Artsy Endeavors

Winter Walks

2012-02-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

I live in a very historic town. One of the interesting aspects about the town is that it was established right along the Wabash River. Of course the Native People lived here first. One of the unusual and interesting sites around are the Mounds.

There are two Mounds that were once used by the Native People. They haven't been completely explored but they have been brought to the fore lately. One of the Mounds was cut in two by a highway coming through years ago and this is where a friend of mine and I decided to hike this week.

She is doing a study of the plants growing on and around this Mound. There is an old sign on top of the Mound declaring it a property of the Knox Co Parks Dept. No one does anything to the Mound now days but they are thinking about it so the study is being done.

I always learn something when I go out with my friend. She knows more about plants than I will ever learn. One thing that was brought to my attention while we were out was the seed pods of the Bundleflower Desmanthus illinoesis. It is a weed by any other name but I found the seed pods most intriguing. It is hard but it looks soft like the petals of an open rose.

The petal peel off and the seeds drop out to spread about. This is growing in sandy soil. No doubt it would take over if it were planted in half decent soil. I am tempted. The blooms aren't much to look at but it is in the mimosa family and it has those tropical looking leaves.

I hope you get to get out this weekend and hike around. Be sure to share what you have found.

Animal Wednesday - Common Redpoll

2012-02-15T06:44:00.000-05:00

This crazy weather has driven another unusual bird into our territory. A friend wrote to tell that he had a Common Redpoll coming to his thistle feeders along with the Goldfinches. This is highly unusual to have this bird so far South despite it's name being Common Redpoll. It is most uncommon around here.

It was such fun going over to our friends house and sitting in the truck watching for the little finch to come in. We had to wait an hour but it was a nice sunny day so we kept warm despite the wind and cold temps as the sun kept the truck cab toasty.

Happy Animal Wednesday.

Valentines Day

2012-02-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

I went to a Victorian Tea this past weekend with friends. It was sponsored by the local Library. They had a young lady, Robin Smith, from IU come to sing for entertainment. Robin did a great job. She gave a little history about every song. The tea was good, the eats were delicious, wonderful company.

This is the page I did. We received a single rose wrapped in music and pink cellophane. I drew the rose and pasted bits of the cellophane over the page.

Happy Valentines Day to everyone.

Hooded Crane

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

There has been great excitement in my neck of the woods in the birding world. The Hooded Crane that was first seen in Nebraska, then in Tennessee is now at Bee Hunter Marsh which is part of the Goose Pond Wildlife Area near where I live.

I can't tell you how rare and exciting this is...if it is true. True enough that we have seen it. It is here. The provenence of it's origin is the issue. Is it an escapee from a zoo or a private collection? It has no tags, bands etc that are visible. It has been debated and investigated adnausium. No one can prove it was an escapee. I am just thrilled to have seen this beautiful creature in the wild. I think it is a great wanderer.

I have some reeallllly bad photos of it. You can go here to see a decent picture of it when it was in TN. I am sure that someone with great camera gear will take a photo of it here this weekend, if it stays. There have already been people from surrounding states coming to see it.

I hope you have an exciting weekend too.

Rained In

2012-02-04T18:56:00.000-05:00

It has been raining all day. I am stuck inside so I got to thinking about the collage I did honoring my Dad and his Parents. When I was working on his collage I thought that I would immediately do one for my Mother and her Parents but I didn't get around to it until today.

I wanted to so something a little different for hers. I have had this delicate little box for some time. I don't use it for anything but I could never bring myself to get rid of it. I have turned it into a memory box.

You open it and you can see what I did. I took a couple of recipes that Mom had written out for me and copied them to line the bottom of the box. This way I have her writing in the box. On the left is a picture of her parents on their wedding day. The oval photo is my Mom when she was in her 20's. The ring is my Grandmothers ring. It has their Grandpa and Grandma's (A.S. to S.H.) initials on it. I find that so romantic.

On the right hand side I have a few of my favorite pictures of my Mom. The little figurine is one she had collected when she had a little Boston Terrier that she loved. I realized when I was gathering things that I don't have much of my Mother's. She wasn't into things and the things that she did collect were destroyed in a tornado a few years ago. I picked the little dog figurine from the rubble.

I have hung the box closed on the wall. It has a little brass catch on the side to keep it closed. When people look at family photos on the wall they can open this to find a nice surprise.

All of this has stirred up many memories. Good for a rainy day.

I hope you all are having a nice weekend full of fond memories. Maybe you are making some fond memories? What ever you are doing enjoy.

Blooming Tuesday - Flowering Maple

2012-01-31T06:37:00.000-05:00

It has been a long while since I have seen a bloom in my garden. Even now, no blooms in the garden but imagine my surprise when I walked into the dining room and found that the Flowering Maple had a couple of blooms. It was such a lovely surprise. This crazy flower usually only blooms for me during fall. I will take it though. It gives me such hope and expectation for spring. Yes, the days are getting longer. I can hardly wait.

Animal Wednesday - Short-eared Owl

2012-01-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

Last evening we went to an area near here that you can usually find Short-eared Owls during winter. They are such lively little (15" or 38cm) owls. They course across weedy fields in search for their prey. They are so active if you find an area where they hunt they are easy to see when they come out at dark.

Unfortunately we found one that was dead by the side of the road. It must have been hit by a vehicle. They look like a good sized bird when they are soaring but when you see one up close you can see that they are actually small. They appear to be all wings.

I took this opportunity to paint a couple of those wing feathers. Birding sometimes offers sad situations. I tried to make the best of it by honoring the little owl with a painting.

I want to wish you all a Happy Animal Wednesday.

Bird Bills

2012-01-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

This morning I got to thinking about birds (no surprise here) and their bills. Bird's bills are as varied as the birds themselves. Some are very colorful. I thought I would do quite a few bills on one page. When I got started I realized if I didn't put the heads on too they would really look odd. So it all became more involved than what I originally expected to do.

After that I got to thinking about all the details I like to put onto my sketches. One thing leads to another. I just love details. Altoon Sultan at Studio and Garden is a great artist and I love the way she writes about art. Today she wrote about details in paintings. You might find it interesting.

Lilting Sparrow

2012-01-16T16:10:00.000-05:00

This weekend the sun was out, the snow melted and we were all thankful. The Song Sparrows around here all seemed to take the sun shine as a cue to practice their territorial songs. Maybe they were just as happy as I was that the sun came back out. I hope you all had a great weekend.

