The last day of 2008 ....I spent a fair amount of time this morning thinking about what to say today ... Endings usually make me mighty melancholy!
I've been using Flickr and View From the Oak as my visual and daily diaries, recording the progress of my learning to draw and paint, a bit about my life and what's on my mind. I have been blessed with the kindest, most generous encouragement and incredible friendships through these recordings, and I am ever humbled by such blessings. I thank each of you for your continued support and encouragement....and most of all, your friendship.
I reviewed my art goals for 2008 as well as 2007 -- and found them identical. I read my entries for this day from both years -- and, found them similiar ... painting flowers, sadness that the holidays were ending, hope for the future. And today as I write, I could copy and paste the same sentiments! LOL I'm down with sinus congestion, Mom leaves in 2 days, I've painted flowers!!! Talk about the Circle of Life! LOL
After all the contemplation, though, I wanted to choose one painting that represented my 'year.' So I scrolled through more than 265 paintings ... and, naturally, couldn't choose. There were so many lessons learned, styles and subjects attempted ... and I concluded after all that, for me, the last painting I paint (at least the last one I'm most happy with), would have to be the most representational. In essence, that last painting would/should represent or culminate ALL the lessons, ideas, struggles and joys of the last year --- and in this painting, I think I can claim those very things. So I choose THIS one to represent 2008 --- new lessons from Karlyn Holman, my love of flowers, painting light and form, learning more about negative painting, paths of light, the seasons of my life.
Which painting would you say represents YOUR year?
Art Goals for 2009 -- simply a repeat of 2008 ... with an emphasis, I think, on speed (in other words, QUITE FUSSING SO MUCH AND LET IT ALONE!!!), letting go of trying to 'control' so much, and trying to ACCEPT and work with those 'accidents' that plague us all:
My Art Goals for 2009:
* Sketch/paint daily – It’s the only way I know to improve!
* Practice more faces and figures – I’ve been reluctant to do these – they take more time and thought than I usually have but I really need to tackle this subject, for doing faces tells me when I’m really SEEING and SKETCHING what is in front of me!!
* Practice more landscapes – with my involvement in several plein air groups, I’d like my plein air paintings to improve
* Sketch the everyday - Learn to SEE and PAINT as an artist would – not simply to render the scene – but the feeling and drama of what I love and what I’m painting …
* Continue to work through the many art books on my shelves!
* Practice more values and perspective
* LOOSEN UP!!
* Increase my economy of line and sketching speed - In order to do this, I will have to focus on SKETCHING during the workweek and PAINTING during the weekends when I have more leisure time. I noticed these last two weeks off, that I really NEED that extra time to let the paint dry between washes, THINK and PLAN what I’m doing, etc., and I just don’t have that kind of leisure during the workweek…. So I’ll have to TRY to be satisfied with practicing my sketching and quick paintings at work and spend time on the weekends for more polished paintings.
* Continue to use richer colors – especially DARKS.
* Sketch more things of meaning – and WRITE more in each of my journal entries.
* Study more art theory such as composition, the things that make a painting more dramatic or eye-catching, what makes a good still-life, how to increase the light in a painting, etc., etc.
* I don’t want to focus on particular subjects to paint, but would rather leave that open to painting those things that are ‘meaningful’ in some way.
*And no matter what, get in as much EXERCISE as SKETCHING!!
* And as always: PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE
Here's to 2009!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Italian Skyline
Daily Practice
A quiet day yesterday. Mom watched "Under The Tuscan Sun" last night -- I can't believe she never saw it -- and of course, the scenery just mesmerized me .... and so, this practice piece.
I kept the buildings light, even with the shadowing simply to emphasize the abundant sunlight of that amazing country.
Today we dash out again for another hair appointment for Mom and some 'look-see' visits to some shops.
Tomorrow we have the grands and plan a very quiet welcome to the New Year.
The temps have been warmer than usual, but for someone who lives in Florida, the outdoors is still rather cold for Mom ... so much of our time is spent indoors. She has become enchanted with the cats, though. I often find her at the door or window watching their antics and laughing over something they're doing. They're getting so big, they're almost as large as their mother!!
