Recently I decided to do a series of very quick sketches inspired by my local walks with the dogs. Next I thought about translating a serene feeling I always have when walking at that location, the trees dangling branches in the stream and the winter light. The result was my oil painting above, painted in 3 hours. I hope you enjoy looking at it and the sketches.
Enjoy your day.
It’s been a very strange year of many ups and downs and I apologise to everyone who follows me, likes my blog and enjoys reading my posts. I promise to make 2019 the year when I pen my poetry and get painting again. After one of our beloved Border collies died suddenly last year, the arrival of our Slate merle pup in early spring and Skye, our surviving blue merle having a Stroke, I wondered whether life would ever become calm again.
However, Storm is a year old now, pictured above, and has a lovely nature; she gets on really well with Skye and has helped Skye get over her Stroke by assisting with her physio!
We’ve had lovely holidays in North Norfolk walking along the Coastal path, across the salt marshes and on Holkham beach and I have enjoyed a few hours here and there to paint.
I hope you like my photos and my watercolour painting of the cheeky robin who visits my bird table every morning. I have designed a Christmas card, so he can be enjoyed by friends and family.
I wish you all a warm, peaceful and jolly Christmas and the best of luck for 2019!
XxX
In the month of January, we often give up rich and often sweet foods and opt for healthy options. This month has been called Veganuary! I have heard of a number of people trying the Vegan diet. I have cut down on sugar and alcohol and dairy and increased my daily intake of fruit. I am also enjoying a quiet nurturing time at home, cooking wholesome meals and soups. I am reading new poets to me, novels from a endless big pile, books about the British countryside and farming and I am trying to sketch more often. Here is my simple pastel drawing of the big red apples which are simple, nutritious and delicious. Treat yourself, simply. Enjoy!
Golden moments:
Crisp early morning walks
Bathed in energising light,
Playful companionship,
Remembered paths.
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I always find walking along the North Norfolk coastal path calming restorative. The endless skies of clouds whch make dreamy characters from children’s picture books and the gentle salty air filled with samphire and sea lavender. The colour palette and interesting wild textures inspire me to write and paint.
Here are two textured painted sketches of the atmosphere evocative of Stiffkey salt marshes. I hope you enjoy t
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Rambling thoughts lift far above wispy skies.
Scented drifts, harebell & verbena
Dance with joy and grief.
Calming columbine peeps
Through dappled light:
A painter’s delight!
My photos and poem were inspired by a beautiful Wildflower garden in a Wildflower nursery in North Norfolk. We visited one quiet morning, had a coffee and then walked along the Glaven valley.
I am dedicating this post to Amanda & Phillipa. Rest in peace. And to their mother Sheila who is recovering in hospital. Please get better soon. I ask for healing for their families too at this very sad time. Thanks to the hospital staff and emergency services.
Rain revives waning blossom,
A faded, aged May Queen’s trane.
Tuneful, cooling teeny tears
Fall from scented ‘ears’,
Dissolving fears;
Blessing those who choose
To be the poet’s muse
And walk along the enchanted lane.
Yesterday,we waited forever for the torrential rain to ease so that we could
Calming cowslips,
A remedy of old:
Sip three spoonfuls of flowers
Steeped in a powerful mead.
Time for a bountiful spring we’re told.
Yellow fairy bells in sparkling ruby finery,
Tinkling on a breezy evening
As golden sunshine winks and leaves.
I heard very sad news yesterday about the passing of my friend and colleague, Moira Christie. She was aged 77 and had been unwell for sometime. She was a kind, practical and positive person who loved her garden and nature. This photograph reminds me of her.
The last few days have been very strange because my thoughts were of her and all my friends in Edinburgh. Before I go to bed I often look at my Laboradite crystal and on Monday and Tuesday I saw a picture in the crystal of a view of Edinburgh and the Pentland hills, which I have seen so many times from further round the coast in East Lothian. Early evening, my husband heard an owl hooting, then I received the message about Moira’s passing. My thoughts are with her loving family.
Moira Christie – Rest in peace
A stormy graphite puddle
Befuddled,
Eased by teasing sunlight,
Warming treacly tree buds.
Sleeping Sweet Violets;
Weeping Speedwell peeping
From the hedgerow whilst
Snowdrops gaze:
They are of course
The Queens of winter days;
Preening for the fae.
Lavender Moon: Artist, Poet and Lover of Nature 
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