Enjoy this day that the Lord has made - for you to create something beautiful!
Ah Dogs... They are the best. I found this piece of fake fur an had some fun - I am easily amused. Look at the results - they make me smile just looking at them. Daisy is the best- she just sat there, posed by crossing her dainty paws. Arrow -I was lucky to get a photo, she was not having any of it! Poppy - could care less and Ginger was loving it, perhaps because it reminded her of one of her babies. Speaking of Gingers babies.. she is spoiled! I rounded them up and placed them on their favourite pillow and she was thrilled ... that is until Poppy decided to nap on her babies, Poppy too was enjoying this baby bliss comforter'. Of all Gingers babies, she brought the brown fox to bed last night, perhaps because it resembles her the most. I love my girls - they love me. Today were going to explore - in between paintings, which I currently have 4 projects on the go - 3 acrylic! & I've been playing more with HIMI gouache -a different texture' than the WN but the more I play the more I enjoy and am having better results. Tomorrows painting Blue Monday Monkey was painted with HIMI.
Enjoy this day that the Lord has made - for you to create something beautiful!
0 Comments
Oh what a beautiful morning , oh what a beautiful day... It feels like spring, again! Yesterday, we started spring training - that and proof, I am easily amused. I have a canvas painted butterfly made by a friend Ellen, I've had it for years. I put it on fishing wire and dangled it fluttering around the dogs. Arrow was particularly amused, me too. I was trying to get a good photo to paint and I was successful, if I do say so. Reference photos and giggles - what more could one want. It's a new day & a new adventure! A painting awaits on my desk- waiting for details (below), and a new canvas in my mind
as I contemplate what colours and placement of my subjects will be used. I also have another project started a way in which I can serve - using my artistic talent! Yay! Serving' can be difficult when you deal with 'limitations', there are things I can't do, especially with my hands as it's painful. I'm always thinking ahead now, when I 'create' I plan for easy cutting (if cutting is needed) using a knife instead of scissors, two sided tape or a glue stick is easier to apply than a roll of tape. Frustration can teach you much. Pain teaches daily, patience with myself mostly. Pain has taught me to appreciate a great deal, like how much I appreciate good days' when preparing a meal tis easier than other days. Some days I won't even attempt to chop vegetables. Learning to let go was key... somedays it's a full blown home cooked meal, on painful days it's KD or - "do it yourself" or even better Storm cooks - he makes the best custom pizzas and mashed potatoes I can't resist, even cold! I have no problems eating most food cold. I was offered a way to serve that has excited me- Thank you Lord! hahaha. We are here to serve & inspire - to create as the Creator. I also love to serve by sharing art, cards and smiles. How do you serve? Serving others brings joy to those that give & those who receive - all we are continually asked to do in The Bible is BE JOYFUL! & praise our Lord. Dogs are so easy to please, some scratching behind the ear and playing with butterflies gets us all a flutter - try it! If you don't have a butterfly use a ball... Enjoy this day the Lord has made. These two make me smile daily, these two love me the most. Poppy never leaves my side & the same with Arrow. Poppy is the boss & her big sister is patient, loving and protective of her. I took these photos before bed the other night and they both were making me laugh, as they do each night before we drift off. Poppy saying her prayers & giving thanks... thanks for all .. including my big sister who makes me angry when she steals my cookies. Heehee
To have the unconditional love of a dog is one of the greatest gifts & experiences while on this planet and I've been blessed with many - currently & a cat, bird & gecko. Give thanks for all Gods creatures. Yesterday we had company which was enjoyable, the girls enjoy it as much as I do and more, when it's grandma with left overs- yum! Nanny saves all her meat scraps and freezes them to bring up when she visits, they know this an hang out in the kitchen waiting patiently. Earlier, I was trying to figure out Poppys birthday' to see when she will exactly be double digits'... I was shocked to learn - she already is! Poppy will be 11 this year!! Poppy was born June 2013 and I picked her up in August 2013 - this year she'll be 11 - dog party happening this summer.
