WORK IN PROGRESS

Recently I did a day on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Living so close to one of the great art centers in the world just begs a visit on an occasional basis. I had a great time.

In one of the first stops I saw a beautiful painting. One lonely tree with a serene far-off horizon. I thought it was so lovely. By the end of the day, any many galleries later, there was more than a pattern arising. If I saw one "serene lonely tree" painting, I must have seen 50 !!!!!! So much for the ideal of artists not ripping off one another's ideas !

So that said, I decided it was time for me to do the tree thing as well (click on the photo to get a larger image). Mine is kind of tongue-in-cheek and to quote that guy "Bob Ross" that one tree needed A LITTLE FRIEND !!!! My husband gets up at the crack of dawn on Saturday and turns on PBS to watch Bob Ross. Surely you know that guy. My husband is forever imitating Bob Ross by referring to something that needs a little friend. According to my husband, Bob Ross says that a lot.

So anyway, here is my tongue-in-cheek "lonely tree" painting with a couple of little friends. It is a work in progress, not finished yet. I have no idea where this will go. Got any ideas to pass on??????? Sometimes my ideas need "little friends" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'D RATHER BE IN THE STUDIO

I think the title of this book says it all. Of course, I'd rather be in the studio.

I just got this book a few days ago. Being an artist with not much marketing experience (because I haven't bothered), this has helped me to realize that I need to get more proactive about my business.

I'm currently getting the finishing touches on a web page (thanks to dear sweet husband). I've settled on a coordinated design for my business cards and will soon have those ready to go as well. I'm needing some postcards. I would like to avoid the printer route since I don't have a lot in the way of funds to have a run printed. The postcards I find at Office Depot are really inferior quality. I have a really great printer and know they will print nicely if only I can come up with the paper stock. Anyone out there have a resource?

Oh yeah, back to the book. What I particularly like about this book is Alyson's general guidelines for the artist's statement. I've been avoiding that activity and I know I need to do it. I will use the prompts in this book. They will get me off my flabby backside and get writing.

I also like the Conversations Exercise found on page 46. "In a nutshell, the Conversations exercise provides a format for you to engage in a discussion about your art with someone (anyone!). " This really got me to thinking about my art. I'm excited to give this a whirl. I'm wondering SAN and ANNIE ~ maybe you two would be willing participants (I'll write more about this exercise later).

Well...........the day job beckons, so I'm outta here. Have a great day, everyone ! And don't forget to leave a comment !!!!!!! I get lonesome when I don't hear from you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Artist book-a-holic

Do you acquire a lot of books? I call myself a book-a-holic. If you looked at my shelves you wouldn't think that. I've managed to keep the acquisitions at bay. One good way to do that is by using the local library. What a great way to practice abundance!!!! You can pick up a ton of books and it won't cost you a thing!!! Once I donated, oh probably 500 books to the Taos library. For the rest of the time that I lived in that charming community, I'd go to the library and see my donations on the shelves. They've since moved into a new and spiffy location and I've moved away, but back then it was kind of fun.

I love books of most kinds. Presently I'm picking up more and more books related to art. I love to learn about the lives of the great masters, techniques, styles, creativity and art marketing. Sometimes it is refreshing to step back from whatever I'm up-to-my-elbows in and just page through a book. If it doesn't have pictures then my attention span will diminish quickly. I'm a picture kind of gal. Check back soon and I'll clue you in to some of my current faves from the art book shelf.

In the meantime, get out there and have some fun. It's Spring and I don't know about you but it is a beautiful day here in New Mexico !!

ARE ARTISTS MORE HAPPY IN SPRING????

Paula's photo of a garden along
Canyon Road, Santa Fe New Mexico

Everyone one I know.
Everywhere I go.
I hear people going on and on about Spring !

You'd think it was some big, wild and crazy happening !!!

Well folks, NEWS FLASH!!!!! It is!


Imagine the delight in the artist's
mind as images begin
to take on new color,
new vibrancy,
new life.

Moments forever marked
on canvas.

Oil, acrylic, pastel.
It matters not.

Inspiration has found a new birth,
and it be SPRING.

PAINTING, LAYERS OF PAPER, MORE PAINT, MORE PAPER, WHERE DOES IT ALL END????

I think I may put those wings back into it though.
I liked them.

I'm sure you've never put yourself through this,
have you?????

WHAT WAS I THINKING !!!!!!!!!!!

OMG, this painting is officially stalking me.
It started out like this............

