Sunday, September 28, 2014

Sunday's Blessings

Sharing a few Sunday's blessings with you.



A wildflower bouquet...










an inquisitive companion...














gorgeous skies...













and a couple of season's last bits of sunshine.













Watercolor Sketch 
Hope you are enjoying some of Sunday's blessings too.    Have a great evening.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Changes

I am starting to see changes.


Where once Queen Ann Lace and milkweed decorated the meadows - goldenrod and wild asters have shoved them aside.      The purple choke cherry is hanging on but it knows it is almost time to go.
The color of russet is beginning to replace some of the green.     You can see it here -













 and there.













It is gradual these changes.   Like a slow waltz the season starts.  

The tempo will pick up once a hard frost comes.
The hillsides will quickly add vibrant hues to their wardrobe.   They will let you know that autumn has fully arrived.







 In the meantime I will walk the fields and enjoy the subtle changes.


 There is still a moment to stop and enjoy the buzzing of the bumble bee...

listen to the song of  the finches as they gather to dine on the remaining  sunflower heads...






and  of course to "look up"!


Hope you enjoyed seeing some of the changes here at Harmony Hills.

Until next time - God Bless!  








Sunday, September 21, 2014

Today was


the last official day of summer.   Beautiful skies and warm temperatures made it a memorable one.













As you can see the fields are still so green.

(Both of these photos are compliments of hubby.)
In fact the entire weekend here has been gorgeous.    The perfect weather to tackle out door projects.


This mailbox  had been rescued from the trash several months ago.   A genuine Sears and Roebuck mail receptacle just waiting for a face lift.    My better half sprayed it black and colored the flag red.  I then painted some imaginary flowers.





A porcelain bird placed in a found nest by "my dear one" finished this creative endeavor.


A wonderful ending to summer's passage.

Hope all of you enjoyed it as well.   Have a great week.
                                                                                P.S.  I just found out my email was hacked yesterday.   Think the problem has been resolved but don't open anything strange that may have come from my email.   Micro-soft security has caught it - so hopefully that is the end of the matter.  Thank you to all those that alerted me of this concern!    God Bless.
       

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Since the days have grown shorter...

 the evenings find me doing a bit more baking.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing is a wonderful fall dessert.  If you enjoy the taste of pumpkin these are just fabulous.   Very moist and flavorful.

If you would like the recipe you can find it here.
I used almonds on top instead of pecans.  They were just what I had on hand.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing















Another comforting dish is the classic green beans with ham.   I like to put them in the crock pot over night and let them simmer on low.   Makes a great lunch the next day with some sliced tomatoes on the side.








Such an easy meal!   Means too the cook gets a break and can go play in the studio for a bit.



This is what I am doing since the days have grown shorter.  What about you?

To all my blogging buddies whose days have grown longer (other side of the world) would love to hear what you are doing too!

Take care and God Bless.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Blog Hop Around the World

When Barbara Lilian invited me to participate in the Blog Hop Around the World I was honored.   Barbara grows spectacular flowers in France as well as paints them.   Her posts always include beautiful photos.   She and I share a love for growing things as well as capturing them on a page.   In spite of health issues this past year she still has managed to share her lovely garden and art with her followers.  It is such a privilege to visit Barbara in her part of the world.   Hope you will stop by to say hello.   I am sure you will receive a warm welcome.    I always do.

Now let me introduce you to four other wonderful ladies.

Anne in Missouri is an artist in every way.   Her blog is filled to the brim with a wide array of creations.   One of her special talents is painting and decorating fairy houses.  They are certainly candy for the eyes.  Anne's artistry can be seen in each and everyone of her posts.   If you have never visited her please do.   You will certainly want to return.

Wendy is a very talented artist who lives in  Australia.  Not only does she work in a wide range of mediums but is a writer and illustrator as well.   At this time this busy lady is participating in a 30 day painting challenge.  Be sure to stop by and catch a glimpse of her superb art.

Carol is a Maine resident who is an amazing photographer and artist.   She always manages to snap the most captivating pictures.   It is always a delight to visit her blog.  One never knows what she will have found to share with her blogging buddies.  For certain you will come away smiling when you stop to say hello.      

Celia resides in Rome, Italy.   She is a wonderful watercolor artist.   In fact she has a great website that hosts her beautiful work.   Several months ago I  was the fortunate recipient of one of her gorgeous paintings.  It hangs in a very special spot in my home  Celia has been enjoying a blogging break but has now returned.   Will be looking forward to enjoying her art once again.    Hope you will take a peak .

Now to answer the questions...

  What inspires me to paint?












 


Flowers









.

Nature...













Pets.

Why do I Paint?   For the joy.   It is the crescendo in  life's song.  The connection to the one great Creator of all.


What is my process?   Slowing down - taking time to see that the ordinary is really extraordinary.

Thank you Barbara for inviting me to share in this wonderful Blog Hop.   I will be looking forward to reading Anne, Wendy, Carol and Celia's posts Sept. 22nd.  

Hope everyone has a blessed day.





Wednesday, September 10, 2014

A Mid Week Meditation

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,



                                                               
                                                                    He leads me beside quiet waters,







 He restores my soul.













He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ..

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  Psalm 23:1-3, 6


May God Bless You!  Have a lovely evening.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

A Visit

Yesterday someone paid me a visit.

                                                               

                                              I served him up some of these vittles.


He just might become a frequent visitor.





Hope you  will too.
Have a Blessed Sunday!    

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Spending time

  As the garden winds down I find myself spending time there.   So many wonderful subjects remain.  They need enjoyed before they are gone.    











  This solitary Hollyhock inspired the sketch above.  Are not those pink petals so feminine?









The Blue Morning Glories when open have such a great pose.   They may be a bit invasive but what a delight to draw.











From this spot I can savor the last blooms...watch the hummingbirds prepare for their trip south... and hear the garden's final call.  





Glad you stopped to visit.   I so love spending time with you in the garden.   Have a blessed 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 "...