A winter's walk

Yesterday afternoon, feeling completely overwhelmed, I ate a chocolate truffle, drank a glass of milk, threw on my coat, hat, and mittens, strapped on my camera and set out on a walk. Destination, unknown. Just meandering through the park and downtown and back through the neighborhoods. A few fat snowflakes floated through the air, like lost ashes.
When there's so much to do and think about it's good to get away for a little bit and gather some fresh air.

on beauty

These sites are commonly considered industrial areas, neglected road underpasses, lonely pastures, and otherwise grey parts of town. Even so, there's beauty.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. ~Confucius

What do you find beautiful in your town?

Water Paper Paint - A bit of process

Today I set out all the works in preparation for the Water Paper Paint book launch show coming up in early January and came across this small bit of paper. It is one of the "scratch" pieces I kept on my table while working on the projects. Looking at it now, I like seeing how my thoughts and ideas were developing; specifically the ways I was considering the cover text and also the project on "Writing with Watercolor".

Again, I'm excited hearing from those of you who are receiving your copy already. Thank you so much! I hope you will keep me posted on what projects you pursue.

Water Paper Paint is In Stock!

Right now I'm sipping a warm mug of red zinger tea and am glad our power is back on so we have heat. It's very blustery out and we're expected to receive a bit of snow overnight. I think we'll make spaghetti for supper. On a cold night like tonight spaghetti is just what I want.

I've been hearing from friends who pre-ordered my book Water Paper Paint, that they started receiving their copy in the mail yesterday. It's so exciting! So I am happy to report it is now In Stock, just in time for Christmas gift giving. :) Thank you so much for your thoughtful encouragement, comments, and support.

Don't miss Kerstin's holiday giveaway of her beautiful book From Orchards, Fields, and Gardens, running now through Dec. 17. See more shots from inside the book here, including my humble contribution.

Blue

Some recent film shots of birds gathering in the late evening. The poor cedar waxwing flew into our window and then ended up in the water tub (unbeknown to us) and drowned. We were very sad to find it the next morning.

Don't miss Shari's guest post 'a little slice of life' at Abby's blog today.

Go see these images: The Mexican Suitcase, Rediscovered Spanish Civil War negatives by Capa, Chim, and Taro at The Museum of The International Center of Photography.