Often when I'm driving, working in the garden, or perhaps out for a run an idea will come to me. It may be a phrase that I might include in a manuscript or a thought about how I could construct a figure or painting. It's too diffucult to carry a sketch book with you at every moment, so often I need to put something down on paper from memory. You can lose some of the flavor from the moment of inspiration, but it is still best to record what you recall. Sketch (drawing) is not only the perfect … [Read more...] about Sarah as a Sketch
Gardening
Gardening for me has always been not only both a joy and drudgery, but a way of life.On my parents small farm, with eleven mouths to feed, we desparately needed to grow our own food. But there was great joy and satisfaction to the task. The garden was where I learned the uniqueness of each vegetable and weed, and my mother and elder brothers and sisters found unique ways to keep me and my younger brothers and sister engaged in the garden activities. We made forts out of the piles of weeds, … [Read more...] about Gardening
Twas The Night Before Christmas
It is the night before Christmas and all is not as peaceful as depicted in Clement Clarke Moore's poem, Twas The Night Before Christmas", as I still have a ham to prepare for the guests that I will welcome into my home that I've filled with holiday decorations, and a few treats for those with a sweet tooth. I've not created a Santa Claus or Old World Father Christmas figure for my home yet, but some day soon I will design one that's perfect for my personal holiday decor. And you could … [Read more...] about Twas The Night Before Christmas
SinterKlaas
Midwinter festivals have been a part of people's lives for centuries. Who wouldn't want to bring a little merriment to these drearier days when the earth is resting. We put on fanciful clothing, give gifts, and decorate our abodes to liven the season. Gift giving is an important part of this season, for it shows how grateful we are for all that we have enjoyed and experienced throughout the year. Our iconic gift givers have changed throughout the years and vary from region to region. In Holland … [Read more...] about SinterKlaas
Santa Claus is comin to town
Santa Claus is coming to town exclaims the popular song, which is also the title, of an animated holiday movie from the 1970's. The narrator, a mailman voiced by Fred Astaire, attempts to reveal more about the origin of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus figure in the tale is charming and jovial, a welcomed change no doubt, from the more stern and judgmental figure that the parents of the youth who first viewed this performance remembered. Along with the festive decorations that define our Holiday … [Read more...] about Santa Claus is comin to town