Bright Yellow House

2012-01-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

I was working yesterday and as I looked out an upper window I could see this house a block away. It is one of the old homes that has been refurbished in the area. The Rock Pigeons were flying about in the cold wind. Probably trying to find a warm place to roost. I hope you are warm today. Have a great weekend.

Waiting Room Inventory

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

I am glad I didn't have to wait any longer. I drew everything and everybody that I could and not make anyone uncomfortable. The room was small. Not much in it except a tv and a couple other people. The people weren't positioned so I could draw them unless I turned toward them. Not a good thing.

Please let me add that nothing is the matter. Just a check up for my DB. You know how DRs are.

Animal Wednesday - Staghorn Fern

2012-01-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

I debated whether to post this for Animal Wednesday or not but it is the only animal-like subject I have right now. This is a "Staghorn" fern that lives here with me. It has nearly taken over the plant table as it is 40" wide. It loves sitting there in the window in it's perch. It keeps growing and growing. I don't know what I will do with it when it outgrows this space. I didn't paint all of the leaves, just enough to give the idea of how big it is. Happy Animal Wednesday Everyone. I hope all of your animal friends are happy and healthy this winter.

Testy Tuesday

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

I have been having lots of fun playing Scrabble. I think I am a little obsessed. Sorry if I am repeating myself. That is what obsessed people do. They repeat themselves.

Are you obsessed with anything lately?

Marvelous Monday

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

This past weekend we did a lot of tv watching. It is fun to have a team to watch that at least has a chance to win a game. Go IU.

Did you watch anything good this weekend?

My New Hat

2012-01-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

I can't thank Pat enough for my new hat. She presented it in a hatbox that had velvet cut outs on the sides and a big polka dot ribbon as a handle. I tried cutting out some black paper in a similar pattern as the pattern on the box to put on the front of her thank you card.

I didn't do the hat justice. I think she will appreciate my effort. I more than appreciate her efforts. She makes beautiful hats. It has a herringbone pattern on flannel with a big black silk ribbon and feathers. The lining is a baby blue. So warm and it fits perfectly.

I love to wear hats. Do you like to wear hats?

If you had one like this I bet you would like to wear it.

Fox Squirrel

2012-01-06T06:00:00.004-05:00

Our garden is over run with gray squirrels. There is one Fox Squirrel that comes to visit the bird feeders. He is very cautious. He approaches slowly and takes time to sit up and look around. I caught him just outside my office window trying to decide which way to go.

What kind of squirrels roam through your garden?

Lapland Longspur

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

We did the Knox County Christmas Bird Count January 2. It was the worst winter day we have had yet. The wind was howling, it was COLD, it blew snow around most of the day. Needless to say we didn't have the best count ever. We did find the largest number of Lapland Longspurs I have ever seen in Knox County. A conservative estimate was 450. These little sparrow-like birds breed in the high Arctic. They are only around here during winter. To them this weather was probably about like their spring. They glean the corn fields for seed and put up quite the chatter as they busy about. This drawing is ink and watercolor.

New Year's Happenings

2012-01-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

While this may seem redundant, and it is, I just wanted to start posting my daily drawing, sketching, scribbling as you might have guessed goes on around here. Normally I just put up the ones I think aren't as bad as some of the other sketches. This year I am thinking that I will put up the good, the bad and the ugly. I hope I don't put your eyes out. This way I will be more inclined to keep up the pace as it may be.

This drawing is of the night sky as we walked out into the New Year. The clouds had parted a bit and the big half moon and a couple of planets were showing. Speaking of the night sky, tonight there is supposed to be a meteor shower. If you are up late enough maybe you should look out to see what is happening.

That is about as close to a resolution as I am going to get. Have you set some goals or decided upon a resolution or two for the new year??

Happy New Year - 2012

2011-12-31T10:12:00.000-05:00

In this season of giving I want to give thanks to all who come here for a look, a giggle or merely to see what I have been up to. I like to share with all you wonderful bloggers and your comments, feedback is very important to me. I have come to know and love many of you.

I simply,

can't thank you enough.

You make my heart sing.

I wish for you the most creative, happy, healthy new year.

Animal Wednesday - Calliope Hummingbird

2011-12-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

We have had high drama in the birding commmunity this holiday season. The first State of Indiana record of a Calliope Hummingbird was discovered.

It is coming to the feeders of a very gracious couple that lives about a 2.5 hour drive from our house. After the Christmas hooplah my DB and I drove over to the residence and saw the bird. This is a watercolor picture I painted for the couple as a thank you for opening their garden to a bunch of rabid bird listers. The lady of the house named the bird Frosty because the picture she posted on FB had frost all around the bird.

I hope everyone has survived the holidays and are looking forward to the New Year. Cheers and Happy Animal Wednesday.

Map Making

2011-12-12T18:54:00.001-05:00

That Teri is always coming up with inventive ways to create her paintings. She showed us how she likes to paint on maps here. I can tell you that this jiggled my muse. I have always liked maps. I use them when I work on my travel journals. I usually hack up a map and paint around it or incorporate pieces in some way like here.

The other day I found _Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed-Media Mapmaking_by Jill K. Berry. You can read about it here. I can tell you this. I am gonna have some fun with this mindset.

I found this book on Gwen Diehn's blog. She was a contributer to the book but for the life of me I can't remember the name of her blog. If I find out I will link it later. HERE she is.

Below is my first attempt with the inspiration from the book. I must say there is a whole lot more that you can do of course. I think I will be having some fun.

This is the other page. We had such a good time yesterday chasing "state" birds. That meaning birds I had never seen in Indiana, the Say's Phoebe, and for Illinois the Snow Owl. A State Bird in two states in one day. This doesn't happen very often. Happy Day.

Zentangle Bouquet

2011-12-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

We have had so much rain and wind this fall. This area needed the rain but we have caught up and surpassed the averages thank you very much. With the rain and wind certain things happen like lots of moss is growing on the rocks and hillsides. There have been lots of limbs coming down too. As we walked through the park lately I have been noticing a lot of small limbs with vine tendrils lying by the side of the road. Those delicate looking twining tendrils captured my attention. I picked up a small bunch to use as a bouquet. My DB told me that "it looked like a zentangle bouquet." Then I thought how do I love you, let me count the ways.

