MUD Season

March winds are blowing. There are some signs of Spring.


This time of year has been called MUD season.
There are days when it’s still cold, as winter hasn’t yet passed. Yet there are warm
days when the ground begins to thaw. Snow melts to water. The ground gets
muddy.

One year we visited New Hampshire at this time.
A lot of the landscape was still bare and brownish.
We took a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway.
The view changed as we went from lower elevation to higher elevation. From low
elevation with bare brown trees and brush to higher elevation with snow covered
mountain tops.
We stopped at one point to check out a short trail. We came across tracks in the
snow. They were moose tracks.
Great pics were taken.


Spring is forthcoming.

Below I am featuring a Pastel painting of a mare and foal in a paddock at this time of
year. Snow melting away to Spring.


Best,
Lisa G.

Lori’s Foal Pastel Painting

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.


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

Greener New Shoots

We head into warmer weather season. 

Heard around the neighborhood are the sounds of whirring lawn mowers, and buzzing of weed whackers as people work to freshen up their yards in anticipation of grilling outside, parties in the sunshine, and enjoying the warm weather. 

Preening. Pruning.  Brushing away the browned and decayed plants for greener new shoots  to flourish.

Where in my mind, do I need clearing?

What is working and what is no longer working?

What thoughts do I need to brush away to allow my minds new greener shoots to stretch up and grow?

Best,

LG

“MOURNING DOVES”, WATER COLOR PENCILS

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.

Leaf Peeping

In Autumn, my dad liked to go for a ride through Blue Hills, near Randolph, MA. We would go “Leaf Peeping”.

“Leaf Peeping”: go for a ride to see the colorful Fall leaves on trees in the area .

We’d take the time to note the landscape of colorful Fall leaves with yellows, reds, oranges and browns.  

It was a moment to be present and see what there was to see.  And enjoy it.  

I still like going for such a ride.  

To let go of the busy-ness and just be present. 

Animals are always instinctively present . 

Us humans can have a hard time being present sometimes.  Our minds and thoughts so busy.   

Yet if we slow down for a time, we can relax and find joy.  

Whether it’s when I take a walk outside to hear and see birds.

Or spend a minute or two with our rabbit.  He enjoys a nice head rub.

Or when I let our bearded dragon rest on my shoulder as he looks out the window.  He always looks like he guarding his home.

It’s therapeutic.

Namaste,

LG

“Sleeping Fox” Pastel available in prints

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.

It’s Spring Time

“It’s Spring Time”


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.

Virtual Art Tour, Jan 24, 2021

Sisterhood of Temple Beth El present Virtual Artists tours.

Jan 24, 2021:  

Aileen Quinn shared her watercolor landscapes and seascapes from 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Sisterhood member Lisa Guarino shared her nature and animal works in pen and ink, watercolor pencils, pastels, and scratch board from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.

Sisterhood_Virtual Artist January 24 2021 from Temple Beth-El on Vimeo.

Note Joy

“Note Joy”

In dark times we can find ourselves wondering and feeling anxious.
Yet we can note things that make us feel joyful, even in a small way, to help us move forward.

My daughter and I like to go bird watching.
We have a feeder in our yard and so we can watch and note the different birds that come to the feeder.

We also like to go to parks and scenic places.
One place we like going to is Blackstone Bike Path near Albion Falls. The water Fall is soothing to listen to as the water rushes over the dam. A walk down the bike path takes you to a section where the river is slower moving. In little openings in the trees we can spy to see and find birds.
One day we stopped for a few minutes at one of the little openings in the trees. It was about late summer and the brush was still thick.
Yet at one point I noticed some brown and a little white just above a bush.
I said quietly, “Did I see what I think I saw or was it my imagination.”
My daughter said, ” I saw it too.”
What was it?
Well it was brown and a little white like a deer’s tail. So it must of been some deer behind the bush.
It must of noticed us and moved off. We saw just a glimpse of it moving off.
How cool.
On another walk there, we were walking along talking. We heard some birds flying over. We looked up to see a flock of Starling fly over the trees. Their bodies darkly silhouetted against the blue sky. A few more Starling in a second flock flew over a moment later. We felt such joy in seeing them flying together above us.
My daughter wondered how it must be to be a bird: To fly anywhere high above.

Currently the weather is getting colder.
Yet there are still things to note.
It snowed the other night. The snow gently falling and gathering on the ground.

Note Joy.

Best Wishes for this Holiday Season.

Warmly,
LG

Deer scratch board

Deer scratch board

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.

Secret Ingredient

“The Secret Ingredient”
I like to cook and bake.  One of my favorite breakfast foods to make is pancakes. I have a recipe I use that I like.  Because I’m mildly lactose intolerant I add Lactaid milk instead of regular milk.  I like putting strawberry jam and cinnamon on the pancakes.I make pancakes for breakfast sometimes.  
We had a pancake mix recently that my girls used to make Japanese pancakes.  They didn’t  use the whole box.One of my daughters decided to make the pancake mix for breakfast.She followed the recipe on the box and ate them.  
Yet after, she told me they didn’t come out as good and sweet as my pancakes that I make from scratch.  
It warmed my heart. 
I told her, “There’s a secret ingredient.  It’s Love.”  

Ok, so it’s not a secret. 

We all know that when we put love into what we are doing it makes what we’re doing that much more special.  ?

Lisa G.

Le Cadeau du Cheval

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.

Happy 2020

The Year 2020

Clear vision

2019 was a full year, which included ups and downs.  Some little ripples, and some big ripples. 

I left one part-time job to then start a full time job.  

I then chose to put time into my book project, a dream to fulfill.

I’ve had experiences that made me realize how important it was to have time doing things to take care of myself.  One idea was to take time to be grounded and have a moment of peace with myself. 

Our lives can feel so busy.  We need to take time to be calm and still to rejuvenate.

I enjoy going for walks in the morning or evening… although  I go without headphones or music.  I do that so I can be in the present and notice nature around me on these walks. 

I also have taken the chance to participate in a Tai chi class on Thursday at my workplace.  The movements are slow and fluid.  The movements make me feel good.  They are calming.

I have loved horseback riding my whole life.  There’s a movement and flow of energy that goes between a rider and their horse, as they move together in rhythm.  

In times of change we can feel unbalanced or thrown off.  Thus a we need to find a balance, and to feel grounded.  Practicing techniques to ground oneself/body can empower one.

Years ago, I took riding lessons each week.  Over time my riding did improve.  

During one ride, I was told by my riding instructor to canter in a two point position, like a hunter rider.  I had done a two point position at walk and trot many times before. 

I asked for a canter.  I was just off position a little and sat back in the saddle.  My instructor said, “Again” confident I could do it.

I continued at a canter and adjusted my feet to the right place.  My horse looked back at me as if to say, “when you’re ready let me know.” I gathered a little mane in one of my hands, to fill a little security.  I felt, “I’m in position.”

Then we went. We galloped down the long side of the ring.  

I was steady as I ever was.  I was “Just right” in my position.  So much so that I felt empowered and strong.  Halfway down, I noted I’m still good, so I let go of the little piece of mane I had.  We continued on. As we got near the corner of the arena, with light hands and steadiness,  I asked my horse to adjust for the turn. We went smoothly through.  

It must have looked as good as it felt. 

My instructor and a student watching cheered me on.  “Go Lisa, Go!”  

It was so good.  

That steadfast feeling and strength made me feel like nothing to knock me over.  

I was truly steady amidst movement.  

Best, 

Lisa G.

Art  News

Le Cadeau du Cheval
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.