Robins are one of the happiest signs of spring. I spied the first arrivals way back in January, and now there are lots of them visiting every day. They always give my heart a little lift, knowing that when they arrive, warmer weather can’t be far behind. They’re so comical, bobbing around, all plump and […]
Category: Sketches
March Days
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it’s summer in the light, and winter in the shade. Charles Dickens It feels so good to be outside this time of year, even if there is still a nip in the air. The fields are showing […]
Waiting and Sketching
What do you do when you have to sit around a car dealership waiting for your vehicle to be serviced? The local Dodge dealer where I take my van has a grungy, depressing waiting room with ancient, grimy chairs, 5 year old magazines, and a TV that blares inane TV shows all day long. Sitting […]
Gallery Views
I spent a few hours working at our local gallery, Artisans, this afternoon. I had the place to myself, so I grabbed my little 3.5″ x 5″ sketchbook and spent some time with my pens and watercolors. It was so peaceful and quiet as I sat there sketching, looking out the windows at a bright […]
Snowy Days
It’s been a hard winter so far, and it’s not over by a long shot, but instead of complaining about it, I try to see the beauty in these stark, cold days with their deep purple shadows and cobalt blue skies. Even on the gray days, the contrast of a maple tree silhouetted against a […]
Friends for Life
I am one of those lucky people who has been blessed with the gift of a lifelong friend. I first met Betty when she was in 7th grade and I was in 9th. Betty, me, my brother Garry, and sister Donni – 1968 – Camping in the Texas hill country She was my sister’s best […]
Super Quick Taco Soup
I’m almost embarrassed to call this recipe Taco Soup. It’s not at all spicy, and it doesn’t call for taco seasoning or salsa. But the woman who gave me the recipe years ago titled it Taco Soup, and Taco Soup it shall remain. I had a crazy day today and definitely didn’t have a lot […]
A Little One is on the Way!
My daughter is expecting a baby this spring, my first grandchild! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! Every time I think about holding that little bundle on my shoulder and feeling that soft, heavy weight as he falls asleep, I just get all choked up, remembering the days of holding my own babies. […]
Back Roads
I pass this farm on my way to church every week and always like the way the barn looks, silhouetted against the background of trees. When I painted this little sketch last weekend, it was a bright sunny day and the pine trees had a few touches of snow still clinging to the branches. Near […]
Horses on a Winter Afternoon
I approached this painting with a bit of trepidation. It’s the first time I’ve tried to draw or paint horses. But they looked so appealing with their thick winter coats and big luminous eyes, I just couldn’t resist giving it a try. 8″ x 11″ Snow flurries filled the air, but it didn’t bother […]