Looking through photos of her - each one seems 'like yesterday', I can remember taking them, including the first day when she did her first -armpit snuggle - which she does STILL a few times a day, especially at nap time.. Poppy likes to get her tiny nose right in the crook of my armpit to snuggle and fall asleep. 11 years -has flown with my tiny constant companion, the grey has grown all over her sweet tiny face and body. The love this tiny creature had provided is priceless, my sweet tiny yet mighty service dog (now retired) - we have so many fond memories. Going through photos I was reminded of lost loves, Tequila, Scruffy... I miss them still. Daisy & Poppy have a close relationship, of course realizing Poppy is older -made me aware Daisy is older than I also thought, she's 14 - that makes me happy & sad. The life expectancy of most dogs is close, the thought of losing her (any of them) causes me to tear up & my heart hurt - so I force myself to give thanks and enjoy them, this day & every day I get with all my girls. I had plans for today but have decided to change them for some serious snuggling, reading and the occasional ball tossing, we're all looking forward to warmer days and exploring outside. What would life be without a dog - I never want to find out. Today is a good day to paint my dogs. Creatures inspire me to paint & create & love. February! What's not to love? This month I focus on LOVE - all sorts of love, so even those who are not in a 'loving relationship' can partake in the festivity's. What's especially loving this month? We get an extra day to LOVE all of God's Glory! I think it should be mandatory that 'Leap days' are a day of rest. Perfect timing for the colder months, many probably feeling a bit run down -a day of rest including no cellphones for a TRUE rest for our minds too. Put in your work request for a day of rest : Contact Justin Trudeau for our mandatory holiday on a Leap day, today. They stopped people from accessing bank accounts fast enough, it shouldn't take long to get a day of rest, every 4 years. Mental health issues are at Emergency levels currently, in Canada. One extra day to snuggle with & paint the dogs - I love leap Years.
I took this photo of these 3 all looking at me, with love in their squinty eye(s), well, I think the cat was jealous of not being in the basket. At first Ginger would share the basket with the cat, now- she won't, she'd rather sleep on the floor than with Smokey, Poppy too. I have seen the cat snuggling up with Daisy & Arrow so it's just the small dogs. The day was bright with blue sunshine - so much it was a bit difficult to paint. The sun is low and crosses my art, making it difficult to see how he colour is going on and we all sat squinting & enjoying every second of it. Yay Sunshine - Love it! Painting Poppy, I became painfully aware of the grey on that tiny head, I love Poppy & that is what I'll focus on, how much I love that tiny grey face and those sweet little paws and that cute little chatting noise she makes when she wants my attention. 'Love is a dog or 3, a cat or 2 too... A bird, lizard, gecko, fish, hamster, rat, spider... the possibility to love, is endless. Of course we are asked to Love Each Other as Jesus love us. Ginger remains us, both eyes open with focus. Have a creative day - show yourself some love, drink enough water. Watching it go up in flames. Gouache on black
A 38 year old Quebec resident admitted to starting numerous forest fires, 14, After he was followed on social media & in real life & confronted by police, he has pled guilty. It’s one thing to accidentally start a forest fire, another for those who start them intentionally. That’s another level of nasty, I’m sure he’ll do jail time, he is a risk to public safety. A threat in particular to all those who fight forest fires. At the time it was suggested the government was starting them - many commented “it was nature, lightning..” clearly, not natural, either way I’m glad he was caught. What do you think about (soon to be) President Trump? In the past I have expressed my thoughts and drawings and now… I am proof, we can all change our minds, if I were American Trump would be my choice. The world has learned much the past few years and I do think Americans would be better off with Trump compared to the now president they have who does not appear physically or mentally fit to run a country. Sure he has lied, as have they all. Sure he is not such a nice human at times - as can we all be. Above all (literally), I have pondered The Word of God. God has us ALL exactly where we are meant to be, even Trump. I wish him & Americans well. If I were to try to make exceptions based on my personal preference, well that wouldn’t say much for my faith in God. Thy Will Be Done. Trump appears to speak the truth, as brutal as it is at times - which is more than most. Do I like what he says or how he says it … not always but at least he’s entertaining & I like his attempted dance moves. Look at Trudeau and all that he’s said, things I never thought he’d say. Lies, threats & betrayal to Canadians… I’m ready for a change. Will the next be better? Only God knows. I have surrendered with my ‘likes or dislikes’ of who appears to run the show, truthfully… who’d want the job? Not I. My son makes the best masked potatoes, good thing or bad? I’m not sure. I woke thinking about the leftovers and had a big bowl of mashed potatoes for breakfast, it’s cold so it hit the spot nicely (currently -15)! They are rich, flavourful and my belly thanks him, my waistline not so much. Heehee Now, I’m about to paint a prayer, focus on & spend time with God & the goodness he has provided. Drawing close to God, God draws closer to you. I like that! I’m drawing as much as I can! Created to create. snow dogs 7 x 7 gouache on watercolour paper.
