Just now as I’m sitting in my office/studio pondering what to tackle while the granddaughter sleeps… I looked out at the gentle snowfall (always my favorite kind of snow… and the quiet that generally accompanies it) and witness such a beautiful thing – Robins eating the holly berries on the corner of the porch.
The barn chores take a little more time in winter, this is where I start to feel my age… the ice chipping, the frozen water bucket hauling, the frozen manure, the winter blanket maneuvering. All the layers of clothes even. But… as much as it can be a hassle, I wouldn’t give up the animals for an easier existence nor the seasons to go live six months of the year somewhere balmier. I’d probably weight 200 pounds if I did. The occasional reprieve will do. I do know many who love that yearly migration. I would just miss my family too much, I am a home girl through and through.
Our old boy, Max… 29 and looking fine.
We have some exciting news… our daughter is getting married in April! We’ve been busy with wedding plans and most of it is fun! Some of it anxiety inducing! I hope to lose 15 pounds to fit into the dress I found and bought and love. Stupid way to plan on the dress for the occasion but I’m going to give it my best shot, because I really do love the dress. And it didn’t come in my current chubby size.
I’ve had a few paintings on the easel this year…. my favorite is called “Organized Chaos”… a scene from our perennial gardens here on the farm…. I like to incorporate a creature into my paintings when appropriate… can you see the bee?
This one done for a friend, who built and runs that sugarhouse for the community and is in the picture along with his grandson –
Currently on the easel – still a lot to do here, this is just the base layer…
Things I find inspiring…..
A photo taken by Michael Blanchard on Martha’s Vineyard – the island has gotten hammered in recent months with severe storms that have brought an angry sea to wipe out many of the dunes on the beaches…. Michael has been through some very trying times and has beaten and continues to beat back alcohol addiction, helps others now, and has written some inspiring books on the subject, with his photography.
Thankfully the Mr. agreed to a summer getaway to my favorite nearby island in July – Looking forward to walking this beach again.
This sink showed up in my newsfeed, isn’t it beautiful? Would make my least favorite chore so much more enjoyable. Can’t help but wonder though, Wood and water usually = rot eventually.
Have a good weekend and an even better week ahead – Till soon!
Exciting times, with that wedding planned and on the radar. I bet the wedding gown and motb dress are gorgeous. I’m sure you will fit into it on the day.
Max is looking very well for his age and what gorgeous stables.
Equally lovely artwork too – I found the bee! I am sure your friend will love that painting, esp. as his grandson is in it too.
Oh my goodness, what a DIVINE sink! My husband tells me that the wood is Yew and good for a few hundred years, even when wetness is in the vicinity.
That is interesting!!! Yew!! Well then, perhaps it’s doable down the road here! Thank you for that info –
Snow falling on holly bushes is one of my favorite winter scenes. Beautiful!
Your Organized Chaos is fantastic! Do you enjoy all the detail work involved?
Max does indeed look handsome and well. My old guy passed away at age 32 and I still miss him…..and that was 25 yrs ago!
Fun times ahead with the wedding. My money is on you that you’ll be shining in that dress come April!
I actually don’t enjoy the details once they get too technical, that’s where my work suffers a bit, I think.
The animals… they truly are family and leave us with grief when they’re gone. Worth it, but still so hard.
As for the dress, I hope I earn that confidence! LOL…
See. See. See the bee. See the bee see me. is the first line of the book I used to teach both my kiddos how to read ! So of course as soon as you said see the bee…
and robins! You know my obsession with robins. In my 30 years in this house only one strayed off migration course and came to my yard. Folks were sick of my ranting about it for days. If I can ever graduate from gelli painting and my sad attempts at water color, maybe I can paint one?
I think that’s your goal for this month!! Get to it, woman! 🙂 I look forward to seeing it!!
You are so darn talented. Your paintings are awesome.
Babies and now a wedding too! Lucky girl! You are not the least bit chubby and are sure to look lovely in any dress you wear.
I am also a homebody and although I don’t have all the critters that you have, I do have a sense of responsibility to my 3 kitties. I especially feel that way since my husband of 45 years passed away 2 weeks ago. I feel like I’m dying inside, but I need to stay strong for them. It’s so very hard.
Oh Cheryl! You have my sincere condolences, I can only imagine what you’re dealing with and wish I had better words here. I hope you have family surrounding you to ease/share your grief. Sending love and hugs –
So happy you’re back!! I’m not generally a person that comments but wanted you to know you were missed. It’s like catching up with a lovely friend.
What a lovely thing to say, and it comes at a difficult time… I’ll elaborate in next post. Thank you- and welcome back!