Monday mingle

Week 1
I really like the idea of Susan Tuttle to have a day each week in which she puts up links to a few of the blogs she loves.
Because I like the idea so much I have decided to do the same. I am hoping to post some links each Monday for blogs I find to be especially inspiring.

Here are a few for this week.
A) I adore the nature inspired fabrics and journaling of Tracie Lyn Huskamp of The Red Door Studio.
B) A new blog I recently found through this and that, somehow through pinterest and links, I believe. But please note that Jenny DOES NOT want to be pinned or have her images shared in any way. Hoping you will take some time to visit The Custards to find some beautiful ideas, experiments, and inspiration.
C) A dear friend, Caterina Giglio, blogs at La Dolce Vita. Cat's creations and journaling are in a style I adore.
D) Another dear friend, Dale, blogs at Dale Anne Potter with her textiles and mixed media art. More recently Dale has been spreading her positive attitude throughout the world with coaching.
E) Because I love the earth and trying to protect it, I especially appreciate products like which ecojot produces. Besides their recycled products, the blog and newsletters show a number of ways they are trying to assist the earth and its inhabitants with together with our involvement.

And, just because Susan's latest list of links was food related, I decided to share this recent photo of some foods frequently found on my plate.

to laugh

when emotions burble at every pore of my being 

when anger is ready to explode

when love is near to bursting free

when laughter seems bottled up inside

when tears are at every turn

  

***please click on image to view on black background***

Earth Day

To me, every day is like earth day. I love nature very much. Our family has been into recycling for a very long time. I know that I fall short in many ways but at least I try. As earth day approaches I have chosen to share with you a few glimpses into what earth is about for me in this particular time.

Birds are important to me. Springtime of the year is special because of robins. These particular robins were gathering happily in the tree outside, just beyond the window.

While green grass and new leaves are slow in arriving, there are some perrenial plants poking their leaves through the earth announcing their arrival. I am always so happy to see those first leaves peeking out.

Certainly the earth is about people and love. I am always inspired when I encounter one of these very special videos.

Considering my love of colour and creativity I find this next video to be exceptionally representative of nature and art. Please view full screen if you are able.

While the article below is not news, I believe the timing is appropriate to share because of earth day and my love of nature. The display remains in the gallery until the end of April.

***please remember to click on any of the above pictures to enlarge  ~ 

especially required to read the article***

As a finale for my little celebration of earth day I could not help but choose to ask you to "Imagine". 

trying to remember

to be mindful

my two frequent companions remind me of that and allow it to happen.
Missy Hope has been asking, nearly begging, for more attention in recent weeks. She bats at me and at times practically climbs up my leg when I am standing still. Thankfully her claws are kept in. She is only trying to tell me she needs loving. When I sit at my computer in the den she is often sitting down beside me and sticks up  a paw as well. After I bring her to my lap she often does not stay long but prefers to go back to her spot beneath my chair.

Sometimes the outdoors beckon. I sit on the deck chair, newly cleaned of snow, and try to do art. Creating can be somewhat cumbersome wrapped in a blanket and having to wear a warm jacket to prevent shivering. I took my breakfast out one morning. Even though we had some lovely warm afternoons the nights and mornings are still chilly. I did not keep my food tray outside for very long. Those days will return, soon enough. 
Mindful ~ warmth within, birds singing, a chill touch, but not freezing on my skin. Some days sunlight. Some days darkest clouds ~ ready to spill ~ bringing a tickle to my spirit ~ the excitement. Some days thunder ~ crackling closely. My heart tries to calm ~ for the pooch. I am near. You are safe ~ as safe as I can have you be, regretful for the remedy forgotten.

 

kitty

purring in my ear

please stay close

your loving brings me calm

kitty

batting at my leg

thank you for the interruption

my shoulders need a break

kitty

curled up on the chair

thank you for the reminder

to pause and let me "be"

 

Inspiration still seems to elude me. Journal pages occur, but seem almost a struggle to create. I believe I have finally felt some creative stirrings within. I have begun applying gesso to pages of an old ledger book I purchased a couple of years ago. Hoping to share more art soon.

*** please remember to click on any of the pictures to enlarge ***


Angels be with you dear friends.