Cluttered Mind

 My head thoughts often weigh me down. I think too much about people and places from my past. I stay concerned about issues and problems of our world today. Caring thoughts about individuals I know and love dart in and out of my brain. Sometimes I have to pause and clear my head. And that's when reading a book or painting or art journaling come in handy. Prayer and Bible reading also help.

It seems I often turn to painting angels when I'm in the mood to do art.

This month's activities included Corkey's class reunion, a visit to Campbell Clinic to set up an appointment for Cork's carpel tunnel procedure, and a 15th birthday for grandson Nicolas. 

We never thought old age would come so fast. We remember when we were fifteen, and high school was a major part of our lives. Nicolas is now in that stage of life.

Seasons come and go...

               and changes follow. 

Hello February

 Since February is such a short month, I thought I'd better post before it gets away. The news this week has been all about the weather. 

Inside is where I have stayed. Too cold, too icy for me.

So with all this time indoors I have been reading and creating art.

 

Joys

 This little one is at the top of the list. Justin's mom shared this picture on Facebook with this caption - "She left this hat on about 2 seconds!" I haven't seen Tallulah since Christmas. Toward the first of January Lauren, Justin, and Tallulah were all feeling sick. Thankfully they are better. Soon I must pay this bundle of JOY a visit.

Corkey and I are together. That's a real big JOY. We are aware that change will come, but find it hard to even think about being apart.

Painting is certainly a JOY. This art set is a Dirty Santa gift I was able to snag in December, thanks to a big hint from my grandson Nick. 

My first painting of the new year was this country church.

And today's special JOY was a surprise visit from friends Mary and Sam. We talked,  laughed, and shared a wonderful afternoon. About two years ago Mary had liked one of my angel paintings. I taped a note to it, and today Mary carried it home. 

A friendship like ours is such a JOY. We share a treasury of memories...some silly, some serious, but all are priceless. 

January Vibes

 

I love these late afternoon sky colors viewed from my own backyard.

The cold weather makes me wistful for summer.

I've been trying to move things around inside the house. I guess it amounts to wanting to look at something different.

A couple of things on the mantel are new...sort of. I bought the old brick mold,

and the two other wooden pieces were gifts from my brother's friend Leslie. Her ex-husband has made many lovely wood objects.

  

Deciding to keep this simple nativity out year round, it ended up on the top of the piano.

The angel canvas came out of my bedroom closet. It was one of the first angels I ever painted and maybe my favorite.

These tiny red leather books were displayed at Christmastime, and I've decided to leave them out for a while. They came from my dad's parents' home. I had many more of the Little Blue Books from my grandmother Crum and regret selling groups of them at the booth, especially the poetry ones.

Oh well, I have too much stuff anyway. Two trunks finally went home with son Ryan this week. He will have the "fun" part of deciding what to discard and what to keep from all the toys, books, school papers, yearbooks, etc.

Now I need to keep working on reducing my own personal items.

Easier said than done!

My Place of Escape

 It's only a few steps away from the main house, but it takes me to a place of peace, a creative environment, my own getaway.

 To my most recent angel I added a light dusting of fine white glitter to the upper part of the wings. You would have to see it in person to notice the glitter. 

I have filled three art notebooks and am working on a fourth. Once in a while I am pleased with a page.

And I have this notebook to keep memories of art pieces and the persons who liked them.

The idea for this picture came from another artist. I painted over my first attempt. My husband couldn't believe I had done that since he had really liked it. So I painted the girl again and decided to leave it.

Snowy Days

 The snow is melting. Such a lovely sight, but I'm glad the weather event is over.

During the snowy days inside I turned to art.

So glad a technician came and checked our computer service. After changing out the modem it's working much better. I admit I missed Facebook and Instagram.

So happy with this week's forecast of milder and warmer days. 

Merry Little Christmas Decorations

 Love this time of year! 

The top of the refrigerator usually has bowls and jars of cookie cutters but a few extras were added for this time of the year. 

  This grouping is on the guest bedroom desk.

The wood house is my latest little "treasure" find at Abandoned Antiques. 

Sweet little houses are hard to resist. 

This one hangs on the tree.

my latest angel painting

It was inspired because of news about the December 21st Christmas Star.

This bucket stores old magazines near my comfortable chair.

December issues are kept for all their lovely ideas.

Vintage ornaments in antique dough bowl are found on the dining table.

one of three golden angel ornaments

This one made with gold cord, Elmer's glue, and food coloring is now several decades old. I think I had more crafting patience back then.

I like to look for unique ornaments year round.

And what fun to show them off at Christmas!