Natures Walk Studio

Traveling Show

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

I just had to share my news!

The piece I submitted to this years Alllied Arts of Whatcom County show, (going on through Jan 28) was just selected to be in their 2012 Traveling Art Show. It will be in 5 places throughout Whatcom County over 8 months and then will end the year at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle! This is my second year in the Traveling Show, which ends the 2011 Tour at the end of this month.

I'm linking with Cheryl's "writing on the wall". Check it out. :D

Patchwork

2012-01-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

I attended a workshop last Saturday taught byDebi McManus-Plett, an amazing instructor! Our project was creating a patchwork of textured pieces, to fit in a 12 x 12 frame. This is my "getting there" piece. I'm still working on some stitching and final touches.

I believe this class is based on a Tim Holtz credited idea, madelarger and done with Debi's style. The substrate is grunge board, and thetexture is made using "embossing folders" on a Cuttlebug. All new tome.

Grunge board is interesting stuff to work on, and the texture plates are a bit cool... (Repeat after me: I don't need anymore art tools. teehee!) I do have distressinks which created most of the color, and added some Perfect Pearls color spray on a couple of pieces to add a bit of sparkle.

This is from the first few hours of class... laying out the pattern and figuring out color and texture. Thank goodness she gave us a pattern template to follow. :)

More to come on this.

And now I want to pop over to Paint Party Friday to see what other folks have worked on this week.

Linking with Eva and Kristin at Paint Party Friday.

Also linking to Artists in Blogland

Winter Garden

2012-01-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

In winters garden

our native Oregon Grape

gives us hope of spring.

Ah, the joy of walking about in a mid-January garden and seeing buds forming on the tall Oregon Grape.

Linking to Share the Joy Thursday, and Haiku my Heart.

HuMp DaY Haiku - Sunshine in a pot

2012-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

Sunshine in a pot!

Miniature daffodils

brighten wintry days

A gift from my husband a few weeks ago, when it was gray and gray and gray, these miniature daffodils are sitting on the old red carriage seat we have out on the deck. I can look out the kitchen window at their cheery little blooms.

The bulbs in the garden have yet to poke their little green heads up.. but soon. Soon.

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. In this process, I have found that creating a haiku (non rhyming poem with 5 - 7 - 5 syllables per line) feeds my soul.
I especially like creating them to go with my photos

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?

You may include a haiku in the comments, OR you may copy your blog post url (featuring a haiku) and add a link to your blog using Mr. Linky.

Doorways

2012-01-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Pinterest? It's a virtual pin board where you can organize and save things you find out on the web, like recipes, DIY projects, artists who inspire you... "Invited" by a friend, I've started exploring an amazing variety of sites through the various "pins" of fellow Pinterest Folks. It has been described as a wonderful time eater... if you allow it to be. :)

Today I stumbled across this photo from Wikimedia Commons. Isn't it fabulous?

Wikimedia Commons shares photos that are in public domain. (I can SO see these doorways in my art journal.) I just had to share it with my fellow artists. Do check the Wikimedia guidelines before using the photos. :)

What have you "stumbled across" today?

Linking to Ruby Tuesday2

Paint Party Friday - Landscape

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to be participating in another Paint Party Friday!

I've worked on a few different projects this week. My biggest accomplishment was finishing the mixed media landscape I shared last week, adding the final fibers and beads.

Pin It

For this photo I have laid the mat over the painting to give the idea of what it will look like when I get the framing completed.

I also worked quite a bit on the Strathmore online class, Doodles Unleashed by Traci Bautista. While I'm enjoying the challenge, my so called "finished" pieces leave me less than thrilled. LOL!

One intuitive watercolor became these Artist Trading Cards. I like this version MUCH more than the original finished piece. I'll add some more doodling on them, and see how it works out. :)

Also linking to Artists in Blogland

Snow Day

2012-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Quiet day of joy.

Snowflakes fallingsoftly down

blanket winters gray.

The special joy of a snow day. No reason to go out into the cold, so we stay inside sipping our tea and and watching the birds at the feeders. They have discovered with exuberance the new suet feeder and scattered seed, placed on the deck just for them.

This photo is of my backyard, the snowball tree covered in snow. My fanciful eyes noticed a couple of hearts outlined by the snowy branches... do you see them?

Sometimes it takes a quiet day like today for me to really pay attention to the joys in my life. My husband, my son, a warm house, books to read and art supplies. Blessings abound!

Linking to Share the Joy Thursday, Guest Heart Thursday, Haiku my Heart, and Writing on the Wall.

HuMp DaY Haiku - Snowy Morn

2012-01-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Silent guardian

Covering of snow driftsdown

In the early morn

We have snow... about eight inches this morning, and I attempted photos before it was fully light. The trees are so lovely with snowy branches, and everything looks so fresh and clean.

My little Dedo statue sits at the corner of the front step, guarding us from evil spirits. The snow apparently caught him by surprise.

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?

Hope

2012-01-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

“If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitalitythat keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helpsyou go on in spite of it all.

And so today I still have a dream.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Note: the card was received from a friend, and I don't know the artist to credit.

