Forest Treasure

You are probably wondering why this lovely young lady is wearing baseball gloves? I have wondered about that myself. Sometimes things just happen when drawing a picture. Hmmmm . . . . If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear from you!

This picture is a mixture of art mediums. I used graphite pencils to sketch my idea onto the paper. I put in the detail with indelible ink using various sized ink tips, erasing the pencil lines. My beloved Prismacolor pencils added color--after which I inked in crucial lines and detail which the beezwax from the colored pencils had blurred. I scanned the picture into my computer. Then I used an art program to add bright sparkles and shine to the faery and gloves.

Tea Cup Faerie

This is one of my very first watercolors. The Tea Cup Faery resides on the wall above the piano where my Mother-in-Law's wonderful antique teacup collection is displayed.

I fancy when we're not looking, this tiny delightful faery steps from the picture, to poke around in the bits of stuffs and sundry we've dropped into the teacups over the years. It is possible she puzzles over what she finds there. I can imagine her astonishment as she examines a small cat's head made of clay, bits of jewelry, marbles, pennies and other stray odds and ends. She might ponder why this, or that bit of "stuff" is so precious that it is kept in a tea cup?

I wonder about that myself.

Forest Defender

This is one of my more "whimsical drawings." As a youngster I loved and dearly enjoyed all fairytales, myths and legends. Coupled with a big imagination, I would often make up stories about the lives of the faery folk I imagined living in the forest. I was the staunch and brave defender of the woodland!
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The forest near where I grew up is beautiful. There is a small canyon, complete with tall trees, and a rippling, singing brook. In these magical woods grow snowdrops, pungent skunk cabbage, star flowers, vine maple and fiddle fern. The moss grows thick beneath fragrant fir and cedar trees, where vast bunches of green sword fern grow unrestrained. A few years ago, we found ferns growing near the creek, with fronds more than six feet in length!
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As children, my brothers, sisters, cousins and I played in Leprechaun Valley and Deer Valley. There were beautiful places we named Bambi's meadow, Reflection Lake, Castle Stump and Fairy Wing Pond. We would follow the distinct trails of the deer into thickets of low growth beneath the cedar trees. There we would find green-walled rooms, complete with lush moss carpeting. I remember the loveliness of delicate maiden hair fern and the rare find of an Indian Peace Pipe plant.
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I recall long summer days spent exploring, building forts and tree houses, eating blackberries from vines covering the steep hillsides, and red huckleberries from "Huckleberry Bridge." I can retrace wading in the cool stream and the way the soft mud felt when we would sink our feet deep into the Mud Flats formed by natural springs bubbling up from the rich brown earth.
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On this cold winter day, if I think hard enough, I can still smell the fragrance of the cedar trees and feel the green coolness of the forest on a hot summer day. I hear the stillness of the woods, spiked with bird calls, the creek's song and the crackling of underbrush beneath my bare feet.

Christmas Smiles

Christmas will never be the same after this year. So much has changed, so many amazing things have taken place--sad things, happy things, miraculous things . . . How grateful I am!

May joy fill your hearts, put a sparkle in your eye and smiles on your faces. Remember to laugh and count up all the blessings in your life--even if you are going through something awfully hard, the blessings are there if you look for them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fairy Sisters Three -- Wishing You a VERY Merry Christmas

These are three fairies who often visit in my garden during the summer months. (grin) They are full of the dickens and love to play tricks on the poor raccoons who often rumble through our yard in the wee hours of the morning. Tch tch tch--it's a good thing they're so cute! Today they are whimsically smiling, "A Merry Christmas to all!"

I know--I know, I have a GREAT imagination!!!
.This piece of art is just a portion of a much larger drawing. The original is 1 1/2 feet by 2 1/2 feet. I was just learning the use of various mediums together--and I used the wrong kind of paper. Because the art paper was too thin, it rumpled.

Pucker Up!

Isn't this fellow cute? He looks like a cloudy Casanova on a mission. I'm just sure he's out to find someone to kiss--so ladies, pucker up! He doesn't look like much will stop him from reaching his goal!

Above you see this cloudy bad boy, as I first caught him sailing across the skies.

Cloudy Day Nap

After all the hard work she's been doing over the past few weeks, the sweet angel has decided to get a little cloudy day shut-eye!

This is a pen and ink drawing I scanned into the computer. The drawing is one of my very first experiments adding digital color, using a VERY old computer paint program. It is rare for me to add color using the computer. I prefer the old fashioned way of doing things!