Do you want to build a snowman? No, but snow dogs -yes! Well there's not enough snow for anything currently, it's on the way I am sure, until then I'll build snow dogs with paint. This painting pleased me when finished. I captured the girls identity simply by using a few tiny details about each, Ginger looks the sweetest albeit a chubby little snow dog. Arrow got the carrot for her long pointy nose. Poppy big coal eyes Daily dog a big red bow a she likes to be the "pretty girl". Painting it too was a pleasure. I recorded a time-lapse, (you can see on my Instagram Georgia.Toons) and started by painting the space all blue, this helped me create the shadows by applying a bold white in layers, working my way around the image as the white dried before reapplying with the hi lights last. The key is to wait until layers dry in between - patience, or your image can become muddy' in appearance. I might paint a snow kitty' as I forgot to add mine to this image. We're 1/2 way to Christmas, no decorations are up but I feel slightly festive all the same. Christmas shopping is done and dinner is being planned, it will be small but merry - I was speaking to some others who have company coming - 35 for dinner! WOW - that's a full house... I can't even. When I was kid, we had big family celebrations that were lots of fun, I also enjoy our more intimate dinners now. The only little ones' have four legs and are easy to please with the gift of a new ball & stuffed toy. I have paint, paper/canvas and 'time' to use them, I am surrounded by 'Christmas Trees' - over 30 feet tall, I don't need to put up something plastic, I just look out the window. The decorations are the sunshine, snow, birds, & pinecones. I need nothing from Santa. Be joyful as it is a time to remember & celebrate the Birth of our KING! What a lovely morning! Strolling the driveway in PJs & it feels warm for October 25th! The above image is on my desk waiting for a few more details. I think, He is adorable.. or should I say : Unbearably sweet! He'll be finished soon.
Today I had a problem, I didn't want to get out of bed, Poppy too - a good problem though! But first .. I want to share some Instagram stuff. Instagram has taught me a few tricks - mostly a few cooking ideas - some seem unbelievably easy -too good to be true but most I try are that good. People sharing recipes, hacks, crafts, handyman hints ets- have all contributed to making life easier & more enjoyable. It also has advertising, most I scroll past - this time of year all the Halloween stuff' is everywhere. I don't need stuff, especially not Halloween - been there done that. I did recently see an item, looked at the website & read comments & then decided to purchase a product, which had me struggling to get out of bed this morning because I was so darn comfortable!! Poppy too. So, here are a few things I've got off social media that I thought Id share... New bedding from a Canadian designed company, the IG account peaked my interest with a clip about bulky bedding & Canadian winters. They had me at bulky bedding - I often wake tangled in the sheets, kicking off comforters that are heavy - a mid sleep workout and wake later shivering. I also have psoriasis on my backside & legs and every blanket I have is scratchy', so I purchased a MyTickey.com - what did I have to loose with a 30 day money back trial? After one night I'm sold! I loved it. It is everything they claimed, generous in the size, lightweight, super soft with thee tiny bumps, pretty - the one I chose had a comfort aspect that reminded me of the blankets we all had -I think they were called chenille', warm yet cool! No wrestling last night. They promote no top sheet which is a bonus, one less crumpled lump in the a.m. Bed making took a simple flip. Clearly, not a paid promotion -if you're looking for a comfortable blanket for sleep, this is it. I had some issues before it even arrived with mailing & service was also above & beyond. I wanted to share because I know many struggle with sleep issues, I'm pleased with this purchase. I kept seeing a video about onions chopped and put in honey, leave it sit on your counter & at the first hint of not feeling well, like a cold - take a few spoonfuls. I was stuffed up for a few days, frustrated and concerned it was turning into more - I made and tried the honey, taking it for 2 days -I feel terrific today, no longer stuffed up & energized. I love onions but to some I'm sure it will taste like medicine - better than all the cold medicine the FDA is now pulling off of Canadian shelves (Hmmm- another time they are were WRONG) that they admit is not working, just adding side effects people don't need. Was it the honey, I think so - what have you got to lose? There are many old school hacks, hints and recipes on social media - like saving lemons in a jar of water