Party of Three

 

Patterns, lines, textures, tone and the list goes on and on regarding all the design elements that I love.  So, here are a few of my creations that contain those things that make my heart sing.  And, this art form, referred to as Zentangle©, involves drawing repetitive patterns and creating something beautiful.  It's that easy.  Today, may you allow yourself to do whatever brings you joy ....and that also is something beautiful.

"Go easy on yourself.  Today whatever you do, let it be enough."

                                                                             --Unknown

Full of Fall

 

Just as the title implies, I am full of gratitude for the opportunities to photograph gorgeous autumn scenes, walk through the forest, bicycle along fields where the harvest is underway, kayak among gently falling leaves, and for the inspiration as I put pen to paper.  The piece below comes alive with just a light layer of soft blue pastel chalk coupled with brown ink.  For me, autumn is magical, and I want to spend each day wonderstruck in the world outside my door.

"Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen."

                                                                                                    --Unknown

Autumn Splendor

It's that time -- October in the Midwest.  Most things related to autumn, including the moderate temperatures, leaves in all of my favorite shapes and colors  (I often say that my favorite color is "Fall"), pumpkins and gourds and mums and .... I love it all.  As I photograph these incredibly beautiful fall scenes, I feel myself energized yet calm as the outdoors seems to wrap its autumn arms around me and gently propel me with a soft tailwind.  And, I am grateful for the time to capture these images and also for having noticed such incredible gifts just outside my door.  

Coming soon -- more idyllic fall scenes along with me trying to be clever as I repeatedly mention my favorite color.

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

                                                      - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

Look Both Ways

As a youngster learning to cross the street, I was always reminded to look both ways --  left and right.  However, during this visit to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, I was reminded of the importance of looking up rather than only straight ahead or down.  Of course, there are metaphors for life that correspond to looking up and acknowledging the positive or the bright side.  But, before reading more, look at the image below.  Obviously, beautiful and often unexpected things are everywhere, including overhead -- we just have to notice.

Clearly this statue was one of my favorite attractions in the 16-acre garden, and I owe my discovery to the storm that rolled through as we were caught outdoors in a downpour and took shelter in an area alongside the sleeping giant.  And, as I found myself looking up at the sky in order to gauge the duration of the rain, I was also lucky enough to spot the big cat positioned just above me.  After the storm, I made my way to an elevated walkway where I could admire the lion and also observe those below who, like myself, missed the large stone figure perched so perfectly on the elevated stone wall.  

Although I was not thrilled with wet clothing, I was grateful to Mother Nature as she helped me find something beautiful that I would not have noticed without the rain...hmmm....more metaphors for life....

"Keep looking up...

That's the secret of life..."

                                                                             --Snoopy

 

Ornamental Cabbage?

 Yes, this cabbage won't be in your coleslaw but rather will make a beautiful component in any landscaping or container garden.  As seen in these images, the gorgeous shades of blue, green, purple, pink and yellow are stunning as stand alone pieces or coupled with other ornamentals and autumn hues.  For someone who loves fall colors, plants, textures and patterns, finding these amazing arrangements was like winning the lottery.  And, therefore, I spent a chunk of time with this winning ticket taking pictures, being inspired and finally moving on with a grateful heart.

"Plants give us oxygen for the lungs

 and for the soul."

                                                                                                                 --Terri Guillemets

Top to Bottom

"And into the forest I go, 

to lose my mind and find my soul."

                                                                   --John Muir

As mentioned in my previous post, recently I spent time in Door County, Wisconsin, where the scenery is stunningly beautiful.  Indeed it is a place that a nature-lover like me loves to spend time.  And since trees are some of my favorite things, riding my bicycle through the forests was delightful.  When I think of the north woods I often envision the photo above; however, only after getting off my bike to photograph the trees did I also have the pleasure of noticing all the cool things on the forest floor, including the wild mushrooms in the photo below.  

So, this post is a reminder for me to consider the entire picture or all perspectives as the forest, just like life, is multi-faceted and full of so many beautiful things just waiting for me to notice.

 

On the Peninsula

 

Recently my husband and I spent time in Door County, Wisconsin and toured the area on our bicycles as we participated in an organized event that included approximately 150 riders.  As we pedaled through this stunningly beautiful area full of amazing vistas, the temperatures were warm yet moderately cool and crisp with mostly sunshine, puffy clouds and light winds.  Ahhhhh....the entire week was something beautiful.  Since I love the water, harbors, boating, cycling and quaint villages with splendid architecture, this was an ideal vacation. And, in case you wondered, throughout six days in the saddle, I logged 181 miles.  So, I spent a portion of each day riding and then relaxing and taking in some wonderful attractions.  Now, of course, I'm back in Iowa; however, this scenery and the lake life remains permanently etched in my being.

Regarding these images, all are from the village of Egg Harbor with the first two being scenes from the marina and a town park.  The third photo is another park along the bay that contains a great lookout area and has delightful sculpture.