Simple & True

      

The title reflects how I feel about creating images with tangles.  First, I always gravitate toward a pattern that I know I can easily replicate -- simplicity.  Second, I love black on white OR white on black.  For me, that's just the way it is.  Although I adore color and so many additional elements of art, my heart is always drawn to black and white -- the truth.  And, better yet, it feels like this art form, known as Zentangle, and I were always looking for each other and were best friends before we even met.  It's simple and true.  Ahhhhh.....

Tree Peony

Typically, for me, the star of the show is the flower's bloom; however with this tree peony, I'm smitten with the leaves.  In part, the colors are some of my favorites, but the lines, textures and contrasts are simply divine.  Those leaves speak to my soul and inspire my creative flow.  Of course, that gorgeous bloom full of wispy, paper-thin petals is wonderful and another beautiful example of so many elements of art naturally occurring in nature.  Ahhhh...nature -- my teacher and my beloved.  Breathe it in.

Hidden Gem

Of course, this photo features a bird's nest, and I edited the image to give it a soft feel, accentuate the lines on the egg, define the endless strands of "stuff" making up the nest and showcase the glorious textures of the fir tree.  As I re-visit each of those sections, I'm absorbed with the nature's intricacies and imperfections that still produce such a beautiful thing.

 And no, I didn't set out to find a house wren nest and then create a blog post with that subject.  However, while I was exploring the new growth (including the razor sharp thorns) on a barberry bush (that I pruned considerably several weeks back) I just happened to catch a glimpse of this tiny little item tucked securely and inconspicuously a few inches above my head.  Being the nature lover I am, immediately I went in search of my phone in order to capture a lasting memory of this wonderful gift that was waiting for me to find just outside my door.

Nature ....my inspiration.

Beautiful Blooms 1 -- Still Standing

About a week ago I happened upon this gorgeous group of tulips.  By that time in these parts I had assumed that most of those fragile large blooms had been annihilated by the persistent wind and was shocked and delighted by this beautiful finding.  There were so many, the colors bold and bright with most still in great condition.  That was my lucky day!  

Lots of Apples?

Anyone love apples like I do?  Of course, I have my favorites but more than anything, my preference is crisp and juicy.  Nothing better than seeing in these parts of Iowa so many apple trees full of blossoms.  Does that signal an abundant apple harvest?  After many years of almost no produce, even our honey crisp trees are full of blooms.  Hooray.   Since we don't spray our trees, there is always the question of pests along with the elements; however, currently, things are looking good for some awesome fruit in the near future.  Fingers crossed.

The featured apple trees are not ours but I wanted to capture these blossom-laden trees with the dense green grass and multitude of dandelions -- all that screams SPRING!  New life.  Hope.  Warmth.  Rebirth.  Energy.  Inspiration for these crazy times along with a yummy snack in the not-too-distant future.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Thoughts

Although many traditional Memorial Day ceremonies have been modified or canceled due to COVID -19, we still owe service men and women our ongoing gratitude. This image always moves me and speaks to this occasion when we honor so many who've given so much for us and all that we take for granted.

"We don't know them all but we owe them all."

                                                                   --Unknown

"May we think of freedom, not as the right 

to do as we please, 

but as the opportunity to do what is right."

                                                                                                                                                             --Peter Marshall