my fiddlestix

Resolution

2012-01-24T10:15:00.003-05:00

RESOLUTION

My first submission to the MCP Project 12 photography site

http://mcpactions.com/blog/2012/01/01mcp-project-12

The January subject is resolution and I struggled, first with the concept and second with my new camera. The town dock in January proved inspiring, the docks had been pulled for the icy winter and the barnacles caught my eye, they are certainly determined to hang on - resolute!

Binkie Thingies

2012-01-23T16:19:00.003-05:00

Just a random page, as the urge strikes me. I simply can't get motivated or inspired. A long dry spell and the funny thing is I miss drawing and painting. And I miss you all!

January Blahs Already

2012-01-13T15:18:00.002-05:00

Finally a sketch page submitted, I have been out of sorts, insanely busy and under the weather - and this page is as blah as I feel presently. Lots of worry in the house, and lots of illness, and rain - Yuck - I need a fresh blanket of snow to feel renewed. And it is only January 13th! I do hope to keep more regular sketch work coming. If anyone is interested in following my 366 instagram challenge it is posted on my facebook page, it will not post automatically here. I have kept up to date so far :-) FB sandra sellers rice or my instagram name sandyleeisme

Vodka Works!

2012-01-06T14:42:00.002-05:00

#6/366 Yep it Works!! Look at these sturdy straight paperwhites. In past years my blooms have grown tall and fallen completely over - very unsightly. This year I tried the trick of adding hard liquor to their water - and yep, they grew straight and tall and proud - no falling down drunks here ;-) and the scent, beautiful !!

Really?? 5/366

2012-01-05T15:49:00.003-05:00

My banana revealed a surprising sticker, not the usual Chiquita - Alvin, complete with a special scan box - Really?? Day 5 of 366 instagrams

Potato Candy

2012-01-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

Day 4/366 Needhams, home made by my MIL in Maine. Only Maine could devise a candy made from potatoes - so delicious and sooo fattening (or wait, is it a vegetable??)

C-O-L-D

2012-01-04T09:40:00.003-05:00

Instagram #3 /366 First COLD day of the winter, 0 or below with wind - Quite rude after all those 40+ days we have been enjoying. So the first fire of the season too, sure wish some snow would fall.

Gus, day 2 of 366

2012-01-04T09:30:00.002-05:00

Gus (Angus) is getting big, still in the digging, chewing stage (notice very dirty nose) but he is trying to be a good boy - along with his twin brother Otis. He is happy to represent day 2 in my instagram challenge.

Hello 2012

2011-12-31T22:33:00.004-05:00

For the new year I am started an instagram challenge, 366 daily posts for the year (365+1 for this leap year) My goal is for each instagram to represent a snippet of my day - good, bad, ugly. A picture is worth a thousand words - so this is my autobiography for 2012.

Christmas refections

2011-12-20T13:40:00.005-05:00

A moment of play, photographing my refection in an ornament. There seems little time for Play Alas, I am once again so stressed and tired from holiday prep. I ask - How to Simplify?? It's "all my fault" my husband says, "I do too much". But I have bought less, decorated less, planned early but still have no time for anything fun. This is Not the Reason for the Season!! I am knee deep in wrapping now, having put it all off till now - I spent all last week baking - which is a waste of time really. I should wrap presets as I buy them (as I used to do) putting it off is a big mistake. With 10 grands, YES I go overboard. I need Christmas therapy - Maybe a whoopie pie will help? They were a gift! Oh yeah, the holiday weight gain does not help me either.

Christmas doodles 2011

2011-12-15T09:22:00.004-05:00

It's been so busy I have had little time to do much creatively, except decorate, bake and shop (a very creative sport in my book). Time is fleeting as usual. Last night I just sat and decided to doodle what is left to complete. It made for a festive page once I added the sting of lights and somehow made it all look more "doable". Hope all are enjoying their holiday time and relaxing more than I. ( If so, please let me know your secret!!)

Turkey Day 2011

2011-11-30T16:27:00.004-05:00

Quite a memorable Thanksgiving, 22 for dinner but that is not unusual at all. A good foot of snow - yes unusual of late. Babies doing the dangest things, and a killer sunset to name a few.

The mountains of Maine appeared ablaze - it was a long, stunning sunset.

