The Big “Ball-Drop”: A Key to Artful Living

When the ball dropped in Times Square, ushering in the New Year, I had a brief moment of clarity. It then proceeded to leave the forefront of my mind until now, as I stand fully rooted into 2014 and finding I am unable to juggle all the balls in my life. There are so many! … Continue reading The Big “Ball-Drop”: A Key to Artful Living

*Magic*

Narnia My Backyard. Watercolor. 9"x12" As the world outside my windows begins, ever so slowly, to be veiled in white, a sense of anticipation and longing fills the hours. Everyday tasks take on a not-so-everyday glow. A trip to the grocery store becomes an adventure. Laundry becomes lighthearted. Cooking simmers with unprecedented warmth...chili, cornbread, rice … Continue reading *Magic*

Nurture Your Creative Spark

So. After writing the last post about my papier mache birds with shawls, I had an image in my head to work out on paper. It started with writing that bit about having a tendency to make lots of smaller projects when life goes on full tilt.  I looked back at last year around this … Continue reading Nurture Your Creative Spark

My 18″ Doll Crochet Designs

If Genevieve was an 18" doll (how fun would THAT be?), she would probably wear a couple of cool crocheted outfits when she isn't wearing her blue polka-dotted dress! You may not know about this, but I have two crochet design patterns for 18" Dolls that are available through Maggie's Crochet!  This one (pictured above … Continue reading My 18″ Doll Crochet Designs

An Active Rest

<end of Silver Dapple Lane, watercolor with Sheaffer Calligraphy Pen & Bic Pen> I love walking in Winter. The cold air in my lungs. The sense of no walls around me. The experience of whatever weather is going on--rain, snow, sun, cold. I like being out in it. I feel free, unbounded, unlimited. A good … Continue reading An Active Rest

Thoughts on this Gray Dreary Day

Sun of Yore   I woke and sunshine filled the room Though dark, memories of sun pervaded the gloom For yesterday, the world was bright Warm rays danced on all in sight.   Yet as I stepped outside my door A tinkling sound heard too often before Ushered in the gray of winter days Snuffing … Continue reading Thoughts on this Gray Dreary Day

Packing Christmas

Before we packed away our Christmas tree and decorations yesterday, I wanted to make a drawing of our creche. It was lovely to sit and slowly follow the contours of this little nativity scene we've had for over twenty years. I bought it from a Piece Goods store we had in Winston-Salem, the next-door town … Continue reading Packing Christmas

Macy’s Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, except Macy the Mouse. She stuffed all the stockings with things she had made— Lovely gifts for her friends, yet few pennies she paid. When out of the window a rosy glow revealed, Not a sleigh, but a manger and … Continue reading Macy’s Christmas

Today’s Gold

I watched as the dark lines of trees against a subtly colored sky whirred past. From my vantage point in the way back of our van, there was nothing else for me to do. An hour's drive with a car full, I have opted for this seat to allow longer legs more room. It is … Continue reading Today’s Gold

Mining for Gold: A Key to Artful Living

Some days can feel heavy, darker than others. The weight of responsibilities is such that you'd rather not have to walk through them. These types of days can come round every so often, or stay for a season. Even at the holidays, we can experience these weighty days ... perhaps even because of the holidays! … Continue reading Mining for Gold: A Key to Artful Living