Where is the time flying to?
A quiet day yesterday. Mom watched "Under The Tuscan Sun" last night -- I can't believe she never saw it -- and of course, the scenery just mesmerized me .... and so, this practice piece.
I kept the buildings light, even with the shadowing simply to emphasize the abundant sunlight of that amazing country.
Today we dash out again for another hair appointment for Mom and some 'look-see' visits to some shops.
Tomorrow we have the grands and plan a very quiet welcome to the New Year.
The temps have been warmer than usual, but for someone who lives in Florida, the outdoors is still rather cold for Mom ... so much of our time is spent indoors. She has become enchanted with the cats, though. I often find her at the door or window watching their antics and laughing over something they're doing. They're getting so big, they're almost as large as their mother!!
Where is the time flying to?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Still Life in Grotto
We arrived safely home last night; unpacked, did laundry, caught up with C and the cats, and while mom and C enjoyed "The Sound of Music', I enjoyed a bit of quiet time at the art table.
We took down the Christmas decorations, and I have a few errands to run today. I'm feeling a bit guilty for not finding the time to do the work I brought home from school ...Mercy, returning to work is going to be mighty hard ... meantime, I'm planning to paint during my last week of vacation as often as I can -- it's become an obsession!! LOL
We took down the Christmas decorations, and I have a few errands to run today. I'm feeling a bit guilty for not finding the time to do the work I brought home from school ...Mercy, returning to work is going to be mighty hard ... meantime, I'm planning to paint during my last week of vacation as often as I can -- it's become an obsession!! LOL
Cone Flower with Taylor
Daily Practice with T
Sitting at the dining room table painting with my almost 3 year-old granddaughter, she's busy painting 'flowers like Nonna" ... she counted my flowers, added flourishes on her own for each member of her family, cousins, friends .. and any thought of paying attention to what I was doing went out the window as I enjoyed our conversation and all the giggling that was going on. My attempt above will always remind me of those precious moments shared with a beloved granddaughter.
Sitting at the dining room table painting with my almost 3 year-old granddaughter, she's busy painting 'flowers like Nonna" ... she counted my flowers, added flourishes on her own for each member of her family, cousins, friends .. and any thought of paying attention to what I was doing went out the window as I enjoyed our conversation and all the giggling that was going on. My attempt above will always remind me of those precious moments shared with a beloved granddaughter.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
River II
Daily Practice
This is another sketch I completed before leaving for SC .. It's from one of the photos I took last year from the Greensboro NC Arboretum riverside trail...
We've had overcast, misty, rainy weather here -- though it's been rather warm -- 60sF -- it's been really too wet to be outdoors. T is riding her tryke around the house, but is anxious to try it with the big kids outside!
We did a bit of shopping and took advantage of the sales, and even got Nick his birthday gifts for next month. T and I have been 'painting' together, so I have a afew sketches to scan once I get home -- I can really tell the difference in my work these days when there are other things competing for my attention!! LOL GOOD attention, though! LOL
We leave for home later this morning. It's always hard to leave those we love to be separated by distance and work obligations ... but I'm imagining I'll be back shortly for a new arrival! Still, after spending so much time with T and my dd, I wish we lived closer ...
This is another sketch I completed before leaving for SC .. It's from one of the photos I took last year from the Greensboro NC Arboretum riverside trail...
We've had overcast, misty, rainy weather here -- though it's been rather warm -- 60sF -- it's been really too wet to be outdoors. T is riding her tryke around the house, but is anxious to try it with the big kids outside!
We did a bit of shopping and took advantage of the sales, and even got Nick his birthday gifts for next month. T and I have been 'painting' together, so I have a afew sketches to scan once I get home -- I can really tell the difference in my work these days when there are other things competing for my attention!! LOL GOOD attention, though! LOL
We leave for home later this morning. It's always hard to leave those we love to be separated by distance and work obligations ... but I'm imagining I'll be back shortly for a new arrival! Still, after spending so much time with T and my dd, I wish we lived closer ...