in the fridge keeps them lasting months. I've also learned plant hacks, pet tricks, house cleaning - endless things I did not know - not so long ago. I'm not convinced with soaking eggs in water for over a year. I've tried the cool whip & juice concentrate 'ice cream cake- mix the two & pour into a graham crust - freeze and later serve, easy to whip together in a pinch! Today, Im trying applesauce fruit leather (below) when the stove is going I have a rack I sit on top that works as well as a oven at dehydration. I'm also trying chickpeas -for snacking as I'm trying to get away from potato chips. Chocolate spread - move over Nutella - I'm getting creative today! If I see negativity on social media, I just ignore it & in some cases unfollow or block, people who post terrible comments are not worth stressing over, I mean - who has time for that? We are created to create - not destroy or bring others down - We are here to lift each other up! I'll end today with sharing Poppy & Ginger in their basket watching me paint.. Poppy had me in stitches at her dirty look last night (I was painting late) - "Do you see this mom?" I think they need a bigger basket. lol. Poppy also doing her ET impersonation - frig she's adorable. Get creative! Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd... Gratitude painting journal
I try to paint in this journal weekly, it's become one of my most cherished, every time I glance though it I am reminded of my Love for God & Gods love for me. Nothing takes very long, usually an hour or less, I just go with the flow! I've decided to paint one of my favourite Psalms.. I have many. I give little consideration to what will appear on the page, only an idea. The first two pages complete, the next drawn. I recorded it (one page) on time-laps, it takes 27 seconds. I finally purchased a camera/phone stand so I can record art being created.. it does make it look easy so I hope some will be inspired to start. A sketch book is a wonderful place to play & explore ideas for a more detailed/serious painting. I will share when the Psalm is complete. Why paint it? ...it brings me joy, it restores my soul. Poppy is looking so grey, I decided to make her feel special yesterday & put on her favourite outfit, her grandma purchased years ago - her tiny tail was wagging the entire walk. Ginger appeared jealous but it won't fit her, I'll have to dig out the old bee sweater I made for my chunky little love. It is adorable watching her run through the leaves in her tutu, it made me laugh and Poppy was smothered (more than usual) with kisses. The only time I dress her is to go out in winter or if she shakes, I'll put on a sweater but usually she will lie right in front of the wood stove, I don't know how she can stand it, my little Poppy Hot pocket. The oldest dog (ever recorded) Bobbi died - at 31! Wow, here's wishing - I hope all my dogs live a long happy life like Bobbi. You know moving was inspired by several things but especially having a place for my girls to be free & explore. They never leave the property, they don't even go to the gate without me, unless someone is there. They understand they are loved. I have seen Arrow chase a deer a few times now but she only goes about 30 feet and turns back. The leaves have almost all fallen, it's lovely out 16 today & 17 the next few. Enjoy the day! Enjoy the weather - enjoy your dogs, if you have one. Frogs breath!?... Don't mind if I do. 8 x 8 gouache on black
Jack & Sally enjoying some Frogs breath, a tiny detail I loved from the movie. The background was purple but the metallic paint took over & looks even better in the sunshine. Who's your favourite character from the movie? I have one more with a fun idea.. The Werewolf. In between paintings I've been painting some fall images and taking few lessons. It's difficult to stay inside on such lovely days knowing they won't last much longer, it's going to get much chillier in a couple of days, some parts of Canada are anticipating snow. Today will be another short & T shirt day... the dogs are especially Loving it. Speaking of dogs.. look what I wake up to each morning (below), I love her so much. I read an article that researched how old dogs really are compared to human years and Poppy is 9, this makes her 60 (apparently - according to the study), which would make us the same age & snuggle buddies, thank God for dogs. Created to create. gouache & white gel pen on watercolour. Poppies for Poppy
