Characters

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My younger daughter and I enjoy being out in nature and bird watching.

Bird watching opened us up to learning to identify birds, as well as learning more about each bird that we saw.

We would note how they moved and acted in their surroundings.  

How they moved and acted got my daughter and I thinking about them as characters. 

I thought about Warner Bros and Disney characters.

Here are some characters I found myself identifying with the live birds and animals.

Daffy Duck: American Black Duck
Donald Duck: White Pekin Duck
Woody Woodpecker: Pileated Woodpecker

Thumper: Cotton Tail Rabbit
Bugs Bunny: Hare

Tasmanian Devil: same as name
Wily Coyote: Coyote

The list could be easily lengthened with other characters/ live wildlife.

Grateful to you all that read my newsletter.  

Please Feel free to pass this on to someone you know that would enjoy reading this too.

Best,
Lisa G.

PS: sketches of Kenji Bunny below.

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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.

Gems

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After a long hot day, the evenings are relaxing and cool.
I sit outside.
A light breeze blows through the trees.
I tilt back my head against the back of the chair.
Chimney swifts fly high above the trees, zig zagging like acrobats as they chase after
flying insects.
A humming bird comes by to sip the sugar water I put out in the humming bird
feeder. It’s a beautiful green. His wings are a blur as he hovers and sips.
These are simple moments to enjoy.
Best,
LG
P.S. My newest scratch board is below.

“Chimney Swifts above the Tress” mixed medium

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.

Greener New Shoots

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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.

Coming Forth

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It’s amazing to note and see the transformations that happen in nature.
Just last week I noticed some green leaves of Daffodils pushing up through the soil.
I was happy to see them.
Then just today I noticed some stems with buds had come up.
Slowly but surely, The flowers make their way up to the surface and eventually
bloom.
It’s inspiring.
The Jewish holiday of Passover is coming up.
Our Reform Temple will be holding a Women’s Seder.
The Seder focuses on Women and how women are leaders.
The Jews left Egypt for freedom from bondage.
They then had to travel across the dessert to a promised land. To keep them moving
forward and onward, Miriam led with inspiring music and song.
Below is the logo I made for this event.
Best,
LG

Women’s Seder Logo

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@dixon.com/) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

What kind of year will 2023 be?

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Well,

In astro-numerology 2023 is a 7 year.

    ” 7 emphasizes introspection, emotion, analysis, intuition, reflection, seclusion, research, and FAITH. This is meant to be a quieter, “inner” year in which you can learn the answers to your most burning and often avoided questions.”

The Chinese yearly zodiacs are interesting, too.

2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit.

The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Some thoughts to take into the new year.

Best,

LG

Our Kenji Bunny

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

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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.

We can Thrive

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This summer I’ve been happy to see two hummingbirds around our yard.
I feel amazed each time I see them.
They are territorial.
The one that has been at this summer location for a time defends his territory.
When the second one comes over he gets chased away.
I wonder. The second probably gets some sips in at the feeder when first one is off
somewhere else.
But when spotted, there is a chase and race that ensues.
The dances in life are there. The struggles are real.
Yet we can thrive.
Best,
LG
PS: Below is a sketch from a trip to the beach in the evening.

“Moon over Beach” Pen and Ink sketch

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.


Something to See

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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.

Big Wide Mouth Frog

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Happy Spring


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.

Presence of Love

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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.