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Brown Door - Italy
Daily Practice
The trip yesterday to SC went well, if a bit slowly ... a bit of rain, TRAFFIC!, and waiting for over an hour to eat lunch en route ... but we ararived safely...
Such joy to see T again .. to watch Christmas unfold once more as a 2 year old opens gifts and wants Nonna to play and see and do ....
My son-in-law looks grand, and my daughter -- radiant! I think our new grandchild will be born in a few weeks judging from the way my dd is carrying right now ...!!
A very busy day, one filled with joy and laughter and the fatigue of travel. I sketched a bit just before falling into bed -- but I'll have to post those when I get home. This sketch was done before leaving home ...
I hope everyone has a most restful weekend! We're planning another busy day ... there's much to get done before the n ew baby arrives, and we still have a few gifts for T to open .... I DO LOVE these looonnnnggg celebrations!
The trip yesterday to SC went well, if a bit slowly ... a bit of rain, TRAFFIC!, and waiting for over an hour to eat lunch en route ... but we ararived safely...
Such joy to see T again .. to watch Christmas unfold once more as a 2 year old opens gifts and wants Nonna to play and see and do ....
My son-in-law looks grand, and my daughter -- radiant! I think our new grandchild will be born in a few weeks judging from the way my dd is carrying right now ...!!
A very busy day, one filled with joy and laughter and the fatigue of travel. I sketched a bit just before falling into bed -- but I'll have to post those when I get home. This sketch was done before leaving home ...
I hope everyone has a most restful weekend! We're planning another busy day ... there's much to get done before the n ew baby arrives, and we still have a few gifts for T to open .... I DO LOVE these looonnnnggg celebrations!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Horse Barn in Snowstorm - Diane
Christmas was a most wonderful event --- the grands loved their bikes, toys and art supplies, and the adults enjoyed a quiet time with good food, warm weather and even a walk under clear blue skies and soft breezes.
I typically prefer the clamorousness of big family get togethers for the holidays that include my sisters and their pets, all my children under one roof at the same time, friends dropping by and the commotion of so many people squeezed into a modest home -- but this Christmas with its phone calls, romping cats and peacefulness was a joy in its own right, especially with the challenging weather, economics and job demands being felt around the globe.
My friend Diane posted several photos of the snowstorm she was experiencing up north and kindly allowed me to paint from one of them -- her neighbor's horsebarn. The painting is 9" x 12" on Arches 140#cp, done in watercolor and white India Ink (Oh how I'm enjoying that ink!! LOL). Funny to be painting all that snow when our own temperatures were in the mid 60s! LOL
Today, mom, my son and I travel to SC to see my daughter and celebrate Christmas with her family later tonight. We'll be gone for a few days, so my Internet activity will be spotty. C will be taking care of the cats and a few obligations at the homestead...
I hope everyone's Christmas was joyous and filled with love, joy, friends and family.....!
See you soon!
I typically prefer the clamorousness of big family get togethers for the holidays that include my sisters and their pets, all my children under one roof at the same time, friends dropping by and the commotion of so many people squeezed into a modest home -- but this Christmas with its phone calls, romping cats and peacefulness was a joy in its own right, especially with the challenging weather, economics and job demands being felt around the globe.
My friend Diane posted several photos of the snowstorm she was experiencing up north and kindly allowed me to paint from one of them -- her neighbor's horsebarn. The painting is 9" x 12" on Arches 140#cp, done in watercolor and white India Ink (Oh how I'm enjoying that ink!! LOL). Funny to be painting all that snow when our own temperatures were in the mid 60s! LOL
Today, mom, my son and I travel to SC to see my daughter and celebrate Christmas with her family later tonight. We'll be gone for a few days, so my Internet activity will be spotty. C will be taking care of the cats and a few obligations at the homestead...
I hope everyone's Christmas was joyous and filled with love, joy, friends and family.....!
See you soon!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Here's wishing everyone a most joyous, prosperous, healthy Christmas, holiday and New Year.
And to thank you once more for your support, encouragement and kindness ...