I actually liked the windows with the washed out words.
I had a lot of fun working on the wings, painting on the acrylic and
glazing and working on the details.......yes, I really did like those wings.

But then when I stood back and looked at it, I was horrified !

What is that big blob of glazed white in the middle?
What? You're asking me?
How in world do I answer a question like that !

Even I don't know .....

I'm still not sure where this is going,
I guess I'll have to wait,
just like all of you.

Stay tuned !

OIL PAINTINGS, GALLERYS, SANTA FE

Ground Zero. Santa Fe ~ the "big kids" art world.

Amazing how I can walk out my little suburban house, get in my car and in less than one hour be at Ground Zero for the art world.

Yesterday my husband and I did just that.

A day spent on Canyon Road in Santa Fe can be simply amazing.


Some of the pieces are not particularly my cup of tea but one has to admit that the technical expertise, the feeling, the light, the sheer awesome beauty of truly wonderful art is an experience that rivals many others.

Artists like Ed Mell, Betsy Bauer, Melinda Hall, Robert Daughters.

In the end I come home over stimulated. Unable to sleep. Images swimming through my brain.
If I could rub the magic lantern and ask the genie for three wishes, I think that "being able to paint like the big kids" would be one of the three.

I'm sure they all started out somewhere just like me.

CREATIVITY, PAINTING, ACRYLICS AND HAIRCUTS

Lately, feeling in a bit of a rut. Looking at the work of other painters, acrylic, encaustic, collage. It is easy to see other's work as "creative" and then look at my own and see "less than".

My husband is such a champion for me. He's my lover, my mentor, my coach, my best friend and business partner. He said things that truly hit my heart and reminded me that painting is what I do, I am unique, I have a passion for painting and there is nothing wrong with digressing down the encaustic road.

And to Annie who commented yesterday, you are absolutely right! I do always paint straight from my heart.

I'm going to go ahead and take the encaustic workshop. What a great opportunity to meet some new people, try some new moves out on my brain and get a breath of fresh air.

"Breath of fresh air" ~ ha !! Reminds me of a man I once worked for who called it "blowing off the stink" !!!!!!!!!!!!

So what does all this have to do with a haircut? Yesterday by the time I got off work at 4pm , I was desperate to get rid of what felt like my dowdy haircut. I took a leap of faith (every haircut is, really) and stopped at one of those $10 clip joints at the shopping center. Wow, I got a really cut haircut! Layers, whispy and light. Like a burst of new energy and creativity.

Feels wonderful and I'm ready to get back in the studio and paint !!!!!!!

I hope your day is great and, Annie thanks for the reality check. Smooch

Oh and I hate making posts without an image, so here is a little eye candy !!!!

Paula's Photo

Our Lady of Guadalupe
Cuba, New Mexico
2007

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

How many of you artists out there stick to just one style. Say for instance, all birds, all abstract, portraits only, landscapes only?

I struggle with wanting to visit around with different techniques and styles. But if I do this, is it at the expense of professional branding? The majority of my art revolves around mixed media on canvas. Recently I've become aware of an encaustic workshop and would love to learn this technique.

From a business standpoint I understand how important it is to focus on the product, the branding, the marketing. Staying clear in the eye of your audience. What does that do to creativity though? Being someone who is always curious about the creative process yet needing to stay marketable, where is the balance achieved? Is there ever a balance?

Ideas? Suggestions? Thoughts on the matter? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?????

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

CESTANDREA AND MISS DOODLE MAKE MY DAY

I was thrilled to learn that I was the lucky winner in the drawing over at Cest Andrea !

So running home every day to check my mail box and finally it arrived ! I received the most wonderful earrings (an image that holds much significance for me) and a Miss Doodle painting which now graces my desk !!!!

Thank you so much for such a lovely gift. This means so very much to me!

Thanks again.

DOES YOUR ART REFLECT YOUR LIFE?

Plaza Dog Turns 55
12 x 12 x 2 gallery wrap canvas
mixed media
$250

Does your art reflect your life? Do you employ stream of conscience technique in your creative lineup?

This piece was a fascinating process for me. I started out just laying down paper, paint, ink, and once finished I stepped back and thought, oh my gosh, this says so much.

I have never thought of my work as self illuminating.

Lately I've been just sitting down and letting myself wander. The results are interesting and quite unpredictable.

