Fawns everywhere...

The sky got very dark this afternoon. I had just put the horses in their stalls when this little one stepped out into view. He was followed by 3 does and their fawns, then a couple yearlings, then a 3-point buck. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic of the whole group, since I ran to the house to avoid getting drenched. Maybe next time. I love seeing the deer, but cringe when driving the roads this time of year. The deer are everywhere and tend to jump out at a moments notice. I've had some close calls.

Minty Fresh!

No art today...but...

Today was a good day to harvest some fresh mints in my little herb garden. Among my favorite plants are Peppermint, Spearmint and Lemon Balm. All are good to make teas or cook with.
Here is a summer recipe I love:

Lemon Balm and Mint Potatoes
1 dozen small potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh mint of your choice
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh lemon balm
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 crushed garlic cloves

Boil your potatoes till firm, then set them aside to cool. Combine all the other ingredients and pour over the cold potatoes. Chill for 1 hour.

Teas are super easy:
1 cup lemon balm leaves
1 cup spearmint, leaves
Optional add to's:
* a couple tablespoons orange peel (grated)
* 1/4 tablespoon clove
Pour 1-1/2 to 2 cups of boiling water over all...steep for a few minutes and strain. Add honey or not, and sip slowly!

These mints all make great 'natural' bug repellents too. Just make an infusion and keep in a spray bottle in the fridge. Yes, the mint repellent needs to be applied more often than it's chemical counterparts, but they're safer to use.

Finished...I think

10" x 10" Derwent Pencil sketch on Bienfang stock
How do YOU know when to quit working on a piece? I decided to leave the second Fjordhorse in the background incomplete and just concentrate on the one in the foreground. While some of the elements came together OK, other parts just didn't want to cooperate. Rather than continue on with this one, I'm leaving it alone. This is as far as I want to go with it. I don't mind it being sort of 'sketchy' looking. I'd like to hear from other artists when they've decided enough is enough on their work. Anybody?

A quick Sunday sketch...in progress

I decided to take most of today off and found myself doing some sketching. I was thinking about the horses and how much they mean to me. They've gotten me through some bad days lately. Here is a quick 'in progress' sketch I'm working on. It's from a reference photo of my mare "Laila", (before I let her mane grow) and Solvin, the gelding I just placed into a new home. While I am happy he's found a useful job and great home, I sure do miss Solvin. He is such a sweet fellow and a wonderful model too. I'll try to remember to post the final sketch when completed.

Passion for Painting Award

My life has been turned upside down this year and I've fallen behind on so many things. Some of those things include saying my thank you's. I can't forget some of the nicest and talented people I've met cyber-ly (is that even a word?). Soooo, without further adieu :

Many thanks to Carl and Dottie for my "Passion for Painting Award"! Their great blog can be found here: www.havebrushwilltravel.blogspot.com If you can, please take a look at some of their beautiful works!

Now, on to telling you 7 things I love:

1. Number one will always be my family

2. My animals

3. My art

4. Embroidery + Sewing

5. Nature

6. Reading

7. Music

Gosh, finding 7 people who haven't received this award....Hhhmmmm (if you've already received this award...well, you deserve it twice as much!)

1. Norma's beautiful art, over at: http://www.barefootnanasartwork.blogspot.com/

2. Danielle, displaying her lovely work at: http://www.daniellebarlowart.blogspot.com/

3. Melody and her sweet creations:

http://www.melodylamb.blogspot.com/

4. Nancy's gorgeous florals can be found: http://www.nancymedinaart.blogspot.com/

5. Elizabeth's superb artworks:

http://www.art-fromscotland.blogspot.com/

6. Sam's wonderful paintings:

http://www.samdolman.blogspot.com/

7. and last, but certainly NOT least:

http://www.artbyakiko.blogspot.com/

Take some time to enjoy these fine artist's work...I know I do! =0)

Getting one's life back together...

I took this pic of my 'Papa' in 2007, while in the waiting room at the Doctor's office. Dad was intrigued by the idea of taking photos with a phone. He also enjoyed learning a bit about computers. We were even able to reunite him with his long lost brother in Europe through the internet.