Linking to Ruby Tuesday 2

Primrose

2012-01-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

Beauty in deep pink

blooming disregard to cold

cheers this winter day

My husband knows just what to bring me when it's cold and dreary. It's such an advantage working at a nursery, don't you think? We've discovered keeping the dirt from freezing makes the primrose a bit happier. Luckily they are hardy, and bounce back when they thaw. :)

Linking to Ruby Tuesday 2

Not on the wall

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Not "on the wall", but the small mountain landscape canvas on the table is my piece for the Allied Arts of Whatcom County Members Show, on display through January 28th.

While it may not be on the wall, it IS on display. :) Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll being in the Traveling Art Show this year again.

Oh, the top piece (yellow background) above mine was created by my friend Cheryl. She's at mysticmissive where I'm joining Writing on the Wall.

Linking to Straight Out of the Camera.

Paint Party Friday - My first

2012-01-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I'm participating in Paint Party Friday, hosted by Kristin and Eva at http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/.

My desk is partially taken with a mixed media landscape, based on this photo I took last fall on a trip to Mt Baker with my husband.

The final layout and adding of fibers has me a bit stumped. I intended to add a tree of fibers, but my plan threw it off balance. So regrouping, here are a couple of options:

Leaving the "larger" tree out totally. I'll probably add bits of the colored lace to the horizon line to accent if I go this route.

A very rough layout with bits of lace branches. I haven't yet trimmed the pieces of lace.

Once I decide, I'll add the rest of the fibers and beads. I've found that using the photo as another eye sometimes helps me figure things out, when I've painted myself into a corner. :)

Happy Friday the 13th, and Happy Birthday to my friend Pam at Oh, Did You Forget!

Bunny heart

2012-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Chilly gray day walk.

Interesting discovery

cheers my wintry mood.

One cold gray day, on my walk near Scudder Pond, I noticed this interesting large old tree. A branch had been trimmed, leaving a one eyed "bunny" face. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed there is also a heart in the bark above the bunny face. Can you see it?

Linking with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

And with Rebecca at Haiku my Heart

HuMp DaY Haiku - Blurry Moon

2012-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Blurry full moon shot.

Wishing for a camera that

gives a clearer view.

It's official. I want a new camera. I really do. A fancier point and shoot that will give me a clear picture of the moon, or of the hawk perching in the hawthorn tree, or the blue heron at the pond. And a crisp close up of the garden's treasures. And I want the camera to do most of the work for me. Not too much to ask, is it? :)
Time to start saving my pennies.

Would you like to share a haiku you have written?

On the Wall

2012-01-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

A form of Writing On the Wall...

at Village Green in Fairhaven, where I spent the day at Resolutions: a Mini-workshop event hosted by Village Books, my favorite local independent bookstore. Met a variety of fun folks who also ventured out on this chilly, wet day. What a great start to the new year!

Interestingly, a "writing on the wall" experience I had during the workshops had to do with people who move in and out of my life. At the first class I bumped into and chatted with a lady I was thinking about just yesterday. I hadn't seen her for several months. Coincidence? Hmmm... :)

Other than the water mark, this is Straight Out of the Camera . If you see a raindrop, pretend it's not there. :)

Linking to Ruby Tuesday

Lovely hellebore

2012-01-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

Lovely hellebore

blooms this rainy winters day

cheering weary hearts.

Also called Christmas Rose, the hellebore blooms in the dead of winter bringing hope when it's dreary and wet. It's so nice having something blooming in the pot outside the door when the garden is awaiting spring. Plus it's an added bonus for the little Anna's hummingbirds who winter over. You can imagine my delight when I saw one feeding on it this morning.

Linking to Haiku my Heart with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

HuMp DaY Haiku - Puddle

2012-01-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

Dreary rainy day

Puddle in the parking lot

shows a little heart.

I met a friend for a play date today, at Stampadoodle. Came out to a chilly downpour. Ah, winter in Bellingham! The parking lot had a little surprise, right beside my car... a heart shaped puddle. Can you see it? Things are never as dreary as they appear. :)

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. In this process, I have found that creating a haiku to go with my photos feeds my soul.

Perhaps you'd like to share a haiku you have written?

Welcome to the New Year

2011-12-31T18:38:00.000-08:00

Canvas of rose clouds

painted by the rising sun

welcomesa new year!

The beauty of asunrise says good bye to the old year,

andwelcomes a new year filled with hope.

This is Straight Out of the Camera
Simply Silver Sunday Photo Challenge

Peace

2011-12-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Guardian Angel
Sending peace throughout the world
from her lofty perch

Wishes to all for peace and prosperity in this coming year.

Linking to Haiku my Heart with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Hump Day Haiku - Long shadows

2011-12-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Low sun in winter

creates a longer shadow

of my favorite tree

Recent trip to Marine Park in Fairhaven (Bellingham) on a sunny day. The sun was not in a good position to get a decent picture of my favorite tree, however it was casting long shadows. There were many crows about that day, and this one flew by as I was snapping pictures.

Perhaps you'd like to share a haiku you have written?

Gingerbread Walls

2011-12-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

My son won a Gingerbread House kit at the Cascade Vocational Services work party last weekend. He spent this afternoon doing construction and decorating of said tree. Luckily the house came pre-assembled, so the major work was getting the tree together.

The master architect at work...

The finished project.

Merry Christmas!

Linking to Cheryl's Writing on the Wall
This is Straight Out of the Camera

First Day of Winter

2011-12-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

First Day of Winter

Frosty decorations left
on this little tree.

