As we see fall bringing cooler weather, many of our summer insects have begun disappearing for the season. The painting of the bugs is a whisper from the past—the warm, carefree days of summer.
MEMORIES
 
The young chick in this painting is full of joy and happiness. This painting reminds me of youth and carefree days, jumping into puddles with not a care in the world.
DELIGHT
 
A bee flits to & fro amidst the wildflowers. Swirly lines trace his flight as he hovers in and around flowers on his journey through the day.
DEDICATION

As I sit here with laptop in front of me, I’m enjoying my feet up relaxing after a very busy week,
listening to the music float through the air waves around me.
The rain falls just outside the window, but I sit dry and warm.
We are at the end of October and my Inktober pieces.
I have enjoyed these daily sketches and am actually a bit sad that October is over.
When I started the month, I was afraid.
I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to find inspiration anew each day.
But each day I found something to draw that I felt with my heart.
Eric Rhoades, a blogger I follow once said,
“success is defined by your willingness to step out in spite or your fear in order to accomplish your dreams."
I pushed through my fear  and I accomplished my first Inktober.
Already I am looking forward to next year! 

As the warm weather ushers us deeper into October, I'm reminded to be Thankful. We just finished Thanksgiving weekend, with all its turkey dinners and family get-togethers. Giving thanks is appropriate this time of year as we watch the trees turn to vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. The fields turn golden ready for harvest. Crops are beginning to come off of the fields. Today I am thankful for life's many blessings

Somedays...somedays are easy, other days are not so easy.  Some days are good days, other days are not so good. As we move from summer to fall; as we move from moment to moment, I pray that you will be able to find the strength to see small joys in your "Some Days".

"Comparison Destroys Personality" Sometimes we judge ourselves by what we see in others. Often it is better to focus on our individuality instead of trying to be like someone else. Instead, let others inspire you, not deflate or define you. The more we come ourselves to others, the more we lose ourselves. May we work towards being a truer version of ourselves.

"Be the Light". An urban scene with a streetlight front and centre is reminding us to Be the Light. This world seems so full of darkness. I pray that we work to be a ray of sunshine for someone else. It is easy to do and will make the world a better place, one ray at a time!

"Sweet Nectar". Hummingbirds are the smallest bird in the world and are lighter than a dime. They visit hundreds of flowers every day.  Such a tiny, delicate creature is so beautiful to see. This piece was fun to make, allowing my pen to turn and swirl as if it had a mind of its own in the flowers. Hummingbirds are so small, yet do so much. We can take a lesson from this. We may be small and seemingly insignificant, but yet together we can bring so much light to those around us. 

As I walked the Port Maitland Pier this past week, a fisherman seemed to be the perfect subject matter. Just a few fishers dotted the pier the day I went for a walk, found a bench and sketched this drawing. The fisherman, with his straw hat and baggy clothes holds a makeshift fishing pole from a tree branch and a piece of rope. Sometimes all we need are a few simple things to find the pleasures in life and be Hooked. 

As we move through the month of October, I have taken on the Inktober Challenge. A challenge to improve inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. I have challenged myself to make an ink sketch every day this month. I have finished a week and have been enjoying this challenge immensely.  I like the way each sketch tells and story and speaks to my heart. I hope they speak to your heart too!

Each day a season
Each day a reason
To give and share
To love and care
 

Whether a coffee for two
To get us through
Or some time we spend
With a good friend
 

The Help and the cheer
Will comfort those who fear
The Help we offer
Will help those who suffer 

Just one more step
May be all that kept
A heart from going bust
One more step to help to trust
 

You never know what kind of wars
Are going on behind closed doors
So this blog is to remind
To always be kind
 

The sounds of waves rolling onto a beach with seagulls overhead fill my ears as I paint this scene.
 
What thoughts pass through my mind as I paint ? What passes through your mind looking at this painting?
 
“Ride the Wave” is one phrase that sticks in my mind. Sometimes we seem to be on a ride, almost like a rollercoaster and want to get off. But the ride can’t stop...we are on the ride and need to “ride the storm” to the end.
 
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, 
it’s about learning to dance in the rain”
(Vivian Greene). 
  
Sometimes we all need to be reminded to make the best of  the life we’ve been given with all its frustrations and limitations, finding purpose and fulfilment despite the pain and exhaustion that the waves of life throw my way. It’s about living in the moment and finding acceptance and happiness right now without the judgment of the past or expectations for the future.

Life is not about waiting—it’s about living.