What is your process like? I'd really like to know how you go about your work, your art, your life ~ what drives creativity? What motivates us to do what we do? Whether it is painting, writing, or cooking..................

THE VOICE INSIDE

Jack and Friends
4 x 6 postcard
Mixed Media

I made this postcard to my daughter-in-law a year or so ago. I really loved the mood that "jack" gave off. Kind of a "make my day" attitude!

I especially like making art on top of layers of old paper, pages from books, whatever strikes my fancy. For me those faint words in the background are like the unheard, inside voice we all have. The things we are thinking but wouldn't dare say, for fear of hurting, insulting, building false hope or whatever.

Throughout life I've usually abandoned the idea of the "inside voice" but as I age I find myself reserving those inside thoughts more and more.

At the first of the year I quickly abandoned the notion of a New Year's Resolution for something more like "My 2008 Motto". My motto for this year is:

Keep It Simple and Be Nice.

So I guess that is what's going on with Jack here. He's being nice and keeping things simple by not allowing the others to hear his inside voice.

Do you have an inside voice? One that you keep to yourself? Why? When? What happens with you have the overwhelming urge to just say what you think? "Oh that art really sucks!" or "Gee I sure hope that hair color isn't permanent"............or..................."I love you".

Please comment, I'd love to hear your inside voice on this topic.

Enough for today.

So check out this one !

You all seem to like these trucks as much as I do!

If I remember correctly we got this photo
in a small village near Penasco, New Mexico.

I imagine the little old guy who loved this truck.
He probably took it out rabbit hunting.
Or maybe he used it to haul hay
for the horses.
Or maybe,
he took his sweetie pie out for a ride
where they had a sweet kiss or two????

Pickup trucks with character abound here in New Mexico.

Recently I was at a local gallery dropping off some of my work
and there was a fabulous painting, quite large, lots
of wonderful color. It was a painting of a
pickup truck. And it was SOLD.
I'm always fascinated when I see paintings like this,
made by someone who really sees
their world.

Spring is getting closer every minute and the world
is out there banging away on your door to
creativity.

Will you see pickup trucks and turn to your canvas today?

I'm thinking it could be fun !!!

Go out and see some fun stuff today. Be inspired.

Elements of Love
16 x 20 x 1 gallery wrap canvas
mixed media
$250

Passion, pain, tenderness.
Whether it is friend, family or lover,
the elements of love run true and deep.
Layer upon layer of passion, pain and yes,
mostly tenderness.

ROSA OFFERS HER HEART

Rosa Offers Her Heart
16 x 20 x 1 gallery wrap
mixed media on canvas
$250

Springtime and Rosa feels love in the air.

What is that song?? How does it go????
"Love Is In The Air"
I think it was from the old TV series "Love Boat"?
I never watched that show but for some
reason I'm remembering the theme song.

So anyway, back to Rosa. She is an angel, see her halo?
She keeps sheep and they graze about her house.
They don't need a corral since they love Rosa and they
never leave her yard.

Tulips ~ ~ ~ Rosa is a lot like me.
This girl loves her tulips !

I wonder if a shepherd looking for work will ever
wander by and offer to care for Rosa's sheep, and
yes,
well,
er,
her heart as well.
I bet she'd offer it up.

Feautred Artist !!!!

Kim at Kim-Creating Space really got me going this morning. She has included in her current post a project that I can hardly wait to run home and try out. I just love the effect she got with technique and can think of all kinds of ways to make this fun and different and my own. How about you? Ready for a little distraction? Try this out !!!!!

NEW CAMERA

Wow! A new camera makes all the difference in the world ! A few weeks ago I took a photo of this cat and it was nice but this new camera makes it fantastic ! Want to look like a professional? Get a decent camera. I certainly didn't spend a lot of money but just a bit more sure does help.

ART THAT MAKES A MARK

Making a Mark on your life. Thinking about life and all those I come in touch with and the implications of making a mark. I like to think I am making a positive mark on the lives of those around me, my friends, family, co-workers, and especially my spouse and grandbaby.

Making a Mark is also about what my art says. The message I convey, I hope, makes a positive mark on those who view it.

Life is short, make a positive mark.

SPRING FEVER

I have serious Spring fever.
It is beautiful here today but I know there are plenty of cold days ahead.
I'm so glad to have this photo of my flowers from last summer.......*sigh*.
Where do you live? When does Spring arrive for you????