This little shore pine is in our tree nursery, wintering over as it grows a bit before being planted in our "wild" area sometime next year. A bit of holiday decorating was done compliments of Jack Frost. :)

Linking to Haiku my Heart with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Hump Day Haiku - Sunrise

2011-12-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

A bit ofsunlight

breaking through themorning clouds

Winter hasarrived.

Ah, Winter Solstice!

Hope of longer days tocome

sealed with sunlitheart.

I'm getting a bitfanciful of late, seeing hearts in everything.

Do you see aheart in the rosy clouds between the trees, or is it just me?

Sharing the joy of abeautiful sunrise and the knowledge that the days are getting longer at atlast! Wishing my friends Happy Chanukah, Happy Solstice, HappyYuletide, and a Merry Christmas!

Perhaps you'd like to share a haiku you have written?

Colorful

2011-12-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

Another favorite tree from our visit to Skagit Gardens Nursery in Mount Vernon, decorated with colorful gardening tools and gloves and watering cans.

And a cool garden ornament frog.

I can see a heart in the swirls, but maybe I'm just fanciful. :)

A colorful frog.

Wouldn't you be fun to see

on my Christmas tree?

I love to create a haiku to go with my photos, and invite you to come back to visit on Wednesday's, when I host Hump Day Haiku. And perhaps you'll share a haiku you have written.

I thank you for stopping by and wish you a Peaceful Holiday Season!

This photo is Straight Out Of the Camera.

Linking to Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday and Ruby Tuesday

And of course linking to Guest Heart Thursday!

Green Raven

2011-12-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

An intriguing writing on the wall

Found on a white board mounted to a wall and wondering who put it there, and what exactly it means. Wouldn't it be fun to see a real green raven, though?

Linking to Cheryl's "Writing on the Wall" @ mysticmissive.blogspot.com/

Chairs!

2011-12-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

Chairs stacked together

mixed with stands of yellow lights.

Unique Christmas tree.

My husband and I went to Skagit Gardens Nursery last week. (Road Trip!) Our original purpose for driving the 25-ish miles to Mount Vernon was to get the fireweed honey we love from their Food Co-op. Our Food Co-op doesn't carry fireweed honey, sad to say. But that's another story. :)

I thought it would be fun to visit Skagit Gardens, since we were so close, and since I'd recently bought a Hellebore from their nursery at our favorite local Garden Spot Nursery. (Where I went to a fun class to learn all about them, but that's also another story. *grin*)

Skagit Gardens had their holiday displays up and we had a marvelous time going around admiring all the creative Christmas trees. This one really caught our attention. I mean, who would have thought all those old chairs and stools could create such a unique tree?

It's a joy sharing impromptu adventures with my husband.

Sharing my joy of the day with meri on Share the Joy Thursday

and sharing with Haiku my Heart with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Hump Day Haiku - Party with a view

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Party with a view!

Sharing art, food and presents

friends enjoy the day.

a quiet moment

sound of waves upon the rocks

soothing restfulness

Our local art journal group met Sunday for our Holiday Party at a beach house in Birch Bay. Large windows gave us an ocean view as we enjoyed our time together.

As we finished cleaning up, I braved the cold to go outside. The water came right up to the break wall at the edge of the deck, along a rocky shore line. I wished we'd been there at low tide. :)

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. And so I have.

Would you care to join me?

Old Truck

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ancient rusty truck

sits in the garden center

as a piece of art.

I think part of this old truck was red at one time, now it's a cool rusty red. It's always fun coming across unique pieces of "garden art" when visiting the local nurseries.

This is down just south of Mount Vernon at Skagit Gardens Nursery. Their holiday display is well worth visiting, by the way. More on that later. :)

Linking with Ruby Tuesday

Terracotta

2011-12-10T18:16:00.001-08:00

Terracotta pots

patiently awaiting spring.

Colorful display.

Rows of clay pots at a local nursery patiently await the spring planting season.

Other than adding the watermark, this photo is Straight Out Of the Camera.

Linking to Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Walls of Glass

2011-12-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Greenhouse walls of glass

keeping winters weather out

so green plants may grow.

If you look closely at the glass window mosaic, you'll see a heart or two. :)

Linking to Haiku my Heart @ recuerda mi corazon

Also linking to Cheryl's "Writing on the Wall" @ mysticmissive.blogspot.com/

And linking to Guest Heart Thursday

Hump Day Haiku - Stump

2011-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Found a gnarly stump

sitting underneath a tree

showing us its heart.

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. And so I have.

Would you care to join me?

(A haiku is a non-rhyming verse, written as 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the last line. I like to create haiku based on one of my photos)

Holiday Fun

2011-12-04T19:00:00.001-08:00

Spent a fun day Saturday with a friend attending various festivals in town. The Festival of trees included this adorable one created by my friend Michele. Isn't that topper the best?

Michele's tree

Close up of Snow-person

We also attended the Holiday Port Festival, which features a gingerbread house competition. My friend Llew entered a gingerbread village, which was so large it was entered as two. She won first place and third place for her village. It was great fun being there when she could show us around.

