, the marsh had its own seasonality -- and I loved it in each of them.

We're in for bouts of rain this weekend, and our eyes are turned once again to the bustling activity in the Atlantic. Hurricane Katia is the storm our forecasters are watching most closely. This 'K' hurricane replaced a similiar one - Katrina - that devastated New Orleans several years ago - and at about the same time in September. We're hoping that Katia turns northward ... and soon ...

We've some outdoor chores to do between rain showers...and the heat is returning for the weekend - still, in our drive yesterday, we have already spotted bits of yellow in the trees and very much along the roadsides ... and here and there, the first leaves of red can be found in the sumac ..

Fall is a comin' ...

Have a great weekend!

Himalayan Honeysuckle

Himalayan Honeysuckle, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This painting is a bit different in style for me than some of my others ... I'm not sure I like it or not -- but it was based on a photograph found in the Wet Canvas Reference Library of Himalyan Honeysuckle. The fruit structure of this plant and brilliant magenta inspired my choice of subject - and I tried painting it a bit more botanically -- but just didn't like the tightness my painting in that particular style gave the work. I opted for a more expressive approach focused more on color and flow ....

Yesterday with the announcement of the orchard win, the paperwork, our Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers, planting the rest of the fall garden, making apple and pear butter as a treat for the volunteers as well as routine demands made for a long, long day and even longer evening. When I got home I had a ton of vegetables to prepare for my dehydration class coming up this month, laundry, bill paying and the rest .. whew ... but at least cramming all that into one long day will leave this holiday weekend a bit freer... I hope!

The weather this week has been divine ... after all those storms - we've had a cooling off period - thankfully - so that clean-up efforts can continue in relatively comfortable temperatures, and those still without power won't be in stiffling heat.

The season has definitely turned as the tropics continue to send storms our way - typical for this time of year. We're expecting rain most of the weekend due to a tropical depression in the gulf, and we have our eyes on another hurricane brewing to the east. Gracious.

I hope your weekend is terrific, and once more, a million thank yous for your support and votes during our long orchard project!

A Pair of Pairs for the Orchard! THANK YOU!

A Pair of Pairs for the Orchard! THANK YOU!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

WE WON! WE WON!!!!

And as I sit here at 6:10 am in the morning, dawn not yet broken, and the announcement of the orchard winners ringing in my head (http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Winner) - words fail me beyond -

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I cannot express just how much we all appreciate your voting, your support, and your help! Thank you -- from the bottom of my heart - and the hearts and souls of those hungry individuals who will benefit from this grant.

Our tentative planting date is November 8 -- if you are anywhere near Smithfield North Carolina and could join us for this community-wide celebration and planting - please let me know -- and join us --

This event and orchard could not have been done without YOU!

BLESS YOU! AND THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Evenings Glow - Thanks Linda Stilin!

Evenings Glow - Thanks Linda Stilin!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I suppose water has been on my mind lately - and a wonderful photo posted of this view by Linda Stilin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilinstyle/6009955621/in/photostream) inspired this work. THANK YOU SO MUCH Linda! Take a look at Linda's fabulous photos --!!!!

I changed the mood to sunset and that rosy glow I seem to favor ....

We're down to the very LAST day of voting!!!! We began this challenge with a tornado, experienced drought, floods, and an earthquake, and ended the voting period with a hurricane ... whew! This is one project we won't easily forget.
Thank you for voting one last day! The winners will be announced tomorrow --

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Thank you always for your support! Have a great day!

Marsh Finds

Marsh Finds , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

This is a painting from the sound (marsh) side of North Carolina's Crystal Coast BEFORE Hurricane Irene. I spotted a small boat abandoned in the grasses and wanted to add it to another painting of the marshes I love.

Unfortunately after Irene, there are LOTS of abandoned boats in all kinds of odd places--people's yards, on the roads, on the dunes, and yes, also in the marsh grasses. Clean up continues throughout the eastcoast - and my sisters are still without electricity. Storm damage is being accessed from North Carolina through Canada ...