"ROCKY"

"Rocky"
acrylic and paper on gallery wrap canvas
17 x 20
$250

I once had a great old cat named Rocky. He was a stray found by some friends and he came home with me. He was a great hunter. Pretty independent. Rocky was a good guy.

ALL OF LIFE IS ART

Thinking about art, like I do.........

All of life is art. There is the art of romance, the art of negotiation, the art of fine dining, the art of simply living.

This coming week I will manage a fairly large project (for me it is large). The company I work for is having new carpet installed in the office. Big project you say? Well it means moving 25+ employees out of their cubicles, taking down those cubicles, laying the carpet and then putting it all back but in a new configuration. Oh my gosh, electricians, data drop and phone technicians, movers, carpet layers, the guys who take care of the cubicle build. And then thee are the employees. Everyone has so much stuff and it all has to go in boxes. Just the computers, copiers, printers, phones, keyboards and incidental equipment is mind numbing. We are a 24/7 type business so our customers need product and service at all times................yes, life is an art.

So for the next week, or so, I'll be practicing a different kind of art from that which I post about here. I'm going to focus on this as art, I'm going to look at this in a different way than one might expect and see what bubbles up.

ART MIND

Yet another day with my friend, ART, no-no-no, that's "art mind", not some hunk of burning love guy. Though I did know a guy named Art once. I digress......................

So many ideas swimming around in my head and not enough time to get them all out. Funny how sometimes it seems like a game of creative feast or famine. My "art mind" is so afire with ideas that I have a hard time sleeping. That is the trouble with this day job....I'm sure I'm not the only one who suffers this disease.

A NEW LOOK

I am fickle. I like change. Boy that old blog page template was getting on my nerves. Not that anyone would probably notice. I like this. Well, for now.

Hope all is well with you.

A CREATIVE STREAK !!!!!!!!!!!

18 X 20 X 2 gallery wrap canvas
mixed media
$250 + shipping

I've been on quite a creative streak here lately. I love these colors. I love the layered paper for a background. I love layering the paint, wiping it off, tweaking the details. This bird makes me feel happy.

I hope your day is happy as well.

PURPLE CAT

18 x 20 mixed media gallery wrap canvas
$250

For some bizarre reason it is nearly mid-night and I'm wide awake. This is so unlike me.

So how do you like the purple cat? I had such fun creating this piece. The silver heart in the middle of her tummy sports beautiful beads.

I like the halo. I'm always looking at those beautiful New Mexican retablos and they all have halos so I thought, this sweet cat should sport one too.

The process for this creation was particularly enjoyable. I love layering on the first pieces of paper, toning them down with color, painting the focal point and then the icing of beads on the heart just makes me smile.

I hope you like it too.

Mixed Media 14 x 16 gallery wrap canvas
$250

Some of my earliest memories as a child are of flowers. I must have been 6 or 7 years old and wandering about my grandmother's backyard I found one single red tulip. I remember being mesmerized by the dark black interior and how it so beautifully contrasted with the deep red of the petals.

SUNDAY ISN'T FOR THE BIRDS

Sunday afternoon. Everyone home and tucked in, dreaming of Sunday dinner.

This past summer we had the fun of watching barn swallows build and fill their nests and tend to their sweet little babies until one day they were all finally gone, no longer returning at night for a tasty meal provided by mom and dad.

The area we live in is quite arid and there aren't many trees. Except for the little oasis where our home is located. This said, the birds really love it and we get endless entertainment watching them. I'm starting to yearn for Spring and Summer, green and growing and the chaotic bird activity.

In the meantime, I entertain myself making art depicting my buddies, the birds.

SPIRITS OF LOVE

Birds are the spirits of love sitting at our window sill. Watching over us morning through night. Ever watchful that we are safe, warm, happy and loved. They are there even when we close our eyes pretending we don't see, we don't know or maybe even we don't care. No matter, the spirits of love are there hovering about patting our hearts, stroking our souls, drying our tears as a mother fusses over her baby.

Have you seen any birds at your window sills today? Have they landed in your hair, not noticed? Hmmmmm? Do you have your eyes closed ? Maybe so, but even still you must feel that soft, and tender warmth in your heart. You DO feel it, don't you?

EXTRA LEGS

This is a page from a book I made for friends who vacationed in Italy.

Sometimes I wish I had some extra legs. So many things to do, so many adventures. Wouldn't it be great ?

I love these paper doll legs.

This post is dedicated to "Linda" over at Frenchless in France who takes a day out to walk the streets of Paris and take such wonderful photos.

