Jingle All the Way

So, here it is - not such a long wait right? I hope it was worth it :)
This is my latest Colored Pencil of the Month Club project. I was inspired by a plastic jar of bells and remembered this little jester bear - perfect for the mini still life. Knew I wanted to include black somewhere as a grounding element, the stemware worked great for that!

Now if you are not a member, of course that can't be true, this is the season to be given a gift (*hint, hint*) from family and friends. Go to http://www.kellyhoernig.com/ and you will see that for $120 you will receive 13 months and a free indian corn e-packet. Where else can you get inspired each month from a door-to-door delivery? Now available as a pdf (e-packet) file too. Sale ends December 17 so make sure this little guy is on your list so you can jingle all the way...

Word - Patience

The word for this week is patience.

Its noun meaning: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient; solitaire.

The adjective is patient meaning: bearing pain or trials without complaint; showing self-control; calm; steadfast, persevering.

Here's a sneak peek at the latest Colored Pencil of the Month Club project titled "Jingle All the Way". You'll see the finished piece tomorrow so just hold on, patience now.

Bulb Planting

John and I plus the puppies were out in the yard today planting what seemed like 1000 + 1 flower bulbs today. Yes it was cold but we managed to get them all in the ground. I can only tell you that if they all bloom our yard is going to be very colorful! I love planting bulbs (well actually John plants them) because they are a promise to what is to come. Isn't that what the four seasons are all about? I couldn't imagine my life without them because I am inspired by them all and appreciate what they offer. Whether it brings bright spring kelly green grass, a steamy hot summer day, the crisp nights and colorful days of fall, or the glorious white of winter snow -it gives me a chance to observe and wonder how she does it all in a magical moment in time!

Violet Saturday

I'm painting coordinates to this right now for an upcoming show and needed a break - too many violets to think about. Doing four butterflies of various shapes and sizes but it's time for the veining so needed a break. They are looking quite lovely and I can't wait to finish them. What are you working on right now - holiday presents for family and friends, spring time treasures, class samples or just something special for yourself? As long as you are being artistic and letting your creative side breathe, you should celebrate. So give yourself a big YIPPEE, YAHOO and continue on! It's the small accomplishments that can keep you going as long as you take the time to recognize them. Smile and continue on....

Let Nature In

I just loved this set up at Nell Hill. It reminds me that bringing nature in is a wonderful, inexpensive way to decorate. So, how are you decorating for the holidays? I love the smell of fresh pine so usually get a couple pine boughs to put on the table or around the banister. It fills the house with such a great aroma. Top it off by warming some cider and you are off to a terrific start. Add pine cones, pomegranates or clementines and you have a fantastic display that didn't cost a lot but looks really expensive - my favorite way to do things. The only thing better, the smell of christmas cookies baking in the oven YUMMM...

Oh Nooooo

Is today Thanksgiving? Oh %$**# - run turkey, run!
Hope you had a great Gobble Fest and that you wore elastic pants!

Antennae

I liked this photo because of the rotted plant matter the butterfly is sitting on. I told you before, I always look for the ugly. To me it represents life and death in one photo. Although the plant is in the decaying stage I know it will once again appear when spring time rolls around. It's the viciousness of the cycle but one that must happen. I think that is why I enjoy the seasonal changes so much. It gives me a chance to tire of one season and really appreciate what the new one brings. On to the special now - only when I was looking through the photos did I happen to notice the striped antennae. How cool is that? I know, I love that!

Pearfect Duo!

This photo exemplifies radiance in every way - luminous, bright, shining and full of light. We have several pear trees around the pond and even though I don't like their taste, I love to take pictures of them. I have them in every stage from the blossom, bud and on to the fruit. So, if you ever need any pear reference photos, I'm your girl!

Dogwood Fruit

I can remember my excitement the first time we discovered a flower on our dogwood. We had planted four on the property and watched them grow, grow and grown but not a bloom could be found. So, imagine my surprise when fall came around and the flower turned into this charming little curiosity. I must have taken 100 photos just in case it was a fluke - better safe than sorry, right?

Man vs Nature

Some Thesaurus words for "radiant" - beaming, blissful, brilliant, cheery, delighted, effulgent, gleaming, glorious, glowing, incandescent, joyful, lambent, lucent, lustrous, radiating, rapturous, resplendent, shining, sparkling, sunny.

In this photo where nature obviously lost, my artistic side was sparked with energy. I was delighted to see this vibrant color and it caught my eye while driving by. I actually backed up the car to see exactly what was glowing in the sunlight. Yes, you can imagine my surprise when I saw what the road crew had done quite artistically I might add :)

Word - Radiant

The word of the week is radiant.

Its adjective meaning: shining, flowing; beaming with happiness; transmitted by radiation, brilliant, bright, luminous, lustrous.

This photo just makes me smile because I can remember the warmth of the sunshine on my back even though it was a chilly day. The shadows are intriguing especially the way it illuminated the veins of the smaller leaf. The bright red crab apples are a treat for all the birds flying south for the winter and believe me, we get quite a few through the yard daily.