Practice

Feel like a day of 10 minute drills. Clementines painted with oil and a timer. I found this exercise on Carol Marines blog. It is great for getting loose and focusing on values. Yes, they were fun!

I need a Mom

Is it the time of year? I just can't find the energy or heart to get something done. I know the thought of hiring a mom has probably crossed everyone's mind...I need a Mom to come here and take charge, get things done. Have you thought about the job description for hiring a mom? A medical degree, psych degree, contract negotiating, cab license, nutritionist, tutor, the list goes on....

Waiting

I feel like my hydrangea bush today. The buds are there, but they are procrastinating on the blossoms. I am off to make a list and set priorities. I have done this in the past....maybe posting this will bring accountability and some much needed action on my part!

Suns out

Drama

Daffy days

My lovely daughter brought these home for me the other day. A women was selling them for American Cancer Society. I love photographing flowers, when the sun hits the petals and they appear translucent, yet cast shadows. This is a recipe for very dramatic floral photos. I know the best shot photos are never in direct sunlight, but I love drama. Note the snow out the window in sharp contrast with the springy daffodils. It pays to find the humor in the Great Lakes region.

Winter going quietly?

I know in the morning when it has a brighter glow outside it means snow cover. Looks like a slurpy out there. I love our Presque Isle State Park. It has eleven miles of beaches, trails, houseboats and is habitat for numerous species of our wild brethren. I don't know what it is about the birch trees that draw me to them. They always stand out in the crowd.

Kevin

Yesterday was international Down Syndrome awareness day. My days have been so busy, I didn't know. I am thankful they have been "good busy days." We are not so focused on the DS, the autism diagnosis has pushed the DS to hardly notice.

My child you have no idea what a gift you have been.
You have taught me sooooo much. Tonight we eat cake!
Love,
Mum

Spring is here

Cloudy, misty, but in the 50's. After a long, relentless winter hope springs. Time to get the baggage into perspective. Letting go of the physical clutter and the emotional. The lift from moving forward, not backward, is like the first days of Spring.

This painting is from a photo taken at Penn State main campus while walking with my son on his graduation day. The deep blue sky against the pale pink blossoms, awesome.

Isolation

I painted this a short time ago... Did not have the opportunity to paint this week. Lots of chaos, some good some not so good. I need to refocus my energy on Spring, and happiness. Disappointment is a part of life, how we choose to deal with it is up to us. So I am taking a deep breath and pick up where I left off. Let the sun shine on my face.

Sunday pasta sauce

I have always wanted to make my own pasta sauce. No clue... If I had the kind of life where I choose...today was difficult, tomorrow will be better. Time won't leave me as I am.

Windows

My first free lance drawing is one of my earliest childhood memories. I drew Quick Draw McGraw inside of my Mum's lampshade. She did not see the resemblance, I saw my room. Just painted these geraniums in a window box, didn't have a plan in mind. I love window boxes.

Back to the studio

No more distractions no matter how the sense of urgency pulls me away. My mother used to mention how much she loved The Rose of Sharon. Her Mother had this flowering tree at the homestead in Sharon, PA. This is for you Mum. Tulip for me.

Dublin

I really need to see a street flower vendor, sunshine and warm air. It was a challenging day, we all have to muddle through them now and then.

Lighthouse

A old watercolor of the Lighthouse at Presque Isle State Park in PA. An experimental use of two new watercolor tubes, peacock and opera. Loved the names and the pop they can give a painting.

Sunrise sunset

I was in an experimental mood the day I painted this. I had not done a palet knife painting in a long time. Forgot how much fun it is to do, love the mess too. It is so easy to get into a painting rut, your brain is to weary to switch into the on position. Vibrant color and thick paint in a not your typical mood worked for me.

Go fly a kite

March 1. The sun is shining, hope is in the air. I painted this tiny card to remember how soon spring will here and the kites will start flying on Presque Isle. It is a wonder to experience. The colors will make your day.