In The Garden (Again)

My roses are blooming again!
Yay! 😀

This is one from the back garden – it really took me by surprise. The big rosebush in the back garden had to be cut right back, and we’re still not sure if it will be ok. This one is from the smaller bush behind the big one.

Yes, that is a grasshopper peeking out.
Not sure if I need to do something about that…

More frangipanis!

The rain has obviously been good for my flowers.
It’s also been wonderful for the weeds.
I look out at them and think I should pull them out.
…and then I go and do something else 😆

At least the roses at the front are thriving.
And taller than the weeds.

❤

I’ve been doing some more lino block cutting today, so my fingers/hands are aching.
At least I feel like I’m pretty much up to date 🙂
We went to the shops yesterday, got some stuff we needed, then tried to get home ahead of the storm that was racing in. We didn’t get soaked, but got home to find the water had leaked into the back sunroom (again) – and the power was off.
I was looking forward to the air conditioner and a cup of coffee 😦

Thankfully it wasn’t too hot.
We got the candles sorted, then sat down to wait.
Had a lovely time with Biggest Boy, who decided to ask us trivia questions until the power came back. We thought it wouldn’t be too long, and it came on again for a bit, but then was off again.
We ended up asking/answering trivia questions for a few hours or so.
It was so much fun!
❤

We’re well on our way to Christmas Day.
There are presents under the tree. Food in the fridge.
I’ve even been listening to Christmas CDs.
I’ve also been reading the Gospel of Luke. There are 24 chapters, so you can read one chapter each day up until Christmas Eve, and you have the whole story.

I feel happy, and things seem to be up to date, more or less.
Looking at my garden, though, reminds me that there are things I still need to take time to tend to, and a new year to keep in mind and prepare for.
Bring it on!
😀

Published in: on December 19, 2024 at 9:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Finding The Centre For The Holidays

Another hot day, although the sort of heat that sneaks up on you by ramping up the humidity.
Got some pressies wrapped and under the tree, and it feels like I’m getting a handle on things!
I tried to take a photo of the tree lights shining on and through the ornaments…my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.
There are a lot of colourful, but blurry photos.

Looks like a mess from that angle.
It’s still beautiful from the front, and further away.

Parts of this year have felt like a mess.
But I think they might look more beautiful from the right angle.
And maybe further away!

Christmas is coming, and I’m getting ready.
Still a good idea to stop and remember where my centre is.
🙂

Published in: on December 17, 2024 at 9:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Waiting For My Brain To Spark

Don’t mind me.
I’m just procrastinating.

Again.

I realise, of course, that everything would be easier if I just jumped in and did it…
My assessment is due tomorrow, and my brain doesn’t want to formulate the sentences needed to complete it. Despite this, I still need to think up those sentences, put them in the document, and send them off.
Time is ticking away…

The prac work is done, although I can still look and see problems. The reality never really matches what I see in my head, and I have to stop myself overdoing it and making it all into a muddy mess.
The images are already uploaded to the assessment.
Therefore – they are done. 😆

Behold – a (final) pear.

I still like the pear.
And still couldn’t mix a bright enough purple for the background.

Here are bottles, mixed with light.

I’ll probably answer a few more questions.
Or watch a couple more YouTube videos.

The morning will be brighter!
🙂

Published in: on December 12, 2024 at 11:28 pm  Leave a Comment  

Lighten Up

Another day of rain.
Another day of painting.

In other words – a good day!
🙂

We didn’t have any problems with flooding (yay!) and everything was nice and cool. Makes it easier to cogitate about paint and its application…

I noticed my bedside lamp was having a bit of a holiday outside today.

At least, its reflection was.

And I spent a large chunk of the day in my art room.
My paintings are probably ok to submit.
I’m just not quite happy with them. I’ll look at them again tomorrow.
At this stage, I still think there’s a bit more to do, but I also need to know when to stop. Too heavy a hand can make everything look a bit muddy and drab.
I’ll get back to my colourful habitat tomorrow,
and look with fresh eyes.

😀

Published in: on December 10, 2024 at 10:49 pm  Leave a Comment  

Opening

Petals.
Life.
Both, really.

