Todays painting lesson in progress.
The first step is the hardest... same goes for the stepping stones!
Check out these lovely slab rocks!! I love 'stepping stones' for a few reasons - to avoid 'accidents' left by the dogs, they look beautiful and I have a fondness for rocks in general, reminded - the Bible (several times) refers to 'Jesus is the rock'. We wanted to add some on the way to the gazebo, first we had to find them. Living on the 'Canadian Shield' giant slabs are everywhere on the property, getting them where we want them was the hard part. Credit goes to Norm who figured it out, dug them up and then rolled them into place with a dolly & then logs, after making giant cardboard cutouts - to dig out the perfect shape. Where there is a will, there is a way. I had the easy part today, planting clover around the edges. I like to tell people, if they visit and we are not home - the house key is under the stepping stone. Heehee. Task complete, feels great on the feet... provided it's not too hot -then it's hopping stones. Now to wait for the clover to grow and it will look amazing - as it does already, in my mind. Rock on - creations to create! Enjoy the day - tomorrow is never guaranteed. Created to create Romans 12:11. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the lord. acrylic on wood 1/9 series.
Praise Jesus!! This was designed with a kid in mind.. I think I might create another sloth - more realistic, I enjoy painting them so why not! The bible mentions being slothful a few times, 'slow and quiet, perhaps even implying lazy' - not my sloth! My sloth rejoices in Jesus. lol. Grateful for another day! I hang these outside to twirl' for my instagram post and this was the second time -this sweet tiny hummingbird appears out of nowhere to check out my art, he makes me laugh out loud & I thank him for looking. Talk about curious, Jesus sent him, I've no doubts. I think I'll work on the writing and keep it all in Gold with the leaves around it, I like the look. Do what you do with LOVE & joy! My second of the series is already waiting on my desk for a clear coat. What a lovely weekend - sunshine and heat. This morning I was wondering at Gods decision to create mosquitos! Holy cow! I walked the driveway before the sun came out and literally ran back waving my arms, both eyebrows bitten... lol. Lord -what the heck were you thinking? I bring the dogs in and put lavender on their ears as they too were covered - once the sun arrives all is well. Coffee nearly shot out my nose as I read a text from my mom "check the bird bath, that's where they breed.." I remind her: we live in a forest with a stream, surrounded by lakes - yeah - cause the bird bath is the problem.. hahahaha city folk! Oh well who am I to question Gods creation - perhaps it's to keep us on our toes. My son is on a Foray with the MST, I hope they have on their bug hats, jackets, pants, spray (non toxic), they don't seem to bother him, I'm a walking buffet! We accomplished quite a bit of gardening this weekend, (Norm did mostly) & I'm grateful, it looks wonderful this tiny Eden & gets lovelier each year. We also planted clover as a ground cover as apposed to water guzzling grass, you can also eat clover & make a tea - weee. Clover grows well in all conditions including hot & dry which the next week is anticipated to be & feels fantastic on the feet! The hare that I see in the mornings will also be a fan, if Thumper' is right. Give thanks for another day - Created to create - time to paint! Praise Jesus! Rejoice! I've started a new painting series - Rejoice! Paintings inspired by The Word of God.
