Windy Moon Flower -Paint Party Friday

I love the wind.  There's something mysterious and wonderful about it.  Sometimes it tiptoes down the alley, or wiffles great waves across the golden fields.  It can be as gentle as a kiss, or as rowdy as a tornado.  Here you can see its magic.

Happy Paint Party Friday, sweet Friends.  I hope you are doing alright during this pandemic.  Mumsie is back home now and I am feeling pretty lonesome.

Lady of the Mist -Paint Party Friday

I am going to be away from my computer for a few days and it has been incredibly busy this week, hence I am re-posting a pen and ink drawing done when I was in the hospital for almost two weeks, being treated for MRSA. 

Whimsical memories of the Lady of the Mist come from my imaginative childhood.

I remember sometimes thick ropes of mist would visibly move through the trees of the forest next to our home. The mist would daintily coil above fields, and tiptoe through the blueberry bushes. Sometimes I thought I saw a lovely woman with soft trailing draperies wafting to and fro, in a silent elegant dance.

As an adult, my imagination is alive and well. Early summer mornings, I sometimes catch the Lady of the Mist gracefully twirling over the ripples of the river near where I live. I once watched her whisping through a grove of oak trees, murmuring to a flock of sheep sheltering there.

Except for the sheep (who are huddled out of sight in the thicket) this Pen and Ink was my imaginative rendition of The Lady of the Mist softly dancing among the towering oak trees.

Thank you for dropping by, sweet Friends.  You are such an encouragement to my heart!  Have a blessed weekend and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Springtime Snowstorm -Paint Party Friday

I heard on the news, that in addition to damaging tornadoes and storms, there was a springtime snow storm in Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins!  What a surprise.  This morning some folks awoke to temperatures in the 20's. A lot of records were broken--I wonder what it would be like to find snow on the ground the end of May?

It is beautiful and mild here in Oregon's mid-Willamette Valley.  There are blue patches between puffy clouds--some of them are quite dark!  I keep hoping for a thunder storm.  I adore them.

I looked and looked for the reference photo I used for this drawing--it was inspired by a magazine ad!  When/if I find it, I will add it to the post later.

Here in the United States, it is Memorial Day Weekend.  I will be going with my family to the Willamette National  Cemetery to visit Dad's brothers; Uncle Jody, who fought in Vietnam and Uncle Kelley, who fought in the Korean War.  And especially to honor Dad, who fought in World War II.  He's been gone almost seven years ago, and I miss him So much.

Thank you for dropping by, dear Friends.  Your comments are a bright bit of sunshine in my day!  Blessings and hope to you, and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Startled Woodland Fae -Paint Party Friday

I have been on quite a trip.  Thursday I left for Kamiah, Idaho.  A few days later, I drove to Spokane, Washington, then it was off to The Dalles, Oregon.  I arrived home in the mid-Willamette Valley late the following Thursday afternoon, just in time to dash out for an important meeting in Salem.

The next day I spent time with my precious little Buddy--who had chemo for the first time last Monday.  Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers, she's doing extremely well!

Then Friday afternoon it was off to a special Historical Preservation Commission Meeting concerning historic signage.  It was a fun meeting--though a few fireworks went off!

This drawing was one I fashioned whilst on the road.  I spent time drawing this piece at the Kamiah Victorian Spring Fling Crafter's Fair where I offered my coloring books and prints for sale.  Though not many attended, I did make a few sales.

Best of all, I made some new wonderfully talented friends.  I had a delightful time interacting with them--and though bartering, I acquired some beautiful items for my home--with sweet memories attached to each item.

Thank you for dropping by--your comments are so encouraging and you  always make my day!  Blessings and joy to you dear ones--and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Forest Moon -Paint Party Friday

Today is Friday the 13th.  Many folks believe it is an unlucky day.  Rather than cowering from the day's bad reputation, I have chosen to honor the beauty of dawning Springtime.  The drawing above is of a sweet deer who, a couple of nights ago, haphazardly wandered through the woodlands of my heart onto my sketchbook.