Horse play

2011-11-11T14:55:00.005-05:00

It all starts here - girls and horses, it is a match made in heaven I believe. For me, it actually started with a wooden hobby horse - remember those? Mine never left my side as a child. Things blossomed from there. And apparently the genes have passed on - to my daughter ( who progressed to the big time jumpers) and to my little granddaughter - Love, equine style.

Alyssa on Big strapping Bruno.

Adios Alfred

2011-11-11T13:41:00.003-05:00

It's been a Long 12 Days without power/water/heat for thousands in Connecticut since Alfred hit (a Nor'easter that dropped deep wet snow in late October) 870,000 without power at first count in our state alone. A long slow recovery in frigid temperatures. Luckily, we were spared- the shoreline was protected by the relatively warm ocean waters (only received 5" of heavy wet snow!!) The news finally reported All Power had been Restored Finally! As I left work, I noticed the golden glow of the Full Beaver Moon, in soft lavender twilight - through the power lines. We do love our power!

Alfred Effect

2011-11-07T16:10:00.004-05:00

Alfred came a'callin - heavy wet snow 3 days before Halloween, Almost a million without power in Connecticut - MAJOR tree damage, especially in the north part of the state. Today, 9 days after the storm thousands still have no power in these sub zero temperatures (at night) The year of record breakers continues.

There was no fall here in Southern New England, we jumped right into winter. Even this sky looks cold and omnious. Wonder what will come our way next?

Success

2011-11-01T10:08:00.003-04:00

My Monster Mummy cupcakes were not as easy as I thought but they are done ready for my little monsters (sorry Lady Gaga)

This 'female' mummy came out fairly well, of course it was one of the last ones I made. Decorations out, food ready, candy ready- bring on the ghosts and goblins.

Here they are, almost all looking at the camera - ready to hoot, holler and forage for candy. Can you spot the three sets of twins? Still makes my head spin!

A good time was had by all! I think I survived...

Halloween with a Hiccup

2011-10-31T15:39:00.003-04:00

I had Halloween plans - Big plans, to clean, cook, decorate inside and out until a huge hiccup hit. The mini chocolate cup cakes were baked and ready to decorate (and ready for their closeup Mr. DeMill)

The camera was fired up and set on Aperture mode (trying for Bokeh) and yes, I got it !! - then just as things were progressing well.....

The big Nor'easter Snot storm of 2011 hit - Wet, hideous slop that bent trees, broke limbs, took down power lines and wreaked havoc all over the north east. Needless to say it has stalled my plans. I hope to finish (or start) decorating today and finish the cupcakes and post more tomorrow. Our festivities we will not be stopped! Wish me luck ('they' say it may take a week to restore power to all - freezing temps - not fun!)

Where Have I BEEN?

2011-10-27T10:43:00.008-04:00

I have been AWOL - I know . Of course it is presumptuous to think anyone misses my posts. But, hey if you are here maybe you did miss me a little ? Life gets hectic at times, there has been some traveling with my husband, and the usual work, and house work and chores etc. But - - I have found a new lover (gasp!) For my birthday I got a new 'big girl' Nikon digital camera and it was love at first click. The combination of 10 adorable grandkids, 2 new puppies and the New England fall foliage brought to my attention how miserable my little point and shoot camera is. And my sketching needed a break, I felt a little burned out and a break can re-juice the battery. So a month has flown by. So between reading several books on Real Photography and finally trying to understand my Photoshop Elements beyond the 'quick fix' panel - I did a sketch. Just a little black and white - of my new lens ( wide angle) so I can take some goulish picture of the little gobblins coming soon. My blog is going to morph into a more eclectic montage, some photos (surprise surprise), some life updates and yes still sketching. I want to diverse and experiment and enjoy it all more. Hey I may throw in some recipes I love! Hope you will continue to come visit and comment and join in my fun. Thanks to all who have and hopefully will! Sandy (myfiddlestix)

Griffin's view of Paris

2011-10-02T07:52:00.001-04:00

Griffin's view of Paris, originally uploaded by My Fiddlestix.

My Imaginary trip to Paris continues, and the view from atop Notre Dame is manifique !
40 min sketch (time limits set). Now i'll add my text. Great class to get journal entries down quickly.

