Where I should Be...

On this Halloween day, 2011...

I feel happy and excited about this new life, this new journey!

I find myself baking and cooking again, seeking out new recipes. I'm also working with children again, as a substitute. Hopefully, it will lead into full time employment.

Although I was not looking...

love also found me, so naturally, this makes everything better, especially the holidays!

In all honesty, after my painful divorce, I had no interest in sharing my life with someone again. At my age, I am truly okay with finishing out the last life chapters, solo. That was my plan.

I guess it's true-

when we are not looking for something, it finds us.

My creativity is also returning back to me. A big cause for celebration, since creativity is a huge part of who I am.

Today I am inspired by not only the warm feelings, but by the beautiful, earthy colors of Fall.

He and I picked out some pumpkins for the home! Today I studied them. The texture, the shape. They are perfect pumpkins indeed! After the observation and some quick photos...

I was painting.

For now, I do believe that I am where I should be!

Happy Halloween to all!

A Cold, Fall morning...

 The weather man warned us of a much colder day today. The howling winds beating against the bedroom windows were just a sampling of what was to come. As any morning, I sipped on some extra bold coffee... but still could not warm my body, let alone, begin a productive day. So, after the coffee, I made some hot Chai tea and put on some very thick, wool socks!

 I had NO desire to go beyond the doors!

 In Kansas, wind is common. We grow used to it. This doesn't mean that we like the wind! It makes for a colder Fall and Winter. Just a few days ago, this tree was full of blazing orange leaves. Well, the recent wind swooped up all of the leaves.... and dropped them onto the ground to simply dry up and crumble.
Yes, I am grateful to stay INSIDE on this day!
I got out my watercolors.

 A tiny, red Cardinal came to life.
My body felt warmer.
I was content.
My life is fulfilling again. I smile as I paint.

Another ornament completed!

Holiday JOY!

 After yet another move, I'm starting to feel my creativity coming back to me! Yay! Although I do not have an art studio to work out of, I have made other gains in this new life! The rest will eventually fall into place... at least I hope.
The holidays will be wonderful this year and I have been making some ornaments. The first attempt at art since I left Maryland. I first painted the frames white, allowing imperfections because I want them to look old and distressed. Now I have one dozen of ornate frame ornaments... and every one of them will hold a tiny, original painting! This serves me well because I need to get back into my art groove!

 I think that I will do a variety. Birds, ladies, possibly even some sweet tea cups and cup cakes!

The ornaments may be hung on a tree or a doorknob... all year long, if you so desire!

Yes, it feels nice to be creating again. I have much more news to share, and I will very soon, however, it's time I put the laptop away and focus on other things.

Take a closer look at the new ornaments over in my etsy shop!

Wishing you a great evening!

Kansas!

Hello, dear readers!

It's been awhile since I have blogged.

The Vagabond has moved again...

back to Kansas, only this time in a tiny town that may not even be on a map!

I currently do not have an art studio space and have only unpacked clothing. I do keep my camera equipment very near so I can share some photos.

It's very serene here. I see land, cattle, and very few people.

I really cannot say just yet if this will be a long stay or not... but for now, it's home and I do enjoy it here. 

The journey continues.

More to come!

For the Love of Coffee...

Good morning to all!

Inspired by my love of coffee, this is my latest piece of art. I used colored pencils. I prefer Prismacolor brand.

This new city in which I now reside, is full of charm. One just has to look. I shot this photo at a local gas station. A gas station that most pass by daily, never noticing the retro details, such as this coffee cafe sign. Hanging from the front entrance of the gas station is a large ice cream cone sculpture! I have pictures of it as well, but today's post is all about coffee!

I have my usual 2 cups each morning. For me, it's not about a sudden energy jolt. It's a taste preference and a feel good, along with the aroma, the warmth. It seems to clear my mind and prepares me for the day! I then drink water throughout the remainder of the day, but  as the night sets in....

my coffee becomes a dessert! It's my reward that comforts the soul as I watch tv or work on something creative.

Oh, how I love my coffee!

I wish that you could join me for a cup!

Summer Thoughts...

I'm still here and I haven't forgotten about my blog!

I have been pretty homesick for Kansas lately, afterall, that was home for 45 years, and where my family and friends remain. Every memory that enters my mind...

was made in Kansas, for the most part. I feel so very far away. I will soon visit, however, it's still not the same.

I keep busy so that I cannot think too much!

I love being outdoors and today I spent the afternoon roaming all over historic Annapolis...

just me and my camera. I sat on the dock, by the water for awhile. That felt nice. I watched the boats, and of course, the people. Not many tourists were out today, so the sidewalks were somewhat empty. I will share some of the day's photos once I get them uploaded. Until then, I hope that you enjoy my cheery pin wheel photo! I snapped this pic yesterday.

I have more art to share as well and yesterday I was quite pleased to ship out some sold art! A big thank you to Gayle!

These are just some thoughts for today.

Summer and Savannah...

I love Summer!

For me, Summer has always meant more time for art because that is when I would have at least 3 weeks off from work with the school district. My lifestyle is different now. I'm on the go alot and still trying to create a routine that allows art to be top priority. Before leaving for Charleston and Savannah I was able to complete a few new pieces for my etsy shop, this being one of them. I call her, "Jenny". 

Jenny is a colored pencil painting, 5" x 7". She comes with a Summer yellow matt, and is ready to frame and hang!

 Summer also means relaxing more outdoors! I captured these photos while in Savannah, Georgia. The parks were so inviting and it was nice to see so many people out, savoring the moments.

 Summer bicycles are everywhere!

 And, we all scream for ice cream in these hot temperatures!

Shady trees bring comfort, and I must say, the trees in both Charleston and Savannah, are the most beautiful trees that I have ever seen. The moss that drapes from the branches of the trees is actually an airborne plant that comes from the pineapple family.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh, Summer!

I do hope that you are enjoying yours!