A Beautiful and Ancient Story

When I was a little girl, I could not figure out what all the whoopla was about Santa Claus. It was a charming story--but my problem was I knew kids who were pretty good all year long, who weren't rewarded at Christmas, as were some of the meaner kids I knew from school, who seemed to have it all. I didn't think Santa was all that fair. Besides, I liked the idea that my parents were our gift-givers. We didn't have much in those days--but we were very happy.

I loved the romance and danger of the ancient story of Joseph and Mary. I was so intrigued by the singing angels, shepherds and the tiny baby miraculously conceived. There were wise men who followed a shining star to where the child was. They brought him amazing gifts. There was a jealous, deceitful king who sought after the child's life--yet miraculously, through the intervention of angels, they escaped.

I still am filled with awe as I consider the mystery and beauty of that wonderful old story.

Tiffany Rose

This is our Lovely Tiffany Rose. Her profile is so beautiful--I had to draw her.

I used both Staedtler pigment liner pens, and Micron Archival Ink pens for this drawing. I have discovered using various sized pens create a sense of depth in a pen and ink drawing, which pleases my eyes.

Kindred Spirits

This is a picture I drew of our wonderful old Main Coon cat, Elvis. He has a whimsical friend, as you can see. I still miss that big fellow. He was more dog than cat.

To draw this picture of kitty catz, I started with a pencil sketch, inking in the lines I liked, then erasing the pencil marks. I used my beloved Prismacolors to add vibrant colors. In this drawing I put in the intricate lines of his fur after I'd added the color. This was difficult, because the tiny ink pens I used often clogged with the beezwax of the colored pencils.

I've discovered since then, the old fashioned ink pens with nibs, which are dipped into indelible ink. They can splatter, but sometimes the results of such a mistake can be wonderful. And they don't have problems when I use them to draw in details after the color has been added.

Shelter in the Storm

I love the red mushrooms in this drawing--though someone once told me most red mushrooms are poisonous! However, if they are I am convinced the faery folk are immune. Faery folk love to use mushrooms as giant umbrellas in stormy weather.

This small sparkle-eyed faery is one of those who frequent the forest near here. She sometimes comes to my garden to visit and tells stories you would not believe if you heard them. (grin) I know, I know, I have a GREAT imagination.

To draw this picture, I started out with a light pencil outline. I carefully inked in the lines I liked, erasing the remaining pencilings. Then I added color using my beloved Prismacolor pencils--which are wonderful because they are made with beezwax.

On Wings of Doves

I adore doves--in my mind, they symbolize gentleness and peace. I love the sound of their melodic cooing. I enjoy their fearlessness when I sprinkle food for them at my feet. Their gleaming grey feathers seem so soft and if you look closely every color in the rainbow can be found.

I think there is a need for gentleness and kindness in our lives. Let there be peace.

Fire Dancer

I was watching the firelight play over the logs in the wood stove this evening, when I thought I saw a fiery little creature dancing. I ran to the table, grabbed my camera, jumped back to the hearth and clicked the shutter. To my utter amazement there she was, the Fire Faery.

As you can see from the untouched photo above, I didn't have to enhance her very much!

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Daddy Update: Great news! Dad has formally been discharged from the wound specialist. The top of his head is completely healed. He has also been fitted for a more comfortable neck collar to support his still-broken neck.

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However, Dad is still having flashbacks to his time in the prison camp--they are even more vivid than before. Yesterday Dad went to the VA Hospital for some tests to find out why. I would appreciate your continued prayers for the healing of Dad's neck and the cessation of those flashbacks. Mom would appreciate your prayers, too. This is all very hard for her.

Old Man Winter

Here he is, Old Man Winter. I saw him smiling down at the bare limbs of the trees yesterday. You have to look closely to see him. Winter is quite illusive at times--like today when it seems so balmy, except for the leafless trees, one might think it were September.

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Above you view him as I first saw him in the clouds. As you can see, I didn't have to enhance Old Man Winter very much at all.

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Old Man Winter

He has a real long beard that's white as snow

He has icicle fingers and popsicle toes

He has chestnuts roasting on an open fire

He has you scootin' down the hill on a worn out tire

He has sleigh bells ringing out into the night

He has everybody feeling alright

When Old Man Winter comes to town

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He has the whole world sleeping beneath a blanket of white

He has everything shining on a full moon night

He has kids of all ages, clowning around,

Building snow forts and knocking them down

He has frost on the windows, Ice on the stairs

Smoke from the chimney and pine in the air

When Old Man Winter comes to town

Sun Sprite

This is one of my very first cloud paintings. When I clicked the camera, it was a scud of clouds covering the sun in the center of a very blue sky. When I pulled up the photo on the computer--the camera had done something strange to the colors.

When I first began Cloud Painting, I used a mouse to enhance what I saw in the pictures I took with my camera. Drawing and shading with a mouse takes a LONG time! This is one of my first attempts at Cloud Painting.

To view this Sun Sprite in detail, click for the larger image!

Below you see the Cloud Sprite as I first saw her.

Sometimes the best things happen by accident!
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Ready For Action

Here he is--a forest dweller perhaps from ancient Ireland. I believe he would be ready for anything--just look at his stance. He would be a good friend, fiercely loyal and stout-hearted.

A Tiger and His Boy

Here you see the fierce warrior and his fighting friend. They stand for justice and will fight to save the oppressed from their enemies.

I entitled this piece A Tiger and His Boy, because no one can actually "own" a cat--especially a big fellow like this one. As all cat lovers know, the friend of a feline has been chosen by the cat. These two are wonderful partners and no one had better bother that young man. There might not be much left afterward.

The Angel and the Little Seal

Here she is! Another angel I caught with my camera yesterday afternoon. It seemed to me she was petting a small seal. I always believed angels love and watch over animals--as you see this gentle angel really seems to love this little fellow!

Above you can view the angel and the seal as I first saw them in the skies.

Baby Angel in the clouds

Isn't this just the most darling little fellow? He looks like a cartoon of himself.

Below you can view this angel baby as I first saw him. If you click on the picture for the details, you can see I didn't have to enhance much! I was truly astonished at the detail of the cloud as I first found it.

Daddy Update: Dad's head wound is nearly healed. The bad news is the neurosurgeon looked at his neck bones and not much has changed. The good news is they were able to fit Dad with a different collar. This will help with the flashbacks of the Nazi prison guard choking him, and with further medication and help from an expert in soldiers who have flashbacks, I believe Dad will be doing much better soon.

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Please continue to pray for the joining and healing of those bones in Dad's neck. The surgery required to fix it if it doesn't, is extremely risky. It is frightening to think about that. Also please pray the flashbacks will cease. Mumsie says they're getting worse and lasting longer. Thank you dear prayer warriors.