Everyday Paris

2011-09-30T15:38:00.003-04:00

Another page from my Imaginary Trip to Paris with Laure Ferlita. Enjoying the sights, food and museums. Sure wish I was there!

Wandering Paris

2011-09-23T10:20:00.004-04:00

My Imaginary Trip to Paris continues. Lots of fun and laughs with a great bunch of artists and Laure Ferlita (our host). This week we are touring Versailles, and WOW! The assignment was to pick a scene and do a time sketch (the time up to us). I am striving to learn fast sketch techniques and I am happy to say I am!! I allowed 10 minutes for a quick pen only sketch of the framework and scribbles of the art within of this CEILING view (yes the ceiling is jaw dropping gorgeous). 10 minutes for paint concentrating on VALUES. then 10 or so for text 'back at our hotel'. Sorry my text scanned so faintly - need to up my pen sizes. There are more pages to post, as soon as I have time ;)

Imaginary Trip to Paris - Crypt

2011-09-08T16:11:00.003-04:00

Laure Ferlita hosts Imaginary trips to wonderful places (imaginarytrips.com) and a troupe of fabulous journal sketchers have just arrived in Paris, myself included. I highly recommend the course for its fun, creative atmosphere with new learning curves around every corner.

Here is my first post from a highly unlikely location: Pere lachaise Cemetery (timed - only 35 minutes allotted) -

I love Paris and my last visit I was a newbie journaler, this trip I am raring to go (and prepare for my Paris trip next spring!)

IRENE - day 6

2011-09-02T10:04:00.003-04:00

Sloppy mish/mash page as I strive to record some of what surrounds me from Irene remnants. the direct shoreline is so much worse with major devastation than we are. Power companies are struggling to get schools open (already eating up "snow" days). finally there are some gas stations open and a few restaurants and the grocery store. Thee are water refill stations and pot luck suppers here and there, many Good Neighbors. We are lucky Irene was only a TS at time of impact but enough is enough. AND rain and humidity are coming for the holiday weekend - Yipee!

Everyday Objects - Last

2011-09-01T11:29:00.004-04:00

Day 5 and still no power, at least enough trees are removed that we can navigate the town pretty well (to search for gas, ice, food ;-) Work has power and it is good to be in a normal environment for a time each day. It does appears the main route through town (Rte 1) is getting power gradually so we see hope. We are better off than many with a generator and enough food and a well that Will flush our toilets. But this is getting Old. I need more wine!

Irene Part 1

2011-08-30T15:22:00.002-04:00

Quite a stint - 3 days down and Many to go. This afternoon I managed to get to my office (long backtracking route to find clear roads) and Miraculously it has power And internet! Miracle - well it is inland from home. We are all fine, I managed one spread which sums up our Irene weekend - except I did not mention the Huge tree that decided to fall on our neighbor's house instead of ours YIKES. We still have a long haul to get power and get any sense of normal tho - Thanks so much for all the well wishes, and I hope other's fared well too!

Color Play

2011-08-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Well by now we are knee deep in Irene - Living along the coast of CT is lovely - until such events occur. I am posting this Friday - to publish on Sunday - just so I can Feel Connected, but most assuredly I won't be. Hopefully I will be calmly playing in my sketchbook by flash light sipping a glass of wine ;-) God Bless all in her pathway.

Everyday Objects #5

2011-08-26T09:56:00.002-04:00

Yep, a beating on the way - sure wish it was gonna be whipped cream. Everyday Objects #5 continues . . .

Everyday Objects #4

2011-08-22T10:25:00.005-04:00

Another snippet of my home/life. I have long been drawn to old New England artwork, grave stone rubbings and such. Something haunting and enticing about those faces and script. Well years and years ago I bought these bookends (resin) molded and finished to replicate old gravestones. They hold my books well - They have a few more dings and blemishes but overall this captures them well. I never noticed how stressed the woman appears?? Guess I can understand that!

2011-08-19T16:06:00.002-04:00

My third in the everyday ojects series for August. So far they have all been metal .

