Monday, January 28, 2013

Wintry Mix

We had quite a wintry mix this weekend but it didn't stop the birds from visiting and getting their fill at the feeders.
 
 
The birds weren't the only ones having fun in the snow.
 

The weather doesn't seem to know what it is up to at the moment.  At least we're set to have a few warmer days this week before the cold sets in again.

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For those of you who may have missed it don't forget to check out my FREE GIVEAWAY.  The lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday morning.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

What Inspires Me - A Guest Post

When Lisa Ahn asked if I would write a guest blog post as part of her 'be inspired' series there was only one possible answer . . . a resounding "Yes".  I hope you enjoy the following piece which you will find cross-posted over at 'tales of quirk and wonder'.
 
What Inspires Me by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo
 
Her muse throws her arms open wide and lets each season trail through her fingers, embracing Mother Nature, as old friends are want to do.
 
 
Old Man Winter arrives wrapping his thick white cloak around her shoulders.  His clothing appears plain and dull but closer inspection reveals intricate patterns and texture. The lack of color allows her eyes to rest, her heart and soul too, and for that she is thankful.  He leans towards her, his breath cold against her skin.  Taking her hands in his they begin to move, a gentle rocking motion that comforts her.  She finds herself lost in thought, quiet contemplation.  As they move the rest of the world seems suspended.  Trees form ghostly silhouettes against the night sky and the ground is hard underfoot.  The cold begins to settle in her bones and her movements become stiff.  For a moment she worries that she too will become suspended until with a final dip and a kiss on the cheek Old Man Winter releases her.
 
 
The coldness is replaced with a sudden breeze that refreshes and invigorates.  Turning on her heels she finds Spring tickling her palms and a smile crosses her face.  Always buoyant and cheerful, Spring can hardly contain her excitement.  There is so much to see and do and so little time.  Anxious not to waste a moment Spring grabs her by the hand and she stumbles as she tries to keep up.  Just moments later their laughter can be heard for miles around as they run through a lush sea of green.  Animals begin to wake from their slumber, newborns frolic in nearby fields, crocuses, daffodils and tulips burst forth with vigor.  Everything so bright, new and fresh . . . full of hope.  Birds fly alongside them, their energy matching her own and the birdsong that fills the air harmonizes with her own internal song.
 
 
The rays of the sun suddenly blind her and she stops in her tracks.  Raising a hand to shield her eyes she finds Spring disappearing over the horizon.  Summer arrives trailing a finger down her cheek and she feels heat surge through her entire body.  Her clothes become drenched in sweat and she shifts uncomfortably.  Drained of energy she moves towards a nearby tree in search of shade.  Leaning back against its trunk she feels the roughness of its bark against her skin and the coolness of the earth beneath her.  As she relaxes she notices Summer busy bathing everything in a golden glow and marvels at her shimmering beauty.  In the distance puffy white clouds drift lazily across a deep blue sky and she finds herself searching for shapes amongst them.  Tiredness creeps up on her and she closes her eyes.  The scent of flowers fills the air and she inhales deeply.  Summer cradles her in her arms singing a sweet, sweet lullaby and, like the clouds she saw just moments ago, she finds herself drifting.
 
 
She’s not sure how long she’s been sleeping but awakes to find a blaze of color surrounding her.  Standing to her feet she’s excited and hugs the tree as a thank you.  She knows she shouldn’t have favorites but Autumn has a special place in her heart.  Craning her neck she watches the spectacular show of color he puts on, like fireworks in the night sky.  Hues of gold, green, red and brown all compete for attention, each wanting to take center stage but even more breathtaking as a whole.  The wind picks up as Autumn swirls around her and they begin to tango.  The energy, the movement, the richness of color all blur together as she spins around and around moving faster and faster until with one final blaze of glory Autumn reaches his peak and turns to brown.  He lays at her feet like a cloak over a muddy puddle.  Even now in his final moments a gentleman.  Tears roll down her cheeks as she falls to her knees holding his dry brittle remains in her hands.  She can’t remain here, she knows that, so drying her eyes she stands and begins to walk away.  Unable to contain her anger she kicks at the leaves and in that moment she hears something.  Rustling held whispers, but whispers of what?  Jack Frost’s boney hands begin to tug at her clothing, urging her forward but she’s reluctant to go.  What were those whispers she heard?  As Old Man Winter opens his cloak and steps forward to embrace her she runs back and hears Autumn’s parting message . . . . . a promise to return the same time next year.  With that promise tucked safely against her heart she falls into Old Man Winters arms comforted.
 