I like painting with a purpose, as I have in the past with trying to educate about cannabis - as a medicine for children, one that doesn't destroy their organs or get them hooked on opiates... it's never been about being stoned'. Learning to live with pain is also part of the journey - it is not medicine' that has helped me the most but my developing relationship with Jesus! My growing faith in God, who has always been with me - every step of the way. My own cannabis consumption is almost down to nothing these days, I go weeks at a time without a puff. Praise Jesus!! God created all we need- right here with every seed. More and more are realizing this, brining back traditions & knowledge learned long ago from the generations before us. For example, I recently learned on Instagram - a broth steeped of cloves & cinnamon helps with tooth pain - what did I have to lose... besides tooth pain? lol I made it & have been using it daily and the ache I had for weeks is gone - the bleeding also stopped. Try it or don't, I figure it's better than pills' that have harmful side effects, including antibiotics. Every time I read the bible, I learn something new and am often inspired by something mentioned that causes a curiosity to delve deeper. Quotes - words of wisdom, bring the sensation of "feel Good" because of God. That's the plan. The Word of God - the bible, the most popular, most read book on the planet. I read it & start over and each time is like a new adventure, new journey, new love story. The Chosen - brought it to life & just enhanced it all. Jonathan Roumie in particular chosen by Jesus to play the part is exceptional, I am a fan! I'm also a fan of Dallas Jenkins, director. I hope they continue & create the entire bible, I'm already pondering - who will portray David & Goliath. I know it sounds 'hoakey' but in times of trouble - when I turn to the bible, I am always reminded/guided/directed of what to do' - do it with God and you can do anything! Lifes instruction book.. you just have to take the time to read it. A puzzle to Peace, via prayer. I thought: if these revelations bring me peace & joy - I should paint them! Painting already makes me feel at peace so painting the Word of God can only increase the love & calm I feel when painting. Created to create. I'll share one each Sunday - the day of rest & Rejoicing. Below - Poppy & Ginger, aren't they adorable? I love my girls... they teach me love & love me unconditionally. Dogs are mentioned in the bible a few times... more on that soon. Have a creative day. I watched a cartoon that I had forgotten - it's one of the cutest created and once seen I remembered most of it. It's about a little boy who day dreams in class and is called out- by the teacher while his peers giggle. What an imaginative plot, you can't help but smile. Who didn't day dream in school? Day dream & doodle, I did.
This cartoon called From A to Z-z-z-z directed by Chuck Jones - who later created the Grinch, you can see a hint of that 'famous Grinch grin on Ralph as he starts to daydream. I think other than flying - when he attacks the fish turned deadly shark, is also amusing creativity. I like to record them spinning in the wind, as I did a tiny hummingbird appeared to admire my work. lol... made my morning. I have a DVD (or a few) -this one is on Warner brothers favourite 50. When the weather is acting up and internet is effected, I'll watch DVDs... this has also taught me to keep a actual books on hand for when my Kobo (e reader) crashes or the battery dies. It was a fun break from my other project... I'm also painting another chimp on a circle - why not? Do what you love... My daily To Do: paint, read, snuggle with dogs. I did spy this interesting tree the other day during a walk - isn't that neat? A hole right through - it did not appear to bother the lush greenery above at all. Daydreaming, perhaps it's a portal to another dimension... for woodpeckers. Have a creative day! Hello Sunshine, gouache on watercolour .
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 Believe. What's my favourite pastime besides painting? Watching the sunlight dance through the leaves, its addictive... all other thoughts fade into the shadows as I watch & contemplate God. It comes naturally, in nature. Frost comes naturally too - darn it... always anxious for plants, 2 big ones were purchased for the deck & hit by frost and are looking close to death today. Oh well, with some TLC they might be brought back. It's holiday Monday, a beautiful day with sunshine expected -all day. These chilly mornings make us appreciate warmth as it slowly increases. My mom & her partner visited recently & it was a lovely day, Storm made us Pizzas (delicious) - so we just got to sit & relax. There's been a few times lately I notice the bond between us.. like the day I made a huge pot of beef fried rice & I went to text her - just as I did, her text arrived "I made a big pot of chicken friend rice today".. what are the odds. Or the time Storm was visiting her and I texted him "You must be chomping at the bit!" - a phrase I heard growing up meaning: super excited. He replied "your mother, literally just said that to me a moment ago". My mom & I also "feel" each others moods. This sort of thing happens often, and not to just us, science says mothers & daughters have the closest bond than any other dynamic, especially later in life. I'm grateful, our relationship has been tumultuous at times (to put it mildly) & that too, is common for mothers and daughters. I'm 59 & my mom is 80, we now know, it's as simple as 'here today - gone tomorrow', life has taught us this lesson too many times. Covid also had us concerned for each others health, albeit we still don't agree on many issuers & somethings I think (as Im sure she does), no point saying anything, best to avoid and argument... lol. I guess - that's love. Let not your hearts be troubled... enjoy our time while we have each other seems easier to do with each passing day. I'm trying to apply this to everyone, as we all have stuff going on & I for one don't want to add' to anyones stress. We are here to lift each other up. Love One Another. John 13:34 Today, I woke up giving thanks & Praise to Jesus! The leaves, the fresh air, my dogs snuggled & snoring beside me, birds chirping - Bluejays calling for breakfast - we have much to be thankful for. Enjoy your holiday Monday! Give thanks for another day. Do you enjoy birds? I was gifted a new bird bath, one with tiny bumps - so the birds don't slide in and struggle to get out. There are countless bluejays here, a family that's enjoyable & amusing to watch & listen to as they call each other and respond, they also fly in a group. The rage of sounds they create is amazing... I wish I spoke 'bird.