Here is my bouquet to you.

We will be looking forward to hearing from you. HAW, and have a great week.

The Dreaded Quilt Finished

2011-12-06T07:13:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I am glad it is over. The Quilt covered my life for nearly a month. Why did I choose such a large project for my first attempt at quilting?? I can say I learned a whole lot on this project.

Here it is completed. I am standing in front of it for scale. I had to stretch some string between a couple of bookcases in the livingroom and pin it up for a photo. It is queen sized.

I am pleased that it is finished way ahead of the holidays so I don't have to try to get it finished for Frank's January birthday.

Animal Wednesday - At the Park

2011-11-30T05:52:00.000-05:00

We had our first snow yesterday. It came on top of 3.5 inches of rain the past couple of days. The snow didn't last long. It hasn't been cold enough here to make conditions right to freeze the snow. It is always exciting to get the first snow.

Happy Animal Wednesday.

Animal Wednesday - Lamby Luna

2011-11-23T14:59:00.000-05:00

I was just wondering if any other animals have to go through the most undignified process of "The Holiday Bath" like I do?? Mim did mention that Scruffy has to go through this process. I feel your pain Scruffy.

It is bad enough that I have to get into the tub and be scrubbed. Then Dad calls me lamby pie because my fur clumps up and I look all lambified.

Please enough pictures already.

This might be worth it if I can score a turkey dinner.

Happy Animal Wednesday. I hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving.

Saturday Tangle

2011-11-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

Today I was reminded by Teri that it was Saturday Tangle. It is difficult to keep track of days when you don't work full time. Ha... Anyway I thought I would show you the Tangle I have done to put on my son's quilt. It is his birthday celebration number. I had it done all in black and white but eveyrone was having trouble "seeing the number. So I enhanced it with some blue. I think now everyone can see the number.

I did this with fabric markers directly onto a pice of fabric. Now I will sew it on.

Teri is another quilter that has inspired me to do some quilting. She is a quilter that paints, or maybe you could say she is a painter that quilts. Either way she is an inspiration both ways.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Home With Turret

2011-11-18T06:33:00.000-05:00

This is a house that I see every day I go to work. I have always admired this place. It used to be derelict. The roof was tiled but the new owners obviously couldn't afford to purchase tiles to repair the roof. They had regular black shingles put on. It didn't hurt the integrity of the house much. It has so much more going for it. I particularly like the turret section of the house. I have always wanted a turret on my house. It is so castle-like to have a turret.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Quilt Project

2011-11-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

My muse was kick started in a new direction when I saw a project on Lynn's blog. Lynn is a quilter/artist. One of her projects that she did simply didn't leave my mind. It was an art quilt with pictures of a poignant time in her life. You can see it here. Thank you so much Lynn for sharing all of your many talents with the blog world. You have been an inspiration.

Below you can see that I am set up in the dining room. We are having Thanksgiving dinner in here. I better get busy.

Needless to say I am not duplicating her work by a long shot. Her project just set my mind working. My son is turning 40 in January and I hope to have a quilt made with pictures from his life worked into/on it. I wanted to do something special for him. I think he will like it. IF I can get it finished. So if you don't here from me for awhile you will know I am all covered up. (pun intended. :))

I hope that everyone has a good week.

Window Box

2011-11-03T20:49:00.000-04:00

I can't tell you how happy I am with the simple planting of Wax Begonias and Sweet Potato Vine in the window box just outside my office window. I had other flowers in with them but this summer was so brutally hot and dry that only the hardy survived. Even after a few frosts they are holding their own and will do so until it gets cold and stays cold.

Giving Thanks This November - Animal Wednesday

2011-11-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised when I finished a sketchbook the last day of October. I even used all of the pages in that book. I am notorious for leaving one or two pages at the end of a book empty.

I was so inspired by this month of November. Such beautiful fall weather. Sun shining, light breeze to ease one through the day. This lovely weather has made me think about how thankful I am for all my many blessings. I decided to make a sketchbook/thankful journal. I am going to write every day what I am thankful for and do a sketch.

My first page I used stamps to set the theme.

I must admit I have had this little tree frog on my mind lately. He escaped from the plant he had been accidently brought into the house on.

I am happy to say he came out looking for dinner last night. I got to put him outside where he will more likely to survive the winter. I am most thankful for this. Please wish our little house guest well. If you want to read more about him click here and here.

HAW to you all.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T19:12:00.000-04:00

This little house is situated right across the street from where a friend of mine lives. I have always liked the little wrap around porch and they keep it real neat. I took a picture one day thinking I might draw it. When I looked at the picture there were some halloween decorations on the door so I thought I would post this today.

I hope you all have a Happy Halloween. Don't forget to brush your teeth tonight.

White M Hairstreak

2011-10-30T15:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes when I read the blogs of people I know I get to see things I have never seen before. This happened last week when I was perusing Sherry's blog Q's Corner. She is a marvelous photographer besides all the other things she likes to do. Over the years I have been inspired to paint various photos that she has taken.

This past week I saw a photo of a butterfly that she had taken. I couldn't resist painting it. When I finished the painting I wanted to write what it was and realized that I had never seen it before. It was a White M Hairstreak. I will be on the lookout for it around here in the future.

I want to thank Sherry for letting me use one of her photos. If you would like some inspiration go see some of her fabulous photos here.

EDIT:

I was looking at all of that empty space on this sketch. It bothered me. I hadn't written on the sketch what type of butterfly it was so I added the lettering you see in the following photo. Can one ever leave them alone?? I guess not I.

I hope you all had a good weekend too.

Animal Wednesday - American Redstart

2011-10-26T09:23:00.000-04:00

The American Redstart is a beautiful little warbler that is often called the Halloween Bird because of its orange and black feathering. HAW.

I hope you all have a happy halloween.

For more Animal Wednesday go here.

Animal Wednesday - Pileated Woodpeckers

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

This summer I saw a nest with young pileated woodpeckers hanging out the hole begging for food. I tried a sketch without looking at them and no picture. I was sad I couldln't capture it quite right. Then I was reading _Living Bird_ magazine and voile they had a small photo in there of nearly the same sight I saw. I got busy and tried another drawing. Better but maybe next time I can paint on location with good paper. We can always hope.

Happy Animal Wednesday. For more animal sketches and stories go to Auntie Mim's.