May you and yours be filled with the love, pease and blessings of the season!!!
And to thank you once more for your support, encouragement and kindness ...
May you and yours be filled with the love, pease and blessings of the season!!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Frosty Night Walk - Silent Night
A busy day yesterday -- hairdresser for mom, a bit of shopping, a nice lunch out, just mom and I, and about 100 other folks trying to find a seat in a warm restaurant! LOL Mercy, talk about last-minute shoppers -- they seemed to be out yesterday as the traffic was the worst I've seen all season! Still, it was good to get out, cold as it was ...
With the last minute preparations and readying the house for today's celebrations -- "Santa" arrives with the grandchildren in a few hours -- I had less time to paint, so I decided to try something a bit more free form.
I found this wonderful image of grasses and weeds (LOL, I know, I know!! LOL) and decided to try to create a wintry monotone in the midnight blues that I so remember of late night snowfall when I lived in New York. This snowfall, coming in the deep indigo of evening and followed often by moon and starlight, was so cold, and yet, I was most impressed by the hush that fell upon the earth. To me, this dark, deep, rich silence epitomized the spirit of Christmas. The glint of light on the whiteness of the snow, the still, hush around me, the deep, dark night --- I always hear two songs when I think of those special nights: "There's a Kind of Hush All Over the World," and "Silent Night." And I hope a bit of the magic I feel when I remember those magical times comes through in this painting.
Because in 5 hours, it will be pandemonium here! Santa arrives for Emily and Nick, and our Christmas will be in full swing.
Our 'quiet' celebration will be tomorrow ... and so, May this Christmas --- and your celebrations, be most joyous and blessed.. and thank YOU for all your encouragement and support!
BUON NATALE!
With the last minute preparations and readying the house for today's celebrations -- "Santa" arrives with the grandchildren in a few hours -- I had less time to paint, so I decided to try something a bit more free form.
I found this wonderful image of grasses and weeds (LOL, I know, I know!! LOL) and decided to try to create a wintry monotone in the midnight blues that I so remember of late night snowfall when I lived in New York. This snowfall, coming in the deep indigo of evening and followed often by moon and starlight, was so cold, and yet, I was most impressed by the hush that fell upon the earth. To me, this dark, deep, rich silence epitomized the spirit of Christmas. The glint of light on the whiteness of the snow, the still, hush around me, the deep, dark night --- I always hear two songs when I think of those special nights: "There's a Kind of Hush All Over the World," and "Silent Night." And I hope a bit of the magic I feel when I remember those magical times comes through in this painting.
Because in 5 hours, it will be pandemonium here! Santa arrives for Emily and Nick, and our Christmas will be in full swing.
Our 'quiet' celebration will be tomorrow ... and so, May this Christmas --- and your celebrations, be most joyous and blessed.. and thank YOU for all your encouragement and support!
BUON NATALE!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Nuthatch at Snowy Sunrise
Another rather quiet day yesterday -- got the car's maintenance taken care of, got a few more things ready for tomorrow's celebrations. And even had a bit of time to paint.
We used to see a lot of nuthatches around my house, especially during this coldest time of year. And now that the cold seems to keep the cats away from the bird feeders, I've even spotted a few cardinals landing on the feeders for some much needed winter seed. I'm so glad of that.
I found this reference photo for the nuthatch and turned it into a snow scene with a bit of sunrise for warmth. I originally used goache to enhance the saved whites and for the spattered snow, but it seemed to disappear in the dark colors, so I added a bit of white India Ink.
We're off to the hair dresser's for mom and a bit of shopping. The temps are supposed to warm to 30F .. if one considers that warm ...! I don't! LOL
Tomorrow the grands come for our celebration of Santa and Christmas. I know we'll be enjoying the quiet today to rest up for the pandemonium tomorrow! LOL
We used to see a lot of nuthatches around my house, especially during this coldest time of year. And now that the cold seems to keep the cats away from the bird feeders, I've even spotted a few cardinals landing on the feeders for some much needed winter seed. I'm so glad of that.