If you think I spoil Poppy.. you would be correct. I hope I do. She loves me and expresses her love every day- all day, of course I spoil her. When we wake I say good morning and she rolls over for a tummy rub and makes me smile- ready to enjoy the day! Poppy goes where I go, if she can. She follows me everywhere, if I'm outside, she's outside, in the gazebo -so is she. In bed, you bet, Poppy is always right beside me. If I stay up late watching T.V. so does she. When I go Pee.. she follows me & usually uses this opportunity to stretch on my knee. We communicate many times just by looking at each other. We look at each other with LOVE. Poppy never shakes as I have heard they do - I think it's because she has been so loved and protected, if she does (rarely) it is because she is cold, there's always blankets waiting to cover her. Poppy has a cup of fresh water on her side of the bed, she drinks from it a few times a night and has no problems letting me know when it gets low, she will then step over me to drink mine. She gets special food and her treats (meat) cut small for tiny bites. I am happy to do what I can for Poppy as I love her very much... seeing her grey' over the years, can actually bring me to tears so I force myself to 'be here NOW' and not think of the day when we might not be together. Instead I smother her with kisses. Poppy is the boss of the dogs, including Arrow. Tiny but Mighty - I've no doubts she'd attempt to chase a bear for me. She is so sweet in appearance, often people try topper her -as one gentleman found out at the farmers market recently... Poppy was fine, strolling around with me and he tried to pet her- she then lunged and started barking! More or less to say: "Back off buster- did give you permission to fondle me, Im with my mom -keep your distance or else!" hahaha I never need an excuse to paint any of my dogs but I'm especially fond of painting Poppy, I love looking at her. As I painted this -she lay at my back on my chair, I could feel her warmth & breath... and love. Arrow was getting jealous though. I've had the biggest dog - Great Dane & the smallest - Chihuahua, I can tell you the size of love they provide is equal -massive. Dogs are angles without wings. I am grateful for all dogs! P.S. if you have a problem with dog hair & shedding - perhaps avoid a German Shepherd. Creating cards... as mentioned before- creating cards is a great way to experiment and make sweet tiny original gifts!
I wanted to share a new paint set I purchased that I am pleased with. seen above, metallic paints -complete with a brush & water brush and sheets to paint for reference - black & while! #Artistro makes it. I purchased off Amazon It's hard to see in the photo but they really glitter in the light and were very affordable, complete with paper- back & white -all in a handy metal tin, should you want to travel paint. I'm using them with my regular gouache for extra enhancement. Below is a friends kitty - 'Ace' the cards in the mail. It's been raining for a few days, I & the forest love it- the dogs not so much, with all the fires across Canada the rain is a welcome gift, I hope it spreads. I've decided to take a social media break as I found some posts I've been reading consumed my thoughts after I turned it off, especially posts regarding children who seems to be caught up in 'politics lately. From bathrooms to pride events & conspiracy theories about trafficking of children, difficult to ponder since so many conspiracy theories have proven true lately. I have no issues with Pride or events/parades but do not agree with pushing them in schools. When I taught art/cartooning in school I was told not to draw holidays or topics like Christmas or even Halloween, so pushing pride as we are witnessing now, seems out of place. Don't draw or celebrate Jesus but encourage Pride? Hmmmmmm.... How is that, 'inclusive' of everyone? I agree love is love. It's also none of my business unless you 'force' it and make it my/our business. I don't agree with encouraging hormone replacement on children, not old enough to understand the life long ramifications. One comedian on social media put it bluntly - he wanted to be a pirate when he was a kid and now is grateful his parents didn't take him seriously & cut off his leg for a peg or poke out his eye for a patch. Teaching children, I witnessed how they changed opinions & wants in weeks let alone years later. As for teachers influencing or keeping information from parents intentionally', is messed up. They are there to educate (not to encourage altering their bodies) on what I'm not sure anymore. No wonder homeschooling is on the rise. Anyway, between that and social media (Facebook & Instagram) not going to be sharing 'news' because of Trudeau and his bill keeping us in the dark, deciding we should be censored, even what content we should be watching. wow. Who would have believed this is Canada we once knew? What did Canadians fight for and lose lives over.. not this. I'll focus for a while on creating cards, painting & spending time with the dogs -Poppy is looking so grey lately, I just want to snuggle her more... less social media -more snuggling. Created to create. Old dogs… I love old dogs.