One Single Impression - Paper

2011-10-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

Lined, unlined,

colored, white.

Always there

to receive

my thoughts.

Lead, ink,

charcoal, watercolor.

Never resisting

an impulse

to communicate.

One Single Impression's prompt this week is 'Paper'. Reading all the poetry that was inspired by this made me think about how important paper is to our culture. Certainly in mine.

As artists we adore paper. It allows us to express ourselves no matter what medium we choose.

For more poems go to One Single Impression.

Animal Wednesday - Cicada on Catalpa Leaf

2011-10-05T06:02:00.000-04:00

When my DB was trimming a Catalpa tree he found a cicada clinging to the underside of a leaf. I brought it in last evening to draw it. I knew it was in the throes of death since it didn't budge when I touched it. They don't live long after they are out and about. I noticed it would move it's tail up and down. I wonder if it is a female emitting a phermone or was it just moving?? It startled me once when it moved a little. It's tiny feet skritching across the leaf. It didn't go far. I put it back outside when I was finished.

Happy Animal Wednesday to eveyone.

Happy October

2011-10-01T07:31:00.000-04:00

So begins the month of October. For some reason I am so looking forward to this month. A clean slate. New beginings. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend too. Cool weather has finally found us. Ahhh.

Zentangle Saturday

2011-09-17T07:14:00.000-04:00

I hope you all have a good weekend. Happy Zentangle Saturday.

One Single Impression - Notebook

2011-09-11T07:48:00.000-04:00

Time caught on paper

Recording life, finding peace

Gathered in notebooks

The prompt at One Single Impression this week is Notebook. For more poems and thoughts go here.

New Sketchbook

2011-09-08T06:47:00.000-04:00

I have started the larger journal I made some time ago. I have thought about what I will put in it and this is the first page. I usually take pictures while we are out and then paint when I get home. I always admire those that paint plein air. I rarely do that. Not for any reason other than I don't take the time to do so. I always say to myself I should do this but I am so easily distracted I don't. I am usually caught up in the moment of seeing a butterfly, bird or some wild flower. I do good just to get a picture of the distraction. Do you do a lot of plein air painting?

Twenty minute challenge - The Help

2011-09-01T07:50:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we went to see the movie THE HELP. I thought I would try a 20min challenge by drawing an apron. I went to the web site that talks about the help characters and decided to do one of the characters. I tried to do too much in such a short time. I didn't have a very good picture either. Every painting is a learning experience. I realize I should think out what I am going to do a little more before attempting a project.

To see more twenty minute challenges go here.

Animal Wednesday - Paper Wasp

2011-08-31T06:00:00.002-04:00

There is some sort of paper wasp nesting in a clay pot that is part of a wreath I made some years ago. The wasps don't bother anyone. There are two guards. I haven't seen the other wasps come to the nest. I forget about for the most part. I thought it was sort of interesting that there is a lot of debris at the bottom of the pot under the nest. One thing looks like it could be a larva. I am not sure though. I haven't noticed this debris under a normally placed nest. Maybe it all blows away or blends in with the ground too much to see it other places.

Happy Animal Wednesday.

Football Season

2011-08-29T11:36:00.000-04:00

Football season is upon us once again. Pro football is one of my favorite sports to watch. I was indoctrinated into the football gallery at a young age. My brother played football, my sister was a cheerleader they are 13 and 10 years older than I. My cousins played football too. When I thought I might forget about football my son decided to play football and my daughter was a cheerleader so no forgetting about football.

How does this relate to an artsy blog you are wondering. You see a blogging friend sent me this cute little sketchbook some time back. She asked not to be identified but I wanted to tell her that I am using the sketchbook she sent.

The pages are very thin in this book. At first I wondered what I would do with it but I came to the end of my tv watching/doodling sketchbook and this one I have decided will fill in nice for it. Even though it isn't very big (10.5x16.0mm or 4 1/8"x6 1/4").

So you can see where I am going with this book.

My "home" team is the Indianpolis Colts. I do watch other teams from time to time.

As you may have noticed that other things show up in the sketchbook during the game.

I have started practicing some new, to me, zentangle moves. Did you know some of these designs have names?? I sure didn't until I ran onto Enthusiastic Artist blog. I have learned all sorts of information about Zentangles.

If you would like to expand your zentangle repertoire you should go to her blog. She is a certified Zentangle teacher. Unfortunately she is located in Canada. She does give some helpful information on her blog here. My crude beginnings are fun to make. Besides I love this orange ink that I found in a Pilot pen. I gotta use it someplace.

I also am practicing doing some different/artsy lettering. I love the fancy lettering that some use in their journals. I just need to find something that makes my lettering fly onto the page. So what have you been doing lately??

One Single Impression - Wheat

2011-08-28T07:14:00.000-04:00

Life sometimes grinds us

into submission, then we

rise as fresh loaves

And sometimes I just have to take a stab at a poem when it rises in my mind. This poem was seeded by the prompt of the word "Wheat" at One Single Impression. Please join them and read more.

Hand Made Sketch Books

2011-08-21T17:31:00.001-04:00

The past couple of weekends I have been having a sketchbook making fit. My mind keeps coming up with different ideas. I noticed that I made the Tree Journal last year about this time. Ha... It must be that at this time of year I am weary of trying to fight the heat to be outside much.

What got me going on this idea is that my "Tree Journal" sketchbook is almost full and I wanted to make another. I am liking this size, 6"x8". It works well for me using a sheet or two of Arches watercolor paper or I can put in some sketch paper or writing paper as well.

I have some really interesting papers. This one is sort of metalic. I thought the little boy that will receive it would like the metalic look. I did most of theses books with the coptic stitch.

When you use the coptic stitch you can lay flat your book to work in.

This one I used a different front and back paper. The recepient can start the book from either end really. It would not matter but I thought of the front being the circles. They are mandala-like.

Inside I used a variety of papers. Some handmade (not by me). Some for painting some for poetry.

This one I think would be good for a little girl, at least that is who it is being given to. It is pink and I put some jewels on the front. The front is very textural with a sand motif on the front. Little girls like to play in sand.

This is my first stab at doing a Japanese binding. It is a little larger, 11 5/8"x8".

You lose a little painting space along one edge which makes the painting surface 7.5"x10". That is fine with me. It is a larger format than I usually use. As you can see with this type of binding you can open the first page flat but the following pages are very stiff. I will probably have to mash them flater when I come to the page or use clips to keep it open. I will see how I like using this before I make any more.