We had another storm last night - rain, thunder, lightning, winds and in some places hail ... We weathered, fortunately, this storm as well - but oh my, what a rocky night!

We're down to two days remaining in the orchard competition....!!!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Thank you always for your kindest remarks, invitations, and voting support!

Delicate Pansies

Delicate Pansies , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

In the wrath of Hurricane Irene, the loss of life and property, flooding, power outages, and the recovery to come, something a bit cheerful and sent with hope for those adversely affected by the storm.

Life resumed for us yesterday, and my family in New York, gratefully, is - others, sadly are not as fortunate and we continue to pray for their safety and the hope for little loss of property and the will, strength and ability to recover.

May this week be filled with hope and sunny weather.

The Angry Atlantic

The Angry Atlantic, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

We are in good shape---and sincerely thank you for all your prayers and good thoughts. We lost power several times, lost a couple of trees - but in all -- extraordinarily fortunate.

Our prayers now are for the rest of the eastern coast, especially those in the direct path of Hurricane Irene - New York, Rhode Island, Boston. The eye of the storm is expected to pass over New York in about an hour.

This painting is based on photos I took last week on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina and photos I have seen on the news yesterday. Our coast has taken a hard hit - most especially from flooding - from the Sound side - and wind. Thousands of folks are without power. I am so grateful, even more now, for the time we had there the week before.

I have no news about the college since power may still be out. Our IT department shut down the network entirely, so it'll be tomorrow before we can access the damage.

Again, thank you for your prayers and thoughts and they continue for those still being impacted by the storm.

Thank you too for continuing to vote, espcially for those without power!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Hurricane Irene over Marshlands

Hurricane Irene over Marshlands , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A quick watercolor of our marshes with Irene's approach. Right now, 7:15 am EDT, the eye of the storm is just about to hit the Crystal Coast of North Carolina --- the same place we vacationed last weekend. According to the news, there are folks along the coast without power, the winds and waves are up, but because Irene has lost strength to a status of 1 instead of hurricane 3 that was predicted, things aren't as horrible as they might have been -- but, they warn us - we are less than halfway through the storm.

Here, west of the coast by 200+ miles, the winds are battering my trees and we're having bands of rain come through. The reports at the school tell me of high winds and flooding -- but all, thusfar, less damaging than might have been.

We're all keeping our fingers crossed that the storm passes without more damage - but it's a slow moving storm and we're expecting these windy, rainy, gusty conditions for the rest of the day.

Thank you for all your good thoughts and prayers.

Please vote if you can especially for those who will not have their power restored for a few days!

PLEASE VOTE!
www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

The Marsh

The Marsh, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This wet in wet was done in 15 minutes in an effort to capture that watery, salty, gorgeous marsh that I so love. I suppose I'm a person who prefers quiet to the boisterous crash and splash of the ocean. The blues, siennas and greens, the knowledge that so much of sealife begins and resides in these salt marshes, the smells, the wind, the softer side of things --- all mean "marsh" to me.

Already the winds are beginning to push the waves and water on the ocean side of North Caroliana's coast. Hurricane Irene is expected to affect not just our coast, but New York, Long Island (home of my sisters and mom), Boston .. major cities and homes of thousands of people.

Here at home, we are further west from the coast and are expecting major gusts of wind and about 2"-4" rain (we need that!!) - but it also means power outages and some tree damage, but we should, we pray, avoid the worst. The coast has already begun evacuations... My college, on the edge of the path, is more likely to suffer some kind of damage ... all we can do is wait -- prepare -- and pray. Before I left work yesterday, we walked the Arboretum property getting things put indoors and those outdoors secured. We'll be as ready as we can be.

When I got home yesterday, I began the same walk-about, securing things, removing those items - like tomato cages, loose flower pots, statuary - that might take off and become projectiles in high winds. I've gotten batteries, food, extra water, gasoline for the generator, charged my phone, gassed my car.

