Weekend Mishmash

Here a few unrelated things from this weekend:

1. Hurricane Sandy merely passed us by way off the coastline bringing us nothing but wind, not even a drop of rain, which our yard could have used. However, the wind did a little bit of damage and snapped our ornamental pear tree in half. 

That giant falling branch, in turn, snapped off our beloved kumquat tree, which was laden with not-yet-ripe fruit. That makes me sad, but then again, the damage could have been much worse!

I hope that all of you in the path of this huge storm will stay safe!

2. I finished another painting, which took a looooong time to come together. At some point, I actually thought it was finished, only to discover that I was so mistaken. It still wanted more. But now it feels "right."

Contrast
Mixed Media on 11" x 14" canvas

I have it listed for sale here. 

3. I've been doing a good bit of knitting and "stuff" for my crafty store.

Some of it already sold, but the rest you can see here.

4. Two nights ago, it was so windy that I had trouble sleeping. So, I got on the computer and promptly signed up for a sewing class on Craftsy called Stitch and Slash. It's basically working with fabrics like I like to paint - with lots of layers and texture. I know I'm going to love it!!

5. I'd have gotten going with the sewing already, except that I am traveling with a box of Kleenex these days - I've caught a little cold and am taking it easy. Hopefully next week I'll be back to my usual energy level...

Until then, I will be thinking of all of you in the path of Hurricane Sandy!! Stay safe!

Happy Sunday!

P.S. Thanks for all of your understanding and encouraging comments on my last blog post! Yes, blogging is supposed to be fun!! And today, it is!! :)

❧ Silke

Stormy Tybee Beach

We went to Tybee beach for just a little bit this afternoon to see the effects of Hurricane Irene passing well to the east of us.

It was warm, windy, rainy at times and aside from experienced surfers, nobody was allowed in the water.

The waves were amazing!!

And while waiting to pay for parking, I discovered these colorful beauties in someone's back yard. They look like they should be a painting, don't you think?

To all of you who will be in the path of this huge storm, I hope you, your loved ones and your homes will stay safe!

I'll be thinking of you!!

Just a quick hello...

It's still thundering outside, but the storms have subsided a good bit and were much weakened by the time they arrived here. I cannot wrap my mind around the devastation they left behind in other areas! My heart goes out to everyone who was in their path.

We were without internet most of the day, so for today I simply offer you these flowers with my wishes for a good night and a peaceful day ahead.

I hope you are all safe and sound!

Eeeeek!!

I am so excited! This morning (I have to leave in a few minutes) I start my drawing class. Yesterday I went to get most of the supplies and I couldn't believe how fun it was just doing that. Here's what I got:

I thought we were just going to draw with pencils, but I had to get a bunch of charcoal as well (insert happy dance), which means I get to get my hands dirty and I love that when making art...

This morning, I don't have to take any of this yet as we'll just go over the syllabus and the supply list. And I'm glad I don't have to take anything because it's still raining.

We had storms all yesterday afternoon and throughout the night. Poor Winslow had to snuggle close while it was thundering. Yesterday, we were hearing this awful racket and then we saw the hail - big hail! That was quite something. Have a look at my super short little video:

Ok, time to get ready and be a student again - probably the only gray-haired student in the bunch, but I don't mind...

Wishing you a great beginning to a most creative week!!

Let it Snow...

I know some of you are going to laugh at this post...you, who have been buried in snow and who have to shovel daily just to get out of your driveways!

(You can click on the photos to see them bigger.)

But for us here in Savannah, yesterday something amazing happened - snow flurries! When a friend mentioned on facebook that it was snowing where she lives (a little more inland), I was sure we wouldn't see any snowflakes so close to the coast.

But I was wrong! And because nothing accumulated where we were, I had to find a few perfect snowflakes to show you...

Now, the sun is shining again, but it's still bitterly cold. I hope all of you who live in areas hit hard by yesterday's (and today's) big snow storm here on the East Coast are doing well. Stay warm and safe!!

And to all of you a very Happy Monday!!

Shimmering Goodness

Yesterday, I had some time to experiment with my paints. I wanted to try out some of my interference and iridescent acrylic paints. Sometimes painting one of "my" women gets in the way of simply experimenting, so I got out some stamps and made two little paintings on paper covered with black gesso.
The scans never quite show the shimmering colors right, but I really like some of the effects!

Do you work much with iridescent colors?

P.S. As I am preparing this post (last night), we are expecting some thunderstorms to move through here. It seems that spring storm season has begun and it's time for me to get out our weather radio again, which has been hibernating in a drawer...

Do I Love Our Dog or What?!?

Last night, I found a dog biscuit recipe at down to earth and immediately had to try it this morning with the best result! Friends had given us this cute dog bone cookie cutter years ago and I thought it would make the perfect dog biscuits. While they were baking, they smelled so good that I wanted to taste them, which would have been just fine as they have excellent ingredients. As it was, I let Winslow be the taste tester and I am happy to report that the recipe met with his full approval.

A couple of afternoons ago, I had to quickly run out and take a picture of the sky as a storm was blowing in. The clouds were so beautiful and roiling!
Right after I snapped the photo, this happened:

Later that evening, when I let Winslow out in the yard, I saw this beautiful spiderweb right by the door. Isn't it amazing in its perfection?

Tomorrow, I will have more art for you. And also a recipe soon - we had to use our first poblano peppers the other day and Daniel made the most delicious Mexican dinner for us that I want to share with you all.

Hope you are enjoying your Friday evening!