Gingerbread village

Creator of village

Linking to:
Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Ruby Tuesday

Flicker

2011-12-03T07:16:00.001-08:00

On a frosty morning, the flicker comes to call

Mr. Flicker usually pecks at the side of the trees (or house) and scratches through the undergrowth for bugs, so it's a treat to see him "hanging out" at the feeder. This frosty morning he stayed quite a while, hogging the space. The smaller birds were a bit disgruntled, other than the chickadees who flitted to the other side of the feeder not minding he was there.

Not the best picture, as it was taken through the sliding glass door (the birds refuse to hold still if I try to open the door, silly things!)

Joining Cheryl's "Writing on the Wall" over at mysticmissive.blogspot.com/

This photo is Straight Out Of the Camera

Bumpy Path

2011-12-01T15:39:00.001-08:00

Bumpy trail ahead!

Keeping eyes upon the goal

helps to persevere.

Linking to Haiku my Heart @ recuerda mi corazon

Hump Day Haiku - Frumpy Hearts

2011-11-29T17:27:00.001-08:00

Sidewalk mystery.

I wonder who 'hearts" Frumpy

writing it in stone.

I started doing HumpDay Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Sillyclasses... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. And so Ihave.

Would you care to join me?

Bright blossoms

2011-11-27T20:22:00.001-08:00

I took my husband his lunch today. He works alone (weekends) at the nursery this time of year, so a lunch visit is appreciated. I was treated to a tour of a few of the green houses, and the cyclamen was blooming in a variety of colors.

These pretty pink ones caught my eye. As did the heart shaped leaves.

Lovely pink blossoms

brightening a winter day

cheerful cyclamen

I'd like to invite you to come back on Wednesdays for Hump Day Haiku, which I started doing with Carla Sonheim's Silly Classes. I'd love to see what haiku you may have to share!

Linking to:
Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Ruby Tuesday

Guest Heart Thursday

Share the Joy Thursday

Writing on the Wall - Letter Box

2011-11-26T17:11:00.001-08:00

Hanging on the wall

storing writing safe within

deluxe letter box

Today I'm participating in a new blog hop "Writing on the Wall" over at Cheryl's Excellent Adventure. Find out more and join here.

This photo is Straight Out Of the Camera

Haiku my Heart - Wonder

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Following the joy
Learning to feel withmy eyes
Everyday wonders

Find other Haiku my Heart wonders at @ recuerda mi corazon

Thanksgiving Heart

2011-11-24T09:48:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my USA friends!

I'm so grateful for all my family, friend and teachers
who have challenged me to stretch my wings
and look for the unexpected in the everyday.

On a chilly morn

frozen parking lot puddle

frames an icy heart

Linking to Guest Heart Thursday

Hump Day Haiku - On a chilly morn

2011-11-23T10:45:00.001-08:00

Little bits of ice.

Views from a frosty garden

on a chilly morn.

Share the Joy Thursday

Frosty turning leaves

highlighting the backyard fence

on a chilly morn.

Finding Joy in the wonder of nature.

And

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. And so I have.

Would you care to join me?

Red Frost

2011-11-21T14:22:00.001-08:00

Tiny icicles

glistening on the red leaves.

Jack Frost's calling card

Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Frosty Morning

2011-11-20T15:38:00.001-08:00

Jack Frost visited

leaving his icy etchings

throughout the garden

Native bee balm seeds

within their hoary frosting

waiting for the sun.

Slowly the sunshine

peaking through high cloud cover

starts to melt the frost.

A frosty morning in the garden... record lows and hoary frost on everything.

So of course I ventured forth into the cold to get some photos.

Linking to Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Mellow Yellow Monday,

Masterpiece

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

fast approaching clouds

quickly changes sun lit skies

leaves a masterpiece

A late fall sunset from my front porch. I so enjoy having a treeline view from our yard. So much more appealing than man made messes, don't you think?

Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday

Gnarly

2011-11-16T17:30:00.001-08:00

Despite all the moss

covering it's gnarly trunk

the old tree shows heart

Found on a recent trip looking for fall colors.

See more random hearts with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

More haikuthe heart of joe spadoman @ recuerda mi corazon

Autumn Color

2011-11-12T17:40:00.001-08:00

Peaceful morning walk

admiring autumn colors

A beauty in red

Trees in full color at Memorial Park in Bellingham. I love it when the leaves are all over the ground, and rustle as you walk through them.

Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday

Ruby Tuesday

Mysteries revealed

2011-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Shrouded rocks and roots

Natures secret calling me

Mysteries revealed

Sorting through digital photos (while cataloging and trying to make some order from the chaos of months and numbers) I came across these from a trip to Artist Point at Mt Baker. Very cool moss covered rocks and gnarly old tree roots on the road down to Nooksack Falls.

If you look closely you can see faces peeking from the moss. And perhaps you'll find a heart or two as well.

Isn't it fun when nature reveals it's mysteries?

Linking with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Enjoy more haiku my heart with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Ruby Tuesday - Towers

2011-11-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a cool building? I just love the shape and how the leaves of the ivy-ish plant turn red this time of year. This was taken on a trip my son took to Ireland a few years ago. I've been sorting old digital files (tedious) and came across it so had to share.

Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Linking to Ruby Tuesday

Brown and Yellow Leaves

2011-11-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

I went looking for fall color from the big old trees at the cemetery today, and came across this beautiful tree. While wandering about getting close up shots, a funny shaped leaf caught my eye...

I've never seen brown mushrooms quite this these before. They were all over in the grass, mixed in with the yellow and brown leaves.

