spring fever


Today I worked in the studio with the windows open for the first time in forever. We had 50 degree temps, which was such a treat! It firmly sets my fever for spring. So I'm heralding spring with a new blog banner and a few inspiring photos by others. Some hints of color, light, and flowers.  Ahh flowers.  I keep buying flower seed packets {just got some poppies} which is like going grocery shopping on an empty stomach, you just keep getting more and more!  

Next week Jan is hosting Spring Colours Week which promises to be a sight for sore eyes.

Tiny Neighbourhood by Thereza is really good.

Art as Business interviews at Alexandra's blog.

Have a colorful weekend,
H


Last night while catching ideas in my sketchbook I pasted some flowers cut-outs, my wish garden for the year: zinnias, cosmos, ranunculus, sea holly and yarrow. We always have zinnias and cosmos but I want to try new varieties as well. While we've attempted ranunculus in the past we haven't been successful for one reason or another. Hopefully this year!

I believe we will be starting the spring vegetable garden really soon, with spinach, broccoli, sugar snaps, radishes, baby bok choy, kale and the like. I'm getting so excited to see some green and color again.

Are you planting or dreaming your garden yet?

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POSTSCRIPT: Oops, forgot to add this: Heather shoots film at hei Astrid yesterday.  Thanks Astrid!


I've been intending to share with you my two photographs which are currently at The Lawrence Arts Center for the group exhibition called "Place". From the moment I knew of this show I sensed my contribution would be photography. I don't know why since I have never shown my photos but my mind was set from the start. So I had two film photos that I took in January enlarged and made into giclee prints on enhanced matte paper. They're 16in. x 24in. and I'm happy with the way they look and their presence. These two images are also currently part of the "home" set at What Remains Inside. 

This week we've had sunshiny days {finally!} and I've been enjoying brisk walks downtown. Wednesday I picked up from the library two books of poetry by Mary Oliver, "Owls and Other Fantasies" and "The Leaf and the Cloud". I find it so easy to become immersed in her imagery and descriptions of nature.  Her writing inspires me and helps get my own words flowing.

I know some of you have visited this link but it's a good one. Where They Create.

Do you have any fun weekend plans?
H

Good Day Sunshine

Good day, Sunshine.  That song is going through my head this morning.  Not that I'm thrilled it's Monday or anything.  But the sun is shining and makes the snow and ice look glassy.  I also noticed new tracks criss-crossing in the garden this morning, of the rabbit, bird and stray cat variety.  I like seeing what animals visit our garden while it's sleeping.  No, I think that song is in my head because a kind friend sent me a necklace made by Jenifer of sprout studio and wearing it today brings sunshine to my heart.  {Thank you, you know who you are. :)}

Did you have a good weekend?  Saturday was a long and productive studio day for me and yesterday I took a marathon nap.  I just kept, on, sleeping.  Then I woke up, made some earl grey tea, and put on my snow boots to walk around and look at the ice on branches.  If only when the ice melts everything would burst into spring!  Then last night I made oatmeal cookies and the granola recipe from Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day, yeah it's good too.  And in all that oatmeal goodness I forgot to make a boule to go with our dinner.  We fixed a tomato pasta sauce with fire roasted tomatoes, roasted red peppers and our own enokitake mushrooms.  Yum.  Oh, plus over the weekend we watched Julie & Julia, have you seen it?  I liked it.


Thank you for all the support, emails, and comments you've been sending Shari and I about our new set at What Remains Inside. We are really glad to know you enjoy it and are finding it meaningful too.

I better get going, it's a teaching day.

Have a nice Monday,
H