Innocence (Day 29)

“Marvelous are the innocent.” 

~ Virginia Woolf

~~~~~~~~~~~~Dear Baby Deer~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alcohol Inks and Watercolor on Yupo paper

See painting specifications and price here.

"The great man is he who 

does not lose his child's-heart."

~ Mencius 

X ♥  O

Just Ask For Guidance, Deer! (Day 6)

"All you need to do to receive guidance 

is to ask for it and then listen. " 

~ Sanya Roman

~~~~~~~~~~~Spirit of Guidance~~~~~~~~~~~

Alcohol Inks and Watercolor on Yupo paper

See painting specifications and price here.

As long as I can remember, I have always been aware of animal auguries. Even as a young child, some of my most vivid memories are of seeing a special bird or animal and interpreting the meaning of that sighting as a sign or omen. My family was unaware of my gift until many years later, when I connected with my Native American roots and delved heavily into the subject of interpreting animal spirits. In 2005, I wrote and published my own book on the subject, "An Awakening to the Presence of Animal Spirits". 

This book is currently out of stock.

The deer, as in all antlered species, is considered to be a direct conduit to divine forces. They can give one guidance on matters of pathfinding, selecting a specific approach and developing your own intuition along the way.

Part of my extended  family, my obsession and inspiration.

X ♥  O

Deer ~ Symbol of Gentleness and Love

Because of its wandering nature,

deer have been associated with new adventure

and path finding, so I thought it was a fitting subject to start out the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.

Deer Spirit ~ Divine Connection
Day 2
See painting specifications and price here.

Gentleness  ~  Heightened Perception  ~  Path finding

The hardest part about this painting challenge for me is not painting 30 paintings, but painting 30 paintings that I want to post online for all the world to see! My idea for this series was so well planned out, I thought it was going to be a piece of cake. WRONG! I've done six paintings since yesterday and still am not satisfied with the path I'm on! Oh well, I know all too well, it's all part of the process. I'm not getting stressed out about it or anything, yet. No pain, no gain.

I'm trying to come up with a similar color scheme and approach for the set. I am experimenting with technique and tried workable fixative but got the same bubbled up effect (above) like with regular fixative. I guess there is just so much layering you can do with watercolor on Yupo paper unless you go pretty opaque. I have tried using thin acrylic washes but so far have been unhappy with my results.

Deer Spirit ~ Day 1
NFS

It's already started coming down, and according to the National Weather Service, we are expecting "blowing snow" ( never saw that term before) and very cold temps with wind chills in the  minuses here tonight and tomorrow. Supplies for the animals are stockpiled and the horses are double blanketed. The hatches are battened down and Jerry just got back with gas for the tractor so we can dig out if need be. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Your emails, pep talks and comments are appreciated.

Stay safe and warm and have a good evening.

X ♥  O

A Gift From Spirit ~ Whitetail Fawns

"In stillness I hear Spirit's voice, not universal clutter." Rev Kathy Graves

A Gift From Spirit

Whitetail Fawn Painting

16" x 20" ~ Double Matted and Framed

silver level ~ original watercolor ~ $399.00

I am posting this older painting here today as part of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Marketing Challenge.

This was painted while recovering from my injury and is very symbolic in content, design and colors. The green symbolizes growth, abundance and a fresh approach to life. The purple antlers symbolize spiritual development, power and wisdom.

To buy this painting or view more of my older Spirit Art Work, go to my Spirit Art Gallery. See a sample of my burl- wood frames here.

On March 23rd, 2007, I got bucked off my horse in the woods and took my first ever ambulance ride. I landed on my left shoulder and was hoping it was just badly dislocated, but after over three hours in the Emergency Room, I found out I had a broken humerus.There was nothing humorous about it! Fortunately it was the left arm and I was still able to draw and paint during my recovery. My accident provided a great revelation and showed me how important it was to slow down in order to grow spiritually. I have concrete evidence that Universal Guidance was largely at play that day.

That morning while out taking care of the horses, I was presented with two large matching antler sheds at the edge of the woods. They were gifted to me side by side in a most unusual and deliberate placement.They were found on the East side of my property, symbolizing new beginnings. They were facing North which represents wisdom. The number two represents patience and as in all antlered species,the deer's rack is symbolic of antennae which provide heightened perception and a connection to the divine. It was not until my healing got under way that I could see that my accident was truly a powerful gift from spirit.

"Perhaps this is your time to think, to rest, meditation time to learn more oneness with the Universe." ~Jean Kitchens

"Busy keeps us from spirit's whisper." ~ Rev Kathy Graves

Thanks for stopping by.
As always, your comments are most appreciated!

Have a GREAT DAY!!

X ♥ O

#5 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"A tree which has lost its head will never recover it again,

and will survive only as a monument of the

ignorance and folly of its Tormentor." 

~ George William Curtis

Monument of Ignorance
5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted to 8" x 10" - $85.

This is #5 of my 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. Thought I'd try something new today and throw in some lettering, as I'm also still taking that fun online lettering course this month. Trying to come up with some "Tuscany Colors" here in this painting and the next one that's on the boards.  I wanted to do the "Tuscany" inspired one today, but got too involved in pre-painting planning. This is my first attempt at adding the lettering to a painting. What do you think about the colors and the lettering, on or off? Stay tuned for tomorrow's painting. I'm psyched!

Since my theme for this 30/30 challenge is works inspired by quotes, I thought it would be nice to hand letter the quote that goes with each piece on the foam core backing board that comes with each painting. All the original paintings in this series come double matted (acid-free / white core) with backing board, in an acetate sleeve ready to fit into a standard sized 8" x 10" frame unless otherwise stated.