I found this reference photo for the nuthatch and turned it into a snow scene with a bit of sunrise for warmth. I originally used goache to enhance the saved whites and for the spattered snow, but it seemed to disappear in the dark colors, so I added a bit of white India Ink.
We're off to the hair dresser's for mom and a bit of shopping. The temps are supposed to warm to 30F .. if one considers that warm ...! I don't! LOL
Tomorrow the grands come for our celebration of Santa and Christmas. I know we'll be enjoying the quiet today to rest up for the pandemonium tomorrow! LOL
Monday, December 22, 2008
Winter Snow Landscape
BRRRRR ..... Our mild temps have plummeted and we too are facing bitter cold and winds. It's below 20F .. VERY cold for piedmont North Carolina. And though the sun has been brightly shining, it has warmed little.
The snow and ice continues to blanket most of the northern part of the US, and mercy, if we here in NC are going to be miserable with cold, at least we could hope for a snowflake or two -- but that's not expected this year. So in homage to those folks struggling with record snowfall and for my own wish for a white Christmas, I found a photo reference for snow scene that I just had to paint. If I can't have the real thing, I'll have to settle for painting it!
But more seriously, I am hoping everyone affected by the snow will stay safe .. it has been a most challenging time.
Yesterday was pretty peaceful. I managed to make -- what else -- snowflake cookies (no pun intended) --play cards with mom, watch a movie, finish up some chores. Today we dash outside for scheduled car maintenance and a few other obligations. But it should be a rather quiet time. The cold bothers mom even more than it bothers me (apparently I get my cold intolerance from my mom), so we'll be spending a bit of time before the fireplace.
Stay safe and warm everyone!
The snow and ice continues to blanket most of the northern part of the US, and mercy, if we here in NC are going to be miserable with cold, at least we could hope for a snowflake or two -- but that's not expected this year. So in homage to those folks struggling with record snowfall and for my own wish for a white Christmas, I found a photo reference for snow scene that I just had to paint. If I can't have the real thing, I'll have to settle for painting it!
But more seriously, I am hoping everyone affected by the snow will stay safe .. it has been a most challenging time.
Yesterday was pretty peaceful. I managed to make -- what else -- snowflake cookies (no pun intended) --play cards with mom, watch a movie, finish up some chores. Today we dash outside for scheduled car maintenance and a few other obligations. But it should be a rather quiet time. The cold bothers mom even more than it bothers me (apparently I get my cold intolerance from my mom), so we'll be spending a bit of time before the fireplace.
Stay safe and warm everyone!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Venice Laundry II
Ah, more rain, more overcast skies, and so I return to sunny Italy and a view of Venice provided by my dear friend Jona (http://jona-sunnydays.blogspot.com/), and laundry that can be hung in the weather! This so reminded me of yesterday's chores - laundry, shopping and a TON of cooking - Italian meatballs, sausages, spaghetti sauce for next week, sanwiches for lunch, something different for dinner. More gifts to wrap ... whew ... relaxing as I could in paint and dreams! LOL
I also received a note from Karlyn Holman (www.karlynholman.com) with more 'get ready' notes for the trip to Italy with her in May -- including info about our stay in Venice -- so yesterday was really filled with dreams!!!
Today will be much quieter - cookies to bake, cards to play, and more rain ...
Mercy, the country has been hit with some kind of icy storms and freezing temps. Our warm days will be gone too by later this morning as the cold dips into the south .. so I can see where the fireplace will have a big role to play.
Thank you too for your kind notes .. and especially about the kitties. I was asked if I'm keeping them all ... lolol .. well, I find it hard to break up a family ..
(I know, I know -- SUCKER me! LOL)
Stay safe everyone -- and warm -- fingers and toes crossed for the power to remain on across all grids!
I also received a note from Karlyn Holman (www.karlynholman.com) with more 'get ready' notes for the trip to Italy with her in May -- including info about our stay in Venice -- so yesterday was really filled with dreams!!!
Today will be much quieter - cookies to bake, cards to play, and more rain ...