There is a peaceful dependability of the sun setting over the horizon. A knowledge that there is stability even amidst the storm. The gulls crying, the waves rising, will all give way once again to peaceful waters

Life is about changing, nothing ever stays the same.
​
We ride the waves of our lives and try to make the most of each moment in the firm knowledge that the waves will subside and the storm will eventually end. The awe-inspiring colours of a sunset are a glimpse of the hope for a future, whether here on this earth or across the waters...
 

Colourful Muskoka Chairs sitting along the shoreline of a summer lakeview. In Canada, few things are as iconic. These chairs have the ability to provide an escape from the cares of the world. When sitting quietly, we can be immersed into the natural landscape surrounding us.
​A Muskoka Chair signifies:

• eight hours a day on a dock
• dipping toes in the water
• cooking up on a barbecue
• smores beneath starry skies
• hiking and biking, bug spray and sunscreen
• leaving behind the typical and escaping to something simple

Here is a poem I wrote inspired by this artwork and my time away on a holiday:

"Sitting by the water, Worries seem smaller
Waves and wind, Take it all in,
Beautiful sunsets, As close as one gets
Beneath the starry skies, Hearing the crickets' cries
In both daytime and night, The universe seems right
In our Muskoka Chair, We escape a world of care."

Often I worry about my art like most artists. "Is it good enough?" I have a sense of anxiety as I start a new piece.

Nicholas Wilton reminded me once again that "art is a personal journey, a process of discovering what brings you alive." I find that when I have completed a piece that I'm happy with, I regain a bit of confidence and have a sense of satisfaction. Making art brings me joy and delight as I have proven to myself, yet again, that I can still make art.

At Sunset Cove Resort, where I recently spent a week of vacation, I wanted to give a gift to the owners, my uncle and aunt, to convey a sense of my appreciation for the week away.  So I created this piece. 

Pictured here is a scene from the Resort, some fishing boats dotted along the shoreline of Rice Lake as well as a cleaning shed for the numerous fishers that frequent the lake. This beautiful lake is 28 km long and 5 km wide and is recognized for its recreational and sports fisheries. The fish that are in these waters include panfish, walleye, muskellunge, and bass. With its beautiful sunsets and peaceful waters, the week spent at Sunset Cove gave me many memories that reflect my personal journey through life.  The time away reminded me of what it is to live and love life. The time away gave me moments to reflect and moments to learn. 

Everyone has their own personal journey. I'd love to hear about yours and am grateful that you are joining me as I journey, through the eyes of this blog. 

The sounds of tiny baby birds echo through the leaves. The air is filled with the smells of spring. The green and golds painted in the scene give the eyes a fresh sense of newness.  The long days of winter vanish into the memory ushering in the innocence of spring.  A child gazes in awe at the tiny creatures whose upturned heads and open beaks beg for some nourishment.

We can only imagine what thoughts fleet through the child's mind as the birds beckon their needs be fulfilled. Is there a sense of wonder that we see in her eyes? Is she puzzling over what those feathered friends are trying to tell her?  They shout out, with constant chirping. Mouths open they reach toward where they anticipate their next meal. 

The child has a sense of wonder. The birds display their neediness and dependence, their vulnerability. Many of us, as adults, have lost  these qualities. As time goes on, we want to be independent and wish to rely on no one  but ourselves. This painting reminds me to find my sense of wonder, as well as my sense of vulnerability in  life. Finding these will give a deep richness in life, one that will never be regretted.

The lyrics from Lee Ann Womack fill my mind as I finish this blog...
"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance...
​I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance..."

There is an obvious connection between the two in this painting. The girls cling to each other, gathering strength & courage, the older protecting the younger.

What is she protecting her from? We cannot see what it is, but the older keeps a watchful eye, while the younger appears to be engaging the viewer, begging for help with her young, distraught gaze.
 
The viewer is pulled into this painting. The older is a picture of concern, while there is a yearning in the younger.  Is the younger seeking protection or comfort or both? What circumstances precipitated this embrace?
The background is blank allowing the viewer to put their own circumstance into the painting.  Who do you see yourself as, in this painting? 

There are times in our lives when we are in both of these positions. Sometimes we are the one giving the comfort, the one who protects and shelters someone else. We hold someone and keep a watchful eye to guard as we can. Other times we are the ones who need the shelter and comfort. We call out for help and rest in the comfort provided to us, just as the young girl does in this painting. 

Our lives are filled with giving and taking. May we always give with fervor and receive with thankfulness. Life is better together!