THE SMILE OF AN ANGEL

Little Miss Iris ~ Isn't she just an angel?

The other day on the phone she finally got "Grandma" really really clear. She's at that stage where she babbles and then in the middle of it all, I hear something I can recognize. I'm sure the kids understand her most of the time since they talk to her 24/7 (or thereabouts).

Hearing her say "Grandma" was one of those moments. Kind of like the first time my son hugged me in the night and said "I love you".

JUST IMAGINE

I look at this beautiful work of art and try to imagine the technical expertise required to complete and my mind reels.

To create the paint, mixing the pigments. Getting the perspective right. The lights and shadows. Oh and those beautiful expressive facial features.

How many weeks, months did this take? How many hours a day? Until I picked up a paintbrush and seriously tried to create eyes, I had no appreciation for this kind of beauty. Oh my, I am in awe.

The Garden Girls
Mixed Media on 14 x 16 2 inch gallery wrap canvas
$125 + shipping

These are the girls who hang out in my garden all summer long.
They bring me endless moments of joy.

I can't imagine what my life would be like without my garden. Many of my first memories in life are of flowers. The tulips and zinnias in my grandmother's yard brought me moments of total wonderment that have stayed with me throughout my entire life.

Never, never, ever, discount what your grandchild remembers at an early age.

And I tend to feel this applies to life in general, you never know what positive impression you are leaving on you spouse, your co-workers, your neighbors, the universe.

My slogan for 2008 -

Keep It Simple And Be Nice

YOU MAKE MY DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh how sweet can anyone possibly be ! My sweet friend over at A Kite Rises has awarded me the "You Make My Day" award. Thank you so much! Sometimes out here in cyberland it is difficult to feel so alone and yet experience the wonderment of connecting to other's in the world from far away places. Again thank you !

And, with that said I'd like to name a few of my favorites the "You Make My Day" award as well. Here's to Corey - Andrea - Linda - Shelly - Ulla - Sarah - Maryam

And I'm sure there are many of you that I just can't get to right this moment.......best get to work since I still need this day job !!!

Have a wonderful day everyone !!!

NEW INSPIRATION

acrylic on 14 x 16 gallery wrap canvas ready to hang

$75 + $10 shipping

Where does inspiration come from?

To me this is the great mystery of life.

Creativity seems to be the one constant in my life that cannot be harnessed. Well maybe it can be wrangled in, but truthfully, I've never tried. I just hang around my materials and resources and wait for it to strike.

Like Cupid, you could say.

Actually I tend to think of this little quirk in my life as a gift. It arrives without warning and leaves me with a sense of wonder and a belief in some divine universal force that drives us through each moment of life.

May inspiration strike the depths of your heart today.

ALMOST CHRISTMAS !

We are just a few days away from the Christmas Holidays. I've planned to take some time off and delight in the joy of my jammies and my studio for 11 straight days. Yippee !

Looking towards the new year, hey, did I say that? I've never in my entire life looked towards the new year but for some reason about 30 days or so ago, a switch flipped inside of me and things, life, people, jobs, my body, my work, my art have all shifted.

I'm looking forward to marketing my art. I'm letting go of the things, people, places, events that have been weighing me down. No I've not been in therapy. No I've not changed my drugs. No I've not been widowed or divorced. Something shifted.

I used to say I'm not a morning person. I used to get on the treadmill at night and I hated it, I dreaded it, I actually cried a few times while on the darned thing. One day (quite some time ago) a friend told me he runs early in the morning because then he gets it out of the way, it frees him up to do and think about other things during the day and he doesn't waste so much energy talking himself into running later when he'd rather be doing something else. Well I guess I filed this away somewhere in my brain because for some reason one morning I woke up at 5am, got out of bed and got on the treadmill. Didn't even have to think about it. Me, the 'NOT A MORNING PERSON" has been up and on the treadmill everyday for over a month now. Go figure.

I think the universe is smiling down on me. I think it has been all along but something within me was blocking the glow.

I very rarely post to this blog without also publishing an image. Image person that I am. But somehow today, all the words seemed "just enough".

Have a great day and drop me a line, I love hearing from you.

SOME THINGS TO THINK ON

Scan of a postcard made and sent to my daughter-in-law.

Sorry, it has post office goop on it.

What will 2008 be like for you?
Different?
Will you create a cure for horrible disease?
Maybe your love will heal someone's heart.
Or, when you close your eyes you'll hear music and smell flowers.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

ETSY SHOP UPDATE !

