Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Giving Thanks

Today I am giving thanks for this lovely snow...















It painted each branch with white...













Nothing was left uncovered...














everything here received this gorgeous gift.


Happy Thanksgiving for all who are celebrating tomorrow.  To everyone God Bless!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Blessings

Today I found some lovely blessings.

                     A skiff of snow
                              under a blue sky...














 

A couple of friends waiting to play...











 and time to look up!


Hope you found wonderful blessings too!   Have a great week.








Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Favorite Pen

One of my favorite pens that I use when I do sketches is the Micron.   Many artists successfully use technical pens but I have found them to be a challenge.  They seem to clog easy and it is important to clean them after each use.   With the Microns they come in several nib sizes in Black or Sepia ink.  Very versatile for sketching anywhere.   The smallest nib .005 will give a very delicate touch and .08 will render a heavier line for a bolder look.  

In the evenings I enjoy sitting down with a small sketch book and just doodling with whatever catches my fancy.   Sometimes I draw from my imagination, other times from a photo.   Most always though I use one of these pens to work out ideas or to write a few notes on a page.

Hope you will share your favorite sketching tool.  


Have a blessed day!  

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Preparing for Winter

Look who was uncovered yesterday while preparing for winter.    She was cozily building a lovely nest beneath my overturned wheelbarrow.

Naturally I gently restored her to her warm nesting place.  The wheelbarrow can  
provide this sweet one with shelter when winter makes it's visit.   For certain I will sleep better knowing she is protected from the cold.

Besides who can resist something this sweet!




Doing just a few final fall sketches in my journal.   This weekend put most of the remaining leaves down.  Perhaps now we can finish up raking what has held on til the end of the season.


Praying everyone keeps safe as tornadoes and high winds make their way over the mid west today and tonight.   Take care my friends!

God Bless.    

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Pray

Taking some time to pray for all those who are suffering in South East Asia.    Hope you will find a moment and join me.  

Thank you and God Bless!  

  

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Keeping it Simple

Sometimes keeping something simple is the best way.

Baked apples are a delicious dessert that can be prepared and enjoyed in less than an hour.

The ingredients are easily found.

Four apples (I used Ida Reds)...peeled and cored.   1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp. of cinnamon, 1 tsp. of nutmeg mixed together...1/2 cup of apple juice (cider is much better) heated and four tsp. of butter is all that is needed.

Fill each hole in the apple with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg mixture. Then top with 1 tsp. of butter on each apple and pour the heated cider over the top.   Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 25-35 min.  basting occasionally with the cider mixture.







Served warm with a scoop of a vanilla ice cream makes this a delightful dessert sure to please.












Thank you letting me share this simple dish.    Hope you have a blessed day!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Spring in the Heart

With autumn making its final call...















spring is starting to beckon.

Planting bulbs this past week end had me dreaming of those little jewels that will blossom after winter's demise.

Warm yellows and cool purples make me wistful for those early harbingers that mark the season of renewal.   They bring such cheer.





So as autumn slides into winter I will keep some spring in my heart.   Hope you do too!    Have a wonderful day.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

November's Palette

The colors that make up November's palette may be more subdued than October's.   Not quite as vibrant but very warm and inviting. They are your earth tones...














 Burnt sienna...

            Yellow Ocher...










Brown Madder...















Raw Sienna.  


They lack the brilliance of bright yellows and deep reds but they make November's visit very special.  

Hope you take some time to enjoy this month's palette.   Have a great day!






  









       







 


   

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...