It’s been a busy few days.
I’ve been trying to get Christmas stuff sorted, but the days have been hot, and the town has been bustling. Frustrating. Crowded.
Did I mention hot?

Despite this, I have been feeling pretty good 🙂
I even made it to an exhibition opening this afternoon.
I took some photos of random flowers.

I even got some Christmas stuff!

This is not my favourite Christmas song…
But this rendition of it is fun.

Although perhaps slightly worrying…

Published in: on December 7, 2024 at 10:54 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Waterfall

Been a bit wet today.
We braved the deluge to get our fruit and veg, and got soaked doing it.
Otherwise, it’s been a lovely day.

The rain is still pouring through the gaps in our guttering, and the resultant waterfall is digging out some sort of pipe in our yard.
No leaks inside the house, though – this type of rain isn’t driving enough.
But I’ve been keeping an eye on the flood cameras.

Although I’ve taken a lot of rain photos lately, they’re a bit boring.
Here are some rain songs!

Have you seen it?

Thirty years ago – maybe even twenty – I would have been dancing in the rain.

These days, I’m a bit less adventurous.

Whether dancing, or huddled under a tree –
I hope the rain is falling softly and gently on you.
❤

Published in: on November 30, 2024 at 9:29 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Tree’s Up!

Sadly, not mine…
(maybe next week 🙂 )

Went on an unexpected jaunt to the bright lights of the city.

Saw people we knew, and went to see the tree.

Yay!
Merry (early) Christmas!

We got there while it was still light, and had a look at the newly opened complex at the other end of the mall.

Complete with giant baubles…

The sky was beautiful

Lots of wafty bits 🙂

And – just like that –
Christmas steadily approaches!
❤

Published in: on November 28, 2024 at 10:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Pear-Trait

I need to start my oil painting assignment soon.
There’s still time until it’s due, but I’ve never painted in oils before, so I don’t really know how long each layer takes to dry.
I don’t really know much about it at all…

It would probably be easier to start, and work things out as I go.
I tend to think everything out before physically doing anything…I think that helps me to get it all sorted in my mind, so that I know what I’m doing with my hands.

Well…I can only try.

My first attempt will be a pear.
This one.

A pear-trait, if you will. 😆

I just need to follow the instructions I’ve been given, and I will understand what to do.

Ap-pear-ently.

Published in: on November 26, 2024 at 11:16 pm  Leave a Comment  

Books!

Yes, I have them!
Many, many books.

But sometimes I get books from the library, as well.

This is by a woman who has a bookshop in New Zealand. The stories are about dogs she has known, and also about her interactions as a youth worker.
I haven’t read much yet, but I’ve had a few sniffles so far…

I have also been fixing some of my blank and writing books.

I have discovered the joys of washi tape! 😆
Hopefully I can keep the covers from shedding too much.

Now I just have to write/draw in them…

Published in: on November 23, 2024 at 10:02 pm  Leave a Comment  
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It’s A Date!

At least, it was…
Thought I’d take advantage of the break in general raininess to go on an Artist Date.
It’s something I’ve not been too consistent with, but today, everything came together.
I started off at the library, finishing off a book I’d been reading, and looking through a magazine. I enjoyed taking my time, and felt rested.
It seemed like a good time to check out the gallery, which is showing an exhibition of abstract art at the moment. It’s called “Arriving Slowly“, which seemed appropriate for my day.

It looks better in person…still time to check it out!

There was a little side room, which contained some paintings – one of which was a Rothko.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in real life before.
For some reason, I didn’t expect it to be so big.

I had a look at the rest of the gallery, and came across a lovely Margaret Preston.

I believe I have seen her work before, but it was nice to come upon this unexpectedly.
This one is called “Wild Apple”.

Next, I went down to the Community Gallery, where they were showing an exhibition called “Terrain“, an exploration of landscapes through ceramics.

I believe these are all pieces by Rachel North, although I wasn’t sure I was reading the labelling correctly.
Go and have a look, and tell me if I got it right! 🙂

There were a variety of pieces, which didn’t really photograph well for me…
probably best to go and see for yourself.
I’ll end with this one, which I believe was made by Kirsti Falconer.

It was a refreshing day.
And something I should do more often…

Published in: on November 21, 2024 at 11:45 pm  Leave a Comment  
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