Sunrise

The sunrise yesterday was particularly beautiful, and I just had to capture the colors. It's not quite the same in a picture, but you get the idea... I love how the winter trees look against the sky.

I'm working on a project for the Allied Arts Membership Show being held in March... my first art submitted for display in a gallery. And yes, I am a bit freaked out to be there with incredible artists. Two good friends, Gail and Betsey, are also submitting work so I'm in good supportive company. I'll post the project as I get further along.

Sunshine

I love these cold sunny days, watching the birds at the feeders. We have juncos, chickadees, towhees, and sparrows at the suet feeder right outside the office window. The bush tits haven't made their appearance yet today. They are so cute and flock all over the tree and feeder. Sweet little brown things.

I am so grateful for the sunshine and for birds to watch, and for a sweet husband who hangs feeders where I can see them.

A New World

What a wonderfully sunny, happy day! There was such positive energy surrounding everyone who came into the store. One customer mentioned that today it is a whole new world... and I agree!

Isn't it the most amazing thing how one man taking office can generate such a positive hopeful atmosphere? *happy smile*

It's always something

We've gone from cold snowy weather, to just-warm-enough-for-rain weather. And combined with the melting snow, we're flooding in Whatcom County. We are driving through water to get in and out of our subdivision, the creek is now flowing across the road. Our house and yard are doing fine... just a bit soggier than usual. Luckily this is around the corner from us...

Between being somewhat housebound with the snow, and then days on end of rain, I'm getting a bit stir crazy. I can't seem to focus on doing anything, even my art. It will all get better... and drier... soon.

I wish we could just get in the motorhome and head for sunshine; surely there is sunshine somewhere. Can you imagine just driving until you found it? We actually did that one winter several years ago, found some lovely sun on the southern Oregon coast. It was quite wonderful. Sigh!

I'm imagining sunny crocus in the garden... :)

White Christmas

After a week of snowy weather, it melted a bit yesterday afternoon, and then dumped another inch or so of snow last night. So we woke to a freshly white morning. The little birds are happy at the sunflower and suet feeders, and hopping about right outside the sliding windows where we've sprinkled a bit of mixed seed. Calvin (our old and increasingly persnickety kitty) sits and watches them, but has given up wanting to go outside. No place to roam for little kitties with a foot of snow on the ground.

It's a quiet Christmas with John and Jason, which is good. I've been teary quite a bit, with good memories and sad memories. I was wrapping the presents for the stockings, using bits and pieces of left over and saved papers, and turned one over to cut it out and there was a sticker "To Mom From Jen". So, after crying a bit, I cut that piece out and will include that in her memory journal. I felt her with us when we were sitting with the candles glowing watching the tree. I know she's here with us, I just want to be able to hug her one more time.

Wishing everyone Peace and Joy in the coming year.

Making Art and surviving

The holidays are being hard this year. I keep seeing things that Jen would love, and it makes me sad. Decorating reminds me of when she was here playing with us, and it makes me sad. It's hard not to be teary all the time.

I've visited with my sister Julie a few times this past month, and have her hooked on Artist Trading Cards now too. We haul our art supplies back and forth and play! Last time I was down I brought her some beeswax and paper napkins and we had fun creating. This ATC is one I made when we were together recently.

  

This chunky page was created for Els in a Play it Forward swap… the larger envelope has a John Muir quote folded up and tucked in it, the smaller a leaf charm.

There is HOPE in the air!

Yay for a new president! It's a beautiful fall day, and there is HOPE in the air! :)

Edit: A bit after I posted this we were looking out the back sliding glass door and saw four bald eagles soaring in circles just a tiny bit up the hill. It's a good sign, we decided.