I hope we have power on long enough to get my votes in each day!! LOL Thank you for your support and good wishes for the storm.

Stay safe everyone!


PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Catalpa-like Flowers

Catalpa-like Flowers, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I have really enjoyed painting white flowers this year, and these catalpa-like flowers really inspired me to do a larger splash and splatter approach. These unnamed white flowers are similar - yet somewhat different - than those of our catalpa trees. They remind me of a desert willow -- but I'm not sure since the leaves aren't the same. Regardless, I like the play of lights against darks and it was fun to do!

More preparations for the storm - though it looks like the hurricane has turned east enough to give us less trouble than it would otherwise ... fingers crossed.

We've also begun preliminary discussions with Edy's about the orchard -- so please, keep voting!!! THANKS SO MUCH!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

The Waves

The Waves, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I FINALLY got to dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean this past weekend! I"ve been dreaming of doing just that for the last several years, and finally had the chance!

The waves were pretty energetic at Emerald Isle, which is where this painting is from, and it was a real effort to remain upright as the waves pushed my legs one way and the retreating sand pushed another! Surfers were taking advantage of the waves and, since it was the last weekend before school started, the beach was pretty active with children and adults.

Yesterday was a record day for us -- we had an earthquake! I never felt one of these before --! My assistant and I were creating a new spreadsheet for a grant we received, when we felt a rumble under our feet and our mobile unit swayed. It lasted several seconds. Normally when a large truck delivers something to the Arboretum, we get the same 'movement' -- so we ran outdoors to see if we just missed hearing such a vehicle. Nothing. Then we examined our two air conditioners, thinking that perhaps a compressor had blown -- and feeling only the fan working, we reported THAT as the problem. About 30 minutes later, we received a phone call from our grounds crew asking if we were okay -- and reporting to us that there was an earthquake. I thought he was joking - but it wasn't too much longer after that that the report of an earthquake was on the news. (How silly I felt when I had to cancel our maintenance request! LOL) We are all okay -- the epicenter of the quake was north of us by about 200 miles, but the effects of the 5.8 earthquake was felt as far north as Maine and as far south as Georgia.

Adding to the news of the day - we're watching the approach of Hurricane Irene - which, when it passes North Carolina, will be a catagory 3 -- quite severe --- Forecasters can't predict its landfall just yet -- but the beaches we visited last weekend will definitely be affected -- the question is to what degree. Depending on how far the storm passes over North Carolina will determine the rain and wind damage we'll experience both at work and at my home further north. Already the stores are short on batteries and bottled water. And we're all keeping our fingers crossed that the storm continues its eastward track and misses us entirely. We'll know by Friday where it's going.

Here's hoping today is a bit less eventful -- and everyone has a terrific one!

Hibiscus - Pink Flowers - Thank you Rupa Dee

Hibiscus - Pink Flowers - Thank you Rupa Dee, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My thanks to my friend Rupa Dee (http://www.flickr.com/photos/63848165@N08/) whose beautiful photograph of hibiscus inspired this painting. THANK YOU Rupa!! Please take a moment to view her incredible works!

I began this painting at home, worked on it a bit as we drove to the coast, and a bit while we were vacationing. My own hibiscus are in bloom as well, but I fell in love with Rupa's wonderful capture .... thank you again!

We are in the second week of classes here at the college. I walked across the campus to the main building yesterday and almost had to elbow my way through the masses of people! Like most other colleges during this time of economic uncertainty, our classes are overflowing with folks trying to reeducate themselves for whatever jobs are available as well as those preparing for their future. The quiet days on campus are officially over!

But, we're still voting for the orchard. With nine days remaining in the entire four-month competition, we must keep voting daily to remain in the last five places ... Thank you again for your support!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Marshes of NC

Marshes of NC, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#

After over ten years time, my husband and I finally returned to North Carolina beaches for a few days!!! I've been dreaming of dipping my toes in the great Atlantic ocean for months now, and this weekend, we finally made it!!

