Art in Nature is such a gift.............

 

A few weeks ago we were taking a back highway to our destination when we were stopped for some road construction. At first it seemed rather bothersome because we had been enjoying the vista so much, but then my attitude totally changed. I looked over to see this amazing array of colors in the winter foliage.  My normal personality is to charge forward, but if I had moved on quickly , I would have lost this opportunity.  You do, as they say, have to stop and smell the roses and you will always be rewarded.  One finds art in many forms, if only the eyes remain open, the spirit slows down and the heart accepts the challenge. 

 



I don't know about the rest of you, but I am exhausted.  Really thinking of taking a nap or maybe a long hot bath....

Christmas was special this year for I spent lots of time with family and friends.  It is this camaraderie  that makes any holiday a blessing. It is a hoot to listen to the little ones at Christmas and watch them grow with the years and become more aware of their surroundings and the happiness of others.

Each year I give the kids a gift of charity.  This year, since they both play soccer, I gave soccer balls to kids that would otherwise not have them.. Their parents take this time to explain how important it is to give to others that might not have has much opportunity as they do.  They were very proud......

Least this post get too serious....another special moment was when Luna opened her tutu......"It is beautiful!".....could my heart melt anymore? 

The sun is shinning....the hummingbird is peeking in the window... and I am looking forward to my travels to the sun and indulging in the art....

The "Beautiful TuTu"

Winding down or winding up?

Just a couple days before Christmas and I am feeling rather frazzled.  Of course, aren't we all, but just doesn't seem like the time of year to be learning how to create a blog.....this isn't the first time that I have said those very words, or similar , to myself.  I seem to thrive in chaos....having said that, I wonder if most artist feel the same way?  If my heels are spinning and my hair afire, then I am accomplishing something...ha, or so I think.

My father use to say......"will you sit down"
My deceased husband use to say....."do you ever sit down"
My new friend says.............."you never sit down"

Observant men in my life. 

So, I added some blogs to follow today and you will see them on my page....another milestone.....must seem simple to you seasoned bloggers, but each step has been a baby step for me....no giant leaps here. 

On top of it all....I try to prepare for being away for four months....today...estimating taxes...geez!

Thank goodness that I have someone house-sitting for me.....one last worry....for sure....

Soon I will be doing this, but of course after a hard day of painting and taking pictures....now where is that Pina Colada?Winding down or winding up?

Since I am thinking of selling this big old house , I decided to toss a little holiday gathering.  I love playing with the house: setting the table, stringing the lights,  preparing the food, but mostly letting my friends meet and great. I am blessed with a diverse group of people that enrich my life beyond my wildest dreams. Everything was going great and then I hit a puddle of water on the floor and........
being the drama queen that I am , I took a big tumble on the kitchen floor!  After everyone decided that the two hematoma's on my head were not life threatening, they started to rate the fall.....umm, happy to say that I got a few ten's.  Perhaps it is time to hang up the high heels...dang!!!


The theme was to bring your favorite "wine find"....something you enjoy that cost under $10.00 and , of course, your favorite holiday treat that you never, ever indulge, except for special events.  Wow, found some great wines, and, needless to say, some great yummy treats.

Parties are tons of work, but always worth the reward in the end....tumble or not......

Just a few of the wine finds from friends.

We discovered some that will rapidly become our favorites.

 

 

 

 

More doors of Mexico



Beautiful tree in one of the hotels

Before I left the lake, I spent a few hours collecting driftwood and pinecones.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with these gifts from nature, but wanted to bring a bit of their beauty to my Christmas decorating. Little my little I am digging into my stash and creating some fun rustic sciences...not your typical decorating, but anew twist with a lot of texture,  and I am loving it.