Everyday Objects #2

2011-08-18T09:48:00.002-04:00

Every since I saw a Danny G post of a salt and pepper shaker, I consider drawing every set I see. Still fun to do, and definitely everyday. (ps - that's rice in with the salt to stop clumping)

Everyday Objects #1

2011-08-17T15:48:00.004-04:00

My first entry for Jane LaFazio's August sketchbook challenge

Everyday Objects. I am late to join so I better get going. Check it out at

sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/

Full Sturgeon Moon

2011-08-16T09:20:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, we were at the marina to check the boat and go to dinner. It was about 8 pm as we left and still twilight - and although storm clouds were moving in, the moon shone brightly above the harbor. A beautiful sight and I knew it would become a sketch. I finished it last night and just before going to bed I added the text using my new Lami Joy calligraphy pen - oops, did not realize I had loaded blue ink - and stupidly I just dove into the text. Certainly not what the page needed, I need to slow down and not hurry as I often do when I think I am late. Oh well live and learn -maybe.

On Songo

2011-08-12T14:41:00.003-04:00

A quick sketch of a lovely little ground cover I found in Maine, Pretty much actual size here. Each stem appeared to be independent of the others which covered the soft wooded ground. Reminded me of holly. No idea what it is. The scene is our view of the huge pond, then my ramblings on the day. I never know how to finish such a page to give it a homogeneous look.

Hearts from Maine

2011-08-05T11:55:00.002-04:00

I can hear the song now!

2011-07-28T10:45:00.002-04:00

New England is pretty far from Mexico - but there are lots of Mexican restaurants and I frequently crave the cuisine . I also have found I love Patron Silver Margaritas (using fresh lime juice!) I am pretty fair colored , but I swear there must be some "south of the border" blood in me.

Harry Finale - finale

2011-07-22T11:51:00.002-04:00

The finished spread, I think it needed the touch of red - but the text? I always wish I had rethought the text placement. Oh well it's only my journal. I think I will re-watch the first movie this horribly Hot weekend.

Harry

2011-07-21T09:44:00.003-04:00

Sad to see it end, such a fun ride - so much to thrill and amaze and mystify. Harry Potter made me feel like a kid myself.

Phantom of the Night

2011-07-19T08:39:00.003-04:00

My 'newest' pot of Phantom Petunias -purchased from the nursery this spring. Still blooming profusely and still quite dramatic! The blossoms are almost black so I would have named them Phantom of the Night!

The pale green of the leaves sets off the blossoms perfectly.

2011-07-18T11:48:00.002-04:00

Full Buck (as young male deer sprout their antlers now) Full Thunder (as July has the most thunderstorms) Full Hay (as haying is underway, long into the night with a full moon perhaps). Hastily done as I spotted the full moon on the way home from the movies(Harry Potter finale - fantastic!!!) The masking on the full moon failed me so there are freckles on this full moon!! ;-)

Dannel Malloy

2011-07-15T16:22:00.003-04:00

Our 'new' Governor - not totally accurate but now I can journal around his face what I think of him!!

Water World

2011-07-14T15:28:00.003-04:00

Pups are now officially salty dawgs.

Mystery Flowers

2011-07-13T10:12:00.002-04:00

So lovely I had to sketch them. Not sure what they are - very Tall (some at least three feet) and bright colors. Several were staked but I choose not to include that. Imagine what a lovely dramatic bouquet they would make. Nature amazes me with the delicate variety of shape and color and each has such a fleeting presence - a gift from God.

My Square

2011-07-08T09:41:00.004-04:00

New England is very woody . Deciduous trees everywhere it seems. Our yard is full of big oaks, maples and dogwoods primarily and over they years they have blocked much of the sky. From the front porch I only have this small square to view the heavens. I love threes but I love the sky more.

2011-07-05T16:02:00.002-04:00

235 Years ago - who could have imagined such a Great, Free country? Not perfect by a long shot, but the best thing going and hopefully continuing strong and true. A fun day around our house, lots of kids and dogs, food and fun. God Bless America, and thank you to all who serve or served.

OB/GYN

2011-06-30T09:52:00.003-04:00

Upon arrival no one was in the waiting room - I thought my sketchbook would remain idle as nothing was sketchworthy. Shortly the patients arrived, and I had a few models with which to work. I felt brave sketching but no one even noticed.