The last style that I made is a folded-cover Journal. Easiest one to make. I used a difficult paper though. It is bark paper. Not a good paper for this type of cover. It has several folds and you knkow that bark doesn't like to fold. It is quite brittle. I have few pages in it so I hope it survives the short trip I will be making next month as I made it especially to record this trip.

Have any of you worked with this bark paper? Is there something I could put on it to make it more flexible??

I hope you all had a fun weekend.

Animal Wednesday - Dickcissel

2011-08-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday we were out birding and my DB got a great picture of a Dickcissel perched on a weed. There aren't so many around right now. Many have already flown South.

Happy Animal Wednesday. For more animals go to Auntie Mim's Blog here.

I tried to do a post for tomorrow but BLogger has decided it must be posted today. Sorry.

Blooming Tuesday - Lotus

2011-08-16T13:48:00.000-04:00

This Sunday while we were out birding we drove by a pond that has a huge stand of lotus. They are about finished blooming this time of year. There were a few blooms left. This one was surrounded by a bud, a spent flower and a pod. I just had to try to get it on paper. The wind was blowing them so hard the big leaves were turning over and the bloom seemed to be waving goodbye.

Happy Blooming Tuesday to everyone.

It won't be long and the lotus will have filled this pond. Some years it is dried up enough that I can collect some of the pods to use in dried arrangements. Not this year. This area has had way more rain than where we live.

Sunday Safari

2011-08-14T19:34:00.000-04:00

I thought this drawing was appropriate for this Sunday Safari. Not exactly a church painting but it is the fruit of a Jack-in-the-pulpit. I have a few that grow on the side of the house where my room is located. I walked out there trying to find a butterfly that flitted by and found this instead. I am so excited. I hope the critters don't find it and eat the seeds before they ripen and fall to the ground. I just love this flower.

Another visitor right outside my window was a juvenile hummingbird. He loves the blooms of the hostas. The bloom is too deep for him to dip into so he has made a hole at the base of the flower to sip the nectar.

It obviously wears him out so he has to rest from time to time. The House wren doesn't like him hanging out around the nest. The hummer sits on guard in the tree too.

I won't be surprised if the wrens come out tomorrow. They sit at the hole chittering, begging for more food. It will be interesting to watch.

I hope you all had a good weekend.

Saturday 20 Minute Challenge

2011-08-13T19:03:00.000-04:00

Teri writing about her 20 minute challenge here gave me inspiration today. I did a 20 minute sketch of the actors in the movie we saw last night. I bet you can't recognize any of them. Oh well. I did it in ink from pictures on the official site of Cowboys and Aliens.

As strange as the premise might seem it was an entertaining movie. Not my first pick but a friend of mine wanted to see the movie. What are friends for?? We do things together and it turned out to be some mindless entertainment with good popcorn and great friends.

Twenty Minute Blog for more inspiration.

Animal Wednesday - Grasshopper

2011-08-10T08:50:00.000-04:00

You knew when the grasshopper landed on my window and posed so sweetly for me that it would end up here for my Animal Wednesday post. I did the upper side as well since it jumped over on a begonia stem in the window box out my window. The underneath side looks like a bunch of parts put together. The upper side is much more aerodinamic looking. There are lots of bugs out and about now.

Happy Animal Wedensday. For more Animals and their stories go to Mim's here.

Blooming Tuesday - Toad Lily

2011-08-09T16:15:00.000-04:00

The Japanese Toad lily, Tricyrtis 'Togen', is blooming now. It is planted right beside a tree that is newly planted so I am keeping it watered along with the tree. I just love these late summer bloomers.

Happy Blooming Tuesday everyone.

Cactus Monday - Night Bloomer

2011-08-08T07:47:00.001-04:00

Our night blooming Cereus bloomed last night. I thought it must have wanted to be included with the Cactus Monday group.

This is it's second bloom. The other one was last month when we were away. I am glad I didn't miss this one. It is unusual that it blooms more than once. This summer has been strange (hot) and stressful (dry).

We were up until almost midnight waiting for it to open fully.

The bloom was at the lower end of the plant. Which made taking it picture a bit of a challenge. Of course my DB took the pictures. They are great. So is he.

I kept waiting to see if a moth would glide in for a sip. I didn't ever see one. I am normally an early to bed sort so they probably arrived after all the hubbub.

Happy Cactus Monday Everyone. For more Cactus Monday participants go to Teri's Painted Daisies.

Animal Wednesday - Hummer

2011-08-03T06:31:00.000-04:00

The native honeysuckle is reblooming. While it doesn't make as many flowers when it reblooms as it does in the spring it makes enough to give the hummers a snack. I was watching the hummers sip on those little trumpets. Happy Animal Wednesday.

For more animal sightings pop over to Mim's blog here.

This drawing was done straight in with ink and then watercolor.

Asiatic Dayflower - WEED

2011-08-02T11:50:00.000-04:00

Happy Blooming Tuesday everyone. I am in great hopes that you don't have this beautiful weed in your garden. As sweet and unassuming as it looks it is a killer. It loves to creep across the ground and then cover any flower that happens in its way. Forming a mat that won't let other things grow. Very difficult to rid from your garden. How I wish this beautiful blue weed could be controlled.

Common Whitetail Female

2011-08-01T14:37:00.000-04:00

This time of year when we go birding we often get sidetracked by all the dragonflies and butterflies. This Common Whitetail Skimmer Female sure entertained us for a few minutes as it flew and then would go back to the same stick to rest. It is often easy to get pictures of them when they pause at the same stick. I drew this from my DB's photo. I hope you all are keeping cool.

Tigers in the Garden

2011-07-27T08:10:00.000-04:00

Tiger Swallowtails have been quite busy in the garden this summer, especially lately.

Happy Animal Wednesday to everyone. For more animal sightings go to Auntie Mims.

Surprises

2011-07-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

I always find surprises growing in the garden. The squirrels and blue jays take peanuts and plant them in the mulch around the garden. I found one of the plants blooming today. You can sure tell they are in the pea family. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a whole field of peanuts blooming?? I guess you would have to go to Georgia to see this. Although I leave them in the ground they have never produced peanuts. I think they need a longer growing season than we have to offer here. Probably better soil too. Do you have any suprise blooms in your garden lately?

