Tour de Tulips

 

Can you recall that line in a popular Christmas carol proclaiming 'it's the most wonderful time of the year'?

Well, simply stated, that is how I feel when tulips bloom.  

So, my annual tour de tulips is underway and corresponds to several images that I will post of the amazingly beautiful blooms that are gracing the landscape in all sorts of brilliant colors.  

It is a feast for the eyes,  Stay tuned.

Inspiration

 

More of My Loves

 

“SWEET APRIL SHOWERS 

DO SPRING MAY FLOWERS.”

                                                                                        --Thomas Tusser

Homage to the Eclipse

 

A week ago the moon passed between the Sun and Earth and created a total solar eclipse that was visible along a path from Mexico to Canada and included the contiguous United States.  What a spectacular and extraordinary event.  In these parts of Iowa our view was of a partial eclipse yet nevertheless an amazing occurrence to witness.  It was fun, exciting, unique and a great weather day to be outdoors. 

The above drawing is one of my originals that honors this extraordinary astrological happening that I loved being able to witness.  In the center notice the textured surface of the moon with the sun just behind and illuminated.  What continues is a tribute to the timing (spring) of this rare event when the landscape comes to life as the sun's rays intensify and daylight expands.

Things w Wings

In the past few days I have seen several Red Admiral butterflies.  Seems a bit early for them but this year they are here.  And, a friend, who recently did a butterfly survey in a local wooded area, also found Eastern Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, Cabbage White, Clouded Sulfur and Fritillary.  So, head outdoors and have a look.  Who knows what will flutter by!?!

Harbingers of Spring

 

"That is one good thing about this world–

there are always sure to be more springs."

                                                                                 –L.M. Montgomery

Daffies

 

We Are

 

Still Believe?

 

"I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, 

the Tooth Fairy and true love. 

 Don't even try to tell me different."

                                                                                            --Dolly Parton

 

 

Spring!

My virtual Zentangle art method classes via the Evanston Art Center begin March 28.  

For all the details and to register, use the following link:

https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/search/instructor_s_/29692

 

More of the Marvelous

 

 

Pelican Limerick

 

Stacked

 

Camellia Bloom

 

 "If we could see the miracle of a single flower 

clearly our whole life would change."

                                                                                                          --Buddha

 

More of the Marvelous

 "In all things of nature, 

there is something of the marvelous."

                                                                     --Aristotle

A Coffee Smile

"I have a coffee smile."

                                                                  -- Anthony T. Hincks

 

Speaking from the Heart

 

That Fiery Kiss

 

"A sunset is the sun's fiery kiss to the night."

                                                                                                                        --Crystal Woods

Among Friends

 

Mighty Trunks

 

Los Mitones

 "Winter is time for comfort, 

for good food and warmth, 

for the touch of a friendly hand and 

for a talk beside the fire:  It is the time for home."

                                                                                                       --Edith Sitwell

Las Nubes

 

 

Inside and Out

Yes, in these parts it certainly is c-o-l-d outside.  In fact, it has been so cold that most of my afternoon strolls currently take place indoors near windows so I be as close as possible to the snowcovered landscape just outside my door.  Brrrrr.... 

Every now and again a squirrel with its bushy tails rushes through the snow and quickly bounds up a pinetree to take cover in the branches overhead.  And throughout the day songbirds stop quickly at the feeder to pick up some sunflower seeds and soon fly off again to a location with more cover from the cold and predators .

Yet, despite the cold and snow, this coming Sunday, Jan 21, from 9-10 am CDT, I am teaching a virtual, step-by-step drawing class, and you are invited to attend from the comfort of your own home.

Want to do this but not feeling confident?

NO WORRIES as I give simple, step-by-step instructions using the Zentangle art method to help you create something beautiful and unique.

It is also easy to join -- follow the link below to get your virtual ticket, and click the Zoom link to join the day of the event.  You will purchase the ticket via Eventbrite and use Zoom to attend the session.  Again, use the link below to get your virtual ticket.

Sunday, Jan 21 -- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/step-by-step-drawing-zentangle-art-tickets-793841089067?aff=oddtdtcreator

Basic supplies -- paper / sketchpad; fineline black marker; graphite pencil and a blending stub.

Seats are limited and sales are currently underway.

See you Sunday morning.

 

Wise Words

 

Sunday Mornings -- Join Us!

 

In these parts it is cold outside yet warm inside when we gather virtually and get creative with other likeminded folks.  

And, that is exactly what I am offering for two upcoming Sunday mornings in January.  This coming Sunday, Jan 14 and next Sunday, Jan 21, from 9-10 am CDT.  

Want to do this but not feeling confident?

NO WORRIES as I give simple, step-by-step instructions using the Zentangle art method to help you create something beautiful and unique.

It is also easy to join -- follow the links below to get your virtual ticket, and click the Zoom link to join the day of the event.  All of this is done via Eventbrite.  Again, click the links below to get your virtual tickets.

Sunday, Jan 14 -- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/step-by-step-drawing-zentangle-art-tickets-793816535627?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sunday, Jan 21 -- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/step-by-step-drawing-zentangle-art-tickets-793841089067?aff=oddtdtcreator

Basic supplies -- paper / sketchpad; fineline black marker; graphite pencil and a blending stub.

Seats are limited and sales are currently underway.

See you Sunday morning.

Good News

 

Regarding Resolutions

 

Pondering a New Year