Sunlit Sunday

Last night when I climbed into bed, it was still snowing. It'd been snowing on and off all day, sometimes with a little sleet mixed in, sometimes hard, sometimes gently, but it was definitely a grey, stormy day through and through. Though I was hoping for some clearing so that the full moon would shine and light up the night, that didn't happen... not until some time in the middle of the night.

This morning dawned cleared and cold... about 15 degrees when I got up at 7. What was the first thing I did, after dressing? Go outside in the ten-inch snow and try to get a few photos. So here you go...

Looking into the woods towards the lake...

Moore's Wall...

Our heavy-duty brake-rotor windchimes...

Amd just for a little artistic measure... a black and white...

Snow is a'falling

And somebody is very happy about it! Just look at that smile! Our grandpuppy Empi knows how to have a good time and enjoy the world around her.

Here is a photo of the sky on Thursday night. It was full of clouds and a pretty ring around the almost-full moon... according to the old wives, the sign of coming snow.

And come it did. It started last night around 8... small pinpoints of dry snow coming done in the moonlight. It covered the ground and was deepening by the time we turned out the lights around 11. This morning... there's about 8 inches on the ground and it has now turned into a wintry mix with snow and sleet. So it will be a good day to sit by the woodstove, enjoy a good book, maybe watch a movie, maybe play a game of Scrabble, eat popcorn and chocolate, and feel okay about not really doing anything at all. And oh yes... the chance to listen to the extreme quiet that always accompanies this kind of weather.

Fortunately, yesterday John split the oak that had been in the shed, so now our woodpile is larger and we're all set for the cold that we'll have for a few more days following this storm.

The front yard, looking towards Moore's Wall

Behind the house, up the hill... John's barn / knifemaking studio

And a few more photos of Empi checking everything out.


At 9:30, it's still a very dark morning. Tonight will be a full moon, and if the clouds have moved on by then, it should make for a very bright and magical night. Stay tuned!

Of Leaves and the Artist's Soul

As an artist, I am inspired by the colors of each season and as my husband remarked last fall, I am a "seasonal" painter. I tend to paint the colors of whatever season we are in. There are exceptions, of course... always exceptions to the rule... and sometimes no rules at all! I think this seasonal color palette of mine works its way into my jewelry as well. I don't typically pay attention to the Pantone colors for the upcoming season; instead I work with what I see around me, the colors of the earth and woods and sky in the current season. So here are a couple of new necklaces in the more subtle shades of winter... a little simpler than I usually do, but I kind of like them... what about you?

I'll be listing these on Etsy today.

The Soul of the Artist...



Whisper of Leaves...



Downtown Train...

Tuesday's Treasures from the Etsyveg Team!

This week's treasures feature members of the Etsyveg team... these are items that will be entered in the January challenge Fresh Start. The voting will start next week, and I'll post the link so if you're interested, you can go vote for your favorite. At the right is my entry for the challenge... a custom oil portrait.


Fresh as a Mango shea butter soap by karramandi

Fresh Green Tree 6 x 9 painting by KathleenMarieKelly

Branches in the Clouds ACEO by jenoconnell

Lunette earrings by artbysusmitha

Silver Heart necklace by Kakirra

First Plum print by silentlotus


Remember, if you're looking for a special piece of art for your home or office, or for a great gift for someone special, check out the shops on Etsy and especially the Etsyveg team shops!

Ah, the Joy of Curating!

Creating treasuries on Etsy is a very popular thing, and I must admit that I truly enjoy it. Finding a fabulous item that inspires you, or just using a color scheme or theme and then collecting other items to coordinate or help create a special feeling... well, it's just plain fun, and it's really its own art form. And it's a great way to showcase your favorite Etsy artists, teammates, friends, or sellers.

Here is the treasury that I posted last night. It features some of my favorite artists, friends, and teammates for Project Embrace.

And here are other treasuries in which I am currently featured.
Sunrise Watchers by Waterrose

Etsy for Autism by SandysCapeCodOrig

Ice Crystals by sisterstreasure

Once Upon a Time by SweetHeartStudio

Forever Spring by cyndiesmithdesigns

Newly Listed and Re-Listed

It seems I was going through a pink phase for a while... it's not a color I wear often, but I've been using it in my paintings and in my jewelry a lot lately. Perhaps it was my need to overcome the winter doldrums and get ready for spring.

This week, however, I listed things not in the pink realm. Here's a taste... visit the shop for details and other listings.

Summer Garden...

Song of the Sea...

Appalachian Spring...

Woodsong...

Rising Moon...

Tuesday's Treasures: For the Love of Dogs

We have been dealing with our sweet hound dog Bruschi and his seizures for about 15 months now. On Friday we had a very bad morning with six seizures between 5:15 and 7:30 am. These, of course, wore him out, but us as well. He wasn't able to get up on his feet for another three hours, and even then he was quite wobbly and had lost the ability to see, or at least the ability to process what he was seeing. He spent Friday afternoon through yesterday evening at the vet where she could monitor him while increasing his meds. He had a relaxed evening last night here at home, though it seems he is having to reacquaint himself with his surroundings and the routine. This morning he is resting comfortably on his dog bed, not far from the woodstove.

Since my focus of late has been on our sweet dog and the love and trust found in the bond between human and dog, this week's Tuesday's Treasures focuses on canines. As usual, you can click on the link to go directly to these Etsy shops. Hope you enjoy!

Black Lab and Angel Watercolor by watercolorqueen....

A very cool sculpture by Middleburg...

Retro modern print "Be Good While I'm Away" by kerrybeary...

One in a series of Shelter Dogs photographs by susansabophotography...

And finally, another cool sculpture, "Spirit Dog" by Kuzniart...

Until next week, hug your dog, cat, spouse, or friend often... and remember to buy handmade, shop Etsy!

New Camera... New Photos

I just got a new camera to replace the very old point and shoot Olympus that I've had for years. My boys had a good chuckle over the age of that camera, and its limited capabilities and megapixels, during the Christmas holiday. So I decided that yes, indeed, it was time to replace it. Now there is a Nikon in the house; though still a point and shoot, it's much more advanced than what I had. And there's much to learn about it. Fortunately I don't need to know about making movies or voice recordings; I only need to photograph my art, and perhaps on occasion some other fun things.

So here are some new photos of jewelry which I took today, in our milder upper 50 temps, for which I am so very grateful.

Botswana Agate Goddess...

Song of the Sea in the Etsy shop...

Spring Romance in the Etsy shop...

Morning Sun... lampwork glass, pearl and crystal pendant on sterling silver chain

Downtown Train... lampwork glass and crystals necklace and earring set

Stay tuned... these and more will be listed in the coming days in my Etsy shop.