I created the card above to send to one of my moms friends who calls me monthly, she's known me since I was a toddler & I'm always happy to hear from her- an old bird club member'. lol When I told her I was 60 (next year) she welcomed me into the 'old bird club, she's in her 80s. A compliment & accomplishment - for sure. We learn as we mature - old age is a gift, not everyone gets to experience. Speaking of old birds & a bird lover - below is a great book. What an adventure! A story of determination, perseverance - one that changed Canadian history and educated us on our feathered friends forever - Birds! A must read for bird lovers, especially if in Ontario. Louise de Kiriline was one impressive woman in my opinion. She lived in the deep woods and watched birds, as well as educate us on birds. I could relate to this woman but feel quite unaccomplished, compared to her... there's still time I think, as I currently work on my newest creation. Interestingly enough, she also developed Trigeminal neuralgia later in life... not fun. What a character she was & interesting life she led, it took me longer than anticipated to read as it was discouraging to read of the bird decline, of which I am aware... it doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. Still, it an education filled with many interesting bird facts - as Canadians we can thank her for sharing her love of our feathered friends with others around the world! If you love birds- you won't be disappointed with tis read. Happy Long weekend - here in Canada - May 24! Play & stay safe. Painting on the deck! It's time - painting on the deck -Horay! Listening to the birds and watching wildlife come alive -Including trees with all different leaves!! No doubts you have heard/read about the Forest fires in Canada, living in the woods you can't help but imagine the destruction ... fauna, insects, fungi, trees, creatures (big & small) and birds at a time where there are probably many tiny babies unable to escape, all being burnt. The comparison of the skies - before & after, with the heavy foggy orange hue are breathtaking, mentally & physically. I spied a huge jack rabbit today on the lawn & thought of baby bunnies. What makes the fires in Alberta worse, we have learned it started with a "controlled burn" by an all women team. Sigh. Humans thinking we can control Mother Nature, guess again. The town sent out an email and the Haliburton Forest Instagram page posted the same notice: BYW If you want to learn what's happening in the forest up here- lots to do & see, I suggest you follow them. The first summer I was here - was hot, the grass yellowed quickly. It doesn't take a genius to understand the issues with a forest full of dead & dried pine needles & last years leaves leaves to realize how fast they can go up in flames, throw in the occasional dead tree & things can get out of hand very quickly & easily. I was warned by my agent Tom, not not have any fires & if you do & the fire trucks show up - it's a $400. fine/per truck. I get it. No campfires, no candles, no tiki torches and no fireworks. For any visiting on the long weekend, I hope they don't find out the hard way. I'm sure it will put a damper on those wanting to sit around the camp fire or set of some celebratory' fireworks of which I'm not a fan. Fireworks terrify all animals (especially dogs) they add pollution to the air & they harm humans hearing... & of course you read about some kid or intoxicated adult who blows off a few fingers or worse. So yes, I understand why endangering forest, creatures & forest fighters - all for a few moments of fancy light show & sparklers' is frowned upon.
Ramps are out & I've made ramp butter - which is delicious on steak or to fry an egg, I also enjoy eating them raw. The Dryads Saddle mushroom are stating to appear - soon they'll appear in my frying pan. Trillium are everywhere - red & white. Don't pick them, if so they don't always come back the next year... there's no point anyhow - my dogs broke one tamping through the patch & I put it in water but it wilted quickly. Other than that, I've been painting - a special project & I anticipate it will take a couple of months to complete... I take a break occasionally & paint other things- but this one take a lot of thought, some writing and much creativity! Since I am enjoying the process & adventuring with the dogs in between - there's not enough hours in the day for doodling' - or social media. Enjoy the day we have been gifted! *** You can see Tres documentary for a very limited time, go see! Watch the power of LOVE, the determination of a mother & the difference a plant (cannabis) can have on someones quality of life, a short but very powerful documentary. https://www.methodmfilms.com/the-cloud-between-us It's that time of year - finally able to explore the forest with out bugs - yet, although a few black flies were seen, it won't be long before mosquitos are plentiful. What a workout! I went last week but this week we walked all over and already spied mushrooms. Every spring after we first venture out my feet (in particular) hurt the next day, almost as if broken -after a winter of walking on only flat ground. The property is up and down -hills to climb. I was amused as the guys both asked "how did you get up here" I think, how the duck do you think I got up here? Forest fairies carried me? I climbed.