We stayed at a small bed and breakfast that so reminded me of home - it was a few miles from Beaufort, NC, and our room was like a small efficiency - kitchen, dining/living room, bedroom, bath ... quiet, cozy, comfortable!

We spent our days touring, once again, the towns of Beaufort and Swansboro, Cape Lookout, the plentiful marshes, and the ocean at Emerald Isle. We spent some time at the Art Gallery in Beaufort, met a photographer who told us the best places for photographs, found several incredible restaurants, and at one shop, even had the owner give us a renditon of Elvis! LOL All in all, just what the doctor ordered -- only wish the prescription was for a few more days! LOL The weather was wonderful, if a bit hot - but sunshiney with a terrific ocean breeze.

We got home to even more high temperatures and then a blessed thunderstorm and much needed rain. The figs on my trees are finally plumping and sweetening ....

It's back to work today with a desk filled with papers and a calendar of meetings and deadlines ...

Vacations just aren't long enough!!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Moving toward Fall

Moving toward Fall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

There is a sense of fall in the air -- already the tulip tree and sycamore leaves have turned yellow - yes, partly because of the drought, but also because the season is turning away from summer's firey heat and moving toward the delicious bright, cooler weather of fall.

I love the view of this farm ... and never grow tired of trying to capture of it through all its moods and seasons. This is a quick, colorful variation ... but that fence and field carry my thoughts month to month.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement !!! And thank you for voting. We're down to the last ten days -- if we remain in the top 5, the Arboretum will win an orchard which will be maintained by our gardeners and volunteers, and the produce given to the hungry in our region. The voting remains fierce, and we really appreciate your help!


PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Have a great Sunday!

Dave's Onions

Dave's Onions, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

Going to the Durham Farmer's Market is a delight for all the senses ...! These onions, found in our friend Dave's booth, were so pretty - that we brought them home to PAINT rather than use solely for cooking! LOL Of course, they were as delicious as they were pretty!

I'll be offline this weekend and will catch up with everyone on Sunday ... the weather is supposed to be rather nice with a chance of scattered showers -- we'll be outdoors and enjoying the pre-fall weather!

Hope you have a super weekend!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Sea Holly

Sea Holly, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Though we don't currently have any of these unusual looking flowers either at the Arboretum or in my own garden, they're on the 'to be acquired' list.

These plants are native to the seasides of Europe - but with its thistlelike, prickly leaves and wonderful blue/purply color, its ability to thrive in drought conditions, and its resistant to deer, all make this plant worthy of a testing!

More chores ahead and a bit of errand-running. We've a chance of rain, so I'm dashing to get those collected seeds out in the gardens.

We're down to the last two weeks of competition for the Orchard for the Hungry -- the voting is fierce -- after all this time, we are so very close -- please help by voting today!! THANK YOU!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Linda's Barn in Snow

Linda Barn in Snow, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Yep, with temps in the 90s F it's a challenge to paint snow! LOL But it does cool one -- if only mentally! Hope you like this version too, Linda!

I missed my date with the weeds yesterday, and instead wrestled for several hours with the front garden. I deadheaded and pruned wheelbarrels of vegetation and wound up with two 5-gallon buckets of purple and white coneflower seedheads and a two-gallon bucket of blanket flower and miscellaneous seedheads! My plan is to use these over the newly cleared areas of the property and entry beds and extend the front beds a bit. It'll be a surprise to see what takes.

A bit more chores to do today and minor dashing around ... It's been wonderful to have some leisure time ...!

Stay well!

A Field of Pink Poppies

A Field of Pink Poppies , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My sisters tell me they had 10" of rain the day I was to arrive - and the party went off well despite the soaking conditions. I tried to cheer myself with some thoughts of sunshine and flowers -
I have a date with the weeds today - the recent bits of rain have given them a strangle hold on the flowers, so today the battle will be fought. It's also time to collect the prodigious amount of seeds produced by my coneflowers, blanket flowers and more and spread them around the property.