I love all dogs, the smell of a puppy & puppy antics, huge floppy ears and paws that trip over each other, just the thought of a puppy excites me - I can’t resist but older dogs… I love old(er) dogs as much if not a bit more. With older dogs also comes calmer moments. A well behaved older dog is a great companion, often they know when when extra snuggling is needed - perhaps they need the extra snuggling, either way it’s a win win situation. Poppy is 9, Daisy is the oldest. They all get spoiled but Poppy is the only one with a carrier. I spoiled Poppy this week with a new carrier from #CanadaPooch, Poppy finds the cold difficult, with her tiny body immersed is snow when out to pee - she’s in and out. If it’s too cold she won’t go, she uses the bathroom (pee pad) & Im fine with that. This tiny 9 pound canine has loved me beyond - I am her light & she lets me know it every day. To see her watch us from the window is heart breaking, it’s obvious she wants to join us but also begs to be lifted soon after we are out - this was the solution. I’m pleased with the purchase although, not cheap - it is a black, down filled, fake fur lined and she loves it, in it she immediately starts to close her eyes, the look of content being carried in such comfort, obvious. Lol I’m glad Storm likes the look of it too, as he will end up carrying it for me sometimes. Well made, a zipper pocket for my keys, card & cash - a couple of dog cookies & we are set for an adventure, even if it’s just the driveway. Poppy is leader of this pac. Ginger looked a little jealous and wanted a go in the bag, lol -I can’t carry her- she’s too heavy & it hurt my hands, she is on a diet but she sat in it for a bit -along came Arrow & they actually started ‘arguing’ from the bag. OMGosh… I love my dogs. Thankful for every dog I have ever had - each one was absolutely a gift. Spoiling Poppy is a pleasure - she has spoiled me with unconditional love for 9 years & counting! I look forward to at least 9 more. Let's make no bones about it - halloween brings about it's own creativity. There are some amazing costumes for humans and pets & decorative displays... cakes, cookies & art! Also some frightening costumes.. I watched a video of adults at a day care - terrifying toddlers, chasing them around, screaming at them in a frightening mask & thought.. wtf. They were all fired. I guess so. I think there's enough going on in the world - we don't need to be terrifying toddlers, life will hand them enough scary situations. It reminds me of the display we use to have & some parents had no issues dragging screaming children through -because they wanted to see. It made me upset with our own display, thinking we were responsible for frightening little ones. Movie creators don't appear to be concerned, these days. I don't want to paint frightening art. I like skeletons. I painted a few ideas (warm -ups) halloween themed, that's as scary as I'm getting. Wanna jump my bones? hee hee hee. I enjoy adding my boney Poppy too. I forgot to share this orange tabby, smoking a fatty.... playing with paint. Gouache on Black 8 x 8 Most of these cats are imagined, all are relaxing to paint... it's the fur & fun of them.