Use it or lose it. The climb can be slow and the dogs stop and watch & wait patiently... but we manage. Daisy and Ginger feel it too as they are not far behind me, Ginger panting but she keeps up - good because she needs to lose weight & this is the fun way, for us all. An adventure! Poppy & Arrow are the rock climbing explorers! I'm amazed at Poppy - hopping from rock to rock, Arrow following her like a good big sister as we 3 watch from below. We found false morel - the kind you do NOT eat -they are poisonous but it means real morel won't be long. Tons of Trillium just up - no flowers' yet, in just a couple of weeks it will be harder to explore from all the vegetation, especially wild raspberries with branches that scratch as we walk through them, I worry about the dogs eyes and face but for now - out we go. I was feeling sad & mentally worn down the other day, a few things on my mind but I had promised the girls" first nice day - we go!" Once out, surrounded by nature - all was forgotten while discovering mushrooms, shoots, new buds, deer poop and new growth as well as newly fallen trees - next years firewood... as usual I was reminded of Gods greatest creations (besides us) - nature. It all started in a garden after all. Nature is good for the mind & soul and dogs. I am grateful to climb as difficult as it can feel at times. I know many with arthritis who just give up and give in to it. If I did that, I would have stoped painting about 10 years ago. The TN also seems to be aggravated by the continuous ups & downs and stepping over branches... one eye constantly shutting throws the balance off therefore we just go a little slower. Arrow runs ahead & returns to my side & I use her for balance at times - dogs know. Each time & come back feeling simply grateful - because I can explore the forest... never taken for granted. We're out for at least an hour and come home sweaty, thirsty and exhausted- everyone ready for a nap on the deck. I also felt better emotionally or perhaps I'm just too tired and surrender easier, either way all I can say: Thy will be done. We also slept great! Now, I just touch my walking stick and the excitement starts! Hopefully we'll get out several times before the mosquitos take over, then it's more like a run through the forest to keep them from finding us. This mornings walk was a bonus - Storm joined us! A perfect start to a lovely day. Thy will be done & Thank you, for another day... another adventure. Some images below of what it looks liken the woods in Ontario, in the spring. skiing fun plaster & paint on wood This was a little out of my element but it was a lot of fun to create albeit not as easy as I anticipated. Storm learned to ski this past winter & loved it! Skiing is also terrific exercise & he has a winter tan. He loved everything about it & was fortunate enough to have an experienced skier teach him several much appreciated lessons. I tried a few times many moons ago but never quite got the hang of it & was telling Storm, my biggest issue was the chair lift - apparently there are many that don't get the hang of it. lol. I thought it would be a breeze but painting all these tiny skiers took longer than anticipated. The final results, I was pleased with. There is even a tiny kitty on skis, as a friend of his takes his cat everywhere & I enjoy seeing the cat on the adventures! It is not an original idea, I believe I saw it on instagram... for anyone with kids -it would be an excellent craft. If you look closely, you'll even notice one human making a snow angel. Whew... I am glad the snow is gone. created to create.... back to painting, on paper. Primate pondering the Universe. (as usual) 8 x 8
Storm returned home from a trip and he witnessed the miracle of Northern Lights, the Aurora borealis and I was captivated! I laughed at my attempt here but I'm guessing, you get it. The only time we experience true failure is when we fail to try - at anything including painting. I've been encouraging a friend to paint & saw his first 2 paintings and was impressed! I also realized he could always paint, (& will prove it) he just needed a push in the gouache direction ;) We all just need a little encouragement sometimes. Another human I've been pondering is Andrew Tate. The more I hear him speak the more I appreciate his blunt point of view. Sure he can come across as arrogant, loud and full of himself - but he makes it clear he is also full of God. Full of self control, full of living this life to the fullest! In particular he appears to be in control of his thoughts & emotions. He shared his beloved dog died (something I often dread just the thought of) and yes, he was sad but he did not allow it to bring him down. In the past, a Great Dane "Dimitri" comes