". Arranged Words: Winter Magic

17 Dec 2024

Winter Magic

 
                                                                      
Hi everyone,

The evenings are closing in so early. There is a lot of time to cozy up in a throw with a good book and a tea or a hot chocolate. (I prefer tea, of course.)

Soon the shortest day (for us--8 hrs. 56 minutes) will be but a memory and we, in this hemisphere, will find the days growing longer. Time to celebrate the return of more light as we move a little closer to the sun. According to tradition, light is all about hope and renewal. I can agree with that.

In November there was a juried art show, so I was busy getting ready for the show.  
About 700 members of the public viewed the show. Not a bad turnout.

 * Just an art related note.  I didn't have a chance to respond to comments and questions on my last post about the pastelmat paper that I sometimes wash if a painting goes south. I haven't tried washing Uart sanded paper but I think it can be done.  The reason I re-purpose paper--one small sheet size 9 x 12 inches costs about $7.00/ sheet and that doesn't include tax or postage. ( However, you can buy large sheets of Pastelmat or rolls of Uart from certain suppliers to save money.)
(If you are in the U.S., I think Dakota Pastels may have what you are looking for.)
 
                                                               Beautiful blue
                                              

                                   
                                                   Chickadee dee dee. 
 
 
 
                        This photo was taken a couple of years ago. Love the evergreens dressed up in                       winter whites.  I forgot about this scene. Time to try a snow painting, I reckon. 
                         

                             From a friend in Nova Scotia. Absolutely love the pine trees.


Amaryllis. 

It was growing out of the box, so I planted it earlier than planned. I've been lucky to mostly have them bloom at Christmas, but anytime is lovely.

                                                            Matcha latte. Might be a habit now. 

* * *
 
Looking back over my artwork of 2024  
I picked this painting as my favourite for the year.

 

                                       Still drawing my way through the booklet.

                   
 
Baking is on the agenda. Cookies, well, they are but a dream. But I do have an order from my son for his favourite chocolate chips cookies.  One day soon the house will smell heavenly.

Wishing all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas!  My Best Wishes to all of you for the New Year too!

                                            Happy Holidays...

                                 Linking to other Link Parties via my link party page.

                                                   Thanks to all hosting.                                                                                               
                                                 Cultivate Your Dreams



15 comments:

Veronica Lee said...

I agree, winter evenings are perfect for cozying up with a book and a hot tea.
I love the idea of a snow painting! Your Amaryllis is gorgeous, and that matcha latte sounds yummy. Hope your cookies turn out great—your house will smell amazing! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

My name is Erika. said...

Lovely photos Dixie. You certainly captured the beauty of winter. And yes, it is a great time of year to settle down with a hot tea or cocoa and a good book. Hibernation mode has hit me; it's all the dark, And I love your favorite piece. You captured all the lovely elements of the view (sun, sky, light, tree, water-what more could you want). Have a wonderful T day. hugs-Erika

NCSue said...

Those frosty pines are delightful to see!
Thanks for sharing all these lovely winter shots at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2024/12/donegal-town.html.
Merry Christmas!

Rostrose said...

Your snow nature photos are wonderful. I live in the warmer and less mountainous part of Austria, and we haven't had any snow here this season, just hoarfrost. Next fall, if all goes well, we'll get a chance to get to know Canada, I'm really curious about that. How beautifully your white amaryllis shines! Our amaryllis plants always bloom in summer (presumably because we don't keep them in the dark basement, but on the windowsill.) You've created beautiful works!
Happy T-Day!
All the best from Austria and a wonderful Advent season, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/12/es-weihnachtet.html
✨🎄🌟🕯️🌟🎄✨

Carola Bartz said...

Your nature photos are beautiful and the one on top is a real winner. The light is amazing. I love this kind of photos. Very beautiful art as well - the portrait is gorgeous I think. Happy T day!

Lisca said...

I think I can smell your cookies already! I hope they turn out well.
Your photos on the snow theme are beautiful. Such a shame that snow is so cold. We don't get much snow (southern Spain)although we live at 3000 feet. Global warming I suppose because we used to get a bit of snow every year.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca

Villrose said...

Beautiful winter motifs.

Tom said...

...Dixie, these are gorgeous images. The lighting on the first one is my favorite.

Suzana said...

You selected beautiful images, showing us the magic of winter.
I wish you a lot of inspiration in what you are doing.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Dixie, together with your family and friends!❤️😘

Amy said...

I'm almost wishing we got snow here in Winter but we only see it on the mountains.

Christine said...

Lovely post! Merry Christmas!

Gillena Cox said...

Oh that mug is gorgeous
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Much❤️💚love


Sandee said...

Beautiful shots and I agree about the good book and a cup of tea. It's the perfect idea.

Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥

Jeanie said...

The skies, the snow, the flowers -- all just gorgeous. I'm way behind but cookies are done. You're right -- the house will smell fantastic! That opening photo is just breathtaking, Dixie. That belongs on a winter card!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I particularly love how you painted the sky behind the tree in your 2024 Fave Artwork!