altered August

rejuvinated reclaimed art...
atc series with fabric,vintage linen

a page from an altered book

The weather has shifted..dry as a bone (what an expression!) outside..cool nights..faded sunlight..August is ending..a sniff of Autumn in the air.The chickens are content (or so it seems) in their larger protected enclosure-and I continue to cut and paste and paint..my newer works

art class high

It gives me a new kind of energy and perspective teaching,guiding kids to play with art..explore their creative side. My mission is not perfection or learning a particular skill set..but in achieving confidence and joy with the process..They always rise to the occasion..

my own private vegetable miracle

2 new additions to our feathered family..Petunia and FridaKahlo

In reading Barbara Kingsolver's new book "Animal,vegetable,Miracle" a theme resonates for me..The sheer excitement of tending to and observing my once lowly seeds grow into abundance..(a tasty foodsource which I usually pick randomly and without ceremony from my local grocery shelf.) Ok ..so this may not have anything to do without art..yet maybe it does..It inspires me and forces me to look at the simplicity and wonder of this miracle of nature in a whole new light. For the past few weeks (I did not plan too well re early plantings of potatoes,onions,lettuce..) I have enjoyed my own cilantro, lettuce -leaf and romaine, red new potatoes,and now tomatoes ,red cabbage and red onion..not just a pretty face in my garden anymore..they are giving back to me -all those @#$% humid days where I attempted to conquor weeds and mulch the soil so lovingly. Thank you ...

a true sanctuary

Visiting this little oassis confirmed my belief that there are indeed angels on earth..From cats to cows to roosters to sheep pigs and goats-the creatures at Tales by the Brook farm are all nurtured and revered..I am planning to fundraise with my art to help with their cause.

garden of chatsworth

My first attempt at bigger than a postage stamp vegetable garden has been a physically demanding (at times ) yet incredibly rewarding experience..Picking out red russet potatoes this morning..using a dash of cilantro in my chili ..and the lettuce, tomatoes look promising also..what started out as intimidating has become a little obsession..

happy birthday to me

I chose a nautical star because of the reference to life direction..I am at that midlife point where possibilities and choices still hover..
plus..I am a sucker for stars....
the morning was delightful outside our door
flowers still vibrant and jaunty
potatoes from my garden..yum!

I had the loveliest birthday on Friday..realizing I had pretty well everything I wanted..my family were sweet and attentive and my partner gave me a tattoo ..(well ..paid the tattoo as opposed to inking me personally)

home again

toronto

a moment of surreal pleasure ..aDjango inspired musical barkeep

monoliths

city hall art show..

After returning form the big smoke, (my former home and stomping grounds)-I realized my home is here in the soil of Grey County . The mystique, energy,business of the City contributed to a feeling of isolation and loneliness.. It is as if everyone (except for the guy sprawled on the sidewalk) is having a much better time of it -myself being on the outside of the fishbowl..The anonymity is not welcome anymore ..While living in my former community within Toronto there was a small town feel ..but to leave it was to hover over the abyss ..Walking around, exploring this on my own again brought back memories of the lack of identity one has in a larger metropolitan centre..Even as a youth I was sensitive to this ..but buffered myself with a close set of others..Seeing a couple of old friends was a comforting element of this weekend .Cultural diversity is a big plus..and yes-lacking in my new found home ..and to visit and breathe in the many nations is a tonic-. Yet ...I found it sweet to return to my peace..away from the cacophony of noise, smells and indifference.

cluck ckuck peep peep

a new fuzzy addition....

holiday inspiration

Having a two week respite from my other work makes me content and creative..It has been lovely to explore this property,pick weeds in the garden,plant,water and tend to the space in a loving kind of way. I have cylcled,walked,visited peolple that I had neglected and spent unlimited time with all of our creatures. Time is so precious..and as it slips by I try to drink in every moment.