Happy Blooming Tuesday everyone.

Seeing More

2011-07-22T16:19:00.000-04:00

I was happy to find that I am not the only one that finds surprises in what they draw. I couldn't resist posting this drawing after I read Patty's post about her found bird. You can see it here. While my drawing isn't as exotic as her drawing I was surprised when my DB looked at my drawing and said "it looks like a bird". I was actually drawing a big tree stump that we had admired while out birding. What do you think? Do you see a bird in this stump?

I hope you all have a birdy, I mean GREAT weekend.

Animal Wednesday - House Wren Chicks and Eggs

2011-07-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

I couldn't resist checking on the blue and white ceramic bird house that the House Wrens are going in and out of. Sure enough a couple of naked babies were in there. Amazing all the feathers that these little darlings were snuggled into. There are 4 eggs to hatch yet.

Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Blooming Tuesday - Proteas

2011-07-19T06:00:00.002-04:00

My MIL received a huge bouquet of Proteas from a friend in HA. I sat in the livingroom and drew a few of them. Such gorgeous flowers. They seemed almost artificial because we have nothing like them around here. Unless of course you live in the tropics.

Happy Blooming Tuesday.

Travel Journal Page - Travel Indiana

2011-07-17T07:37:00.000-04:00

We took a little road trip this past week. This is the page I did while traveling from place to place.

We got to see a Western Wood-Pewee and some Monk Parakeets. We also celebrated my MIL's 90th birthday. A good time was had by all.

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend.

Sunday Zentangle

2011-07-09T12:56:00.001-04:00

Teri over at Teri's Painted Daisies was talking about how a zentangle just comes over you sometimes. It reminded me of this zentangle that I did for the little girl that is my pen pal. Her name is Heaven. I started this zen and then the wings appeared etc.

I hope you are having a zentangle sort of a weekend. Full of fun and family.

Animal Wedensday - Leopold

2011-07-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Leopold here has a little story. I painted him for my MIL's 90th birthday next week. This sweet cat used to be a neighbor. All summer when he felt like visiting my MIL he would come sit in the window and peer in to see if anyone was home. If the garage door was open he would come to the people door and knock until she would let him in. He would stay a few hours or a few minutes. Whatever was "his" schedule. She kept treats and a special scratch box for him. He is quite a friendly cat.

Unfortunately Leopold's family moved away a couple of weeks ago. My poor MIL is so sad losing her furry friend. He was always a bright spot in her day. We have offered to get her a cat and keep up with shots etc although she could well afford to do so herself. She just doesn't want the responsibility at this point in her life. She sure misses Leopold though.

Please say a prayer for my MIL who is finding it difficult to cope with losing her husband just a couple of years ago, turning 90 and missing her furry friend.

Blackberries

2011-07-05T15:17:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year again. Not only do I look forward to our July 4th celebrations I look forward to finding the first Blackberries of the year. On July 2nd I found our first ripe ones. It will be a good year for the berries. While berries aren't exactly a bloom I was thinking about all the Blooming Tuesday participants. I know that this time of year there are plenty of blooms to be painting. Cheers.

Tortoise sighting

2011-06-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

We had another tortoise sighting this weekend. It was a sweet lady trying to cross a gravel road. I had to stop and say hello. She quickly went into the grassy side. Happy Animal Wednesday.

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

2011-06-27T19:57:00.000-04:00

The Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is blooming in the garden now. It is so exciting becasue they have endured our winter once again. This is the first year for blooms though. Happy Blooming Tuesday to you.

Animal Wednesday - House Wren

2011-06-15T12:19:00.000-04:00

While this isn't a great rendition of a wren I must say it was fun trying to do it. The house wrens have nests in three of the houses I have out for them this year. All going at one time. It tells me that they don't have to have a large territory.

One of the houses is right beside the patio doors so I can sit inside the house and watch the comings and goings of the Mr and Mrs feeding the young. One of them often perches on this small pot before it enters it's house.

Happy Animal Wedensday to everyone. I hope you are having a good week.

Larger painting

2011-06-13T22:20:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of the year I said that I would do three large paintings. Here it is the middle of the year and I have just done one. I have 6 months to do two more. I hope that I am more inspired in the next six months.

What I have painted here is the view out my window at work. This hollyhock is just at the edge of the building. When you look out this window you see the fringed curtain and it just all goes together. The old fashioned flower with the plisse fringed shade and the old stucco building. I put the painting in an old frame I picked up at a garage sale. Oldies but goodies. Happy Blooming Tuesday to you all.

More Nesting Animals

2011-05-29T19:10:00.000-04:00

I was so delighted to find a Common Snapping Turtle laying it's eggs today. This is the page in my journal about the event. There was a Black Kingsnake not too far from the turtle and a racoon just across the field from where she was laying her eggs.

To read more details and see some photos you can go to my other blog here. I hope you all are having an exciting, fun weekend.

Animal Wednesday - Canada Goose Nests and Gosling

2011-05-18T12:44:00.000-04:00

The Canada Goose is doing so well in this area that they are becoming a nusiance in some areas.

I am always amused to find a group of nests in an area where we bird.

Every nest is different. Some add decorations.

Others just have the bare necessities.

Some have lots of down.

Others don't have much at all.

Then again some have almost all down.

Others flat get ahead of their nest making. I always attribute this to a new breeder.

When you see these little guys toddling along after their parents....

you just have to say awwww.

How low could you go for a juicy bug?

Happy Animal Wednesday Everyone.

Thank You

2011-05-14T22:15:00.000-04:00

I wanted to thank you all for sticking with me while my muse has been on vacation. Actually it hasn't been on vacation but I have been so busy in the garden and birding that I haven't had the time to post. Soon migration will be over and I will have more time to post. I hope you are having a great weekend.

Animal Wednesday - Rose-breasted Grosbeak & Luna

2011-04-27T17:26:00.000-04:00

Luna isn't near as impressed with the visit from the Rose-breasted Grosbeak to our feeders as we were.

This is a handsome male. I always know that spring migration is in high gear when these guys start coming through.

Happy Animal Wedensday to everyone. Don't forget to check out Mim's Blog for more Animal fun.

Wildflower Wednesday - May-Apple

2011-04-27T13:04:00.000-04:00

My contribution to the Wildflower Week Fest the May-Apple or known as Polyphyllum peltatum by you Hortheads. These plants usually have one or two leaves but they colonize as you can see in this photo taken at the local park.

