2010 is almost here!

May your coming year be filled with :
• health
• joy
• adventure
• love
• creativity
• contentment
• friendship
• and peace!

Christmas Morning

house finch

We had a white Christmas this year. A winter storm rolled in yesterday and it snowed around 10 to 12 inches. After the presents were opened, I bundled up and took some photos of the birds in the backyard. This is one of my favorites. Hope you had a great day!

My wish for you...

My favorite holiday movie is White Christmas, which I watch almost every year.  It is on my to-do list.  One of the songs that Rosemary Clooney sings is Count your Blessings.   My wish for you is that you take time to count the blessings in your life.  I realize that everyone struggles with something.   So I know this will be more difficult for some than others.  Gratitude can be a gift to yourself.

Merry Christmas!

Cat

winter at the garden

I tend to be a fair weather photographer and when it turns cold, I focus more on my jewelry. But Kauffman Memorial Garden was calling me and I had to go for a visit. I know it really isn't winter until the 21st, but with temperatures in the teens, it sure feels like it.



The conservatory is beautifully decorated for Christmas. A family with small children were there all dressed up ready for photos. They were posing in front of the snowman that is made out of dried hydrangea.

My husband decided to stay inside and sketch Crazy the cat while I wandered outside. She was a very good model. She only rolled over a few times.


Crazy


bronze sculptures by Tom Corbin


rose hips

The garden was very quiet that morning. The only sounds were the birds having their breakfast on a crabtree. They weren't happy with me disturbing their meal. They would fly away and then quickly return for more fruit.

As a child, I would play outside as long as there was daylight. Visiting the garden brought back memories of that simpler time. I can't wait for my next visit.

30 years ago

It was December 14th, 1979. I was a senior in nursing school and had to repay a debt to my friend by going on a blind date that I wasn't looking forward to. My date had moved to Kansas City a few months earlier because of a job offer from Hallmark. My friend, Margo, had been trying to set us up for a month and I kept saying no. As it turned out, that was the evening that I met my future husband. We liked each other right away. We had a short engagement and were married in June of the next year.

Happy First Date Anniversary Warren!

Unique Giveaway

Mockingbird

The winner is Bella...congrats!
****************************

In an earlier posting, I wrote about an Etsy shop and blog called glazedOver and her first giveaway. This time, she is featuring my shop in her blog and you will have a chance to win this 5x7 Mockingbird print. The deadline for the drawing is midnight on December 13th. Thanks so much for this fun opportunity Jill! Click here, to link to her blog and learn how to enter.

The winner may substitute the Mockingbird photo with any listing in my shop! Good-luck :)

Creative Weekend

Last weekend my husband and I went to a few garden centers so I could try out my macro lens. Whenever we go out, he brings his sketch book and a small set of paints. Here are a few sketches that he did while I was shooting.



I had also asked him if he wanted to go with me to Lawrence, Kansas to check out an Art Fair. He isn't fond of crowds, but said yes anyway. I am totally aware of the gem I have in my spouse! While I was shopping, he stood back and did a few quick sketches of vendors. I love the Santa look-alike.



I had a wonderful time with my husband shopping, shooting, and wandering the streets of Lawrence.

My Birthday

Today is my birthday and the sun is shining in Kansas City. I haven't seen a movie in ages and I plan on going this afternoon, taking a walk, and doing absolutely no chores! My husband and daughters surprised me with beautiful flowers last night...so sneaky. I'm off to enjoy my day:)

Thanksgiving

Fall leaf

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I have a few quiet moments to actually think about the holiday. Usually when someone asks me what I am thankful for, I start out with "family and friends" and go from there. But this year, it's all about those relationships. My life is much richer because of them. And I am including my online friends from etsy and my blog. I am touched by the support I have received from you. It has only been a few years that I have been an artist, and I absolutely love the creative community. Thank you for your kindness and support over this last year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday Favorites

Nepal

This week, I am featuring my oldest daughter, Jen. She was lucky enough to travel the last few years. These are some of my favorite images that she captured on her adventures. She has a great eye for design.