It's serendipity!

Among the brown and yellow leaves

a random mushroom heart

And this is straight out of the camera - for Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday

Also linking to Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Mellow Yellow Monday,

Junk Jewelry

2011-11-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

I took a junk jewelry class this past Sunday, with my friend Debi McManus-Plett, (an amazing artist!). She teaches at Stampadoodle in Bellingham, and Country Lane in Surrey BC. This creation is my very first wrapped wire pendant, made with a washer and cotter pin, wire and seed beads.

We also soldered in the class, my first time ever, and I can't say I did it well. However, it did take the fear away. I plan to make some ornaments for the holidays, and this time will make sure to allow for the tape when choosing an image. Hmph. *wink*

While helping Debi clean up, I discovered a little heart formed by droplets of the solder. So of course it came home with me.

Linking my random heart with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Dia De Los Muertos - I will never forget

2011-11-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Jen's Fairy

In memory of my beautiful daughter.

A few months after my daughters sudden death, a group of friends decided to make angels for one of our members whose husband was going through an illness.

When I finally started to create the angel, this fairy emerged instead.

And she told me she was in honor of my daughter.

It hangs on the wall of my office where I can see it as I sit at my desk.

It has become my daily reminder of the love my daughter had for all things of nature, and of the love I will always have for my daughter.

I will never forget.

Celebrating All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos with

Rebecca and Stephanie

A memory garden - dia de bloglandia

2011-11-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is the first year I've formally observed Dia de los Muertos, which I'm celebrating with Rebecca and Stephanie at dia de bloglandia. While I did not complete the shrine I started, it occurred to me that our backyard garden contains a variety of reminders of our family who have passed.

My husbands father was an avid gardener. He died before we married, and I so wish I'd have had more time to get to know him. His garden contained these lovely Autumn sedum.

My husbands mother was generous with her gardening knowledge and shared a variety of plants from her garden. This yarrow became quite invasive, (and a bit of a joke). However, after her death, it became a constant reminder of her generous love.

The love in a mist came from seeds from my Auntie Ruth, several years before she died. She was always generous with her seeds, and told us some of the seeds she shared were from plants originally given her by my Grandma Rose.

The frog statues in my garden remind me of my Auntie Rosemary, who told me once that frogs were protection. I've had one at my front door and throughout our garden since.

This angel sign was a gift from my daughter, and is something I continue to cherish in her memory.

Celebrating All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos with

Rebecca and Stephanie at dia de bloglandia.

Red leaves

2011-10-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Finding autumn colors as we wander the trails.

I love this time of year... when it's sunny.

Linking to Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Mellow Yellow Monday,

Ruby Tuesday

The art of remembering - Jen

2011-10-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Remembering Jen

my sweet darling baby girl

You are in my heart.

My sweet little Jen

always exploring new things

such curiosity!

Beautiful young woman

graduating with high honors

your spirit shining through.

My beautiful Jen

I will always remember

You are in my heart

The Art of Remembering as we approach Dia De Los Muertos

Fairyland

2011-10-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

After heavy rains

a fairyland of mushrooms

growing in the shade

Along the garden path
a mushroom toppled in it’s growth

forms a random heart.

Everyday brings new discoveries in my backyard. The fairy land appeared overnight after a heavy rain. And imagine my delight at finding the fallen mushroom growing out of the wood chip mulch, showing the heart of the garden.

Enjoy more Haiku my Heart with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Mountain Trail Discovery

2011-10-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Climbing up a ledge

on a rocky mountain trail

heart discovery

Discovered as I hiked around Heather Meadows with my husband, sharing the joy of a beautiful day with the person who makes my heart full.

It's so interesting to me to look at one of my pictures later, and see the other hearts that appear around the "obvious" heart I first noticed. How many can you see?

I must stop and pay closer attention as I wander. Who knows what other treasures I am missing. :)

See more random hearts with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Sharing with meri on Share the Joy Thursday

Paths on the Mountain

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Drawing energy

amid the autumn colors

on the mountain trail.

Last week I spent a lovely day with my husband at Heather Meadows, near Mt. Baker. This was one of the paths we wandered... headed down to Bagley Lake.
There is something about being out in such a magnificent natural environment, you can feel the energy emanating from the rocks and trees as you wander about.
Quite the rush!

And this is what we discovered imbedded in the pathway as we climbed back up the hill from the lake.

Linking to Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Mellow Yellow Monday,

Ruby Tuesday

Guest Heart Thursday

Artistic Influence

2011-10-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

A Remembrance of Two Artists who Touched My Life

Celebrating you

sharing your artistic soul

teaching with your heart

When I was tiny, Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Dick took my big sister Janie and I to the Rose Parade. We got to sit on camp stools, or Uncle Dick's shoulders. And eat cotton candy. They were two of the early loving influences I had in my life.

Aunt Rosemary was a school teacher, and had the most amazing art supplies at her house! They lived a few hours away, and we'd get to go visit for several days with the whole family. And we'd play and create! She encouraged my artistic exploration early in life.

We lost her several years ago, after a brief illness.

Another influence on my artistic exploration was my friend Sherri. Several years ago I serendipitously met someone at a photo copy shop, who invited me to join an art group meeting at her home, and Sheri was one of the artists there. I took a series of Visual Journaling classes from Sherri shortly thereafter, where we would play and create. Those classes, and the art group, began my exploration of mixed media which has become my passion.

