Silent auction

I have decided that what I am going to do is have a silent auction on all of my paintings. I am posting this one for all of you who are unable to attend. If you would like to place a bid send me an email with your bid. The auction will end 6:00 pm on Saturday, August 23. I will mail the painting to you placed between two pieces of heavy cardboard and charge you for actual shipping. I will then let you know the total and you can send me a money order or cheque. I can also hold the painting for you if you are coming to the island. This particular painting is titled: In The Morning. I hope some of you will be able to come by on Friday the 22nd. I have made lots of cookies! The studio will be open from 9-3. Let's make a difference in these kid's lives together!

Sent from my iPhone

An invitation

I am inviting you to come to my open studio this upcoming Friday, August 22. I will have a variety of handwoven rag rugs, handmade beeswax tapers, and island watercolors that I have painted in the last two weeks. I prayed about these paintings and I can take little to no credit for them. 40 percent of my sales are being donated towards disadvantaged B.C. youth. These are high school teens who I have recently become aware of their situation. There is a huge need and this is an opportunity for us all to make a difference. If you are unable to come I am going to see what I can do to make it so that you can participate. I will keep you posted.

Sent from my iPhone

Blue Blooms

We planted these morning glory seeds this spring. The seeds were big enough for my two year old's hands that she could plant them herself. 

Sent from my iPhone

A woodland sweater

I built this simple wooden gate with my toddler. It's made from salvaged rough cut cedar I found. I used a handsaw to cut the boards as I have yet to fix my extension cord. I was pleased that except for one my cuts were straight. I had some choices to make about this sweater. After I knit the body I realized there wasn't enough yarn for sleeves. I sorta suspicioned that from the beginning but this was the perfect yarn for my woodland sweater so I threw all caution to the wind. Maybe there is more choices but to me my options were: 1. Turn it into a vest. 2. Throw it in the stove although it would be more resourceful to take it apart and use it as a learning lesson. 3. Put different coloured sleeves on and blend in the green I have left. I did none of the above. Instead I opted for 3/4 length sleeves and disregarded that stripes on the body should match the sleeves. This sweater is going to be worn when I do laundry and those 3/4 sleeves is what makes it useful. I will wear a cotton shirt underneath and if I'm still cold because I am going in and out of the cabin hauling buckets of water I will put on a vest. I divided the yarn in half using an electronic scale that measures in grams. I had just enough yarn to make the 3/4 length sleeves I wanted. The next thing I decided to do was instead of knitting the sleeve from the cuff edge to the armhole on circular needles I picked up stitches and knit it from the armhole down on circulars. I did this because I had no idea how long those 3/4 sleeves were going to be. I've never knit sleeves this way and it was interesting. It's also gotten me curious to try other methods of sweater construction. Of course it took several attempts to get it the way I wanted and that is why it has taken me so long to complete it. Never give up on what matters.
Sent from my iPhone

When love was measured in firewood

The sun hasn't yet touched the corner of the yard where I am working. I am splitting wood again. The blocks are big. Each one when split fills the wheelbarrow. With each swing I am straining. I hate this maul. I remember reading stories of how things were in days gone by. Before a man left home he split enough firewood to last his family until his return. It's been three years on Monday that he's been gone and the firewood is long gone. I guess it's time to buy myself a splitting maul. I wish I could buy a new heart to.

Sent from my iPhone

Sunrise - a finished painting

I have fallen more deeply in love with God. Never before have I known such genuine, unconditional care. There is no truer, purer love than His. The bible tells us, "God is light." 1 John 1:5. Is this more than a metaphor?

Sent from my iPhone

Morning

It's 5:30 am and we are hurrying out of the cabin for a stroller ride. The beach is deserted. We pass empty chairs and umbrella's. There is room to think. The ocean crashes and a bald eagle calls. The wind is crisp and cool to warm skin. This morning as usual is glorious and we are just in time to watch the sun rise. I found the perfect bag for my sketchbook in a garbage heap outside of someone's gate. Somewhere along this beach I will pause for several minutes to draw. Later I will paint. Summer is a season when life is easy. Everything is dry, there is always lots of light and there is no fire to tend. There is even less laundry.

Sent from my iPhone