to mind- I was crushed when he died, I cried for weeks and some days had trouble getting out of bed. I drank to numb the pain and slept for days.. I did this a few times - especially when a loved one (human) died. I experienced a deep depression & regression when a young girl 'Kirstin whom we were very close to died in a terrible car accident. No doubts I've shared in it this blog, somewhere. I closed my business and thinking back now, I also was not there for Storm, as I should have been. She was his best friend. Grief does that to us and I can only imagine what it does to parents who lose their child. We can't go back but we can try to forgive ourselves for being human. I'm starting to realize when we choose to keep going, we are showing those we loved & lost more respect & that we were grateful for the experience. As my faith in Jesus & God has increased, I understand these difficult lessons are what forms us fastest. As everything else in this life - it is a choice - do I wallow in pity or thank God for the experience! Better to have love and lost than not loved at all. Anyway, I don't think Andrew Tate is a threat' as many imply... I think he is a positive role model for many, men in particular - rise up, believe in yourself, do good, love God. We were not created to be mediocre, see Jesus in yourself & SHINE!!! I appreciate after attempting to paint my Aurora Borealis, recognizing once again that the master artist, most talented creator is God. I give thanks for every breathtaking bud' I now see on every tree & every single star which reminds me of how awesome all is. Thank God for another day to experience this magnificence! gouache on black 8 x 8. Jesus IS always closer, than you think.
This Sunday, I was exhausted (anticipation my sons return :) I didn't get much sleep... so I didn't go to 'church, I don't want to fall into that routine again, where I feel guilty if I miss mass'. During the week I had a conversation with a woman up here who grew up in the same areas I did and was she is Italian. Onee I realized she was Italian I asked her is she knew 'Commisso's bakery!' YUM... lol. She laughed and said she did & had gone recently! I wished I had known -I'd of asked her to pick me up one of their delicious sandwiches "sangwich" as my Italian friend growing up, use to call it. The food is as good but the grocery store is smaller, she informed. What a small world indeed. She knows my current home well as she use to look after a woman that lived here! How nice to meet a fellow former Torontoian', I know there are many. She also shared she went to a catholic high school that I knew of and went to church regular - I asked her where she attended 'up here' & she said: she doesn't. We both admitted we do visit 'the Church of the Forest' regularly. As a matter of fact - it is in the forest, the trees, fauna, creatures I feel closest and grateful for God! How can you not see God in every tree, rock and moss covered log with a frog (if lucky). Everything is a miracle. I believe growing up in a multicultural city like Toronto can be beneficial to expanding knowledge & experiences of humans in general. I had many Italian friends, still my dearest friend since grade 5 is Italian & visiting her home as a kid was a highlight for me, I have many fond memories of her family and her mom insisting "Eat Georgia, you're too skinny!!" lol. I also had Jamaican friends, Lebanese, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese & more! A friend was a friend, nevermind where from or the colour of their skin. I was introduced to traditions & foods from around the world and my life is richer for it. Living here is a new experience & a new appreciation for nature & farmers in particular! Farmers are hard workers, if only city folk' understood how hard they worked, they wouldn't complain about the cost of beef, eggs, milk etc. Chickens are work, I am grateful for the experience of raising all creatures. I've made friends here, I don't even bother asking where 'they are from' - it doesn't matter. Time & wisdom have taught me - we are all one, on the same path & destination. Jesus is in all of us. I had a revelation thinking this - just this morning: Jesus... JesUS, all of US are in Jesus. Once you understand & acknowledge this 'forgiveness' is easy - when I forgive another, I am showing Jesus the Love I have, for him... easy peasy. lol. I'm trying, anyway. The trick is constantly reminding myself, God sees us all the same. Loves us equally... All of US. See the light of Jesus in everyone, even in the trees & YOU will Rest in God. Ending on a positive note - I wish all experience the Peace Ginger does... lol. Especially on a perpetual diet. hee hee - I love my chunky girl! Every ounce. Happy May! |