Well after laboring long and hard the new baby is nearly born !! There is still a bit of tweaking to do but many of my works of art are now up at Etsy.

Keep checking back, I'm on a pretty fast learning curve here ! Whew! Can you feel the wind rushing through your hair !

QUEEN OF THE FLOCK

12 x 12 acrylic on 2" gallery wrap canvas w/found crown and beads
$125 + shipping

Just once in a blue moon
will you ever meet a
bird like this ?

HOLY MOLEY, OVER RULED BY MY HUSBAND WHO THINKS THIS SHOULD REALLY BE "QUEEN OF THE FLOCK" INSTEAD OF MEET BUSTER !

He's had a few too many holiday treats and with that crown it is evident he has an ego to match his bottom !!

Buster joins me in thanking everyone who stopped to comment on my little melt-down last week about being "cute". You know, I've decided my art is what it is and if someone thinks it is cute then more power to them. Art is something that only the viewer can assign meaning too. Either you like it or you don't, you think it is cute or gross or bland.

I tend to think that what you think of me is none of my business and on a personal level that is really quite true. I am who I am and so be it ~ the same goes for my art. Even if it does bring up scary stuff from time to time.

I am grateful for each and every comment I recieve no matter what the content. Your honest comments are what allow me to grow.

Jeez, isn't life great ??? !!!!

WHAT IS ON MY MIND TODAY

I'm generally a person of few words here at this blog but today I stopped in over at Andrea Pratt's blog and her post created a fire storm of emotion for me.

I've thought about opening an Etsy shop. The posts at Andrea's really made me stop and think long and hard about the value of that idea.

Lately I've been getting a few comments on my art posted here. A couple of people have used the word "cute". Now PLEASE don't get me wrong, I really truly appreciate ANY comment I get because, well, quite frankly I get so few comments so any affirmation of my work is of value to me. But, do I want my work to be seen as "cute" ??

Oh, god, I feel so damned lost as an artist.

I have friends who tell me they think my art is remarkable. Let's be honest here, how much stock should a person put in the opinion of friends?

I had four pieces at a boutique gallery for nearly a year. Only two items ever sold. I know, I know someone will say "find your audience". That is true. And if I want this to happen I need to make it happen for myself. No one else will do it for me.

So on the other side of this, my friend who is such a champion of my work is bringing two people to my house today to look at furniture and art for potential purchase. I guess she feels strongly enough about my work to talk it up to her network. I'm excited, scared. What next?

Off to think on this some more......................

If anyone is out there, your honest feedback is what I really need right now.

THIS SAYS IT ALL, DON'T YOU THINK???

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

Once in a blue moon, you might see a green camoflouge cow.

A BIRD WHO RAN AWAY FROM HOME

I love birds. Don't really know why for sure.
When I first painted this, it felt a bit too
folky. But then I started thinking about
the story this bird held under her wing,
close to her heart.

I think if you click on the image you'll get
an expanded view and then you
will be able to read "her story".

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

MORE ADVENTURES IN FURNITURE

Here is another of my husband's tables that I painted. What do you think?

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

Here "Jack" the first installment of my
Once in a Blue Moon Series.
I just love this guy.

SWEET BABY STUART

"Hope is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul
and sings the tunes without the words
and never stops
at all. "
Emily Dickenson

It seems impossible that Stuart would be 29. Sometimes I tell myself the pain has eased. Sometimes I even manage to let the date slip by altogether.

Be nice, live fully, love your children.

Copper Poppy

So this weekend I ran out of fresh canvases so resorted to a postcard. I haven't done these in quite some time and I guess I didn't realize how vital they are to my creative process.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND BE NICE

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - NEW MEXICO

This little old guy was really something. He announced to the few locals in the little market that he was out to bag some rabbits, and had anyone seen some good ones. Yikes.

I just love these back roads of New Mexico.

I always try imagine what these folks do for a living, how do they make enough money to pay the bills. Out here in the middle of nowhere, I doubt they have huge living expenses, what with no Starbucks, fast food, Hobby Lobby. Well, you guessed it, my imagination always comes up dry. I guess the guy behind the wheel relies on rabbits for dinner.

And then of course I start thinking about our culture, our society, our consumption. Our need for new jeans and the latest style boots.

What is really important in life? Rabbits or jeans? Perception is everything I guess.

