12″x9″ pastel on sanded paper
I used the pallet I have been using to paint evening primrose flowers to paint these little dancers. I also used as few strokes as possible. I find fields of flowers are more beautiful, and interesting with less information spelled out not more, perhaps that technique will work tiny ballerinas?
Pastel on sanded board 24″x18″
I jumped out of my seat the other day when I saw this beautiful, sprite of a woman charging across the alfalfa field. I loved the abstract shape that the sunlight was making connecting her hat and blouse and I knew it would make a beautiful painting. So…I ran and chased her down the road trying to snap a photo. Don’t let the walker fool you, she was trucking. I was inspired and touched. I loved that she returned to the ranch with a walker instead of staying home. I enjoyed watching several elders interact with their families last week. Three different families were here with someone who was in need of special care and it was a joy to watch them nurture and help. I hope that when someone in my family has a stroke, or goes blind in one eye, or whatever ailments age or life bring I will be there to help them continue to do what gives them life. I also hope that when my balance falters I will buy a walker, ask for the help I need, and keep on trucking!
“Into each life some rain must fall.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“You know full well as I do the value of sisters’ affections: There is nothing like it in this world.”
― Charlotte Brontë
The spring has been filled with wonderful moments at the soccer fields. I have loved watching all the games: from my daughter’s team which started the season running like a gaggle of ducks all together, to my sons who play such intense games I can’t sit down. We have frozen and burned up, nearly have been blown away by the wind, and in between, watched spring unfold all around us. We have made new friends and reconnected with old ones, and enjoyed many yummy picnics.
I planned on painting a picture of the kids playing soccer, but this little girl was next to us in an overgrown field during my son’s last game. She was singing softly and gathering yellow flowers. She was such a distraction, I loved watching her as much as the boys’ game (which was a close one). The wildflowers and purple satin dress won out, I will paint the soccer players next season.
P.s. thank you to all the moms who take their daughters to soccer games in full princess regalia.
If you aren’t in a rush, I find almost all chores are enjoyable.
“Go jump in a puddle. You’re all complaining about the rain. You can’t change it so you might as well have fun with it.”
-J. Anderson
Hope you were ready to jump in with both feet, ready or not…2014 is here! Happy New Year!
We decided this year before Christmas to focus on giving each the gift of our presence to each other. We tried to slow down, and enjoy our time. I am grateful to my husband for creating many moments to do this. Sometimes the idea of packing another picnic made me groan, but it was ALWAYS worth it.
Here was a perfect afternoon, our schedule was full of nothing in particular. We visited one of our favorite parks to do nothing. there was no trail to conquer before dark, or sports game to watch or practice…just time to be. Be together. We strolled, played a little ping pong, we snuggled together under a blanket and read a book, snacked on an apple, and my favorite…people watched. I waited for the light to land on this reader, who was wearing a suit, had wonderful posture, and a beautiful head.
I distinctly remember the cold, rainy afternoon that I met this delightful, young lady. She was very much a little girl at the time. We were camping in Leadville, CO and she spent an afternoon playing in our campsite with our two year old son. He left no puddle un-splashed and she skipped and frolicked and sang in the loveliest soft voice. She seemed so tall and full of poise. I attributed these traits to the 5 year age difference and the fact that she is a girl not a rowdy little boy. Here we are a decade later, and it turns out she still sings like a bird and she turned into a very beautiful, very tall teenager who is still full of poise. She can also sweat, and spar and hold her own in a martial arts fight against any rowdy boy. My guess is by the end of the day I will need to change the color of this belt from brown to black. I am so proud of you Taylor, good luck today.