Christmas Candle - A Gift For You

This is one of the bookmarks I produce. I think they are so pretty. And this one is especially for YOU! This bookmark is a wonderful stocking stuffer, especially when thrust between the pages of a good book. For best results, be sure to print them with a color printer on photo paper. Merry Christmas!

Thank you again, dear ones, for your prayers for my sister, my Dad, my Mom--our family. You are truly precious in our eyes.

Tiptoe Softly Christmas Angel

Christmas tinsel, wreath and light,
Twinkling bright in dark of night.
Angel tiptoe through our day.
What is this, we hear you say?
Peace on Earth, good will to men.
Watch, listen, He's coming again!

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So, tiptoe softly Christmas Angel,

Spread your message of hope and cheer.

We are grateful for your presence,

And your care of those who are dear.
~ Beth L. Niquette

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SISSY UPDATE: Clytie is still doing great--gaining strength every day. One perk is that her eyesight has improved. She sees more clearly than she has in years. What a wonderful thing for my talented photographer Sis! Be sure to drop by Clytie's blogs this morning--she has two entries you will want to read. Thank you everyone for your warmth, thoughts and prayers for my darling sister.

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Here are the links: http://clytie-randomhearts.blogspot.com/ and http://clytie-randomstuff.blogspot.com/ May God bless you all--and a very Merry Christmas to you!

A Miracle for My Sister

Thank you--everyone who has prayed for my sweet sister Clytie's recovery . . . as I write to you, it is with a thankful heart.

Clytie, darling Queen of Hearts, had a stroke at 5 a.m. Friday morning. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital--it took me an hour to get there from where I live. Her right side was paralyzed and she could barely speak. To write of this, just . . . well, as I type here I am weeping . . . I have lost a brother and came close just now to losing my beloved sister, my friend.

I stood by her side. They had done everything they could do--it was a waiting game. She would get better, worse, then better, then worse—that last time was the most frightening, I was rubbing her numb foot when suddenly I realized she wasn’t feeling the pressure of my fingers.

I walked to her side, looked at her right hand and it was starting to curl. I felt so scared for her. I took her hand into my own. The nurses did some tests and she could not lift her leg or her arm--her speech was blurred. The nurses left.  She had closed her eyes--her face was white and so still.  So I put my hand on her hair.

I was praying over her when I felt that God was telling me to put my other hand on Sissy's head and to pray for her healing. I felt a little foolish—I thought maybe it was my own wishful thinking.  But I obeyed.  As I prayed for her healing, my hands got hot—like an oven. It was the strangest thing--I could feel the heat actually radiating down from my palms. My prayer was that God's healing would pour down through her body like warm oil, sweeping away the numbness imprisoning her. In my mind’s eye, I saw the connections that were hurt, reconnecting and sparking. I don’t know how long I stood there praying.

When I was done praying, I lifted my hand away.  Clytie opened her eyes and said as clear as a bell, “Aren’t you getting bored standing there with nothing to do?”

I said, “of course not, I’ve been praying for you!”  Tears gathered in my eyes as I tried to explain what had just happened.

A couple seconds later Clytie lifted her right hand—the one she couldn’t move before and was looking at her fingers and hand with astonishment. She started wiggling her fingers. She lifted her leg and curled her toes.  The numbness was leaving her body.

Just after that, I left for my parent's place to pick up the twins to see her. While I was at my parents house I wrote the last blog entry. By the time we returned the numbness was totally gone. Clytie could lift both her right leg and arm easily, she could speak clearly, the numbness was gone!

Clytie has steadily improved since then—Last night she ate dinner, she sat up in the chair and she’s been walking the halls—if all goes well she’s going home this afternoon. I’m just so amazed, and moved. Clot busting drugs and the power of God and the prayers of a loving sister--I am convinced a miracle happened.

All the doctors and nurses are just agog. The physical therapist says Clytie is a “rock star!” (grin) They are astonished she’s completely recovered, given that her entire right side was totally and utterly paralyzed. One nurse told me a full recovery like hers is exceedingly rare. The neurologist hardly knew what to say, except to stammer sometimes things happen they can't explain.

Please pray for my precious sister's continued healing and growing strength—the MRI shows she did have a stroke—the doctor says it is an area the size of a Lima bean, with a kind of vulnerable halo around it. She says she doesn’t feel anything is different than it was, but she’s still a little weak and tires easily.