There is so much to see and experience...so much for which to be thankful. And the greatest blessing of all?  Not just the loveliness of Spring as it unfolds, but life and love.

Thank you so much for dropping by sweet Friends--your visits are another reason to be thankful!  Have a lovely weekend, dear ones.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Maple Tree Fairy -Paint Party Friday

I adore maple trees.  They are everywhere in our little town--flooding the skies with their broad green leaves and covering the ground with refreshing shade on hot summer days.  A few weeks ago, seated beneath those gently bowing giants, I was inspired to draw this lovely maple tree fairy.

The truth is, she and her friends adore twirling down on the helicopter seedlings in the Fall.  However, she's on her best behavior here--all ready for a fancy fairy ball.

Above you see my wonderful reference model, Rena, who is one of my dearest friends and inspirations.

Have a great weekend, dear friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Dancing with Roses -Paint Party Friday

I have been pretty busy--not enough time to draw.  It is the Fourth of July. Between the holiday and all the deadlines for the non-profit I run, I have been nearly overwhelmed.  This is a drawing from over 40 years ago--when I was just a teenager.  I loved fairies and flowers with faces even then.

Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

The Magician -Paint Party Friday

I apologize for being so late with my post.  It has been a VERY busy week.

Here the magician begins his magic. Though all is illusion, we wonder, "could this be real?"  Part of the genius of this boy, is his wonderful imagination. He lives in a world where anything is possible.  Like his Daddy, he is a storyteller.

Have a lovely week, dear Friends.  Though the sadness still crashes into my heart like the waves of the sea, there are so many things for which to be thankful.  It is good to be alive.  I'm SO grateful for my Family and dear friends--you know who you are.  You are loved.

Have a wonderful week and Happy Paint Party Friday!

A Fairy Lantern -Paint Party Friday

My little niece and I made fairy lanterns yesterday!  We had SO much fun!  The lantern above is the one I made.  I am putting this up for Paint Party Friday--yes, we painted--with glue and glitter.  (grin)

I needed to find some fairies I could use as silhouettes in the fairy jars.  I could have drawn some, but I was running out of time.  Too late to order some from Pixie Hill, and the craft store didn't have anything like what I was looking for.

Then while at the craft store I had a brainstorm.  I found some beautiful fabric designed with fairies. I bought a yard of it and took it home, where I glued the material to thin card stock.  When they were dry I cut them out--I liked this a lot as some of the colors of the fabric showed through as well.

I think it looks pretty neat!

If you would like to make your own fairy lantern, visit Pixie Hill Fairy Lanterns for the tutorial.  Also be sure to visit Pixie Hill.  It is a wonderfully creative blog with all kinds of fun projects to be seen.  If you scroll down to the entry about the Fairy Lanterns,  you can find where to order some truly beautiful fairy cutouts.  It was a lovely project, and I love this website. 

Happy Paint Party Friday and thank you for dropping by again.  ((hugs))

 

Gardener at Heart

I am proud and honored to announce that my incredibly talented Sister-in-Law Jane (lil' Sis) has published a collection of poetry, Gardener At Heart!  

Her insights resonate with beauty, mystery, fun and something beautiful I can't even put into words.

You can order this remarkable volume of poems in paperback, or e-book format on Amazon: A Gardener at Heart .  

You can find more information about this enchanting book, as well as a donation page and contact information, at Jane's website:  The Flying Crow Press!  Isn't that a cool name?  I love the cover of her blog--Both the website and the book cover were designed by her son, a young man with exceptional talent. 

I am SO proud of my Lil' Sis.  I adore Jane's poetry, which reflects the beauty of her heart.  Even if you are not a gardener, I believe you will enjoy this book of lovely words.  

I'm one of the blessed ones! I have a SIGNED copy!!!! 

Storyteller -Paint Party Friday

This is a drawing from long ago.  The imaginative little boy was a born storyteller.  When he was small his stories would spill from his room, down the stairs and into the kitchen.  He used all kinds of toys and props, even music followed his story as it streamed along.  

