". Arranged Words

28 May 2019

May Days

Hi there,

What's new? Around here we have finally thrown of the bow lines of winter and are eager for all things green bright and beautiful. I've been dreaming of flowers, seeking them out and planting my containers. Although with a fresh crop of newly fledged blackbirds in the area, it's been fun and games. Well, mostly games. They have a ton of energy and fly in whenever the mood strikes them to tear my plants to pieces. So I've also planted a few more Canadian flags to scare them away. The birds will likely leave their nest soon to soar over the wilds, so I'm sure my plants will spring back and life will sail on. If not, well, there will be plants for me and some for the birds.


Did I mention I love trees? Well, probably, but to reiterate I am a tree hugger.  Did you know that trees protect each other. In other words, they have each others backs/trunks. For example, if I was the tree to the far left and my neighbour to the far right was in need of water, I would ship some water over to her/him. Amazing! They parley via their root systems. So that means they definitely communicate,  show empathy, and have compassion, etc. Rather like humans.  Yes, Virginia it's a living, wondrous world!




This majestic old pine has been around awhile.
I think these are Elm trees. 

I stood with my back against this one for awhile, communing with nature/ trading tall tales.  :)

The highs.
The colour of spring. What a sight for sore eyes!


Wild Violets

I am pleased that people are not waging immediate war on their dandelions this year. They provide the first sup of nectar for foraging bees.




Below pictures from gardens that crossed my path.



And lastly, this wonder. One of many glorious old homes in the town I was visiting.
 I was tempted to rap on the door and beg entry.

 Look on high at the Widow's Walk/Watch. In the 19th century the lady of the house would often go up there to search the sea (in this case from the Great Lakes and then up the river) to see if her husband's ship was steaming home. In those days, unfortunately, many sailing ships were lost, hence the all to apt name.

Linking to My Corner of the World 
and Wandering Camera 
Thank you ladies.

'Til Next time...

Cultivate Your Dreams

2 Apr 2019

Maple Taps


Today, mostly a quiet post with pictures from a recent trip to the Maple Farm and a few more.
If you've been reading along, you may remember that I went to the sugar camp last year only to find it closed. (Apparently, I don't agree with reading fine print on websites.) But this year, all systems: go. Just look at that delightful open sign. A great breakfast was had. For me, pancakes with A lot of maple syrup. So tasty!

 Breakfast by the fire. Love those old skis.


The sap is clear until it is rendered down.
Maple Taffy on the snow. Just roll it up on a stick and viola!
In my element. After a hearty breakfast, time to hike the trails.  Just look at the colour of the sky!
Sap line running.
Along the river. The ice melts nicely. The ships will soon sail the seaway again.


The geese have returned.

I have left comments for those who left one for me on my last post. I hope to continue to do so going forward.

* * *
* A note to let my followers on instagram know that I have closed my original account. (dixie.l) It was compromised; a site was using my pictures to run ads. I could, of course, have asked instagram to remove it, but from the comments I read, it seems that site just kept rearing its ugly head like a Hydra. (Some of my pictures and artwork still appear in as a image search; I do hope they disappear.) So if I've lost you in the shuffle and I have lost many followers, please re-follow at dixielee.k @ instagram. Thank you so much, lovelies!

Wishing you peace, joy and loads of fun.

 ' Til next time...

Cultivate Your Dreams.

26 Mar 2019

Here Comes the Sun

Hi there,

The sun has crossed the equator and we have theoretically marched into spring. (Being a daydreamer, I imagine the sun just might be a twinkle in God's eye.) 

Anyway...the birds love the sunlight too. They are chirping, singing, courting and spooning and planning where to build their nests. I haven't seen any robins yet but I know they are out there.

We have snow on the ground and in the forecast, yet soon the earth will clothe itself in different shades of lush greens and colourful blossoms. It's just a matter of time! The trees are springing to life too and, even with snow on the ground, their branches are full of buds.

                               
 Early March snowfall.

Remember the spring bulbs that I planted and put in a fridge for about 14-16 weeks? Well, I am delighted to report that most of the bulbs bloomed. Of course, I was especially hoping that the Snowdrops would bloom. But they were the only ones that didn't take root. However, being perennially optimistic, I haven't given up hope. On the warmer days outside they go...just in case. Who knows? They may respond to the warmer sunny days enough to root and bloom. (Fingers crossed.)            
* * *
     

Forgive the ad... 


Parrot tulips and Angelique tulips.  The Angelique tulips remind me of peonies.






Warning: Sun Catchers on duty. 💖


Parrot tulips open fast. I tied this one with thread so I could draw the closed flower.



In the fall, I brought my geranium inside. Ta Da!

 
Jesse brought me these lovely tulips. I'm pleased that the stems do not droop.
Obviously a new innovative hybrid.


Such beauty on the undersides of plants. I like to draw and photograph plants and flowers from different angles and perspectives.

Yes, even this angle. 

Below, a few sketches. Mostly, I draw on tracing paper to save steps, but now that I finally purchased a light box if I want to transfer a drawing for painting, it won't be a problem.


Moleskin cold press sketchbook.

Had an epiphany while using cold press paper. Although the paper doesn't fall under the rough category, it can expertly munch up a fine brush. The water brush below works well.

 
Stillman & Birn hot press sketchbook. Zeta series.


Trying Gouache in the Moleskin. An opaque medium much like acrylic, although it can be reactivated unless you buy it with an acrylic base. I love the bright colours. Verdict: continue experimenting. 



While waiting on the real Snowdrops that may or may not bloom, I've enjoyed painting and drawing more of these lovely flowers. Yes, I agree. I'm obsessed! I can't resist these delicate beauties.

I've listed this original watercolour painting in my shop.  Signed and available here.

                     Happy Spring! And for my friends down under Happy Fall!

'Til Next Time...

                                                      Cultivate Your Dreams.