We got a light dusting of snow last night.

These pictures were taken early this morning

when I went out to feed the horses.

Sometimes there's nothing prettier than a herd of deer in the snow.

Thanks for stopping by.  Leave me a comment,

add your 2 cents and let me know you were here.

I love hearing from you. That way I can visit your blog too.

X ♥  O 

Wishing You a Joyous Heart

True holiday spirit is about inner peace, love and kindness. It's ours for the asking. Take time now to reach out to friends and family. A simple compliment, caring dead or a kind touch can do wonders for setting the stage.

By embracing the meaning of the season, we can awaken our inner child and add considerable enjoyment to the holidays. Slow down and savor the sights of lights twinkling in the dark, the taste of various treats, the smell of spice and evergreens, the sound of music and laughter.

Christmas spirit is alive in the joyous heart and can be spread anywhere you want it to be.

~~~~~~~~
"May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!"~ Unknown

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." ~ ~ ~~ Charles Dickens

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air." ~ W.T. Ellis
Thank You for your friendship and your comments! As Always, Wishing You Many Blessings and a Joyous Heart!
X ♥ O WITH LOVE 

Sketching Soothes my Soul and Saves my Sanity

Today's Sketch from George Stubbs' Whistlejacket

I've been getting back into sketching during my convalescence. Today I copied George Stubbs' painting, Whistlejacket. Sketching and painting takes me to a place where I am not aware of myself, the present, past or future. It connects me to a power that is much greater than I am. Without this outlet, I probably would have been much less content than I have been during this ordeal.

 "If you get into the habit of sketching, you'll never be bored." ~ Me

George Stubbs' Whistlejacket

ROM Cam Walker

After reading this blog post by one of my favorite bloggers, I ordered my cam walking boot online.   Read the comments for this post if you are in the market (or may be) for a boot yourself.

 Yesterday I got my cast cut off (again).

I got new x-rays and was fitted into my new stylish black boot. About 10pm last night, it started hurting. When I took it off, I could see it had partially cut off my circulation, so I am wearing it very loose today. I see the physical therapist tomorrow and will request more information on fitting the boot properly.

Spring has sprung here at the Sandarosa. Jerry took this photo of a momma turkey and her brood from the kitchen window.

And one of Chuckie the Woodchuck under the bird feeders, yesterday.

(Does Chuckie have nipples or am I seeing things?)

And Fuzzy Tail, congratulations, looks like you are expecting twins!

There's never a dull moment around here at the Sandarosa Animal Sanctuary!

The Feral Cat Saga continues, but I'll leave that story for next time.

Have a great evening everyone!

Our Friends and Ancestors

"Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time."
~ Motto of the Baltimore Grotto, a caving society
 

"Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it."  ~ Henry David Thoreau

"Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect."  ~ Chief Seattle, 1855

"I realized that Eastern thought had somewhat more compassion for all living things.  Man was a form of life that in another reincarnation might possibly be a horsefly or a bird of paradise or a deer.  So a man of such a faith, looking at animals, might be looking at old friends or ancestors.  In the East the wilderness has no evil connotation; it is thought of as an expression of the unity and harmony of the universe."  ~ William O. Douglas, Go East, Young Man, 1974

Hanging Baskets and Caution Tape

Our numerous hanging baskets are really looking fine these days.

I know from experience that the deer will soon think so too.

A couple of days ago , I caught several juveniles, probably yearlings, eyeing them up from the driveway. We worked too hard and spent too much money for them to become deer food in the night.

I've been putting up various barriers (brooms, chairs, trash cans) at night to discourage investigation, but I knew it was time to take more aggressive measures!

Jerry had some caution tape, so we made our barrier more formidable last night. I will take it down during the day and change the way I hang it a little each night, so they don't get too used to it. I think that's the key with deer. Change things often, because it usually takes them a day or two to relax around something new. Of course, they are pretty comfortable just about everywhere here in SandyLand. They are just not welcome to eat my flowers, thank you very much!

Jerry's got another giant tomato plant growing this year. I think it's even bigger than last year's. It has taken over the deck table so that our woodchuck can't get to it.

Three males showing off for each other this morning.

Rembrandt is begging for watermelon.

And Princess just takes it all in from her throne.

Princess And The Herd

Princess wanted to go on walk-about real bad this morning. It's basically our girl time, where we walk around the property and interact with each other. It just has to be me! She won't go with Jerry. I was busy doing a favor for a friend, so she just had to wait. She kept crying to go out when I got home. Once she was out, she was crying to come in. I tried food, I tried water, I tried treats and brushing. Nothing worked. So finally I said; "Ok, I know what you want, lets go." She sprang to her feet and ran all the way out to the pasture. 

A few members of the herd were out there grazing. It was obvious that she wanted me to be aware of their presence. She kept turning around to make sure I was coming. I recognized Little Guy and Fuzzy Tail, life time regulars here.

She had a plan.

She was going to show off for me and strut her stuff. I guess she's sorta got a big head from the recent turkey incident.

She headed right towards Little Guy in a definite stalking mode.

When Fuzzy Tail came to investigate, I guess Princess sent out her meanest predator vibes because both deer took off in a fast trot. I really didn't see her do any distinct posturing or anything from the back. It looks almost like mind control. She is an unusual little cat with a really big ego and a huge presence when she sets her mind to it. It's fun for me to witness the relationships and the coexistence that our various critters have here with each other. It's not unusual to see our two feral cats playing tag with Chuckie the groundhog. And it's commonplace to see a few deer, turkeys and a raccoon eating sunflower seeds together under the bird feeders. It's just another day in my life here in SandyLand.