Flora and Fauna

2011-06-29T15:23:00.003-04:00

Early mornings the puppies are out and the new morning unfolds. This montage emerged. Of course the pups got into everything while I tried to sketch (color added later)

2011-06-27T11:17:00.002-04:00

I have long admired the Hydrangea family of shrubs, from the giant puffy snowballs to the delicate pink or blue lacecaps. Happily mine is blooming this year, even flourishing - no idea why but I thoroughly enjoyed this closeup study.

Chewie

2011-06-21T14:51:00.003-04:00

Two Puppies errr beavers live in this house!

SaltMarsh Moon

2011-06-20T11:26:00.003-04:00

OK it's not the Full Salt Marsh Moon, but it was for me. It was about 9;30 last Thursday night, I was on my way home from babysitting Colin, Cali and Ella - I had not noticed the moon until I passed over the salt marsh river - there it was, bright orange and casting lovely color across the grasses. Amazing it was still so light too. Had to paint from memory but it was worth remembering.

Creepy Crawlies

2011-06-10T14:19:00.002-04:00

Inspired by Apple-Pine's beetle post, I ventured out to see what was currently crawling about in my New England yard. This only scratches the surface! Sorry this scan is a bit blurry and I mistakenly marked the Green June bug as Brown - late night texting error.

Playland

2011-06-09T08:32:00.004-04:00

The pups love playing, digging and chewing under our huge Rhododendrons. In full bloom right now.

Fat and Feisty!

2011-06-03T16:16:00.002-04:00

Boy I have a lot to learn about drawing my dogs, but you get the idea, Fat and Feisty for sure. I finally got a page done - it has been chaos with the two pups and then we went away for a long Mem. Day weekend and I got sick, and Wow - I need a vacation! Nice weekend ahead finally, maybe I can draw something outside or a change?

Otis and Angus

2011-05-24T15:37:00.003-04:00

At almost 10 weeks they are growing quickly and have energy to spare. It's almost impossible to get a clear picture as they are constantly on the move. Thank God they are training very well, bright puppies aiming to please, ya gotta love Labs.

A new sketchbook devoted to the "babies". Page one done from an early picture. I will eventually learn how to draw them - I hope.

They're Here . . . .

2011-05-18T09:54:00.004-04:00

Oh Boy are they ever here!!! We have our two new black labs, 8 weeks old and they are firecrackers! We have waited almost three months for them. One pup we have done before but two at once? YIKES!! We may be certifiably insane. Very adorable, but always moving and black is so hard to capture in photo and paint. So here is a sleeping sketch, Otis wears a red collar and Angus a blue collar - It's a Twin Thing!!

Spring - Sorta

2011-05-18T09:45:00.003-04:00

I can dream anyway! I want to plant and pot and propagate!!! But New England had turned into swamp land. Rain for weeks now and more forecast into next week. Will my garden ever get planted. I have been to the nursery and have all my vegetables and some flowers ready to GO!!

AND, it would be so nice to get to the beach Before the summer crowds arrive.

Magenta Magnolias

2011-05-12T12:09:00.000-04:00

Magnificent magnolias, such a welcome sight after a Long winger. Spring is in full bloom now.

Raptor's Rule

2011-05-12T11:55:00.000-04:00

First Day of T Ball, loaded with fun and confusion.

Colins Bouquet

2011-05-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

Quite an ODD composition! I started with the tree and bench, and later decided to add in Colin's bouquet in this tiny cup - should have blocked it perhaps, oh well, it documents a Fun/Lovely day.

Golden

2011-04-30T08:22:00.000-04:00

From a DC photo my brother took.

Mom's Birthdate

2011-04-29T10:20:00.004-04:00

Fitting there was a Royal Gala today, impeccably dressed men and women on their best behavior. Regal and well coiffed. Pomp and circumstance and lots of glitter. Mom would have loved a tiara.

The "Hood"

2011-04-28T14:29:00.004-04:00

The flowers are blooming, the trees are leafing and color is popping - all over DC, my brother's beautiful neighborhood.

Gump- try 1 and try 2

2011-04-27T15:28:00.002-04:00

Better here, more of his "attitude" and less fussed with. I better get some practice in, I have two puppies coming in a few weeks! not so good

No inspiration lately, even with spring springing up here finally, I still feel like I am hibernating - so I picked up my pen and forced myself to draw Gump, my daughters 7 month old bull mastiff . Too fussy, and not a real likeness, even though he held still for a cookie.