Mercy, the country has been hit with some kind of icy storms and freezing temps. Our warm days will be gone too by later this morning as the cold dips into the south .. so I can see where the fireplace will have a big role to play.
Thank you too for your kind notes .. and especially about the kitties. I was asked if I'm keeping them all ... lolol .. well, I find it hard to break up a family ..
(I know, I know -- SUCKER me! LOL)
Stay safe everyone -- and warm -- fingers and toes crossed for the power to remain on across all grids!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Target the Model
Here they are -- the cat-teens!! Missing in action: Spot ... don't know where she got off to ...
Haven't they grown!!!!! When they dash across the front of the property I hardly know they're mine -- I keep looking for KITTENS!!! LOL
Haven't they grown!!!!! When they dash across the front of the property I hardly know they're mine -- I keep looking for KITTENS!!! LOL
Red Poinsettia
Daily Practice
Watercolor and Ink
Busy times -- but so fun! Yesterday I emptied the closet where we stashed all the gifts accumulated for the holidays ... it took several trips up and down the stairs (and yes, I'm counting that as exercise!! LOL) to bring them to the living room for wrapping. Mom and I watched movies while we cut, taped, labeled and placed them in groups for each grandchild. Though not as gift-mountainous as last year, there's a significant amount of 'economic stimulus" we added to!
I sketched this poinsettia from the depths of the sofa -- there's something very 'challenging' about having inadequate light and the firmlessness of a lab that makes wonkiness a sureity! Still, climbing stairs is pretty difficult for mom and with my artspace upstairs and mom downstairs, my art table time will be limited for a while.
As I'm typing, I glance out the window to see the sky a deep purple/pink that has me jaw-dropped! There's still fog wisping around the trees .. .mercy, what an incredible sunrise!
Today, it's cooking and a bit of shopping. C is home for two weeks as his business has closed for the holidays as well. Mike came by yesterday for a quick visit, and we talked to my daughter ... oh how I relish these family times!
I keep trying to capture some photos of the kittens-cats -- but mercy, I can't get them to stay still long enough!!
I haven't seen the news yet, so I'm hoping the storms predicted for the northwest and northeast didn't pack as bad a blow as first thought.
Time to get things on the stove! Enjoy the day!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Eno River Ink and Wash
Daily Practice
With the holidays upon me and Mom's arrival yesterday, it seems my leisurely time to paint is somewhat 'challenged' ... so I'm going to try to work on hastening my daily practice sketches ... this is one attempt.
The sketch, from a photo I took last year of the spillway of the Eno River, matches the days we're having -- a bit of cloud, damp, rainy. I wanted also to return to my Raffine sketchbook to try again that 100# paper. After working only on Arches 140#cp, I found the Rafine too smooth and not as forgiving ...and I couldn't work as wet as I'm working lately ... so this quick practice showed me that I really need to continue using the Arches, even with their additional expense.
Mom looks great! Though at 85 soon to be 86, she's slowed down considerably, needs an arm to steady her walk, she is still as cheerful and delightful and spunky as anyone who has reached such a milestone can be! My son joined me for lunch and surprised mom with his presence at the airport.
Today it's wrapping gifts, preparing foods for next week, and if time permits, a bit of shopping.
The rain is supposed to clear later today, but it appears the snow and ice is going to create havoc for some folks across the country. Prayers for their safety and warmth!
With the holidays upon me and Mom's arrival yesterday, it seems my leisurely time to paint is somewhat 'challenged' ... so I'm going to try to work on hastening my daily practice sketches ... this is one attempt.
The sketch, from a photo I took last year of the spillway of the Eno River, matches the days we're having -- a bit of cloud, damp, rainy. I wanted also to return to my Raffine sketchbook to try again that 100# paper. After working only on Arches 140#cp, I found the Rafine too smooth and not as forgiving ...and I couldn't work as wet as I'm working lately ... so this quick practice showed me that I really need to continue using the Arches, even with their additional expense.
Mom looks great! Though at 85 soon to be 86, she's slowed down considerably, needs an arm to steady her walk, she is still as cheerful and delightful and spunky as anyone who has reached such a milestone can be! My son joined me for lunch and surprised mom with his presence at the airport.