We've been collecting the seedheads of Queen Anne's lace for dispersal during some of our walks, and I've ordered a number of packages of poppy seeds to scatter along with the others. This ''Johnny Apple Seed" approach to my front garden is most enjoyable ---! LOL Yesterday I came across dozens of fruits on the Passion Flower vine that also surprised me this year. Once those fruits ripen, I'll make some jam from them. They're very tart and lemony - and are quite like pomagranate seeds. And I found several new zinnias just opening ...One thing about this seed-sowing business, it's always a surprise what grows -- as well as what doesn't ...

Hope your day is wonderful! Our temps have cooled to the mid 80s! Feels like fall!

Barn Challenge

Barn Challenge, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

After finally get a better handle on perspective through Virgil Carter's class, I felt I could tackle those barns and angles for the challenge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stilinstyle/).

I also wanted to simplify the scene a bit with a more colorful approach. Since the original photograph was taken in fall, I kept the season the same and simplified the grasses to give more of a focus on the red barn. Since the photograph and property held special meaning for Linda's sister, I didn't want to stray too far from the original ...

I'd like to try this again in a different season ...

It rained a bit over the weekend and blessed us with much needed water and a cooling down of our temperatures.

I'll tackle some long-delayed chores today and see if I can get a dent in that long list of 'one-of-these-days'!

Have a great one!

Exhibit Entry - West Point on the Eno

Exhibit Entry - West Point on the Eno, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

It took us three hours to hang 66 paintings and labels in the Photography Museum at West Point on the Eno. You can see just how tired I look! LOL

I got home, packed and finished last minute details to head to New York for a family visit early this morning. I got to the airport by 6 am, wound up having my bags examined, and made it to my gate with 20 minutes to spare -- whew!

Airplane got to the runway ..... and sat ... and sat ... and sat. After 60 minutes, and a missed connection from Phily to NY, the pilot finally made the announcement that there was a mechanical problem with the plane .. and we slowly made our way back to the gate.

A full airplane qued up by the single ticket taker to try to find new connections. Exasperated folks grumpled and swore, some were patient, some sat with crying children, and I waited, at times more patient than others, but after 75 minutes, I finally made it to the front of the line.

Sadly, there was NOT ONE connection that could get me to my sister's surprise birthday party by 7 am tomorrow. Not one. Overbooked and canceled flights, stand-bys in cities that would have left me stranded, the plane I was to have taken was removed from service entirely as repairs were more extensive than thought - all made the decision for me -- and I canceled my attempts and sadly made my way back home.

It's taken a while to get over the disappointment. It's been almost a year since I saw my sisters and mom, and I was excited to get a few days with them on such a happy occasion. Apparently, this was not to be the time.

I still have some vacation time planned that I can get those pesky chores done, car part installed, a bit of rest. We'll see ... I haven't decided just what I'll do with the unexpected time to myself .. maybe save a day or two of vacation for another time.

Meantime, I'll now have a chance to enjoy the exhibit myself ... maybe even get a chance to paint a bit.

And maybe, next time, consider taking the train ...

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Exhibit Wall

Exhibit Wall, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

Colorful Tuscany

Colorful Tuscany , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I'm still working with many of the wonderful ideas presented in Virgil Carter's class .... here, a typical Tuscan farm or vineyard treated with colorful warm colors against a cool mountain range - Tuscany, Sicily, Italy - home of my dreams. I hope to return once more - until then, I visit through my paintings.

I'll be heading out of town for several days and will be off line. It'll be a mighty busy time and I won't have much time to paint or have access to a computer - I'll check in as I can - and paint as often as time permits.

I hang my 60+ paintings today for the exhibit. I'll have to enjoy this showing once I get back. But we've worked feverishly to frame, mat, create signs and explanations of each piece, organize, and today, finally place on walls. I'll take photos!

