Thursday, May 31, 2012

There's A Time For Everything

My husband and I are a month into puppyhood and it's been a crazy experience.  It has taught us many things not least that there are . . .

times when we all need a helping hand

 
 and times we can sink or swim

 
times to run towards something


and times when it's best to retreat

 
times to branch out


 yet times when we'll miss the mark

 
times to just hang on


and times when you need to stand your ground


times when you should listen


yet times to show what you really think


times when we need to appreciate the little things


times to take that next step


. . . and times to figure out what new path to follow


What life lessons have you learnt recently?

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Like Something Out Of A Fairytale

I went to take the dog for a walk yesterday and couldn't believe what I stumbled upon.


A tiny little bambi curled up at the base of a tree.  Precious!  I'm not sure where the mother was, really hope it does ok.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Studio Time

Why is it that new ideas and insommnia seem to dance hand in hand into the night while most normal people are tucked up in bed fast asleep?  Come the morning I'm usually so bleary eyed and sleep deprived that I can't even remember my own name so I've learnt to write them down when I can.  Many will not come to fruition but it's fun to look back at my doodles, sketches and notes when I'm struggling creatively.


I'm sure many of you will look at my workspace above and gasp at the clutter but I have to let you in on a secret . . . this is actually pretty tidy for me. I'd love to be one of those people that can work on just one thing at a time and have a nice clean space but it's never going to happen. What can I say, I've learnt to embrace it.


I did manage to finish the new painting I'd been working on. It's a 24"x18" mixed media piece that I've titled 'Life Force'.  I'd love to know what you think . . . . good, bad or indifferent.


What fun things have you been up to this weekend?

Friday, May 18, 2012

Here & Now


The sound of birdsong filled the air as she stepped out from the shade into the sun.  She paused and closed her eyes, the warmth of the sun's rays spreading through her entire body.  In that moment a soft breeze caressed her cheek and she inhaled deeply.  In the here, in the now, she found herself completely present.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Rain Came

We've had some much needed rain the last few days.  I can't help but love . . . . .


how saturated the colors get after a good soaking . . . . .


how the green pops against the darkness of the bark . . . . .


how mushrooms burst forth with new life . . . . .


how the ground feels soft underfoot . . . . .


how creatures come out of their hiding places . . . . .


and woodland walks that let you experience it all.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Growing Up Fast

A couple of years ago we bought this decorated birdhouse.  Despite hanging it high off the ground no birds ever took a fancy to it.  Recently the cord that it hung from broke and as soon as Ravyn discovered it, it became one of her favorite dog toys ever!!!


Apologies if you're not a dog lover but I just had to share some pics of our baby girl.  I swear she grows daily, it's crazy.  The puppy phase is pretty time consuming so I'm finding it hard to get back into my creative swing of things.  I'm hoping that once we get potty breaks under control it will free up a little more time (hhmmm famous last words right)?

Monday, May 7, 2012

Learning To Dance Barefoot

As much as love returning to the UK I also find myself tinged with sadness for as soon as my feet hit British soil I’m hit with the feeling that I no longer truly belong.  This sensation crashes over me like an unexpected wave, one that knocks my feet out from under me and takes my breath away.


I also get the same feeling here in the US, for my British accent always sets me apart.  No matter which country I'm in it’s like trying on a favorite pair of shoes only to realize that they're no longer a perfect fit.  We all want to feel like we belong but I need to be ok being different, to celebrate who I am now, to discard those ill fitting shoes and maybe dance barefoot for a while.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Artful Blogging Feature

I have some really exciting news to share with you all . . . . . my work is featured in the May/June/July copy of Artful Blogging.


It feels as though my dreams are being realized this year; first with a piece of art featured in Seth's book, The Pulse of Mixed Media and now with an eight page spread in my all time favorite magazine.  I have spent many hours drooling over the articles in this incredible publication and feel honored to grace its pages.


I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Artful Blogging team at Stampington who do an amazing job and for all the featured artists who came before me.  It was through devouring their images and reading their stories that I found inspiration and the encouragement to move forward on my own blogging journey.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Our New Baby Girl - Ravyn


We picked up our new little girl this Monday, she's quite the sweetheart.  I can't believe how much she's grown since we saw her three weeks ago. 

She's doing remarkably well considering we've only had her a couple of days.  I think it will take a while for the cats and her to reach a happy medium though.  The cats are inquisitive but get spooked when she barks and wants to play with them.


She's definitely keeping me busy but at least it's taking my mind of my jet lag.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Photo Heart Connection: April


Now that we live in separate countries I've come to appreciate the time I have with my mum even more, especially when I get the chance to visit her in the UK.

Perhaps this was why I found myself drawn to this particular image for April's Photo Heart Connection.  It speaks of a mothers love, the comfort and security that can be found in a warm embrace, security and protectiveness, nurturing and the bond between mother and child.


Linking up with Kat for this months' Photo Heart Connection.