Just Be...

Today I had the whole day to just play in the studio and follow my creative bliss. My only agenda was to play with a couple new art supplies I bought recently. So, I put in my favorite music, opened the windows for a gentle breeze, gathered the puppies close and went to work. The hours went quickly by as light turned to dusk lending the setting sun to further my distraction of the day. The face is done with art parts and I have to say, I loved working with it. I added the dimensional elements with paint, various scrapbook papers, a tag and a little jewelry piece. I adhered it all to an 8x10 canvas panel and have it hanging in my studio already because I enjoyed the freedom to well, just be.

Today

I have been working on these little art cards and am enjoying the freedom it is giving my creative spirit. Not only is the size limiting (5x3.5" playing cards) but the word prompts are making me think long and hard about what kind of art I want to create to represent it. So, what does the word "today" mean to you? For me, it means there is no time like the present. Finding the perfect tag and a clock face with Paris on it was just a special treat and a stroke of luck. This page went fast and furious and has so much texture combined on the front that I just love it! My wish for you, treasure today because tomorrow it is the past.

Heart Shaped Fruit

I was so excited to see the first bloom of our dogwoods but imagine my surprise when this showed up. I saw these little bumpy shapes in the most eye appealing red you had ever seen. They are actually the center of the flower - didn't know that did you? As the leaves fall off, these little centers start to fill out and develop into this interesting shaped that plumps over time and gets quite soft. It reminds me of little textured hearts that have great curled leaves sitting on top hanging from a nice crisp stem. I looked it up online and it says the fruit is edible once it is soft but right now it is really bitter.

Double Center

Our yard is still blooming with multi hued rose of sharons and white tardivas. This rose of sharon intrigued me with it's interesting center petals. I loved the shadow enhancing it even more bringing it into my focal point. The light was amazing, just before sunset so it set a nice glow and harsh shadows - all the better to take photos in my opinion. The hummingbirds have been loving these flowers so if you don't have any, plan on getting one for your yard next year. They don't take up much room and grow like a tree, I would say just perfect for any space.

What's the Buzz?

My muse drew me to the coneflowers today. Not only were there so many wonderful shades of pink and purple, there was something abuzz with the flower bed. Instantly drawn to the gentle hum and the sight of something darting from flower to flower, I was totally captivated. Here I was chasing this little hummingbird moth around the gardens and let me tell you, he's a fast one. Loved this photo because it showed the transparent wings, alert antennae and striped body. If you didn't know it, you would think it was a tiny hummingbird.

Face Forward

This was taken at the Brookfield Zoo butterfly house and I can honestly say it is a great shot. Not that that was my intention at all. These little orange butterflies were all over the place and well, I just happened to be in the right spot at the right moment. Kismet and chance lead us both to that timing and I'm very grateful. Now, let's talk about its perfect symmetry - look at the wings, antennae and eyes surrounded by the delicate balance shown here. I think we shared a common bond that day, one of acceptance. I of its astonishing beauty, it giving me tolerance to take its photo quickly before moving on :)

Rest Stop

We have so many sedums around the yard that anywhere you look there is some kind of flying insect around them. The pale greens are just lovely this time of year as they get ready to bloom into a deep lavender flower. This little damselfly is just hanging around enjoying the surroundings and found the perfect rest stop. Can you imagine what the world looks like through its eyes? I can't. Too much sensory overload for sure and where to look first, oh my. Flight would give you another perspective and our yard with its wonderful gardens would just be like finding a needle in a haystack. I sure hope it sees the world in color!