". Arranged Words: February 2015

24 Feb 2015

Sea Change


Before I added the sea wash and the finishing touches.
I thought I'd paint something based a wishful childhood memory.  And since I grew up by the sea, it's no surprise that it's sea related.  As a child, I spent many idyllic summer days skimming across the harbour in boats while listening to the seagulls scream; I watched otters, birds, schools of fish, and sometimes we stopped on one of the islands for a picnic. There I  searched the shore for treasures: bits of sea glass, drift wood, shells and occasionally in the tide pools I'd find a live treasure to chase and watch for awhile.

Secretly, I always hoped I'd find a seahorse, but, unfortunately, I was on the North Atlantic--a little too far from the tropics.  However,  I've heard that Ripley's new aquarium in Toronto houses such wonders. Obviously it's time for a sea change!



Thanks for reading.

Enjoy...

15 Feb 2015

Announcing a Winner


I'd like to thank everyone who entered the giveaway, visited, and especially to those who signed up to follow my blog by various means, including email, Blogloving, other feeds and, of course, Google Friend Connect. As I said earlier, I have visited so so many wonderful blogs over the past weeks, and I am delighted to follow along to see what creative heights each of you scales next.

 A special thank you goes out to Vicki for organizing the GYB hop. And also a very special and heart felt thank you to my regular readers for your kind support!

I used the random number generator to select the winner.  So without further adieu, I am pleased to announce that the wee Blue Birdie with his garland of flowers will soon file a flight plan and fly off to Lorraine of  Paper Vernissage.


Enjoy the day...

9 Feb 2015

Ready to Wear


I finally finished the shawl that I began knitting in December. I don't own blocking wires, but after knitting and blocking several shawls I am getting faster at the block out, and I enjoy it now that I've gotten used to the smell of wet wool, which I vividly remember from snowy childhood walks. Well almost...I wear a mask.

What's not to like about this pattern? I love the knit-on edging and the pattern is beautifully written. That makes me wildly happy because a well written pattern makes knitting fun and so much easier, and emphatically states that the designer, in this case, Carolyn, of Carolyn Knits really cares about her product and loves her work!

 You can find my Raverly project page and a few more pics here.

* * *
Think Spring!
Heads up!
As you can see, I am thinking about spring.  And since the groundhog didn't see his shadow on February 2nd, I reckon it will happen soon. Ha! Well, officially in 6 weeks...

~ I will leave you with a tip that I read somewhere. To keep the heads on your cut tulips from drooping push a straight pin through the stem a wee bit down from the flower head; remove pin and continue until all tulips have been pierced.  Because tulips like the cold, I drop a few ice cubes into the water now and then as well.

P. S.  The envelope I bought for the draw on the  Feb. 15th just needs an address that will be chosen on that day with the help of a random number generator.  Good luck!  Click the GYB post on the sidebar for details.


Have A Happy Valentine's Day! ♥ 
              

2 Feb 2015

Colour Therapy

A recent arrival. What gorgeous colours.
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome new followers to my blog!  Also, thank you for your lovely comments. I do appreciate your kindness and support. 

And what a great group of talented women I've encountered! I say women because I haven't run across any men yet, but I've  several places left to visit.  It's such a great hop; I've had so much fun and it's not over yet.

Although I've picked up my shawl a few times, I haven't been knitting much lately because I've been busy drawing and painting, but I hope to finish my shawl and post a few pictures within the next two weeks.

In case you do not know about it, the draw for my GYB giveaway is on Feb 15th. It's open to everyone. If you haven't already entered you can do so here.

With the snow piling up outside yet again, I am enjoying the colourful blooms I have inside.


'Til next time...