Planted Like A Tree

Hand cut paper and acrylic on canvas.  8X8. 

Stay planted like a tree. 

Let the winds blow through you. 

If you must bend, then bend. 

Feel the breeze through your leaves. 

Stand. Still. 

Stand. Strong.

Stand. Proud.

Stay planted like a tree.

Clear Blue

Clear blue sky,
Sunshine
intoxicating,
warm on my skin.
Summer is just around the corner.
Walking feels good
to my body
to my heart
to my soul.
I love
being outside
in the fresh morning air,
pink and white blossoms
against a bright blue sky
colors of spring,
standing in the light.

A Bridge in the Forest and Cannery Row

Mouse over to see before image

I took this picture a while ago during one of our hikes. I like the ethereal quality of it. I used my new texture Cannery Row inspired by my recent hiking trip to Big Sur and the fact that I am in the middle of reading Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. Thanks to Twitter, I learned that it is also the birthday of Cannery Row today. So, without further adieu...may I present...Cannery Row.

Click here to download a free high res copy. Make sure you post in the comments section so we can see what you do with it!

Big Sur::Big Love

"It was here at Big Sur I first learned to say Amen!"

Henry Miller

Yesterday was not only my birthday, but also my blog's birthday. To celebrate, on Saturday, we drove the couple of hours south to do some hiking in Big Sur. Hiking is one of my most favorite things to do, I just love being in nature. Big Sur is every bit of gorgeous that it is known for. A beautiful combination of turquoise blue ocean on the west side of Highway 1 with majestic redwoods populating mountainous areas on the east side. I'm sure I will be spending more time here...as much as I can.

The expansiveness of the ocean never ceases to produce within myself a sense of peace and awe.

"To live is to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."

Henry Miller

Fall's Beautiful Colors

"We have everything here a scarecrow could want, the fall harvest, the beauty of the changing colors, apple cider, pumpkins and cornstalks." ~Mary Martin

I have been absolutely enthralled with this fall season's brilliant and elaborate colors. Here, in Northern California, we are fortunate to have them late into the season. Last year, there was snow in my front yard. It's great to be back in California! Although the snow is pretty during the holiday season, I do love sunshine and the way it sparkles and makes all of the fall colors pop!

Technical difficulties have kept me from posting for most of November. I'm hoping to remedy my situation by purchasing a much needed new computer (mac book pro) soon. I have learned two three four things:

• I am only as good as my tools.
• I am able to do what I can when I can with what I have.
• Not being online as much gave me more time to do other things--(paint, cook, take photo walks)
• I sooo appreciate my computer!

Dear Monterey...

I am in love.

You have wooed me with your beautiful trees

Your ocean and beaches have drawn me to them with a magnetic force I could never resist

Your beautiful light enlivens my soul

Your fresh air has cleansed my heart

After many miles, I finally feel at home.

Looking Up