Today it's wrapping gifts, preparing foods for next week, and if time permits, a bit of shopping.
The rain is supposed to clear later today, but it appears the snow and ice is going to create havoc for some folks across the country. Prayers for their safety and warmth!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Granville Farmhouse in Fall
It's been raining here -- warmer than our typical December, but rain and fog and the damp of sodden plants and grass. The cats are romping on the porch, out of the rain, and while I'm painting I can hear them as they chase one another across the wood floor ... they're getting to sound like wee elephants when all six of them of playing.
I'm continuing to work on the fall farmhouses from our photo tour, and here's another. I've done this one several times before I was satisfied enough with this one ... the trees gave me the most trouble, trying to capture that 'green as it's turning red' aspect ... and I'm not sure I've gotten it yet.
Mom arrives this afternoon, so I'm in the throes of preparing for her visit. It'll be somewhat busy since I'll want to take her shopping, see some sights and the like. We'll also be spending a few days preparing our holiday meals and desserts.
I simply cannot believe it's only 7 days until Christmas!!!
I'm continuing to work on the fall farmhouses from our photo tour, and here's another. I've done this one several times before I was satisfied enough with this one ... the trees gave me the most trouble, trying to capture that 'green as it's turning red' aspect ... and I'm not sure I've gotten it yet.
Mom arrives this afternoon, so I'm in the throes of preparing for her visit. It'll be somewhat busy since I'll want to take her shopping, see some sights and the like. We'll also be spending a few days preparing our holiday meals and desserts.
I simply cannot believe it's only 7 days until Christmas!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Olive Branch
Home ....!
The Christmas Luncheon yesterday was the 'official' end to the semester ... grades turned in, a bit of clean-up, all else placed on 'hold' until the frenzy begins again in January ... but for now, merriment, food, and song sent us on our holiday respite ... and I did my traditional yearly thing since I began working away from home-- I unpacked my ENTIRE car and my ENTIRE suitcase!! I know, it's a little thing, but for me, living out of my closet for 2 weeks instead of a travel bag is sheer heaven! LOL
I also began my holiday tidying-up, getting to those tasks that I need a bit more time to complete than I have on a weekend... so though I'm home, the busyness shifts from work to homestead. Still, I don't have to set the alarm and my cats all got hugs this morning! LOL
Olives ... I painted these from a photo I've used to paint olives before... I love how the leaves twist and turn, their blue/green against ripening fruits. Someday I hope to participate in an olive harvest in Italy ... I always think of Italy and olive oil when I see them.
But these days, and in this season, perhaps I was thinking more of the need for 'peace' and the olive's symbolism for that most precious gift. In the world's turmoil, the economic strain, job loss and stress, perhaps peace, above all, is what would bring the season to each heart and each soul.
May it be.
The Christmas Luncheon yesterday was the 'official' end to the semester ... grades turned in, a bit of clean-up, all else placed on 'hold' until the frenzy begins again in January ... but for now, merriment, food, and song sent us on our holiday respite ... and I did my traditional yearly thing since I began working away from home-- I unpacked my ENTIRE car and my ENTIRE suitcase!! I know, it's a little thing, but for me, living out of my closet for 2 weeks instead of a travel bag is sheer heaven! LOL
I also began my holiday tidying-up, getting to those tasks that I need a bit more time to complete than I have on a weekend... so though I'm home, the busyness shifts from work to homestead. Still, I don't have to set the alarm and my cats all got hugs this morning! LOL
Olives ... I painted these from a photo I've used to paint olives before... I love how the leaves twist and turn, their blue/green against ripening fruits. Someday I hope to participate in an olive harvest in Italy ... I always think of Italy and olive oil when I see them.
But these days, and in this season, perhaps I was thinking more of the need for 'peace' and the olive's symbolism for that most precious gift. In the world's turmoil, the economic strain, job loss and stress, perhaps peace, above all, is what would bring the season to each heart and each soul.
May it be.
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