Full OOPs Moon

2011-04-19T09:37:00.004-04:00

OOPS, I think I added the script too late last night. This full moon is not the Lenten Moon (that was last month), It is the Pink Moon, or the Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon. Around here it could be called the Full Flood Moon.

Citgo

2011-04-14T10:04:00.002-04:00

Anyone who visits Boston proper, knows the giant Citgo sign stands right beside Fenway Park, sort of a guiding star to the Red Sox mecca. I dedicated this page to a few of the Fenway icons I have not recorded in the past.

Yawkey Way

2011-04-14T09:58:00.003-04:00

Standing in line for admittance to Fenway, I noted the lovely old brick work and that Fabulous Fierce Fenway Green.(but I sure got confused in the diamond brick layout!)

Boston

2011-04-12T10:08:00.004-04:00

A spectacular view of Boston from our 35th floor room.

Emergency

2011-04-11T14:01:00.002-04:00

It was a long night, but thankfully she will be fine.

Spring Somewhere

2011-04-05T13:22:00.001-04:00

My brother in DC sent me gorgeous pictures of the cherry blossoms and then fields of tulips and daffodils - I am still waiting here in Connecticut for any color.

Copy Cat

2011-03-29T13:55:00.004-04:00

Just a random thought here. Free hand ink, no pencil, which always makes me nervous, so Yes this is wonky - I want to get back into the daily sketch routine. It feels so good to have a pen hit the paper.

Sol

2011-03-28T09:35:00.003-04:00

Just a doodle really with ramblings about the weather and cold and snow and the calendar almost saying April so I want old Sol to get cracking and do his thing, Faster!

Puddle of Pups

2011-03-25T16:10:00.004-04:00

Not sure how to portray black puppies, guess I will have to practice. We will have TWO black labs coming in less than 2 months. It has been a lonely 3 months without our good old buddies. and Yes I know what we are in for ;-0

Famous-Infamous

2011-03-24T13:40:00.004-04:00

Faces are so hard to portray but fun to try - The images of Ms Taylor led me to try her beautiful face, and the counterpoint seemed obvious. They both demonstrate that fame and money do not guarantee happiness.

Rough Winter

2011-03-23T14:34:00.004-04:00

A bit of a montage (ala Kate Johnson) to depict the week. It has been a rough winter and our roof suffered big time. Odd incident to lose a large "flap" of roof covering like this, but insurance will now provide for some repairs/upgrades that we were planning anyway . Silver lining in all those clouds. And more snow tonight into tomorrow - Ugh.

Super Moon

2011-03-20T16:21:00.005-04:00

Super Moon, Full Lenten Moon, approximately every 18 years the full moon falls on its perigee, where the moon is at its closest proximity to the Earth appearing much larger larger than normal so as to appear Super Large. It was a gorgeous sight, brighter than normal too. We only have to wait until 2016 for the next one.

Happy St P Day

2011-03-17T08:39:00.002-04:00

Yes I am Irish (and I had an Irish Setter too :-)

STUFFED TO THE MAX

2011-03-11T08:46:00.003-05:00

Cold ? - Flu? - They all Suck. Finally feel better enough to draw something.

Bonita

2011-03-04T09:34:00.005-05:00

I was so inspired by Gay Kraeger's recent post that I decided to finally try this sketch. My brother has sent several pictures of the gorgeous feline that lounges on his patio in Tucson. I wanted to show her in my journal but felt I could not do her justice. I decided to Try! Gay's journal is everything I wish mine could be - so I highly recommend you check her's out.

Here They Come

2011-03-03T12:16:00.002-05:00

The mail box is full of these catalogs - the start of spring!

Flip Flop

2011-03-02T13:58:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year, the weather just can't decide on a season.

Tinsel Town

2011-03-01T08:33:00.002-05:00

And the Tinsel was blowing - the usual gala of glitz and glamor.

snackers

2011-02-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

Trying to get back into the routine - travel has sent me spinning it seems.

What is it with Airports?

2011-02-22T11:52:00.003-05:00

Yes it is February and we are flying north to New England Again - but a 6 hour delay? Our plane was pulled from service in Boston and a flight from LA was commandeered into Boston then to SST to bring us back to Boston. I am tired but the plane must be exhausted! More sketching opportunities...

