Washing Dishes...

This is what I feel like when I come home and look at the sink full of dishes. (and the rest of the mess)  I have an uncanny ability to ignore housework until it gets quite out of control.  It's the art I'd rather be doing, the board games with the kids, sitting by the fire, chatting with the 'man of information' (husband) and of course, playing my guitar. 

Now, these are clean dishes in a simple kitchen.  Whoever lives here tends to their chores.  Maybe this is my new years resolution.  Don't know if it will keep.

BTW, these simple and beautiful photographs are by the incomparable Dorothea Lange... American Photographer.  I love her stark style and subject matter.  It always makes me thankful and reminds me I have everything I could ever want or need .

Already Dreaming of Purple Coneflowers...

Ok, I'm trying to hold fast during winter.  But, I'm thinking about several perennials that died and I want to replace them... start over.  Plant more varieties, lengths and colors.  I want to get my fingers in the earth, soon.  But, that's not reality in January!  I even bought some spiky things to wear on my shoes in hopes of dog walks on the icy streets - the first pair after several years of living here. 

This is a wool purse inspired by my first purple cone flowers... couldn't believe how much I loved them.  Maybe I'll just do more flowers in wool for winter.  For now.

The Lady Who Taught Guitar

I did this painting on a wooden cigar box a few years back and wish I hadn't sold it!  Well, the truth is, lately, I've been thinking about the guitars in the background.  My husband and I have been taking guitar lessons for a few months now... it's something we can do together.  (a rarity around here).  We've been writing some songs, recording snippits on our iphones and playing them for each other.  Never knew I would love it this much :) 

I feel some guitar paintings coming on...

Cold Days of the Year...

I love this snippet of a poem by Christina Rossetti and carved it in the fall.  My daughter did the background watercolor so, this is a true collaboration!  A very Happy New Year 2013 to all of you who visit me here.  Don't be shy about leaving a note from time to time, I'd love to hear from you!
Will be putting another version of this in the etsy shop this week.