I am so thankful for your good thoughts and prayers for my precious little sister. I promised Clytie I would let everyone know how she's doing and she sends her grateful love and thanks to each and every one of you.

Sometimes we wonder if God cares about us as we live our lives here on earth. He does--He cares. He's watching over us and loves us! All Glory to God for the things He has done!

Sissy in Hospital

No photos, no art today. Just a request for your prayers. My darling Sister Clytie had a stroke at 5 a.m. this morning. I have been at the hospital most of the day with her and as of this afternoon, I believe a miracle has taken place.

She has miraculously regained movement in both her right arm and leg and the numbness in her face and limbs has gone. But she is not out of the woods yet. Her blood pressure is still fluctuating and she will be in the ICU for the next 24 hours. She will probably be at Meridian Park for the next couple of days.

I would appreciate your prayers for my sister--and if you would like to send her a hi and hello and a word of encouragement, you can find the links to her blogs on the sidebar of this blog.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I will update you as I know the facts--please pray. She is one of my very best and dearest friends.

Garland of Birds

My husband and I were having lunch with our dear friend Vern, when through the windows, I noticed the exquisite profile of a woman silhouetted against the darkness of the clouds. I hastily took my camera out of its bag to click the picture--as I did so, a garland of birds encircled her hair.

Above you can see the original untouched photograph I took through those wonderful big glass windows at Eola Inn Restaurant!

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.

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.

My Lady of the Birch Trees

This morning an Autumn storm is tossing handfuls of yellow leaves past my office window. They flutter down like graceful yellow butterflies.

When the leaves are finally gone and the trees stand bared to the elements one can find a stark sort of beauty--such as that which I discovered long ago in a grove of silvery birch trees.

There I found the lady of the birch trees--all silver, blue and gold.

Enfold

I was toolying around in the Columbia Gorge on the Washington State side, when I noticed this wonderful mountainside towering over the Columbia River. I ran to the car for my sketchbook--this pen and ink is the result. Can you see her?

She Watches

Click on the picture to see the detail of the jet plane's flight past one of those who watch and pray over all of us. Can you see the face?  The original photo below was taken by my wonderful friend Shannon Jackson, who's gentle beauty is reflected in her fabulous picture.

Daddy Update: Our precious Dad lost his balance and fell, scraping away some of the delicate newly formed skin on the top of his head. Please pray this area continues to heal and that no infection will take hold. Dad is also experiencing some disorientation. He did not recognize Mums a few mornings ago. He was apparently having another flashback to WW2. Please pray that Dad will gain strength and that these flashbacks will stop. Thank you so much.

Pray, or Prey?

Here I've enhanced what seemed to be an eagle angling for a small airplane. Our town has a tiny airport which is delightful, though sometimes when the weather is just right, it gets a tad loud.

If that pilot knew such a hungry eagle was about to grab him, I'm certain he would pray. My husband came up with the title Pray or Prey?--I wanted to add "A Matter of Perspective" but that seemed a bit long. What do you think? (grin)

Below are the eagle (minus his beak) and the airplane as I first saw them.

Fat Cat on the Wing

Here you see the Fat Cat who flew through the sunset this evening. He was graceful like a bumble bee and he made me laugh. I hope he makes YOU laugh, too. (Grin)

Above you see this fat cat with wings, as I first saw him.

Guardians

Here you see a fairytale warrior and his friend--guardians of the castle, valient defenders against those who would wrong others.

Dragon Rest

Here you see a dragon at rest in the skies above the cedar tree which shadows our front lawn. To best see the artwork, click for a larger image. He's a cute little fellow!

Above you see the dragon as I first saw it yesterday afternoon. Click for the larger photo and you'll see the three-dimensional image of a dragon face already etched in the clouds. It is rather astonishing.

The Watcher

Sometimes when I walk in the deep woods I sense I am being watched. Perhaps it is this lovely watcher of the forest, one of God's smallest angels.

I used my beloved Prismacolor pencils, along with varied sized ink pens. There are golden dots in her wings, but that didn't come out very well on the scanner.

May the beauty and peace of the forest follow you throughout this lovely Fall day.

Lifted Up

There have been many anxious, dark days over the past few years. What sustains me is the love that flows through our family. We may have differences and difficulties, but in the end, love wins. There is always hope. The cloud painting above echoes that eternal hope--lifted up.

Below you see this hope as I first saw her.