And so it begins and ends . . . . Mother Nature, her true inspiration.
Cross-posted over at 'tales of quirk and wonder'.
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I first met Lisa through Wing-Feather Fables, a collaborative project between Brenda Gottsabend and herself. It felt like I'd tumbled down a rabbit hole and entered an alternate universe. Lisa's writing talent combined with Brenda's photography skills open doors to mystical magical places where stress is checked at the door and imagination welcomed with opened arms.
I encourage you to grab yourself a hot drink, make yourself comfortable and then explore Lisa's blog.  Get lost in her words, in her world, in her 'tales of quirk and wonder'.
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Interested in winning one of my original mixed media art paintings?  Click HERE for more details.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Texture Tuesday: Here We Go Again

 
With the cold came the wind and dry air.  She knew she was in trouble for she had come to recognize the signs.  Pain began to travel its familiar path; across her cheekbone, up her nose, over and around her eye, left towards her ear and finally down into her neck.  Medication no match for it this time.  The force of it surprising her as it always did . . . . .
 
For your chance to win a FREE 14"x11" art painting click HERE.
 
Linking up with Texture Tuesday.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

On A Roll

Below are another two items you can now find available in my online shop.  The first is a blank journal/notebook.  Measuring 6"x4" it's the perfect size for carrying around with you.
 
6"x4" Journal Notebook
 
The second is this crow painting.  Crows and Ravens are a favorite of mine so I felt compelled to add another to the mix.  This canvas has painted sides and comes ready to hang.
 
8"x8" Mixed Media Art Painting

I wanted to share that creating isn't always plain sailing.  While working on a piece for my own home a canister of liquid nails blew up all over me.  To make matters worse I then managed to spill a bottle of nail polish remover over myself as I was trying to clean up.  My relationship with adhesive is tenuous at the best of times!
 
For those of you who may have missed my FREE GIVEAWAY post, click HERE for your chance to win a 14"x11" mixed media art painting.

Happy Creating.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Gold Tree Journal/Sketchbook

As we head into 2013 my thoughts have turned to journaling . . . . which leads me to another of my new creations, this gold tree journal.  With 220 blank pages it can be used as a notebook, journal, diary or sketchbook, the choice is yours. 
 
 
I am currently hosting a free giveaway.  If you are interesting in winning an original 14"x11" mixed media art painting click here for more details.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Burning Tree Mixed Media Painting

Between the craziness of the holiday season and then getting a new pup it's been a while since I've shared any new pieces of artwork with you.  This was a painting I created at the end of 2012 and now have listed in my shop.
 
5"x7" Mixed Media Painting
 
Want a chance to win a free 14"x11" mixed media art painting?  Click here for more details.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Lunchtime

It's below freezing here today and I'm feeling every bit of the cold.  It's the kind that gets down into your bones and stays there . . . bbbbrrrr.  We've had a group of vultures hanging out in the trees around our home the last couple of days.  I wonder if they have an eye on Joey!
 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Monogamous

 
The other day a large flock of starlings descended on the tree outside our family room.  There's something eerie yet intriguing when a large group of birds flock together like that, as though forming their own cloud.  I've seen it before with grackles, it kind of reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's film 'The Birds'.  Did you know that starlings are monogamous?

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

We've Gone & Done It

My husband pleaded with me for years to get a dog and as many of you will know from the photos you've seen on my blog that ten months ago I finally relented and we got Ravyn, our black lab.  Now that I've turned 40 I think my hormones must be up the spout because all of a sudden I wanted another dog as a play mate for her.

 
I've always loved German Shepherds and was looking for a mix with that breed in it.  What can I tell you . . . I just fell in love with this little guy the moment I saw him and Joey came home with us this Saturday. 
 
 
It's been an interesting couple of days trying to introduce a tiny 9 week old pup to a 10 month old (75lb) black lab but we're getting there.  My husband was amazed when he came home yesterday at the transformation in just 24 hours.
 
 
Somewhere along the line I forgot about the lack of sleep, smelling like dog, the amount of attention they need, but that face . . . the puppy smell . . . well it makes the comatose state I find myself in and the black bags weighing heavy under my eyes all worth it.
 
Tomorrow . . . well that might be a different story.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Feeding Time

Many of the birds have been enjoying fruit off the tree just outside our window.  It's fascinating to watch them.
 
 
When they tire of the fruit they hit up the bird feeder for some suet and seed.