I have a small colony on the north/west side of the house. It is covering the down spout nicely.

You can see the pretty little bloom that you usually find at the base of the petioles.

The apple part I am not sure when that comes in.

It could be the bud before it blooms. It sort of looks apple-like.

If you want to see more wildflowers do go to Gail's Clay and Limestone blog. She is hosting a Wildflower Week. It is so important to preserve the wildflowers that we can. The bees and other wildlife will thank us for it.

Newspaper Blackout

2011-04-22T21:11:00.001-04:00

I was reading a garden blog and Pam, the writer, mentioned the writer/artist Austin Kleon. Well, I went to check out what he was up to. I must say it is interesting and addicting. He is a very thoughtful writer. He also likes to write poems by blacking out words in newspapers. He blacks out all except the words creating the poem. You just have to go there and have a peek at what he does.

In the mean time I am having lots of fun doing something similar. I don't get a newspaper but I have lots of magazines that I can create with. Here are my first ones. I have taken to putting them into my journal on the rough side of the watercolor paper that I don't especially like to paint on. FUN.

I hope when you click to make it larger you can read the print. I had to scan it to get a picture to post.

Nessus Moth on Bluebells

2011-04-20T07:43:00.000-04:00

This Nessus Moth was such a great find in our garden. It is the first time I have ever seen one. It was just outside my studio window nectaring on some native Virginia Bluebells. HAW to everyone.

New Summer Purse

2011-04-16T11:37:00.000-04:00

This is a sketch I did last night while watching tv. My new purse was sitting on the table so I was inspired. I hope you all have a fun weekend.

Best Bug

2011-04-11T18:06:00.000-04:00

The best bug of the weekend was a Falcate Orangetip Butterfly. I have only seen these 4 other times that I can remember. They are very active butterflies. My DB worked hard to get a picture of it. I did this painting from that picture.

Did any of you see an intersting bug this weekend?

Surf Scoter

2011-04-05T09:19:00.000-04:00

The best bird of this weekend was a Surf Scoter that we saw in a pond we check in our normal birding area. This is not a normal bird to see around here. This is a sea duck. Not a duck you see inland normallly. What ever brought this adult male into our area is ok with me. It was great fun to see it. It is an all black duck except for these colorful bits I have shown. Have you ever seen one?

Animal Wedensday - Henry

2011-03-23T05:16:00.000-04:00

Here is a sketch I did of Lynn's Henry. He is much more handsome than I was able to depict. Here I have made him look like he has been on a diet and is a little cranky about it. For more Henry subjects you can go to Lynn's Animal Wednesday post here. For more Animal Wednesday posts you can pop over to Mim's blog here. HAW everyone.

Animal Wedensday - First Bee

2011-03-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

We had our first pollinator of the season this weekend. It was so exciting to go out and find a bee on the crocus. I can almost feel spring creeping in now. Yipeeee Happy Animal Wednesday.

Basket of Oranges

2011-03-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

My dear Cousin Becky gave us some oranges. They have been sitting in a basket just waiting to be sketched. Here they are. Let the eating begin.

Cactus Monday - Photos

2011-03-14T06:05:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to get to go to the Chicago Flower and Patio Show last weekend. They had a section of flowers presented by people called House Plants. In this area that is what most cactus are, house plants.

They had quite a variety of cactus.

Some even won ribbons because they were so large, unusual or nicely (is that a word?) grown.

There were lots of succulents mixed in with the cactus. This seems like a common theme as they grow well together since they have about the same water requirements.

They had succulents displayed in ways that one might not usually think of doing. Isn't that why we go to these garden shows, to get ideas. I thought this one was quite dramatic.

I wanted you to know I was thinking about you. I hope you have a Happy Cactus Monday.

For more Cactus Monday treats go to Teri's Painted Daisies.

Sunday Safari - Deer, Redwings

2011-02-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

My Dearly Beloved and I went out for awhile this morning. We drove to an area that is being converted back to wetlands. We were lucky enough to see two more Whooping Cranes. They were tagged so I am sure they are being monitored. They looked quite happy to be in this renewed wetland. We also saw a small herd of White-tailed Deer. They took off running with those tails waving. I just had to try to capture them. I did so from a picture I asked my DB to take. It was difficult for him because they took off as soon as they saw us stop.

The Red-wing blackbirds were all on territory. It was fun hearing their calls. It sounded like a true spring day.

Did you have a Safari this weekend? What inspired you this weekend?? For more Sunday Safari excitment go over to Sherry's blog Q's Corner.

One Single Impression - Top

2011-02-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

Spring floods nourish fields

floatsum bobbing by gaily

soon the river will top

For more poetry go to One Single Impression. This week's prompt is TOP.

Wintering Whooping Cranes

2011-02-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

We have been lucky enough to have a pair of Whooping Cranes wintering in our county. We have driven to the out of the way area where they have stayed several time to watch them. We are wondering how long they will stay since it is warming up here. These whoopers have tracking radios on their legs. I didn't put those on this one. It is fun to know where these birds came from but I sort of dislike seeing the tracking equipment on them. It just isn't natural. All the resident birds are singing and setting up territories now. Are the birds in your area singing yet?

Animal Wednesday - Lambs

2011-02-09T12:58:00.000-05:00

Since today is the first day in a week or so that I have felt half human (due to a cold) my DB decided it was time to get out and get some fresh air. I agreed since when I looked out and saw that some of the Goldfinches are beginning to get a bit of color around their head and neck we might find some other evidence that spring has not forsaken us.

While driving in the country we came upon a small herd of sheep. Below is the male with those big horns.

Here are some of his progeny being well cared for by their Mother despite it being 15F.

Momma was a little nervous with us being there. They were good little lambs, staying close to their warm milk source.

I wish you all a happy Animal Wedensday. Are you seeing any signs of spring in your area?

Animal Wedensday - Goldfinch

2011-02-02T16:24:00.000-05:00

Today wasn't a very nice day for any animals outside. Not that it was so cold but the wind has been blwoing and the snow has been flurrying making it uncomfortable to be out. Not like up North. I am not complaining just stating a fact. The goldfinches kept coming to the sock outside my studio window.

