My recent bird sightings: Canada Geese with Goslings Mallard Ducks with Ducklings Black Crowned Night Heron American Robins Chimney Swifts Red Winged Black Birds Mute Swans Great Blue Heron
I’ve also seen: Cotton Tail Rabbit Napping Turtle
One time at dusk, my daughter and I saw bats flying about the tree tops at Blackstone Park.
There’s always something to see. Best, LG
EPSON MFP image
Just Ducky” Pastel 11x 14
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.” For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
Green leaves are pushing through the ground up to the light. Buds are forming on tree branches. Birds are singing and looking for a mate. Animals, such as frogs and turtles, warm up in the sunshine,
. My mom always loved frogs. She would occasionally collect frog items. At one time she had googly eyed sticker frogs that she placed on the bathroom mirror. She also had soft stuffed animal frogs in various sizes.
Yet my favorite frog item we had in the house was a big, wide mouth Bull Frog that sat on the edge of the kitchen sink and was a place to put a scouring pad. It’s mouth was wide open. And it was yellow.
We seemed to have had it for years. Eventually it did have to be thrown out. Yet the memory of it in our house will also be.
When ever I see a frog item I think of how Mom loved frogs.
Warmly, LG
“Big Wide Mouth Frog”
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.” For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
This past week one of our Uncles passed away. It was a beautiful service. Though there was snow and slush, we walked where we could in the cemetery.
The one thing that is always present is Love.
One of my favorite passages is “When I Die” by Merrit Malloy
“When I Die“ Give what’s left of me away To children And old men that wait to die. And if you need to cry, Cry for your brother Walking the street beside you And when you need me, Put your arms Around anyone And give to them What you need to give to me. I want to leave you something, Something better Than words Or sounds. Look for me In the people I’ve known Or loved, And if you cannot give me away, At least let me live in your eyes And not on your mind. You can love me most By letting Hands touch hands By letting Bodies touch bodies And by letting go Of children That need to be free. Love doesn’t die, People do. So, when all that’s left of me Is love, Give me away”
Best, LG
Memorial Garden Plaque
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.” For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
After such an awful year of COVID-19 and the struggles that abounded, It was good to be able to have some family over at Thanksgiving, We felt sure enough, having all been vaccinated and being well, to do so.
It warmed our hearts to see, talk and be with each other. I’m so grateful.
Throughout the time, we did connect on ZOOM many times, and I did appreciate that as many of us had to distance our selves from others for our health.
It is a deep innate nature to want to be in a group together and see each other face to face,
Life in our world consist of being together in some way. In the animal kingdom it is done for protection and continuity of a creature. Language supplies us with many words to connect groups of animals.
a Herd of horses, wildebeest a Pack of dogs, wolves a Flock of birds a Pride of lions a Troop of Kangaroos a Murder of Crows…hmmm. a Litter of puppies a Parade of elephants a School of fish,
and more to explore at : https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/word-lists/list-of-namesfor-groups-of-animals.html
Best, LG
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
Autumn brings cooler days. The leaves of deciduous trees change color and fall in their preparation for winter . Some birds migrate south to warmer climates.
In summer, I enjoy seeing the ruby throated humming bird that visits my humming bird feeder. He hovers as he sips from each sugar water hole. Sometimes he sits on the perch for a time to rest. He flies off so gracefully to another place in the neighborhood.
I saw him last week. It’s September and I didn’t think He’d still be around, yet he was. Perhaps gearing up for his travels ahead. This week I haven’t seen him. He may be off on migration to Central America. Such a long way to travel.
Fly away my friend. Hope to see him in a new warm season ahead.
LG
Chipmunk, Pen and Ink
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.” For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org
There was an article in The National Audubon Society’s newsletter about photographing birds. The author mentioned that one could set up a perch with a branch and place it in an area that would be ideal to take pictures of birds, yet not disturb the birds too much.
I found a stub branch in the yard. I placed it first on a chair, then a table in the yard. I watched for a time, but birds were not landing on it.
My focus then changed.
Hagrid, our Bearded Dragon, has been growing bigger. When we bought him he was about 4-5 months old. At this point he’d grown enough that we needed to get a bigger enclosure for him. We bought a 120 gallon enclosure, from Zen Habitats.
Our daughter wanted the stub branch.
I had to prepare it before putting it in the enclosure with Hagrid. First I bake the branch on low in the oven on tin foil. Baking gets rid of any bacteria. I baked it for 4 hours, checking on it every 10 minutes to make sure it was fine.
Next step was cutting and sanding. There were a couple of thinner branches and sharp points that could possibly cause cuts or scratches to the reptiles skin. Though a reptiles skin looks tough and bumpy, the skin is sensitive. I cut off the thin branches. Then sanded the ends of branches and bark smooth.
I had some experience working with wood before. I had taken a wood carving class years ago. I have one carving I did of a foal. I really enjoyed the class.
It’s good experience to try working in other mediums.
The stub branch is now part of Hagrid’s home. Hagrid can bask on it, as well as use it to rub up against to help him when he is shedding skin.
Best, Lisa G.
Wood ready for enclosure. I like that the sanding brings out the grains in the wood. It’s just perfect for his environment,Hagrid relaxing on the wood in his enclosure.
“Beardie: Research and Reward” “Good Morning, Kenji” “Good Morning, Hagrid” “Around the Yard with Kenji” “Hagrid: Pencil Drawing” “Hide and Seek”
Enjoy, LG
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.” For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
I’ve been working full time hours for my job with United Cerebal Palsey organization. I work with disabled adults in their apartments. It’s good purposeful work.
I have sent out my manuscript with sample illustrations to publishers. So now there is an amount of waiting to see what response I get.
As any creative person, I must keep on creating.
I’m someone who loves animals. We had a couple of Beta fish for a time.
Yet our daughters wanted a different pet.
I can’t have a cat because I’m allergic to them.
Well, we have two pets that you could call unique. A Bunny and A Beardie
I’m writing about our experiences with them at my View from Highly Sensitive Person blog. I’m including illustrations and photos with my writings. Link: https://viewfromhighlysensitiveperson.blogspot.com/
A Bunny and Beardie
Baby Bunny Kenji
Baby Bunny: Burrowing and Boxes
Baby Bunny: Inside and Out
I started with Bunny stories since we got Kenji first in January. Then in April we got our Beardie, Hagrid.
More post to come. Best, Lisa G.
EPSON MFP image
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
I was looking out the window, when I noticed two Mourning Doves near the tree. One approached the other. The Dove that was approached moved away. The Male dove chased after it. Then they went back to eating. Thus the beginning of mating season. It’s Spring Time here.
As active bird watchers, my daughter and I have witnessed many birds courting. There was the American Robin. Strutting and showing off as a female was foraging in the yard. He followed her around the yard where ever she went. She would just move to another spot. He’d follow. At one point she seemed to have had enough and flew. He flew right after her. My daughter interjected, “My Lady”.
Then there were the Mourning Doves. The Male would be near a female. The female was eating away. The Male would do a little shimmy up next to her. She would hurry away. Slowly but surely the male would approach her again. She would hurry away again. At some point she’d fly up to a tree branch.
It’s good to take in time to witness the natural happenings around us. It reminds us that there are seasons, times and life abounds, even when things can seem dark. Best, LG
Mourning Doves, Watercolor Pencils 11X14 $300
Art News
“The Horse Gift“ Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!
Soldier Portraits Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.
