Sunshine & Serenity...

April.

A month full of surprises.

One day it is raining and the skies are grey. We plan with great caution. Do we begin planting our garden or will there be yet another frost?

Some days we are blessed with bursting rays of sunshine and 70 degree temperatures.

In Kansas it may be a "perfect day"...

Until the wind kicks in and the desire to be outdoors is gone.

I just wait patiently and find my own sunshine and serenity!

I'm reading a new book, getting my exercise, spending quality time with my art journal...

playing with new watercolors.

This past weekend, hubby and I took the dogs over to our playground. The land that we purchased a couple of years ago.

There were traces of Fall and Winter left behind.

Yet colorful flower blooms to greet us and to remind us that Summer is near.

I have been off of my routine these last few months due to a shoulder injury and the launch of my LuLaRoe clothing business so the exercise was much needed. My bones hurt in the mornings lately...

another reminder that I need to stay active!

Back on the treadmill and adding yoga to my days.

Do you create your own tranquility?

Pause.

 

Savor the sunshine.

Love your life!

XO

 

The smallest things...

I witnessed something extra special this morning while I was out walking and jogging.

Did you see it too?

The moon!

It was the strangest thing. Traces of the moon behind our house as the sun was rising on the front side of the house.

Unfortunately, I only had my iPhone camera with me, otherwise, I might have captured some more detailed photos.

I get so excited over the smallest of things...

And so grateful that I do.

(It makes exercising much more enjoyable, I might add)!

Ahhhhhhh, the colors of Fall are now filling my paint palettes.

It's that time again.

Handpainted Christmas ornaments!

I'm going to begin posting them, (for sale), in a couple of weeks, on my Facebook page! I'm having so much fun with all new designs....

Baby ornaments, teacher ornaments, wedding ornaments! I try to create ornaments to suit everyone. Yes, I will even personalize them!

This ornament will represent peace on earth.

I have such a happy heart when preparing for the holidays.

Pumpkin pie fragrance fills the air in every room. I love those wax warmers! (Especially since I'm not doing any pie baking at this time)! Soon though... Soon!

Still art journaling in the evenings...

And sipping hot tea.

Yes, these small things in life make for a wonderful life. Truly, they do.

Something else that I cherish so much is receiving messages from YOU!

Today, Sylvie, from France, sent me some very kind words. Friends, YOU inspire me. You see, I was not going to blog today since I had such a large "assembly line" of ornaments in the makings, and still had supper to cook along with other chores...

But then I thought of Sylvie.

She took time out of her day to type a very thoughtful message. I decided that at this moment, it should be a priority to create a simple blog post and to acknowledge Sylvie. Thank you, Sylvie, and to all of you who do follow my blog. It means so much to me!

 

Yes.

It's the smallest things that matter the most.

Blessings to all and I will meet you right back here, soon!

XO

 

 

*Pumpkin Love*

Orange, yellow, purple, gold, red, and brown.

Are you seeing them too?

I'm finding these lovely, rich colors of Fall here and there...

on a morning walk, I have stumbled upon resting leaves beneath the trees.

Every market has pumpkins now, in all shapes and sizes!

Because our pumpkin patch failed us...

I purchased some pumpkins for our home. I am particularly fond of these white pumpkins.

Of course, I bought an orange one too...

and I really love painting them, as you may already know about me.

Most evenings are spent in the living room with hubby. He watches television while I play with my watercolors. I must confess, I have quite a collection of watercolors since they are my fave. I have itty bitty field sets, medium size sets, tubes, half pans, watercolor pencils, hydrus watercolors, and even that very expensive 48 color palette in a metal box.

I love them all equally, for different uses.

I want more watercolors, can you believe? Not to be a greedy or snobby artist... But because I truly get so very excited to try them all! (and I still use each and every set)!

For Halloween art, I really like the iridescent watercolors and Twinkling H20's.

Do you have a favorite medium or hobby that you just never can get enough of?

During the day I am still plugging away with commissions.

 

An Irish Blessing in honor of a man who turns 80 years old in October. His grown children asked me to do the painting, which will be donated to their church. Isn't that so nice?

The man was also a wheat farmer.

I absolutely enjoy hearing the stories that go with each commission. These are real people with real events...

and I always feel so honored myself, to be a part of.

God is good!

By night...

I'm right back here, in the living room...

 

Yes, I got the Halloween decorations out...

Even the lights!

*pumpkin love*

Xo

 

Love Life!

Good Veteran's Day morning to you!

Thank you all who have served our country.

This glorious country!

The husband and I paired up with another couple for a weekend getaway.

Two Polaris RZRs...

Deep into the woods- Mark Twain National Forest located between Missouri and Arkansas.

Words, not even pictures, can describe the serenity. The beauty.

I played "Miss Photographer" as I walk along the streams of crystal clear water. The sound of crunching leaves beneath my feet, birds singing, and water splashing onto the rocks. This is all that I could hear. All is quite calm here.

I do much thinking.

The bold, red berries made me think of Christmas! I am looking forward to this holiday season, having more time at home to decorate and cook. I enjoy playing Martha Stewart too! Ya know, making things for the home, clever gift wrapping, cards, elaborate meals served on pretty dishes. I must admit, it certainly does take more effort, time, and energy to do such tasks when employed full time.

In just four days, I will be unemployed and much happier!

Friday November 15, 2013 means a new beginning to me. I will create the life that suits my husband and I best.

Choosing a new path is frightening, risky...

But in my case, looks so much brighter already.

We must love our life.

Blessings to you, dear one!

I shall return very soon!

 

CHANGE...

Hello, dear ones!

It's been awhile, I know.

Too often, we allow ourselves to "get lost" in life's busy shuffle. The enjoyable things are put on hold. Yes, I hate it when this happens!

Last week I could have found the time to blog, but chose not to. It was a challenging work week and sucked every bit of creativity right out of me! My spirit...

broken.

 

I would drive myself home, taking in all of the beauty surrounding me. Wiping a tear or two from my face.

The leaves have changed to an Autumn palette. Words nor pictures can even begin to show you how breathtakingly gorgeous it is here in the hills. It's a real treat to take this daily drive.

Change.

I could not get this word out of my thoughts.

Our life here on earth is constantly filled with change and challenges. Some of us try to hold on to the routines that are comfortable to us because we have been at it for so long. I'm guilty of this. No matter how difficult and unpleasant the routine becomes...

We fear change more. We stay. Stuck.

My divorce, a few years back, changed me.

I no longer fear change as I did.

I truly do embrace it.

Sometimes it must come sooner than we wanted.

This week, I turned in my resignation at work.

After doing so, I panicked.

What will I do now?

I prayed about it.

Folks, after only one day of worrying...

I have experienced joy! A ton of weight was lifted from my heavy shoulders! My supervisor even said to me, "You seem happier already"! I replied to him, "I am. Ya know, I'm getting closer to fifty, and I must be happy at what I'm doing". I have two more weeks to go, but it will certainly go smoother now that I see the end date.

I can breathe again and my heart isn't pounding at a rapid pace!

My wonderful husband has supported me more than I ever anticipated. He actually told me that he was happy for me!

Change.

Hello, change!

Oh...

It's also time to change our clocks!

I will see you back here, very soon!

XO