Beside Still Waters

And so... it begins.... retirement...

Teachers spent the weekend preparing their classrooms, set their alarms again, then started the week of professional development classes before the students arrive.

I know that routine so well, have never known any other... until now.

So, what have I done these last few days?

I spent Saturday with my beautiful nieces Kelsey and Karly and taught them to paint a landscape. We talked, painted, laughed, snacked, and had a lovely day.(And aren't their autumn landscapes gorgeous!)  Sunday was rainy; I took a nap. Since then I've been available to be with my dad for a heart check up, take dinner to another niece Erica (a teacher) with a new baby, gone to Pilates, spent a day with my Aunt Anita at her home, visited the farmers' market, done yoga, refilled the hummingbird feeders, made peach ice cream... 

I am so happy.

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside still waters,

He refreshes my soul.

Original Oil Painting on 11"x 14" Wrapped Canvas

[SOLD]

Barn up the Road

This is the type of image that stops me.
Imagine the stories that could begin here!!!
..."Papa stopped the wagon so we could have one last look..."
..."She knew he'd be waiting inside after he finished the chores..."
..."Grandpa told her he thought she was old enough to drive the tractor to the barn..."
My imagination goes on and on... It's a perfect setting.

So, how did I come across this fantastic setting?
There's a little button at the top of blogger that says "New Blog."  Every once in a while I click it.  You never know what kind of blog will pop up.  Usually I spend a minute or two then move on, but every once in a while there's one that holds my attention.  And, that is how I came upon this image.
It came from a photography blog called Pics of the Day, and Stuff. Click and go have a look.  You'll find captivating photographs of simple elegance.
When I came to the post titled New Outhouse, Same Old Barn, it stopped me... my imagination took over.
Thank you, Tom, for capturing this fabulous barn in a photograph and allowing me to put it on canvas. 

I'm always happy when a painting sells, but... I secretly hope I get to enjoy it on my own wall for a while. :)

Original Oil Painting - 10"x 20"
[SOLD]

Aspens in Autumn II

Who's your biggest fan?  Who's your best critic?

Here's mine.
He's been holding up my projects for me to get a photo for 30 years.  
He just always gets cropped out of the picture.

[SOLD]
   ... the painting... not the holder. :)