Ton Sai, Thailand


New Zealand


India-I had to include this lawnmower. My husband wants one!

glazedOver contest

A few months back, I purchased the cutest little bowls from an etsy shop called glazedOver. I use them to hold some of my jewelry supplies. They are the perfect size for small items. I love the colors and function. After I bought them from Jill, I started following her blog. Just today, I saw that she is doing a giveaway contest. I wanted to share that info so you could enter. Here is a photo of the prize, her tiny tea bag bowls.



Click on the photo to link to her blog and learn more about the rules. Good-luck to all, but I hope I win:)

Getting ready for the holidays.

Mockingbird

December will be here before we know it. So, I've been working on Christmas cards, both for selling and sending. I love turning on holiday music when I make my list. While I fill out each card, I lift up a prayer of thanksgiving for that person or family, and ask for blessings to follow them throughout the next year. I cherish this tradition. What are some of your holiday traditions?


Glass Ornament

Friday Favorites

Pools of Amber

Karon has two shops on Etsy, Wild Woman Jewelry and The Garden Shed. We share a common interest in designing jewelry and photography. She is an amazing artist and a very sweet person. Click on the links to see more of her beautiful work.


wings


Little Black Dress


wish

Crazy made front page

This Etsy treasury was just on front page. The photo, cat nap, is of Crazy who lives at a local garden in town. I was trying out a new macro lens while she slept. She was a great model. The treasury was curated by Cocoa Beans. I've included a photo of her work below. Check out her shop by clicking the link. Thanks, Diana!


cocoabean bath scrubbies
by Cocoa Beans

Autumn

Autumn Leaves

I've been out enjoying the warm sun, birds chirping and a gentle breeze. I'm grabbing my book and heading out again. What a gorgeous day! Hope yours is just as wonderful. What did you do today?

Friday Favorites

These are a few of my favorite Etsy jewelry artists. I am drawn to sterling silver and I love what they have done with it. They are truly gifted. Check out their shops to see more of their works of art. Enjoy!


Aqua Ocean Blue Earrings
by kathiroussel


Keep Close Ring
by lisahopkins



Floral Littlebird
by modernbird

Colors of fall

autumn reflection

My goal this last weekend was to capture the autumn leaves before they fall. It always happens so quickly. The first two photos are from Shawnee Mission Park and we just had our first freeze. The grass was frozen and so was I! The last photo is from Atchison, Kansas, the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. As it so happens, the movie Amelia, starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere, opened this week. I can't wait to see it.


the park


fall sky

Annapolis Day 2

Ivy

Our 2nd day in Annapolis was sunny and warmer, so we did lots of walking. We worked off all the crab cakes that we ate! I love wandering the side streets looking at the houses and local architecture. We checked out many of the shops in the historic area. My favorites were the jewelry stores and art galleries...not surprising. McBride Gallery is one of the best my husband and I have ever seen. I'm partial to pastels and photography, while my husband is drawn to oil paintings and sculpture.


Morning in Annapolis


October Doorstep

We also visited the Naval Academy for the first time. My Dad served in the Navy, so it was an honor to look around. I've included a photo of him while he was stationed in South Korea. If you are ever in Annapolis, I highly recommend taking the time to see their campus.


Navy Chapel


My Dad Stan

Annapolis

Mast and Sails

Our first day in Annapolis was cold and cloudy. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, I was thrilled to be there. I've always loved the historic part of town. Here are a few shots from that day.


Annapolis Sunrise


Parish House


Steps

Maryland

Maryland Sunset

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Maryland after attending my nephew's wedding. Congrats to Chris and Angela! We wish you many years of joy and happiness. We had a wonderful time with family and friends. It was a gorgeous celebration.

Before flying home to Kansas City, we went to Annapolis for a few days. I'm still working on those photos and will post them soon.


Morning

In An Exhibit Together

My husband, Warren, and I are in an Art Show together. "Common Ground" is the first ever exhibit showcasing visual art education at Lawrence Arts Center. The nearly 400 entries range from student to professional level. Warren and I have each enjoyed taking classes there and were asked to participate in the show. Back in 2005, I asked Warren to enter another exhibit together, but he declined. I am so happy that he finally agreed. I hope there are more to come.




Mosaic in Water


Sunflower Surprise
by Warren Ludwig


The Plaza


Morning At The Bonfy Farm
by Warren Ludwig