NO SNOW DAY!

The so-called monster snowstorm, "Snowquester" was a big bust here on the shore. Lots of wind. Lots and lots of rain that we didn't really need. No snow. That was most probably the last chance this year to use my new camera in the snow. Bah!!! No hot chocolate was drunk. No dogs and horses frolicked. No one had a snow day. Just as soon as I find her email address, Mother Nature will be getting a pretty sternly worded letter from me. If anyone needs mud, let me know. We have extra.

I have been painting and stitching like a fiend. Got to thinking about my Flora Bowley paintings from last winter's class. I enjoyed it very much, but never actually finished any of the canvasses. Wondered if I might be intimidated by the size of them, so thought I'd have a go at applying similar techniques on a much smaller surface. Painted this, last weekend. 

That was so much fun, I bought a few more canvasses. I've had a wonderful time splashing paint around and now have 5 more backgrounds without a single good idea for a subject. Ah well, when this happens, I switch to fabric. Painted all morning and made this in the afternoon. Had something I needed to get off my chest. Won't bore you with the details. It's a "show" without the "tell" sort of thing.

They say this weekend will be lovely. Not that I have a lot of faith in what "they" say, after yesterday. I suppose I've no choice but to set my sights on spring. So spring it is, prepare to be bored silly with shoots and buds and bunnies, etc...XO.

INTO THE WOODS: FINDING INSPIRATION IN NATURE

Encouraged by Flora Bowley to seek inspiration for intuitive painting, in nature, I want to share a place that is special to me. Nature and I are already pretty good old friends. Most days I'm up to my ankles in the stuff. That's not the same as sitting in quiet observation with a sketchbook or camera. When I need that, I walk down to the river or into the woods.
Let's go into the woods.
Walk this way...

A friend said, it was like having our own little park, so Mr. C. brought home this bench.  

A throw, a pillow, sketchbook, a Kindle, and some tea. Perfect!

I can't wait for you to see it in summer! Do you have a favorite place of inspiration?

SEEING RED: PHOTO COLLAGE

I am seeing red. Later today, I may see blue, or round, or square. Grab your camera and give yourself a few minutes to "notice" what is surrounding you. I was surprised to see how much the color red has crept into my life. You should try it. You might be surprised to learn what is creeping up on you. Thanks to the e-course, Bloom-True, with Flora Bowley for opening my eyes.

Now I need to go out to the barn and "notice" the manure. Hope your day is eye-opening!

Wrapping It Up!

Whew! Here's a peek at what went on here at BarnBug this week!
On Monday, I went to the auction that I told you about here . Did I buy one single thing pictured? Not one. I did buy, this wonderful old, oak-framed set of whimsical hunt scenes...

Sat at that auction until 12:10am waiting for those darned ledgers to come up, before giving up and coming home. Trust me, that is waaaaay past my bedtime on a weeknight. 
Tuesday, of course, was Valentine's Day. Also the Fly Tribe's, Love of Art blog party. Check it out here.

Nothing's more romantic than a single red rose.

Had a lovely dinner with my Valentine at Mason's in Easton. Lots of happy memories in that restaurant. Especially, when the kids were young, and it was just the one poky little house! The meal was excellent, and then for dessert...

Chocolate Toffee Bread Pudding With Chocolate/Jack Daniels  Ice Cream!

That's not the best picture, but you can't really ask the restaurant staff to re-arrange their lighting for the sake of your blog. (Or can you? I'll have to think about that when I have some time).
On to Wednesday, and Abby's wonky tooth. Had the equine dentist out and discovered Abby did indeed have a cracked tooth. Fair warning these pictures won't be as appetizing as that last one. We sedated her...

You're getting sleepy, very sleepy....

The instruments of torture...

Open wide...

Our super equine dentist, Lyndsey Adams!

The horse's mouth...

Inside Abby!

Which brings us to Thursday. A day to run errands. Stopped at the Amish market for blue cheese and walnuts. Going to try and replicate the amazing endive salad that I had at Mason's on Tuesday. Also, caught up on my painting course, Bloom True with Flora Bowley. Here's a peek at one of my paintings. Keep in mind, this is only the 4th of many layers! I am trusting the process and just enjoying each step without thinking where it's going. Very freeing, actually!

And now, it's Friday! I've already cleaned the barn, had the vet out for spring shots, taken pictures for this blog post, and now I'm off on a Secret Mission. I'll just say that a certain Mister has a birthday coming up next week!
Oh! Oh! Oh! I forgot to tell you that last night, we booked flights for a trip to (insert drumroll!) LONDON!!!
So, that's my week. Glad it's Friday. Not quite sure what we're doing this evening, but I sure hope it involves a little red wine!
Have a great weekend and please, trust the process!

Art and Soup

Noted psychologist, Abraham Maslow, said, "A first rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting."
Not wanting to take any chances, I've done a bit of both...

Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo

The first layer of my Flora Bowley painting.

And because I can never choose between sewing and painting... a bit of "bitchy stitching."

Crappity crap! I see I've left the "d" off of use. Tomorrow's first project!

Hope your Tuesday was creative and nourishing!

Sunday: Oh, My Aching Back!

I won't bore you with TMI, but I had a couple of back surgeries about 10 years ago, and most of the time it's pretty good, but every once in a while I have an "issue."  This time, the trouble started helping our yellow lab, Lily, up the back steps. This old girl, tried to give that old girl a boost, and now I'm creeping around, unable to put my own socks on. 

That was Thursday, and fortunately I've had the excellent, Mr. C. waiting on me and tending the horses. Nigel has also stepped up, and is keeping me company on the sofa.

I've had to make myself content with doodling...

And reading...finished "Believing the Lie" by Elizabeth George. Loved it! I'm a huge fan of Inspector Lynley. You may have seen him on Masterpiece Mystery.

And finally, I did just enough puttering around to gather supplies, because tomorrow, come hell or high-water, I am starting "Bloom True: the e-course with Flora Bowley." 

Hope you all had a great week-end, and remembered to "lift with your knees."