Friday, May 31, 2013

Photo Heart Connection: May

I just had to chose this image for my photo heart connection.  It's a shot of my brother and sister on the beach in Bournemouth.  We spent a day together, just the three of us, during my trip home to the UK.  I can honestly say I haven't laughed so hard in ages.
 

Here are a few more shots from that day.  People must have been wondering what we were up to but I love when you're able to let go and stop worrying what others think.

 
 
Sun, sand and laughter are the perfect tonic for whatever ails you.

Linking up with Photo Heart Connection.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Discombobulated


Things have been crazy busy around here since my UK trip which was followed by a great visit from my brother and his wife.  
 
We've had fun this past week and created lots of wonderful new memories which involved a road trip to Makers Mark in Kentucky and the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee, having dinner at a local with live country singing, watching Iron Man 3 at the movies, visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and playing around in the pool. 
 
Not so great was getting rear ended on our drive to Tennessee, getting a speeding ticket yesterday and then finding out that Ravyn (our black lab) almost got ran over this morning after breaking through the electric fence.
 
Now that they've left I'm finally playing catch up and my head is spinning with all the things I have to sort out before my foot surgery next week.
 
Guess there's no rest for the wicked. ;0)
 
Hope you are all doing great and have a wonderful weekend lined up.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Face Your Fears - Portrait Series

I finished a new piece of artwork just before leaving for the UK but have only now had the chance to take some photos.  It's titled 'Face Your Fears' and is a new addition to my self portrait series.
 
 
 
 
 
 
I find that snakes often appear in my dreams and seem to represent fear or a warning of some kind which I why I chose to incorporate one in this painting.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Memories

 
She'd been unable to sing 'Amazing Grace' during the wedding service for the words had formed hands that choked her while a heady mix of emotion ensured they remained lodged in her throat.
 
Just a day later as she walked towards the ocean they came freely now.  The wind ripping them from her lips the moment they formed, sprinkling them out at sea like confetti.  She sang for herself, for her family, for loved ones gone too soon, for the release of emotion that bubbled up and threatened to engulf her.
 
The ebb and flow of the waves grounded her emotional unsteadiness and its ability to do so always surprised her.  Memories formed a blanket around her shoulders.  Not the irritating, itchy kind but warm, soft and snugly.  She breathed deep and relaxed into them holding them tight. 
 
Tears threatened to form but she wasn't ready to let them go.  Now wasn't the time to dwell on loss, it was a time for celebration.
 
She wanted to stay but knew it was time to go.  Taking in the sounds and smells she found herself taking mental pictures as she sighed wistfully.  This place had a hold on her, interwoven with her soul.  No matter the distance she would always return.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Lots Of Frogs But Not A Gold Ball In Sight

We had a major leak in our pool while I was away so my husband had to turn off the pool pump. 
 

With the chemicals depleted and water levels low it would seem that it's the perfect breeding ground for frogs!   


You should hear the noise they make at night, it's so loud.  If only I spoke frog . . . seems like they have a lot to grrrribbbit about.


I've been trying to save as many as possible before the pool gets cleaned and returned to a condition fit for us humans.  Hopefully they'll find a new spot to dwell.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Normality Will Return Shortly

I had a truly great time in the UK visiting family and friends and the icing on the cake was my brother and sister-in-law's wedding down in Wales.
 

Despite strong winds and heavy rain it did nothing to dampen everyone's spirit.  It was a totally amazing day.  Both the bride and groom looked gorgeous, the wedding service was truly beautiful and the after dinner speeches emotional and heartfelt.
 

I was surprised at just how little I picked the camera up during my visit, guess I was so caught up in all the preparations that it didn't cross my mind.

 
My husband and I arrived home Monday evening but I am still a little out of it with jet lag.  It will pass and I hope to get back up to speed soon.


In the meantime why don't you fill me in on what's been going on with you the past three weeks, I'd love to hear.