“Write it on your heart that every day 

is the best day in the year.” 

                                                                   — Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Winter Solstice

Yesterday in the Northern Hemisphere was the day with the fewest hours of daylight...THE WINTER SOLSTICE.  And, although this day marks the beginning of astronomical winter, we are now on the path to more light.  Day by day the tilt of the Earth gradually shifts and brings us more warmth and longer days -- it only gets brighter from here!  Eventually, with the rhythm of the Earth, we arrive at the longest day of the year, the summer solstice.  And, around and around we go repeating this pattern.  For now, find the light and enjoy the ride.

Regarding the above image, yes, it is a photo of mine.  It originated as I captured some video of a laserlight show.  Then, while replaying the video, I paused it and captured the frame in a photograph.  It is fun and very exciting to create something so lively and energetic in such a random and easy process.  May you enjoy a snipit of the show.

 

Magical

While walking through a section of the forest in a sprawling and delightful arboretum, I found a beautiful surprise.  Inserted in the plank of a small pedestrian bridge was this heartfelt message of peace.  I felt goosebumps.  I paused....lingered and basked in the calm and natural world that surrounded me.  It was magical.

Share in the magic.  Walk in the forest (or imagine such).  Pause.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Repeat.

 

Softer, More Beautiful

 

Less is More

 

 

Thanksgiving

 

Gratitude

 

 

 

Backbone State Park

 

Autumn Splendor

 

La Luna Llena

 

Morning Light, a canvas painted with hope

Boo-tiful

 

LOL

 

Bliss

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."

                                                         --Emily Bronte

Art from My Heart

"Use what talent you possess;  

the woods would be silent if no birds sang 

except those that sang best."

                                                                                                   -- Henry Van Dyke

Pen to Paper

 

Just Do It

 

Above is a portion of this delightful 1000-piece jigsaw that I recently completed. Typically I prefer 100-300 pieces as I can quickly get my brain on board and complete the task in a relatively short time....and I LOVE that.  

However, I willingly took on this "biggie" because I was enamored with the beautiful birds and stems and berries and all the organic fillers.....yes, I love birds and gardens and trees and pinecones and....you get the picture.  

So, clearly I knew this would take a bit to do yet I still thought I could simply focus on one section and then quickly and easily proceed to the next.  LOL  

Given the tiny pieces and similar colors, shapes and textures, it took me much longer than expected but it's BEAUTIFUL.  And I loved seeing each of the birds emerge one tiny piece at a time.  Ahhhhhhhh....definitely something beautiful

One Stroke at a Time

 

 

INKtober

 

Looking for inspiration to help put pen to paper?  Well, October is a great time for getting started as you will find daily prompts for the entire month.  Interested? Check it out online or enjoy the Zentangle version with the link below....

And trust me, this woman (who put all of this in such a delightful package and made it available for free) is an amazing artist and has generously been sharing this resource with the world for TEN years.  Here's a collective thank you echoed time and again from all of us creative types to her beautiful, creative and generous soul.  

http://www.everythingis-art.com/2025/09/inktober-tangles-2025-official-list.html

Ahhhhhhh

 

p.s. -- did you see the hummingbird?

HOME ...

 

What's Yours?

 

A Fiery Kiss

 

Check It Out

Currently this piece I created is in an exhibit about how we all fit ... how we are connected ... humans, plants, animals, planets, galaxies, etc.

Through September check out all the original artwork in downtown Dubuque, Iowa 

@ PLANTED

245 West 1st St

Buen Consejo

 

 

Just Do It

 

Outside the Box

A few weeks ago I featured a piece of my artwork in which I used a page from a book as the canvas.  

....Have a look as it is pretty interesting to consider all the possibilities.  

Anyway, here is another.  

And, I LOVE this as an option for drawing patterns (that I teach using the Zentangle art method) as well as incorporating the text and more embellishments.  It is FUN to see how quickly this piece is transformed into a multi-dimensional original and playful work of art.

 

 

Land of Giants

 Each year at the Iowa State Fair there are hundreds of contests, including the biggest pumpkin competition.  WOWZA!   And, as corny as it may sound, this is one of my favorite attractions....yes, I LOVE pumpkins.   Anyway, be sure to notice that this year's winner is also a Fair record with a weight of 1409 pounds. Congrats! 

Second place is up next along with a photo that shows the top finishers.  Ahhhhh....a lot of pumpkin to love.

There they are...  

The GREAT pumkpins!

 

Celebrating a Century Farm

This post is dedicated to my husband, his parents, siblings, his nephews and the multitude of ancestors who poured so much of their energy into life in rural America on what  is referred to as "the family farm."  And, let me be completely transparent --  while I am married to this deeply loyal and loving family farmer, and admire and cheer him on, HE is the one that does the work...  HE does the "farming"....and, does it with a smile and kindness in his heart.  He LOVES it.

Featured in the above photo are my husband (third from left), his brother and nephews.   These four do the work.  They show up.  They collaborate.  They deeply care about one another, their family farm, their roots, their loved ones and their communities.  And that is something beautiful, something to honor and celebrate and something to admire and cherish.

Below the next photo ( from the Iowa Dept of Ag social media post ) is a more detailed explanation of the actual award.  

                                                  Congratulations!

Register for Class!

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

It's time to enroll in a virtual Zentangle class (or two) with me for the upcoming fall session.  Use the following link for more details and to register:

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