humbug

There is something bittersweet about Christmas memories..my early childhood memories were grand..magical.Now ..I am in a rush to get it all over with . the anticipation ..the nativity story..the umpteenth viewing of a Christmas Carol..the turkey dinner..the christmas morning surprise..the straining to hear gentle reindeer hooves on roof
This year I subscribed minimally to the event.I am typically not a callous or cool person..and have a great deal of the sentimental in me-which is precisely why I don't like Christmas anymore.It has lost it's spiritual magic..it's glow. I feel it is manufactured and contained in a shiny box and  Ino longer wish to contribute to it's shallow expectations. I enjoyed having my daughter home ..and relaxing together on the coach ..eating ,munching on special goodies through the day. my partner Stephen made a yummy dinner of bar bqued salmon..yet...
but I sensed a gap..and for me it had something to do with spiritual void..Working with people who are alone,impoverished,disenfranchised,unwell--it's kind of hard to go home and be cheery..there was a time I could make that divide-but not now.

sometimes it's the little things that bring joy

Tis the Season..

to be contemplative,frugal,thoughtful..

 simple things offer joy like  a 2 dollar glass pitcher..

 or my wonderful hand blown glass globe..from local glassmaker Kate Civero

 my snowy backyard view

 an Amish schoolhouse on way to work

my sunny winter drive early morning

Alas something I am aiming for

November meanderings

 A few new art pieces

 She sold at a local art show...

 A view on my drive home from work

 Frost is creeping in here and there..but it's been unseasonably mild this November

is it really over?..summer..sigh

 It's hard to fathom that July and August have slipped by.and now almost September..it never fails to amaze me that September heralds a colorful display of flowers and grasses even before the leaves light up in Autumn..The chickens,goats,pots and cats are taking in all of the outdoors they can muster before frosty days ahead confine them..Similarly i try to breathe in all I can..I am a reluctant gardener.. appreciating perennials yet tired of pulling weeds and edging..let Ma nature fill in her own gaps..it's still glorious!

September

 Eddie is an irresistable subject..

 a block or two from home..

 sunrise...

 Suphur Springs park.a gem of a conservation area-and better still ..a walk in the midst of my work day..

  a new little painting..trying to loosen up a bit

original collage

currently available in my etsy store..http://www.etsy.com/shop/MaudStarr?ref=pr_shop_more

August is fresh air..natural meanderings

 Eddie transfixed with the outside world..

the days are getting a little shorter so I have to maximize my outdoor time with the brood! :-)

a sign  on my way to work..:-)