birdies...

I love trying new things so I pulled out my paintbrushes and acrylic paints today

 and attempted some birds on fabric. I am not much  of a painter, 

but is was really fun. I am going to keep at it and also try some

nests, seashells and flowers. My head is full of ideas! 

I hope to incorporate painted elements in my jewelry creations.

I am so grateful for the gift of creativity.

~♥~

au revoir 2009!

Well, this has been one helluva year! It has been chock full of good times and trials! I lost several months to a broken kneecap. Creatively, it has been a good year, but I have high hopes for 2010 to be even better! My new studio space promises to be an inspiring place for me to create!
I have made a tentative peace with winter, so the next few months should be more bearable and, as always, I look forward to warm days and I swear by all that is holy I WILL be at the beach this year!!!!!!
Have a fun, safe New Year's eve and may 2010 be a bright, new adventure for all of us!
xoxo~Dale

contrasts...

I am a lover of sunshine, of aqua seas and swaying palms. I love warmth and sand and azure skies... but I am making peace with winter. Even I must admit that a less vibrant landscape also has a certain beauty. Winter is quieter, slower, all tucked in, waiting.

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show.

~Andrew Wyeth
I cannot say I prefer winter, but I am appreciating the merits of this season of reflection.

And of course...
O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
~Percy Bysshe Shelley

and a good time was had by all!

Christmas was marvelous, sweet and WHITE! Yes, here in north Texas we had S*N*O*W!!

The storm arrived just after midday on Christmas eve and it snowed all afternoon and evening.

While I am not fond of winter so much, it was pure magic to have a white Christmas!!

Now several days later a few white spots linger... waiting for more, perhaps, as the old wives' tale says? Our forecast hints of ice on Tuesday. We shall see...

I have had a lousy cold and have yet to rip down my decorations as I am prone to do right after Christmas. I may start in a bit or leave them until tomorrow. I am not one to leave them for long after the holiday has passed, but this cold has me feeling a bit listless.

Hope your holidays were magical!

Stay warm! xoxo~Dale