Have a creative day! Created to create. Sailing over the Ocean Blue. Acrylic on board 10" Sailing, sailing over the ocean blue... imagining all the treasures in the sea, creatures of all shapes and sizes, a history all it's own, perhaps never to be discovered. In the next attempt, I think I'd add more sea creatures . No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars or sailed to uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit. ~Helen Keller Below, Poppy discovering a Bee. Woodpecker Love. Acrylic on round board approximately 10"
Busier than a woodpecker in a lumber yard- made me giggle when I read that. That's how busy I enjoy being- although I see it more as being productive than busy. While painting this I ventured into the woods and found some woodpecker holes in a pine tree, much larger than I've portrayed. Some find woodpeckers a nuisance, in reality they are eating bugs, often destroying the trees, not the woodpeckers. Personally, I find them amusing & vocal- they make a fun sound that remind me of these toys we had when younger that would make the same sound when shook up and down... kinda like "squeakah squeakah' and have loud flapping noise, alerting me when to look up at the feeder. Woodpeckers also stay year round with the bluejays & chickadees. This woodpecker has tapped a simple message in a tree - Love. If I revisit this concept. I'll paint a woodpecker in a lumber yard - on 2 x 4's rather than trees. It's a holiday here, cloudy and cool - fine by me as the mosquitos are gone and we are exploring the woods! My church, full of pine & birch! It's when I feel closest to God, surrounded by nature. Mushrooms, moss, trees- some fallen are as interesting as those still standing, even with partial trails (trails are a lot of work) it's still difficult exploring at times, especially when we venture off the trail to inspect a mushroom, yesterday we saw our first quail. I was reminded that it's a gift, just to be able to walk in the woods, physically & mentally. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and Love. While in the woods I was reminded & am very appreciative, as I do remember a time I struggled with walking. I struggled with several things to the point I felt like giving up. I'm so glad I didn't give up, I didn't lose faith & now I'm am here, in the woods, painting everyday and playing with dogs. Dreams come true. lol Time to kick the ball and explore some more. I hope what every you do this holiday you appreciate the gifts you have - like breath. Below, Poppy the poser jumped up on the log just as I took the picture! I'm not positive but I believe those are edible mushrooms, I'll research today & if so, off we'll go again (I remember where they are) - mushrooms with Liver & mashed potatoes for dinner! My gosh Poppy inspires so many paintings. Purple, Go Slow - Sloth... wise words. Acrylic on round board.
Not sure why I painted a purple sloth, probably because it was amusing. Watching him turn in the breeze as I was sitting inside was entertaining & I remembered to go slow, eating lunch - I savoured every bite. Appreciated the conversation with my son. Enjoy the journey, take my time.. enjoy the little things, like napping with my dogs, reading a good book, writing a late to a friend and painting with a tiny brush - sloth hair. Slow down & appreciate everything. Give thanks! These one shade of colour paintings are a challenge... I think I'll create a few - perhaps a rainbow. On Domestika last night, I noticed a 'free class' - acrylic painting! Acrylic Techniques for Creative Illustration Yep, it's free, it would be a great way to try, if this is the sort of thing you'd enjoy. I've signed up fo 6 classes & excited for each but forcing myself to: Go SLOW and practice what I learn. Occasionally I notice I like the way they set up heir workspace - like this last class, how the artist uses a plastic page holder for a disposable pallet, I've tried stay wet pallets but my paint dries, gets mouldy, this seems the best idea (use only what I need for the project) & the artist: A course by Jon Berkeley, Illustrator and Author, uses a limited colour pallet so he also teaches colour mixing, lighting - concept sketching. I've slowed down, in part thanks to covid & eliminated a few things, rearranged priorities & feel better for it. Even when I walk outside I go slower... I notice more mushrooms, bugs, rocks & plants, for example. So Be like a sloth & Go Slow... go with the flow, enjoy the journey. Below.. Poppy - can't go much slower than napping with your boy in a bug proof hammock - on a beautiful breezy day! Created to create. Have you ever seen sheep herding dogs? I have 2 chihuahua duckling herding dogs - lol