Morning Noon and Night

2011-02-22T11:49:00.001-05:00

The night view into town sparkles all night long.

Roof Tops

2011-02-22T11:46:00.001-05:00

Relaxing on the top floor, studying the clouds that meander by , still mesmerized by the Caribbean sea.

SST viewpoint

2011-02-22T11:39:00.003-05:00

My view from the terrace - overlooking the infinity pool and on out to sea - cool drink in hand, sunglasses on, shorts and flip flops - life is God. Hard to tell where the ocean ends and sky begins.

Snow Moon dedux

2011-02-21T16:28:00.003-05:00

Decided to add another wash to darken the scene, it was bright in the sky well before dark but - what do you think - I may give it yet some more work?!? I may not know when to stop ;0

Snow Moon

2011-02-21T14:04:00.002-05:00

A Gorgeous sight here on Frenchman's Bay, USVI. The Snow Moon named for the snowiest month of the year ( in terms of snow fall ) but not a problem here ;-)

Fire

2011-02-21T10:53:00.001-05:00

Another corner of Connie and Mark's Arizona home - a very Zen touch.

Bits and Pieces

2011-02-10T09:51:00.002-05:00

Harmony, peace, love and appreciation of nature - The uplifting aura of Connie and her home.

The long goodbye

2011-02-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lovely weather in Phoenix, but we sat here all day as flight after flight for our connection to CT was cancelled. Good for sketching opportunities though. We finally made it to Atlanta, only to have that connecting flight cancelled, then an overnight stay in GA (no luggage of course) and finally the next day we made it home - and yeah, our luggage arrived two days later. Don't ya just love travel in the winter?

Arizona Bird

2011-02-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

Big Brother's toys are cool!

Javelina Anyone ?

2011-02-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Too dang cute - in photos anyway. I had never heard of a Javelina - Mark gave us the lowdown and a few photos so we were on the lookout all week. They often appear early evening in the back yard areas desert foliage. I am told they smell similar to a skunk (not so appealing) but alas none appeared. Agave on the other hand were prevalent, as were tequila drinks ;-) Wouldn't these make cute pets?? Not as big as pot belly pigs - and with a good bath ? ? ? ?

Arizona Nirvana

2011-02-08T10:53:00.002-05:00

I could spend days browsing this wonderful community, so inspiring and uplifting and Different from my usual New England surroundings.

Arizona Blossoms

2011-02-07T12:11:00.004-05:00

These 3-4" milky white blossoms crown the Saguaro cactus in late spring - they bloom at night and bats primarily do the pollinating. They close up during the daylight - The result in a bright red fruit that the birds love and there by spread the seeds. Both the flower and fruits are quite a site to behold. I had to do this sketch from pictures.

Arizona Desert

2011-02-07T11:32:00.004-05:00

I felt like an old cowgirl on my trusty steed Bo as we headed out on the high dessert plain. Great way to see the desert's beauty - but my legs were asleep by trail ride end.

Arizona 3

2011-02-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

The view from the back cactus garden patio was stunning, no matter the time of day . We overlooked the Saguaro National Park and on to the Rincon Mountains. The sun and shadows played with the light all day long and the stars - Oh the stars!! My page is rather watery and does not scan well unfortunately.

Arizona 4

2011-02-02T13:19:00.003-05:00

Busy Day yields a busy page. It was fun and jam packed! So much to see and do - I only wish I had more time to sit and sketch in the moment, but I am certainly enjoying the process here at home too.

Arizona 2

2011-02-02T13:16:00.004-05:00

This lamp in our bedroom caught my eye - quite a lovely shade and twisting the button adjusted the light to what ever level was desire.

Arizona 1

2011-02-02T13:14:00.004-05:00

Arizona Bound

2011-01-25T15:22:00.002-05:00

Very excited, tomorrow we leave for Arizona to visit my brother and his wife. That is, IF we beat yet another winter storm expected tomorrow with another possible foot of snow on top of the two feet still on the ground. But hey, it is January in New England and that is expected. Looking forward to 70 degree temps and hikes in the mountains of the southwest. My journal needs that vacation too!! More to come.