Sandwiches Anyone?

My sister Vivienne knitted me this beautiful teacosy for my birthday! Sandwiches Anyone? It will certainly encourage me to use my Six Cuppa Teapot more often, instead of the single teabag placed directly in the mug - my usual habit! Knitting was always part of what our female family members did. (We did know one bloke who knitted, but he was not related to us.) My Mom, sisters and aunts knitted hundreds of jerseys (sweaters) and other items collectively. I started several jerseys and Mom usually finished them for me. It was the norm to go to the yarn section of a store and browse for 'wool' and a pattern to have something to work on as winter approached. None of us knit much anymore... It is cheaper and easier to buy ready-made jerseys now. So I appreciate my handknitted teacosy all the more, as this relaxing craft gets shoved to the back of the closet along with unused dress-lengths of fabric! Thank you, Vivienne, I love it!

One Year Anniversary...

Glad to have this little blog. It has been the source of fellowship, creativity, joy and a fair amount of frustration and angst! It is fitting that I got out my box of Crayola to colour this celebratory cupcake - I still feel like such a beginner. And that wax crayon smell is so comforting! In my head I'm singing with Maria "Let's start at the very beginning... It's a very good place to start... When you read you begin with A B C..."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"...Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."

John 1: 78, 79

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!

A wonderful tea party happened today in East London, South Africa. How I wish I could have been there. Best wishes to you Alison. My hurried water colour of flame lilies is proving how out of practice I am. But I LOVED doing this - so thank you, Joy, for prompting me to get out my paints and paper. Ali - I hope the Zimbabwean flame lilies help you know and remember how loved you are. I was reading up about the nature of this resilient plant, how they thrive in the tough climate of Africa, prefering heat and dry seasons - only to burst prolifically into flower in spring!

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22 - 23

I Voted!

I went shopping this afternoon for some dinner items and saw this delightful elderly lady all dolled up in red, white and blue, in honour of our Election Day here in the U.S. Much care had been taken, right down to her perfectly pedicured feet, bright red toenails in sparkly gold flip-flop style sandals. I felt the urge to draw her when I got home - a good thing... I haven't had the urge to draw for quite some time. As for our vote - I've learned we are a house divided... Some of us voted for McCain, some of us for Obama... heavy sigh. I think we epitomize many families this election. Whatever the outcome, I'm grateful to live in a country where the reins of leadership transition peacefully, even when the race to get there has been hard fought. I'm grateful my right to vote is strongly encouraged, respected and COUNTED! My heart goes out to the land of my birth, Zimbabwe, where power is gripped by a cruel dictator whose self-interest and ego pulse through his octogenarian veins extending a political life that should have ended many years ago.

Martha & Mary

I almost forgot how to post something - it's been so long... This is a doodle I did a couple of years ago. I had no idea what I was aiming for; I was simply enjoying the soft facial shapes in brush + ink. I look at it now and feel it tells a little story. Martha on the left looking into to the face of her family and duty to feed, nourish, clean and clothe... And Mary looking wistfully off into another direction! She looks a bit sad. This time of year brings on huge anxiety for me for some reason, I can't quite fathom. The holidays just around the corner - a time to spend with family and friends is something I look forward to. Along with it -the frantic busyness, all the - this and that - endless lists of must do items and happenings... Maybe this financial rocking of the boat will help us all focus on a simpler, quieter time with our loved ones.

Nostalgia and nasturtiums...

My sister Vivienne has done some beautiful nasturtium watercolours, posted on her blog.
Since I've been neglecting mine - I thought I'd post this photo of my bowl I painted ten years ago, during my "painting pottery" phase. We were limited in the colours we could use. The little blue star flowers should be cornflower blue - not royal. They grew on a weedy looking plant, but are edible and folk who had them growing in their gardens would often toss them into salads for a splash of colour and intrigue! I saw them growing in my mother-in-law's backyard in Oregon and brought a plant back to Texas with me, but the heat here killed it! Back to the pottery studio - it was in the private home of a friend, built onto the back of her garage. There was also a kiln, so she could fire our works of art right there. At 11 0'clock sharp she'd carry in a tray of mugs steaming with tea. It was winter and that little room was cold - and the hot tea so appreciated! Not to mention good times and good company and creative fun. Joy - if you're reading this - my bowl still reminds me of happy hours shared together! More nostalgia for East London, South Africa!