Thank you too for your continued support and votes for the orchard. We're mighty close - with only 20 days or so until the competition is over and the winners announced!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

I hope your weekend and week ahead are wonderful! And keep playing!

Ronah's Marigold

Ronah's Marigold, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

My thanks go to my good friend, Ronah, who graciously allowed me to use her photograph of marigolds to paint this still life. Her photography is out of this world - please stop by to say hi (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kookie895/6031057677/in/photostream). I fell in love with the photo she took of these marigolds and just HAD to paint them! I am not growing any in my own garden, so these were a double treat!

The cooler weather has arrived - just in time for today's volunteers and harvesting for the hungry. We've a program planned for them as well about fall planting. It's time to rotate our crops and begin seeds for fall planting and begin our summer garden clean-up. Hard to believe that with temperatures still in the 90s we have to plant for fall -- ! We WILL be planting marigolds this fall - mostly calendulas .. and they'll help keep the gardens bright and cheery as well as repel some of the insects and attract pollinators.

Hope your day is as bright as marigolds!

Fog on the Mountain

Fog on the Mountain , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

I painted this a few months back while taking another on-line class. It's a different style than the one I've been learning these last few weeks, but I like it too -- it's just a different approach and to me conveys a different feel and emotion.

I didn't have much time to paint last night and won't the remainder of the week with meetings and other obligations. I am already missing that quiet time with paints and water ....

We've a few cooler days - much appreciated - and a very small chance of rain.

It's easy to tell the season of summer is quickly moving toward fall, despite the high temperatures. Already student cars are filling the parking lots; there's a bustle about the college that was missing during the quieter months of June and July, and even now, a bit after 6 am, it's still dark outside and the sun won't be up for another 20 minutes or so .. Time passes so quickly ...

Hope your day is terrific!

Yellow Petunias

Yellow Petunias , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

I don't have any yellow petunias in my garden, but my magentas have surived the worst of this heat and drought. For the longest time, I associated petunias with old-fashioned gardens, and I suppose they have been a long, frequently used flower. I've really grown to admire their strength, beauty and ability to withstand and survive so many of summer's challenges.

We're expecting a cool front today with temps in the high 80s, low 90s, and after temperatures in the 100s, it should feel fantastic!

Hope your weather is good for you -- and your day delightful!

Early Morn on the Marsh

Early Morn on the Marsh, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

As a final step for the exhibition, I went through some of my boxes of paintings and came across this one. It's a small painting but against the frame of plum (a bit more pink than shows here), I really loved the mood of it. I remember painting it, and hunted through my flickr uploads thinking I had posted it and could find the name I had given it. After 90 minutes, I gave up -- and could find it - surprised that I never posted the painting. So I named it last night after it was matted ... funny. The view is familiar to me and one I often paint - it's inspired by the many ponds and lakes we have in my area and those wild grasses that seem to catch my fancy.

My son and his new bride came to dinner last night, so good to catch up!

I'm mighty tired today after such an intense weekend...it'll be a while regaining my momentum ....

Have a terrific week!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Inspired by Pink Lisianthus - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!

Inspired by Pink Lisianthus - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

I saw these pink lisanthus at the farmers market last week and was inspired to paint them to celebrate Doris' birthday today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!!! MAY IT BE YOUR BEST YET!!

We picked figs in the --- RAIN!!! -- yesterday -- and didn't mind the soaking! We were doubly rejoicing for the water and the luscious fruit. I've put up over two dozen jars of preserves, dried several quarts and today will finish jars of picked figs (like spiced figs - not too much vinegar) ...!

We've company for dinner and we're still working on finalizing framing and cards for the exhibition next week.

The weekend has flown by in a buzz of activity and chores ....

Hope you have a great Sunday! And thank you for your continued votes -- we're almost to the finish line!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Couple of Trumpets

Couple of Trumpets, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

A very quick sketch of some trumpet flowers.