I didn't realize what was happening at first.  When I would try to clean everything up before bed time, it was not a happy event.  Then I suddenly understood I needed to hear the story before putting it away.  What a delight--I asked him to tell me his story and all was well.  Each evening held a fascinating new storyline.

What fantastical adventures!  What a wonderful privilege to share them with him!  I will never forget those wonderful days.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. May God bless you, dear ones, with His joy and peace.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

Vintage Beauty -Paint Party Friday

Years ago, I found a photo of an old lady wearing a hat made of sticks.  I fell in love with her whimsical face and beautiful wrinkles.  It makes me happy to look into her eyes--I'm so glad I finally sketched her likeness.  

I have not been feeling very well--it is just a simple summer cold, but boy oh boy, I can sneeze.  You know something is amiss when one sneezes and the air pressure from that sneeze lifts the roof from the walls!  

Anyhow, whilst I was ill, I found solace in drawing.  I finished this graphite sketch a couple of days ago.  When I draw the world fades away, even when I'm feeling awful.  

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. May God bless you, dear ones, with His joy and peace.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

Baby in Blue Rose

My husband and I spent five fine days at the Oregon Coast in a cabin owned by a friend of ours.  It was sunny and gorgeous.  Such a romantic time!  I also spent some time painting this darling baby boy in a blue rose--it is a commission for a friend of ours.

I thought I would share him with you, he turned out so cute

Above you see the original photo. What a sweet boy!

Have a lovely week, everyone! 

Sky Ship

I have posted this piece before, but this morning something about this magical vessel caught my eye.  I remembered the moment I saw the original cloud.  My darling husband and I were off to get some groceries.  I hopped out of the van to find my husband rounding the end of the vehicle.

"Look!" he cried, pointing toward the Western sky.  "It's a ship!"

I gasped.  Indeed--it was a ship.

Above you see the cloud as we first saw it.  As you can see--it really was a ship--and I was inspired.

Have a lovely day!

Making Mermaids

This is a little pencil doodle I was inspired to draw last week.  I thought you'd enjoy the idea of Making Mermaids.  My love for fairy tales is once more evidenced in this drawing.

I apologize for being a bit out of touch this summer.  It has been a difficult three months.  It looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel now.  I hope to be around a bit more in the days ahead.

May life's best blessings be yours.  Have a great evening!

Painting Roses

Have you ever wondered how flowers get their colors?

The story I heard, from a lovely faery Painting Roses in my garden, begins as Spring peeks through the snow and rain.  Each morning, she tells me, just before dawn as the dew dries from the petals, young faeries come out to paint the flowers in every hue of the rainbow.  I hear painting petals can become quite difficult when it rains--that is why sometimes the colors of the flowers seem a bit washed out. 

So, now you know!    Hahaaa--I know, I have a GREAT imagination!

Raccoon Rhapsody

We had a wonderful time away.  Part of the charm and magic of our trip was that I spent time each day doodling another Pen and Ink.  I've been itching to draw this one ever since I saw Abe Lincoln's inspiring Raccoon picture below.

If you look closely you will see the dear little Raccoon is playing a "daisy" harp--at least she is in my imagination!  Hence the name Raccoon Rhapsody.

If you would like to see more wonderful photography by Abraham Lincoln pop on over to My Birds Blog.

Abe, thank you so much for your wonderfully inspiring photography, stories and comments.

Shy Unicorn

I often see the most amazing clouds billowing up over the distant mountains in the East, especially in the early morning.

What a precious surprise to catch this lovely unicorn shyly peeking over her shoulder next to the big tree in the alley.

Above you see the Unicorn as I first caught sight of her.

Faithful and True

There is nothing so graceful as the wild stride of the stallion. I love the movement of hoof, muscle and mane. Unexpected it was to see such an wondrous creature in the clouds.

Above you see the untouched photo I clicked, as he paused to exchange glances with me before galloping away across the skies.

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.