Today I let the ducklings explore the coop yard…. It was entertaining! Firstly, they have easily doubled in size - in a week! They chase flies, flap their tiny wings and wiggle their tiny butts. They stick together in a group, moving in unison - not that they had much choice. Poppy was being very protective (Ginger too) and circled them while keeping the chickens away, and keeping them in a tight group as they ate, played and splashed. I giggle at the thought of what's going to happen as these ducks become larger then Poppy & Ginger, daily visits will keep everyone friendly. I have a kiddy pool for them and just taught them how to get out safely on the wooden ramp. They didn’t seem too thrilled with the water. Hmmmm. The chickens don’t seem too impressed or concerned with the ducklings, they hardly even looked at them, they tried to steal their food but Poppy was having none of it. They loved it, their first adventure out, exploring for 2 hours, tomorrow I’ll leave them longer. I had to round them up and put them back one by one & one is very fast- lol I’ll call him Speedy, the girls caught on to what I was trying to do and helped re-direct the tiny quick ducking in my direction - out from under the coop. Today, I’m painting a special bugs on some new canvas I was just gifted, (yay!!) & then ducklings in the sunlight in the afternoon. I hope you are having a terrific day & keeping cool! It's cool in Canada today only a high of 23. It’s another glorious day to enjoy & create. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
I was craving a glass of something, and considered opening wine but I don’t like to drink by myself or drink alcohol regularly, it makes me dizzy, tired and not really all that “refreshing’ when hot & thirsty. There’s always Kombucha - & the best I’ve ever had happens to be made right here in Haliburton by a fine young man, I’m happy to call friend, Luc’s Brew - you should try it if you like Kombucha, you’ll be hooked! Such an assortment of fresh, tasty flavours you’ll have difficulty choosing- I suggest the sample pack. While enjoying the garden, flowers in the trees.. the lilacs in full bloom & covered with bumble bees, I decided to make lilac lemonade! Seriously easy to make & delightfully delicious! If you’ve not tried it get ready for a taste & smell experience that will make you forget about wine. ***1 lemon freshly squeezed, 4 cups of water & a handful of lilac flowers - or more, the more the stronger the taste of lilac will be. Every glass is held up to smell before each sip - it’s addictive, my decanter for today has just been made! I believe we just need an alternative sometimes & not having the alcohol keeps me refreshed longer & healthier. I expect miracles daily & they arrive daily! I tell you, I have the sweetest tiny bird with such a tweet (I’ll ask a friend what it is, he knows from the sounds) I thought Storm was pranking me. It’s so loud & tropical sounding and just out on the patio.. the next time I heard it I went to investigate & couldn’t believe what I saw. Years ago (when legal to do so) my mom brought me back a pufferfish from one of her vacations, I’ve had it hanging up for years - this tiny bird is using it for a nest!! Lol I watch it bring sticks and insert them in the mouth - how frigging sweet! I’m grateful to witness this tiny bird creating a home in a fish! Absolutely already a painting in the works (mentally). I’ll try to get better photos. He's out there now - demanding attention! Another miracle I witnessed, thanks to Poppy.. last night she growled & kept at it - it was about 2 a.m. I thought it must be a raccoon… then I lay there with my eyes open & was amazed at the light show before us... FIREFLIES! So brilliant & so many you would have thought someone was flicking a bunch of flashlights on and off! We watched for at least an hour until we fell back asleep - it was the best light show I’ve seen in a long time, I thanked Poppy for waking me up to witness one of Gods many miracles. Poppy is another miracle - the sweetest tiny body with the biggest love for me! Another miracle… a friend emailed from California, he read acupuncture is helpful for TN & even researched places in Toronto for me to visit & offered to pay - above the incredibly kind gesture, I was reminded I have wonderful people in my life & each one sent by God, that I am positive of - even if they are not aware. hee hee I wonder what miracles I’ll experience today - I know they are on the way. ACIM todays lesson: You will no longer doubt that only good can come to you who are beloved of God… Amen. Trust... 9 x 12 Acrylic on bamboo board (from DeSerres) which I enjoyed painting on, a nice firm surface.
* with grooves cut the back for easy hanging, in each direction. Inspired by Poppy I love this little 7 pound pup, an appendage of mine, forever at my side. When I say “let’s nap!” She runs for the bedroom. Every morning I ask -“Is it time to get up?” With this she stretches, gives me tiny kisses & rolls across my neck- as if to say: Yes! Lets start this day - with LOVE. Every single day. Poppy is the boss of the dogs and knows it. When I return from an outing she behaves as if I’ve been gone for weeks and waits to be picked up, if I don’t she jumps and nips at my butt - quite the accomplishment, if I do say so. She’s 9 now…. Storm refers to her as ‘Poppy the grey’ - she is crazy about him too. If everyone had a dog as lovely & loving as Poppy the world would be a better place. Poppy makes everyday easier. I am grateful for her, every ounce. We still reminisce about California & swimming in the ocean, flying only lap, not making a peep the entire flight, especially with this heat wave we had the past week. It’s easy to be inspired to paint her. Love is a warm Poppy to snuggle. When struggling to paint (which doesn't happen often) - I just have to remember to paint - 'someone I love. It didn't take long, just a couple of hours.. lost in love, thankful for the meditation. |