Still dashing around with framing, matting, selecting, creating description cards for all paintings, drying tomatoes, preserving figs, laundry, housework, and more. It seems that such busyness all falls on a single weekend these days! LOL

We are supposed to pick more figs today - right now the rain is falling and I'm doing my happy rain dance. The rain will help ripen all our fruits, perk up the plants, and give our parched landscapes much needed rain -- yahoo!

PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Hope you have a super day!

Figs

Figs , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

This painting of figs if from my archives. My own fig tree has finally begun ripening - but this year, due to so many days without rain, the figs are half the size! Still, we've been able to pick about a quart of the sweet fruits ...YUM!

It's a busy intense weekend with much to organize and prepare for the exhibit next week, car maintenance, watering, grandchildren...

Hope you have a great weekend - I'll check in as chores get crossed off the list!

Don't forget to vote!

Bird Bath

Bird Bath, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

Another day of high temperatures and we've been under heat advisories all week -- whew .... perhaps rain tonight or this weekend?

When I am home, I find dozens and dozens of bees surrounding the bit of water dripping from my air conditioning lines ... they too are in need of this vital element. With so little rain in the area, ponds and lakes diminishing, I wonder how the birds find sufficient water? My own bird bath -- not as pretty as this - filled in the morning - evaporates in an hour when it's so hot ...

Our volunteers return this morning to harvest the tomatoes, squash, melons and more that are ready ...we'll donate those to the food bank - already we've donated over 200 pounds of food!

Hope your day is cool --- and thank you for continuing to vote!
PLEASE VOTE!
http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index/439?brand=0

Barn in the Oxford Woods

Barn in the Oxford Woods , a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 Sheet
Arches 140#CP

As I continue in Virgil Carter's class, I am revisiting some of my favorite photographs and attempting to paint them in a more loose and colorful manner.

One of the things I love about living in rural North Carolina are the wonderful barns, shacks and outbuildings that dot the landscape. Some are still used; far more are abandoned, and the story of their decline is as rich as the story of their useful past. This particular barn/shack resides about two miles from my home. The fence is my inclusion, but the woodlands, trees and grasses creeping around and through the old barn are very real.

Images such as this, for me at least, harken back to simpler times, times when living by, for and with the land was the way of life and most important. ln our forward movement toward progress we tend to forget our deep, abiding dependence on this good earth. Images such as this, remind me .... again.

Take care of YOUR place on this earth -- and please remember to vote. This is the last round ending on August 31 - if we remain in the top 5 -- an orchard will be ours to nurture, tend, and harvest for this regions hungry. Thank you for your support!

Sunflowers - Again

Sunflowers - Again, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

10" x 13"
Arches 140#CP

I can't yet leave the sunflowers and the challenge of painting them. Despite the heat, the farmers market was filled with sunflowers and their big, bold, bright faces encouraged me to return again to my paintbrushes and try to capture that wonderful petaled sunshine!

We had a cooler day yesterday and a welcome back breakfast for our faculty. Classes will begin in less than two weeks, so the college is abuzz with activity after a relatively quiet summer with less students on campus.

I'm readying for another painting exhibition at one of my favorite state parks in Durham. I have four walls to fill and will at their Photography Museum for six weeks. They've asked for labels on each painting that describe the painting so today's the day to begin getting all that information together.

Stay cool today!

Fog on the Maine Coast

Fog on the Main Coast, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

1/8 sheet
Arches 140#CP

Virgil has kindly agreed to continue his exceptional class on colorful landscapes several more weeks - and this is a painting done for for that class. It's from a photograph of Virgil's from the Maine, USA coast. The photograph was a clear, sunshiney day, and I worked to change the mood, color and elements for a colorful foggy interpretation.

It's back to the work week and we're expecting temperatures a bit coolor than last. I suppose temps in the 90s will feel like a cool spell after heat and humidity over 100F! LOL

Have a great day!