Sadly, my Dad passed away from total organ failure, in his home on June 2ND, 2009. He was 81. The first thing to go were his kidneys, then his beleaguered heart. We were fortunate to receive support from the Cleveland Clinic's hospice team. The Clinic's nurse visited once or twice a week to see if we had questions or needed a change in pain medication for Dad. A Home Health Aide and Social Worker would pop in on occasion too.

And then there was Father Abraham, who stopped by whenever Dad needed spiritual support. He isn't supposed to get too close with the patients he sees, but later admitted Dad became more of a friend, than client. They really seemed to enjoy each others company. After Dad's passing, we were honored Fr. Abe agreed to preside over the funeral...on his day off no less. Fr. Abraham is from Kenya and brought with him many life experiences and stories. What a comfort and inspiration he is.

While the Clinic team did our family allot of good, the every day chores were up to us. Much of our 'education' in caring for someone who is dying, was on the spot. While I know we did the right thing by taking Dad home (instead of leaving him in a nursing home), I didn't fully realize how difficult the process was going to be. Giving Dad the proper type and dosage of drugs, feeding him, bathing him, changing diapers and bedding, administering suppositories, scheduling visitors, transporting him to the emergency room for Foley catheter changes...much of it was pretty unpleasant. Forget modesty. There were 'mentally' painful days for him as well. Dad's dementia had worsened considerably and he often forgot who we were and where he was. He would become very agitated and yell some pretty awful things. The bad days were heartbreaking and none I'd want to repeat in my lifetime. The good days I will cherish forever.

After living in Dad's house for the past few months, dealing with his death, as well as continuing to worry about how we will survive without my husband's income...well, it takes a toll on you. Life's full of challenges, right? I guess I'm coping. We are finally back at getting the house and property ready for sale, making small repairs, throwing out clutter, cleaning, etc. It will be hard to say goodbye to this place, especially with so many wonderful memories attached to it.

I haven't decided what to do with my 2 horses, should our place sell quickly (though with the economy the way it is...not likely). I'm not fond of the idea of boarding my mare and gelding, but do not want to give them up. Board would be costly. They are both older equines and deserve to retire in peace. Petey (my gelding) is coming 22. And Laila (like me) is officially 'a senior citizen'. The horses have been wonderful therapy for me these past few months. A trail ride through the woods does wonders and I'm trying to take advantage of it while I still can. I will get back to art soon. I'm beginning to feel a tiny bit of creativity creeping back into my soul. I know it's there somewhere!

A sliver of good news...

After a difficult 18 hour 'hospice' day at my Dad's house, I came home to find a bit of good (but bittersweet) news in my email box! Solvin, my sweet (and handsome) 11 yr.old Norwegian Fjord gelding, has found a new home. He will be living with the Velikys in VA, at Edenbrook Farm. You can visit them at: www.edenbrookfarm.blogspot.com, and www.edenbrookfarm.org . The Veliky's 'Edenbrook Farm' is a therapeutic place for the mind, body and soul. The mentoring relationship built in their program fosters learning, self-discovery and personal growth. Their program will build confidence in participants through exploration of God's wonderful world of animals, gardening and wildlife. Solvin, (along with another super Fjordhorse named Gustav), will provide hours of enjoyment and learning opportunites to all Edenbrook visitors, both young and old. What a great job Solvin will have, I'm so proud of him.

2nd Plaque...woof

Second Plaque

One down...two to go!

I managed to paint uninterrupted most of today and that doesn't happen too often! I've completed 1 plaque and have started the 2nd of 3. It's nice to have accomplished something, especially since I'm anticipating the upcoming BIG painting. My photos aren't the best, it's been so dark and dreary...bad lighting.

'In Progress' Plaques

I have been busy with several commissioned items. I was asked to paint three 9" x 12" welcome plaques, featuring Old English Sheepdogs. What an adorable breed!
Here are 2 'in progress' pics of one of the welcome plaques. I'll need to complete these 3 little plaques first, before tackling a much larger project. Photos of the completed plaque should be posted in the next day or so.


A pencil sketch...


Starting to paint...

The larger project in the works is a good sized, 24" x 36" oil painting that will include 4 dogs and 2 cats. This painting will be challenging, but fun. I've not had the opportunity to incorporate 6 different pets into one painting for someone. The client and I will look over my sketches and ideas sometime in the coming week.