Sherri was an encouraging teacher and friend. We lost her very suddenly last February.

This picture of a heart shaped rock wall, taken by my son on one of his trips, honors these two people who have been influences in my artistic life.

Heart Full Day

2011-10-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day

exploring the mountain trails

before the snow flies.

Peaceful looking view

A distant sound of thunder

Avalanche occurs.

It has already snowed at the higher elevations, as you can tell from Mt Shuksun. The sun warmed the snow enough for a small avalanche while we gazed at the view and took pictures. It was a slight flurry of snow in one of the crevices.

This heart happened along as we wandered on one of the paths. Looking at the picture later, I see a few other hearts. It's amazing how they just appear.

It was a beautiful, peaceful, heart-full day out in nature with my husband. Life doesn't get better than this.

See more random hearts with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Sharing my joy of a beautiful day with meri on Share the Joy Thursday

and Haiku my Heart Friday with Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Rose Hips

2011-10-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

Wild rose gone to seed

crawling through the shrubs and trees

shows its flash of red.

Linking to Ruby Tuesday

Angel wings

2011-10-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Quietly sitting

she keeps the vigil going

for the one we lost.

Participating in Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday

Find more macro shots at Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Remembering Grandma

2011-10-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Memories of Grandma

making little girls feel special

when we came to tea.

My Grandma Rose was an amazing woman, who made each of her grandchildren feel precious to her. It's a gift few have. This is one of the two photos I have of Grandma with me. My older sister Janie and I were having a tea party with Grandma. I cherish this photo.

Grandma survived the death of three sons in WWII, and her husband in a trucking accident, all within a few years. She was a strong woman who raised the remainder of her children as a single parent, including my mother, the baby of the family.

We lost Grandma when I was eight years old, but she has never left my mind. I've always considered her my guardian angel. If you look closely, you can almost see her wings.

Celebrating Dia de Bloglandia with the folks at recuerdo mi corazon

Gourds

2011-10-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

End of summer gourds

as a welcome to our guests

sitting on the porch.

Bought this week at our favorite Garden Spot Nursery, just to make things festive!

Hump Day Haiku - Lavendar

2011-10-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

Lovely lavender.

The memory of my daughter

continues to bloom.

This lavender plant was bought at the Cascade Cuts plant sale last spring, because it was named Jennifer. My daughter name. We lost her three and a half years ago. It was so lovely with pale leaves, that I had to have it. The blooms, when they arrived, were more blue than lavender on long sweeping stems.

We planted it in a pot on the deck and it's been blooming for months, and continues.

I have not been able to get a good picture of this plant, so this inferior photo will have to do.

Submitting to Haiku My Heart Friday.

Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'd continue. And so I have.

Rosemary Cheddar Fingers

2011-10-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

By request, I'm sharing the recipe for Rosemary Cheddar Fingers. This recipe card was made for me by WildHolly last year - in real life Holly Gagnon, a friend from atcsforall,com. She's a fabulous artist and fabulous cook! I made these for the annual Halloween party with our art group on Sunday. I used reduced fat sharp cheddar, egg substitute, and organic butter, so they are quite healthy. And really are quite good!

My husband loves them, and as we ate the left over pieces with dinner tonight, informed me that we need to have them around all the time. Okay, sure. I'll show him where the recipe card is kept. *wink*

Changing Leaves

2011-10-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Dreary rainy day

brightened by the color splash

of a nearby tree

Leaves that frame a heart

peeking though the left branches.

Hearts are everywhere.

Linking to Ruby Tuesday

Find more hearts with Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Seed head

2011-10-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Emerging seed heads.

Reminder that the summer

flowers are now spent.

This love in a mist came from seeds shared by my Auntie Ruth, many years ago. I was thinking today that the many plants I have in the garden, from seeds or starts by various relatives and friends, is another way to honor and remember them.

Participating in Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday

More Macro shot at Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Also linked to Mellow Yellow Monday

Autumn Joy

2011-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Autumn discovers

sedum growing in the yard

red blooms and green heart.

Linking (a bit late) to Clytie at Guest Heart Thursday

Also, this is my first time submitting to Haiku My Heart Friday.

Rebecca @ recuerda mi corazon

Fungi haiku

2011-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Fungi in the yard

growing through the cedar chips

emerge with the rain.

It fills me with joy

to wander in the garden

new things all the time.

I have no clue what type of mushrooms these are, but with the recent (and continuing) rain, they are popping up all over the back yard. The furry looking heads start to poke through, and then they split in to a spiky flower looking head.
Wandering in the garden always brings new discoveries.

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'll be creating Haiku every "Hump Day".

Linking to Share the Joy Thursday

Red Chard from the garden

2011-10-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Chilly Autumn days

with red chard from the garden

ready for the soup.

We still have a few things growing out in the garden this fine blustery Autumn day...

including this lovely red chard which will make a nice addition to tonight's dinner.

Linking to Ruby Tuesday

Honeysuckle Berries

2011-10-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting that some plants have berries that are the same color as the blossoms... like this honeysuckle. The berries are turning right now, from a lovely yellow into orange.

