For Andrew

"The Autumn Hawk"

I painted this for my brother at Christmas time. The Sharp-finned Hawk was quite fun to do. I had never really painted feathers before, and I had a good time trying. Took about six hours on 140lb paper, cold pressed. I put those black strips on the frame myself (with Stephanie's help ;) and I do think they look pretty dandy.

I have another winged project coming up that should be very exciting.... ;) But you'll have to wait.

Australia Day

Twas the day for the Aussies

And all through BC
Dear Eliza was stirring
To bring green cake and glee

The picture was taken in the cafe at Bellevue College on January 26th- Australia Day!

I heard a fact today. Australia is one of the top five most "free" countries in the world, (China being the most free. I know-What?) and I do believe that makes it worthy of celebration. January 26th was once known as Founding Day or First Landing Day according to early Sydney almanacs. It is now recognized as Australia Day due to the fact that on that day in 1788, 11 British ships filled with convicts reached Australian shores, making Australia their home. It was not widely celebrated as a national holiday until 1994, yet today, over half of Australia's 21 million residents gather to barbeque and set off fireworks, but most importantly pay homage to their great nation!
Good on ya, mates!
(And Eliza for the cake!)

A moment for today

On the outside of my church just above and to the right of the door, there is a concrete stair that ends in a very small balcony only about ten feet off the ground. On sunny days, I like to sit there. The spot itself where my church lies is not very pretty, but sunshine makes everything agreeable, and today I sat there reading about Vermeer and listening to music play over my phone. It's good to create moments for yourself to get vitamin D and a good art history education. Rose colored glasses help.
My set up:

Reading Girl

I've made a book list (A small for sure one as of yet). It was a New Years Resolution of mine to do so, and to follow through with reading a few.
Upon suggestion:
"The Last Sin Eater,"
"Three Cups of Tea,"
and "Into the Wild" are are what I'm planning as of yet. I want to add at least one C.S. Lewis, but after that I feel like I'm hungry in a grocery store with about 7,000 more options than I need. A little overwhelmed. I think I need more suggestions....

I once repainted this and gave it to my sister. Sometimes I really just want to be- "Reading Girl"- Renoir

Rwanda Baskets

I love these:

And I wholly support what this company is doing. Watch the video on the home page to really find out more.
The Rwandan women inspire me. They push me to be so much more... I wish I could buy all their baskets.

favorite

My mother asked me a little while ago what my favorite feeling was. I still cannot give an absolute answer, but I have decided that this might be the closest thing...
It's not this place itself that I love so much. It is the essence that fills it. My woods is my favorite feeling. When the cold wind blows through and sends every leaf rustling with chills...
That's what I love. The sunshine screening through the green canopy in spring and summer. The versatile stage of color that sings throughout the fall. The gentle mists that rest so near to the floor in the rain.
Its the memories hidden in each tree ring.... or not so hidden.So many memories.