Last week of July

 Well friends it is the last week of July.  The second cutting of hay is done and ready for the coming winter.

Picking a crop of zucchini.  The large ones will be made into bread and the small ones sliced and fried.  Some folks think one can have too many but not in my opinion.  All one has to do is put in a search on Pinterest  and find a huge variety of recipes.  My dear mom even put them up in pineapple juice (shredded) and substituted for crushed pineapple.  No one could taste the difference. :) !  What a great way to get a veggie into those picky eaters.

I have been reading a collection of inspiring books from the library.  The hot days of summer are a wonderful time to explore creative endeavors.

Working on finishing this note/sketch book.  The first page was dated 8/7/07.  It began when my Dad had open heart surgery and survived.  Why it got put up on the closet shelf and forgotten is a mystery.

It has been my go to when I needed to journal and sketch this past year. 

Nothing spectacular within the pages but it holds thoughts on grieving and being grateful...memories and reflections.  When we lose someone close to us there is a process in letting go and moving towards healing.  Everyone has to find their way through so they come out on the other side.  For me writing and sketching goes hand in hand.  It is a safe place to pour out one's heart.  I have been inspired by so many gorgeous nature journals, urban sketches, and just day to day items.  This sketchbook is mostly private though.

If some of you are working through issues of the heart this may be a practice to put into place...a place where performance doesn't matter and not everything has to be shared.

On a less serious note I will leave you with these lovely holly hocks.  This photo does not do them justice.  They are shockingly pink and I think they just might inspire me to get out the brushes and paint.

P.S. this blackberry shortcake is calling my name.  Have a lovely week dear ones.  Stop by and let me know what your last week of July is calling you to do.

Hugs

Debbie

"He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing." Luke 9:11 b 

November's Inspiration

November's inspiration comes in many forms.  It may be found in the dry, rustling grasses of a meadow.  Perhaps it will be golden seed pods or red rose hips...

















the remaining russet leaves that dance forlornly in the wind...











 fallen pinecones that are tipped with white sap...

 the song of a cardinal in the thicket ...

or the flash of a white tail deer on the run.

Whatever it may be... let it speak to your soul today.                                                        

                                                                God Bless You!

Some updates...

Just some updates ... We've become friends! 

 Isn't it amazing what a few apples or carrots can do to build a friendship.  It has been my experience that often times breaking bread together builds good relations.   There is something wonderful that happens when folks share a meal (or an apple or carrot) .  Walls come down and bridges are built.  

Just like my new friend - we may differ in our perspective but we both enjoy a crunchy treat.  

 

 Speaking of treats...the flower fairy visited and left Mr. Scarecrow with an armload of blossoms.   He is now complete.  

 

In keeping with the season of gathering I have been collecting odd bits and pieces of nature.   My studio is becoming somewhat untidy from all the things being brought in.  

When drawing I take time to see the tiny intricate patterns that decorate an acorn cap and the small florets that comprise goldenrod. It is extraordinary the fine detail God has showcased in what seems ordinary.

 

 

 

Thank you for allowing me to share some of life's updates.   May you have a blessed evening!    

Color my World Green...

The color of my world is green today - tomorrow according to the weather forecast it may be white!    Ah just when we thought winter was done with us. 

Quiet weekend here at Harmony Hills.   I had some time in my studio and was able to work on a pen and ink with watercolor wash.

I am not quite finished with it - need to bring out the violets a bit in some spots and add just a shade more burnt orange on the body of the butterfly - working with greens is always a bit difficult for me. (As I stated a few posts back).   Thought I would try using a bit of a different combo this time.  I chose to mix phthalo blue with Hansa Yellow light for a cooler shade of green as well as a bit of phthalo green mixed with gold quinacridone for a warmer green.

Violets are one of my favorite posies.   They make me think of spring, woodlands. and the wee ones that inhabit the places they thrive.  Speaking of places for the wee ones to live - check out this hollow.    The pileated woodpeckers are here for a visit.  They are busy creating a magical place for woodland creatures to live.   I just wish they were not doing it in my yard.  Does look like a good nook for something small to curl up and hide.  If I see anything with wings flitting to and fro I will let you know.
Thanks for stopping by - hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow.   God Bless!

PS - let me know if you see any tiny folks hiding in your trees!