This is a June shot of the blossoms. For comparison purposes. :)

Participating in Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday

More Macro shot at Lisa's Chaos-Macro Monday

Also linked to Mellow Yellow Monday

Bees and Crocus

2011-09-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

The bees crawl in the center of the Autumn crocus and just wallow around.

And wait there while I snap their picture.

I needed something to make me smile today.
This worked.

Hump Day Haiku - Returning birds

2011-09-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Juncos in the yard!

These first of wintering birds

have arrived today.

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided as a challenge for myself, I'll be creating Haiku every "Hump Day.

Note: This is not my photo, I got it sometime back. Please do not re-use, it's for illustration purpose only. One day I hope to capture the little juncos with my own camera.

Letter box

2011-09-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be fun,

having this cute letter box

waiting for your mail?

Garden Guardian

2011-09-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

There is a guardian

upon the garden stair

who hides among

ground covers and leaves

and who always smiles.

I don't remember when we put this out in the garden... or from whence it came. It's inexpensive garden art, but is a little reminder, when I notice, that there is always someone watching out for us.

Visit Macro Monday for more macro photography.

Woodland Stairs

2011-09-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Out on a walk with my honey the other day at Big Rock Garden, I noticed this little stairway wandering up in the woods. Doesn't it make you want to go explore?

If you look closely, you can see a heart shape in the underbrush on the right.

Find more Straight Out Of the Camera here:

Linking to Guest Heart Thursday

Wise Owl on Etsy

2011-09-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! One of my little pins, my wise owl, was just included in a treasury list on Etsy by Michelle Skiba of Three Trees Bindery . Thank you, Michelle! Check out the Treasury list here.
And check out my little owl and other items here.

Hearts along the way...

2011-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

I've found many heart rocks on various walks with my honey... this one was a walk along the Skagit River at our favorite camping place.

I am using my "found heart" photos as inspiration for an art project in the works, and thought I'd share them as I rediscover them in my files.

Linking to Guest Heart Thursday

Hump Day Haiku - End of Summer

2011-09-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Garden harvested

End of summer all too soon

Wishing it could last

These are two of the remaining tomato plants we grew this year. The small Tumbling Tom is on the patio, the larger Oregon Spring is in the green house. If we're lucky, we'll have fresh tomatoes until November.

I started doing Hump Day Haiku with Carla Sonheim's Silly classes... and decided to keep it up as a challenge for myself. Look for more Hump Day Haiku here every Wednesday.

If you wish, join in by posting a Hump Day Haiku in the comments. :)

Happy Hump Day!

A walk in Fairhaven

2011-09-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Recently I spent a bit of time with a friend wandering about in Fairhaven,
looking for interesting windows and doors for an online swap I was considering.
Our walk discovered this old phone booth at the corner of an ivy covered building.

We also found this door as we walked through a courtyard...

A walk with a friend and a camera is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Michaelmas Daisy

2011-09-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

Michaelmas Daisy (aster) growing in a place that my husband would rather it not grow. It IS a bit in the way of the walkway behind the house where the garden tools and wheel barrow are stored. When it has finished its lovely blooming, we'll dig it up and move it to a safer spot. For now I'm enjoying the lovely blooms.

Linked to Macro Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday

Random hearts...

2011-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

On our walk a few days ago, I noticed a rock imbedded in the moss that looked a bit like a heart.

A while later visiting my honey out in his shop, I came across this heart shaped knot hole in a piece of wood just hanging out waiting for me to notice.

Amazing how hearts are everywhere, just waiting for us to find them.

Find more Straight Out Of the Camera here.

Find more Hearts at Guest Heart Thursday

Hidden angel

2011-09-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

A recent visit to the local cemetery with my camera and a friend found this angel awaiting me, hiding in the old section as a bit of an elaborate headstone.

It reminds me to look in places I'm not expecting for little miracles. They are always there.

Ivy covered wall

2011-09-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

There is something about old brick buildings with ivy covered walls that I just love.

Especially as the leaves start to turn.

It makes a boring old brick building quite festive, don't you think?

Weed in a pot

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is fireweed, a plant that likes grows in disturbed areas and burned areas after forest/wild fires. Neighbor was growing in a pot next to the fence a year or so ago (for reasons we never determined) and we had a self seeded start on our side of the fence that was very happily dug up and put into a pot. And it's blooming!

So we'll have seeds and be able to spread some about in certain disturbed areas out back.

Deer love fireweed, although this particular pot is out of their reach (there is a reason for high fences). A crop out back for them will make some fine dining.We keep them out of the back yard with the fence, but plant with them in mind in front and in the "wild" area. Critters need to eat too.

Macro Monday

2011-09-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Awakening

In those days,
we finally chose
to walk like giants
and hold the world
in arms grown strong with love
and there may be many things we forget
in the days to come,
but this will not be one of them.

from Storypeople

Straight Out of The Camera Sunday

Yard Art

2011-09-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do with an old license plate leftover from relocating 16 years ago..?

Attach to garden shed wall for a splash of color! Instant yard art! :D

Red and Yellow

2011-09-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Hardy Fuchsia, planted next to the native Golden Rod, is in full bloom. Both bloom mid to late summer, and they are so happy growing together. Sometimes planting by happenstance works out.

Addition: I don't know the exact variety of fuchsia; it's a shrub, as opposed to the fuchsias that are sold in garden centers in spring. We got it as a cutting from John's mothers garden the year she died. It's been transplanted around as we've redone the garden, and seems to be very happy here.