I have been sitting around thinking (yes, this does occur) about what I could do for my "Kids Write" girl for Valentines Day. We are told not to spend more than $5 if we send something. I mean, I don't know what I could do with that amount of money. Anyway I try to make things for her. I was about to give up on this thought when I read Julie's blog post HERE. She was making a heart doll and putting it into a jewlery box covered with pretty paper. I was inspired. Below is the box I covered with some red velvet covered paper. Then I made hearts on top with glitter glue.

Julie's doll was so cute. I just had to try that too. I had felt, floss, beads etc. So I got to work. This little doll will fit right inside the box. I hope my little girl likes her. It sure made me happy to have something to create for her. Thanks Julie for sharing your work.

Happy Animal Wednesday to all. I hope everyone that has to deal with this storm is warm and safe.

Animal Wednesday - Epidexipteryx

2011-01-26T12:19:00.000-05:00

National Geographic is a magazine that I dearly love. It takes me all over the world. The photos and articles keep me informed about the world. It has articles about the natural world that I find interesting. This month is no exception. They have an article about one of my favorite things...Feathers. The evolution of feather to be exact.

In this article they had several fossils from all over of the "Beasts" that had feathers. Of course the artist's renditions of the beasts are something to behold.

My favorite is the Epidexipteryx or commonly called the Jurasic Peacock in the article. The photo above was taken of this fossil and artists rendition of the beast from the magazine.

Below is my interpretation of the fossil and the artist's rendition.

I would love to have a real fossil of something like this. I know I couldn't afford such a treasure. So I did the next best thing. I made one for myself. I had some old sculpty clay and I worked it into the below "fossil". It isn't perfect but I sure had fun making it.

Happy Animal Wedensday to you all. For more Animal Wednesday fun pop over to Aunti Mim's here.

Blooming Tuesday - Amaryllis

2011-01-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

My Sister sent me some pictures of her amaryllis that is blooming. I thought it a perfect subject for Blooming Tuesday. I love seeing this marvelous hot color on a cold snowy day. Happy Blooming Tuesday everyone. I hope this brings some warmth and color into your day.

Hyacinth Sketch

2011-01-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

I hav been having fun lately watching the hyacinths coming on.

I have three on vases and two have blooms. I can smell them when I sit at the kitchen table.

Are any of you forcing bulbs this winter? I am so ready for spring to arrive. How about you?

Surprise Spider

2011-01-18T10:10:00.001-05:00

My biggest surprise this weekend was my first of the year SPIDER (outside). We were birding at the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. I looked down and there on the edge of the snow ran a spider. I ran back to the car to get the camera to take its picture. It tried to hide in the duff. I found him though because he was much paler than the duff. It didn't rise above 35Fdegrees all day. This seemed like such a surprise.

Striped Skunk

2011-01-17T13:53:00.001-05:00

We had an interesting encounter with a Striped Skunk this weekend. The only thing is this skunk didn't have a stripe down its back as it should be. He must have been awfully hungry to be out foraging during the day. Of course it warmed up a lot this weekend so the pickings were easy...if it could find them. For more about my weekend encounter go here.

Animal Wedensday - Luna in the Snow

2011-01-12T05:51:00.000-05:00

Must I stop for a picture Mom? We must take this opportunity to run in the snow. Happy Animal Wednesday to you all. For a couple more Luna photos in the snow and a few birds you can go here.

Cactus Monday - Cholla Rib

2011-01-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

What you ask does this line up of feathers have to do with Cactus Monday??

The item holding the feathers is a rib of a ~~Saguaro~~ Cholla Cactus I picked up in the desert the last time we were in Arizona.

You can see it has these lovely holes that I can stick feathers that I pick up while out birding or in our garden and display them. If this isn't a ~~Saguaro Rib~~ please tell me what it is. Thank you for telling me it is probably a Cholla Rib gang. I knew someone would help me.

In the past I have hung this on the wall or just layed it on a table to display the feathers. It is that time of year when I start looking at objects in my house trying to decide how I can rearrange to make it feel a little more lively. After all I will be stuck in here a couple more months.

What I did was take a part of a brick and drilled a hole in it. Then I just stuck the end of the rib into the hole. Voile, a stand was made and I like they way the feathers appear.

Happy Cactus Monday to all of you Cacuteers. For more Cactus fun go to Teri's Painted Daisies.

Bloomin Tuesday - Garden Journal

2011-01-04T19:29:00.000-05:00

This is a stretch in several different ways. First of all
Blooming Tuesday. As you can see there are no blooms
in this drawing but it is the front page of my Garden
Journal for this year. I have used this type of sketchbook
for my Garden Journal for the last ten years. It works
well for me. I do the front page different every year.

As you can see I have done a couple of poems in the
Acrostic style, sort of. I am not really sure this is a
pure acrostic because I have never tried doing them
until now. This sort of just came over me. Don't
you just love it when that happens?

I wish everyone a Happy Blooming Tuesday.

Garden Time

Greens
Are               Thoughts
Reigning       Images
Design          Memories
Enabling       Enchantments
Nature

Animal Wednesday - OSI - Comb

2010-12-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

Animal Wednesday and OSI's prompt 'comb' collided in my mind this week. I was watching the Canada Geese fly by on their way out into the fields to forage and loaf around. Then my eye was caught by the Juncos 'combing' the ground for fallen seed from the feeders. This haiku and sketch with pencil emerged.

I hope you have a great Animal Wednesday and if you are in the mood for some more haiku pop over to One Single Impression for more haiku and poetry.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T04:37:00.000-05:00

I hope you day is merry, full of love, family, friends and all that makes you happy.

Jingle Bell, Jingle bell...

2010-12-22T07:24:00.000-05:00

When I noticed a painting for sale by another artist and my muse sparked for a moment I decided to try to copy it. I thought this was so much fun. I wish I could think of the artist's name. Anyway I thank him for awakening my recalcitrant muse. Jingle bell rock is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Stillness

2010-12-21T07:31:00.001-05:00

At this time of year

it's difficult not to be still

snowfall muffles noise

Activity halts

nerves are soothed by

natures cool blanket

The fireplace draws us

to its side like Mother's arms

welcoming and warm

A cup of hot tea

can have the same affect

enjoyed with memories

Practice

2010-11-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

I realize how much I need to be practicing. These poor little girls have been drawn in my sketchbook.

The poor little dears. Their eyes are whopperjawed. I have a terrible time making eyes look right.

I will just keep practicing.