Daddy Update: Monday I took Dad and Mom to see the wound specialist. She was so excited to see the progress of Dad's wound. By the time we see her in November, the skin will have covered the wound completely. Please continue to pray for healing for Dad's broken neck. If it is not healed by early spring, they will be discussing surgery. It is a VERY risky surgery. I have seen one miracle, let's pray for another. Thank you so much for your good thoughts and prayers! You have been a part of our family's miracle!!!

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Our work day went very well. Yesterday after our trip to the VA, I was out to help finish clearing the rest of the debris. It looks so beautiful out there now.

Pink Shoulders

The sunsets have been unusually gorgeous lately, probably due to all the field burning taking place this time of year! Such an unromantic assumption! Nevertheless, I was grateful to catch this lovely young lady as she floated across the deep blue of mid-summer sky--she of the Pink Shoulders.  She is best seen when enlarged.

Below you see her as I first saw her.

Angel Over Mt. Angel

For past 13 years my family and I have been a part of Oktoberfest celebrations in the lovely little town of Mt. Angel, Oregon. Last weekend was the first time I've missed in all that time.

Our "adopted" brother Prentice owns a local coffee shop located near the Glockenspiel. Monday after Oktoberfest is his favorite time--this is when he offers free coffee and cinnamon rolls to everyone working to clean up the town. And those folks work HARD! After over 100,000 people come through town, there is a LOT to clean up.

Monday my husband and I went over to share in the fun. We had a wonderful time. It made up for missing Oktoberfest this year. I was also able to spend some time drawing and singing karaoke music! But best of all, I caught this angel floating over the Glockenspiel.


Below you can see the Angel over Mt. Angel as I first saw her.


Daddy Update: Saturday we tear down the rotten addition to my parents' home. Please pray we get more done than we'd ever think--and for safety for the volunteers who will be there to help.

Updated Update: We had to re-schedule tomorrow's demo-day. It will be in a couple of weeks. I'll let you all know when, so you can be sending out your good thoughts, and your strong prayers. Alan and I and a few others will do what we can tomorrow--so pray for our safety as we work.

Ocean Dancer

Pacific City along the Oregon Coast is famous for its good food, surfing and dramatic Dory Boat landings. Most summer days you can watch surfers skipping over the threshing waves, as the Dory Boats slice through the waters--sliding ship's belly up onto the sands.

Here you see a beautiful sky mermaid perusing the beaches. She seems fascinated by all the activity. Below you can see this lovely ocean dancer as I first saw her.

Daddy Update: Dad is a miracle kid! The surgeons gave the wound on his head (which exposed quite a bit of bone) a one percent chance of healing without surgery. At present, the bone is completely covered and the skin around the wound only has about one and a half inches to go--if that! Dad is a walking miracle! Early next month, Dad will be going in for a neck check up--we are praying for the same miraculous healing in his broken neck bones.

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My siblings and I cleared and cleaned our parents home and property enough that they were able to return home last Sunday morning! They seem so happy. Next weekend we are tearing down a rotten section of their home--down to the floorboards, so I would appreciate your good thoughts and prayers for safety for everyone who will be coming over to help.

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THANK YOU for your thoughts and prayers--they have meant more to me and my family than you will ever know.

Titania, Queen of the Fairies

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,
Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight;
And there the snake throws her enamell'd skin,
Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in.

--Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream

Out to Lunch

When I first saw this cloud formation I thought I had discovered a hungry eagle looking for lunch on the clouds. However after I worked with the picture a bit--I realized, with his long scrawny neck and ruffed gula feathers, the bird was probably a turkey vulture.

It didn't take me long to realize his proposed meal was a mouse--after I added ears and tail. The mouse seems to be saying, "Um Mr. Buzzard, sir--I'm really not a mouse..." And the Buzzard, in the tradition of Bugs Bunny seems to be saying, "I'm not sure you're telling me the truth, here."

The body language of each had me giggling to myself. I hope you see as much humor in this cloud painting as I do!

Below is the cloud as I first saw it.

Daddy Update: What a wonderful thing! The top of Dad's head has NO bone showing! The two surgeons who looked at it a little over a month ago said there was a one percent chance that terrible wound would heal over. Thank you for your prayers! It is truly a miracle!

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Please continue to pray that Dad's neck bones will knit together. There's quite a gap between the bones--and Mom says, looking at the cat scan, that it looks impossible. But we've already seen one miracle! Let's pray for another.

We hope to have Dad and Mom's home ready for them by the 20th. Still so much yet to be done.