Mellow Yellow Monday

Ruby Tuesday

Autumn Sedum

2011-09-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Autumn Sedum - a late summer banquet for the bees.

Macro Monday

Berries for the Birds

2011-09-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Red Twig Dogwood is putting on a lot of berries this year. That's a good thing for our visiting birds, who enjoy them during the fall and winter months. I love how these are poking through the grape stake fence my husband built several years ago.

Straight Out of The Camera Sunday

Echinecea

2011-09-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

The lovely light purple echinecea continues to bloom. It's a delight watching the transformation of the bud into blossom.

If you look close, you can see the bit of spider web on the blossom... they are especially busy this time of year.

Sunflower adoration

2011-09-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while the sun was out, a little bee was enjoying the dwarf sunflower on the deck.

He was quite focused for a while... allowing me time to go in and get the camera.

The heavy pollen on his legs fascinated me... I hadn't seen a bee so laden this summer.

It didn't seem to bother his flying at all.

A gift

2011-08-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

A gift from my daughter that lives on in my garden.

August Break 2011

Late August Blooms

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Late August means my lovely tall red monarda (bee balm) blooms start to fade... although there are a few late blooming plants. This variety is called Blue Stocking... according to the nursery where I bought the original plant nearly 20 years ago.

Our native bergamot monarda is in full bloom right now. The leaf mold is especially prevalent with the wet cold summer we've had this year... but I still love the delicate little blooms.

So do the hummingbirds.

August Break 2011

Rudbeckia

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Rudbeckia blooming... so cheery! These are growing among the tall Oregon grape in the front garden.

August Break 2011

Macro Monday

Sunday morning garden

2011-08-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

It was a quiet peaceful morning out in the garden today, just wandered about doing a little weeding, listening to the birds. Our garden changes daily as flowers begin to bloom...

This is Merlot Echinacea, a hybrid that came to live in our garden this summer. The little blue "love in a mist" blooms in the background. They are from my Auntie Ruth's garden, seeds given to me years ago that spread themselves around freely.

Straight Out of The Camera Sunday

August Break 2011

Ducky's Adventure Part 3

2011-08-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to mention the fun cake Melanie brought to share! Oh my, it was quite good and Ducky enjoyed it immensely!

You would not believe the fun and crazy Zettie folks around on Saturday! What a riot of energy! This is Julie and Trina... two of our favorite Zettie lasses!

Ducky got in on the fun too... with zetti legs by Julie, and a piece of her lovely boa.

There were a few demos of techniques during the weekend, and Ducky was pleased to have a personal demo from Martha on the charms of beeswax and napkins. She's a great teacher and Ducky learned a lot! Note that Martha had Zetti socks too!

We got a picture of most of the group the last day... some had already left.

It's always bittersweet to pack up the art supplies to head home after a fun weekend.

Ducky had a marvelous time meeting all his online friends face to face, and is looking forward to seeing them again next year.

Ducky's Adventure Part 2

2011-08-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderfully HOT day in Hood River when we arrived... just in the nick of time for the winery tour. We walked a very long one half mile (actually 1+miles) immediately after checking in and dragging all our "stuff" to the room. Luckily I grabbed a seltzer water to drink on the way.

Ducky thought the foot bridge was great fun!

When we arrived we got personal service and even a picture taken by our wonderful wine taster lady!

After getting a ride back to the hotel, we all had a quick bite to eat and a beverage. Ducky tried the Lemon Drop...

Then everyone gathered and played with their art supplies for a bit. Ducky brought bookmarks to share with those in attendance. Here he's at the art table ready to create.

After a late night, we were still up early to enjoy the dawn on the river.

Ducky's Adventure Part 1

2011-08-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Ducky was busy helping me gather things together for the art weekend.

And kept asking me... do you REALLY need all this stuff? (I didn't)

Ducky was so excited to get to Julies house, where we spent the night before heading to Hood River the next morning.

After a relaxing for a bit on the porch...

... Ducky helped us pack the trunk. He kept asking... do you REALLY need all this stuff? (We didn't)

to be continued...

Ducky Adventure Begins!

2011-08-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

This little duck represents a friend who cannot attend the Oregon Live Gathering of atcsforall.com folks in Hood River this coming weekend. She really wanted to, and sent a package of goodies for me to share when I get there.

I made the hat with propeller for the rubber ducky using an online pattern from Cristophine at Deviant Art, shrunk to about the right size. I happened to have felt in just the right color in my stash, and I sewed the 7 little pieces together by hand. (EEK!). The propeller was cut from a left over piece of painted background and was mounted on a pin. (Don't tell Ducky it's stuck into his head!)

Ducky will be traveling with me to Hood River this weekend. I'll be taking pictures of our adventures and will file a report. Once we're home and I get some picture printed, Ducky will travel to Michigan to live with my friend who has no clue that I'm doing this for her. :)

Ducky and I were having tea this morning before the packing started.

August Break 2011

Dogwood

2011-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Red Twig dogwood is one of my favorite all season plants... and it's native to our area. This time of year we have the lovely white bloom, that become berries that make the backyard birds very happy! The leaves turn a lovely red in autumn, and during the winter and early spring months, it shows off it's beautiful red bark and berries... if the birds leave any.

August Break 2011

Macro Monday