BEHIND THE RED DOOR

I always love looking at the images of doors that other people post at their blogs. So here is my contribution. The colors jumped out at me in the cool autumn air.......and imagine the almost overwhelming smell of apples on trees, lying the in the grass........that was the scene. Fall is my favorite time of year. My children were born in the Fall, I once lived in New England where the Fall season is spectacular and I guess, well, I just love the Fall. What else is there to say????? I'm such a visual person that words often escape me.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

I just love her face. Looking at our lives with love and compassion. I so much need a warm mother figure in my life.

I took this photo Sunday afternoon in Cuba, New Mexico.

AUTUMN APPLES

Autumn is my favorite time of year.

Last weekend we attended the Highroad Studio Tour where I photographed these apples outside an artist's studio. The air was just perfect, not too cool, not too hot. Some areas were so thick with apples on trees that the air literally hung with fragrance.

JUST CAN'T LET GO

This is a view of the house we rented. I want to go back NOW ! I want to stay there forever. I want to move my studio into the loft that looks out over a huge valley where I can track the rain as it moves out on the horizon.

Did I tell you how much I loved this place????????

THE BEST SUMMER .....EVER !

Oh yeah, I guess I already said that, but I just wanted to make sure everyone knew what a great summer this has been.

We rented a lovely home in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado , just at the base of Crestone Peak. Our children met us there and brought the lovely Miss Iris who will be three this coming January.

Miss Iris (aka, Snoozey) spent all of her time on her new wheels. At night she slept in her Pink Disney Princess Tent.

We are worn out but oh it is such a good kind of ache. Being with our kids is the best vacation I could ever ask for.

MY BEST SUMMER EVER

Early in my life I wanted to garden. Each place I lived I'd plant and the very next year some circumstance would require a move and I'd never get to see my previous year's nurturing come to fruition. I was eventually so troubled by this pattern that I simply stopped planting. Well, actually a couple of years I did plant some pots for the porch and patio, but just never trusted the process. Finally, after 20 years, I made up my mind to turn the patch of dirt called my backyard into a place I would enjoy. For my birthday I requested my husband build me two raised beds, once they were in place the fever took hold and we both went to town planting. My husband is such a gardener, hard to believe after being married for 20 years I still didn't know this about him !!! Now I have a beautiful backyard complete with roses, sage, salvia, blanket flower, sweet williams, zinnias, mexican hat, chili peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, melons and much much more.

Keep your fingers crossed, I am not planning to move !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VALLES CALDERA

New Mexico is full of amazing things. Less than an hour from my front door is this beautiful place. From where I stand in this photo, I am in the middle of an extinct volcano cone...........we saw the most amazing blue birds and a huge herd of elk with fabulous antlers. A wildlife preserve that I am so grateful we have here.

It was cool and misty. A beautiful day.

Then back to the city and 90 degree temps...the evening cooled down, the rain came. We sat out on our patio discussing our future amid the most amazing lightening storm and a soft rain. The garden smelled wonderful. Can you tell??????????? I had a great weekend. Sure hope you did.

We have so many birds this summer. It is simply amazing.

Of course we purposely planted flowers that would attract hummingbirds. An boy did that ever work !

We've also had the joy of watching two Swifts nurture their five babies. I just love when mom and dad swoop in with food. Every little bird turns their head, opens their mouthes and cries "ME! ME! ME!"

For quite a few days we watched anxiously as the babies tried their wings. Finally off they went and we thought "well that's it". But they continued to return to the nest every evening, all crowding in and mom and dad ever watchful. Slowly, slowly they stayed away longer and longer until one day two new Swifts appeared and evicted the family from their little home. Two new swifts with three new eggs.

It's been a busy summer in our backyard !!!!!!

This all reminds me of the gentle ebb and flow of life. So much escapes our attention. In such a busy world one must make a point to stop, look, listen and enjoy the incredible miracle that this universe presents us with, every-single-moment.

Have a great day. Leave me a comment. I love to hear from you.

Dreaming, sitting here at my desk, dreaming.
Wishing I were somewhere far away,
the South of France maybe. A small village
with blooming roses, cool mornings and warm
afternoons.
Skinny dipping with my sweetie. Floating on my back,
feeling the cool water rush around my face,
sunlight dancing amongh the leaves illuminating
through my eyelids.
Dreaming, dreaming...................*sigh*

Is it 4 yet? Oh gosh, just now 11:45, I have a long
way to go before I can steal away from this desk........