Six Word Saturday #20

~After the storm

I seek solace~

Well, this has been a time of turbulence.

Friends and loved ones sick and dying.

No time for art to speak of.

Not much time to connect because there's such a dis-connect right now.

Because I believe in the cyle of things I know this will pass.

This is NOT meant to be a downer of a post, but one of hopefulness that things will begin to turn around.

I'll be back soon!

photo locations from top to bottom:Barrington Beach, Rhode Island, Pueblo west, CO,  again...Pueblo West, CO, Provincetown, Mass, my back yard in Barrington, Rhode Island,  Cove Haven Marina, Barrington, Rhode Island, and finally, Barrington Country Club, Barrington, Rhode Island.

For more "six words" click here!

Suki's Emily

Okay, I have been absent long enough.

I really miss posting and visiting, so I'm going to start with the very last painting I did and then hopefully have more to post very soon.

This is a portrait of our friend Suki's beloved and sorely missed cat, Miss Emily Dickinson.

I went to Suki's blog and borrowed a photo to paint from. The photo wasn't very clear but I did my best to capture her spirit. Suki approved and was quite touched and grateful.

It's a simple portrait trying to capture an enormous little spirit.

We are never, ever ready to let them go, but we must in order for them to move on.

I hope to be back soon with something new from my easel. I miss you all!

xo

Lo♥

A Letter to my Uncle

Dear Uncle Don~

I learned this morning that you left us in the wee hours of the night.

That's just like you to slip away quietly. I hope you know you were surrounded my many in mind and spirit. I'd like to think Aunt Jean was waiting for you with open arms.

I'm sure she was. And Hogan and Tom were there wagging their tails.

You were more af a dad to me than an Uncle. You were my rock.

We shared so much. Our love of nature and all living things.

Quiet moments...

There wasn't anything that didn't fascinate you.

I'll miss our weekly talks and I'll treasure all the conversations between us.

You were my confidant and true friend.

When my friends put you up in their guest room while we were packing to move, you became family in an instant. You never enter a life without entering their hearts.

You dazzled us all with your self-taught piano magic. Fats Waller would have been proud of you!

My life is richer for having known you.

There's a giant space in this world without you in it, but I know there's a new star in the sky now.

You shined bright while you were here, too.

Goodbye dearest Uncle. I know I'll hear from you again.

 I'll treasure your drawings which have a place of honor in my studio.

You were the kindest, dearest soul and I will miss you deeply.

Thank you for all you've taught me and shared with me for so many years.

Blessings to you on your new journey,

Love always,

Laurel♥

Illustration Friday: Grounded

Whether soaring high, surveying the skies,

or grounded with feet firmly planted where he stands~

Raven is King of all the land.

For Illustration Friday: grounded

Acrylic paint and colored pencil on patterned paper, and a sticker for his crown. 

Pulled from my archives because I miss playing :)

December Skies

This is a view from my studio window, untouched, flaming sky glowing with hope.

The view from my kitchen window, sky-blue pink afternoon.

Barrington Country Club which I pass daily.

I always pull off the road for sky photos. They call to me.

The magic of afternoon light. A perfect backdrop for winter trees.

Clouds dancing on tree tops.



As the sun sets on the last day of 2011, I reflect on the year that is leaving.

I always try to pick the gems from the rubble because I know they're there no matter how hard the year may have been.

I wish all of you, dear friends, a year full of gems, peace in your heart, good health and happiness always.

All I'm going to ask of myself this year is to show up.

I'm going to strive for improved health in body and mind.

And more art...and blogging!

And being a better friend.

Happy New Year, with love always~

Lo

xoxo

Holiday Hope

This is the time of year when many people complain about what they don't have. They make huges lists of material 'must haves" for Santa to bring or for other people to buy because they think life will be better with them.

For others, this is a time of year when we remember the less fortunate. Those without food, shelter or warmth. Those who are battling life-threatening illnesses. Those who don't have any family members left and feel totally alone. Big TVs, Ipods, computers, diamonds or fancy cars wouldn't fill their needs or their hearts.

 

What all of us need to keep in mind in any of these situations is that people care. I still believe that good outweighs bad. So let's remember the less fortunate in this season of giving. Let's show them that hope is always on the horizon.

Wishing you all who celebrate, A Very Merry Christmas. Sharing with you week after week is one of my greatest gifts of all!

( And for those of you who don't know my secret signature, the 3 cypress trees are always in my heart. They represent the 3 cats we drove from Rhode Island to California with 18 years ago. I miss them dearly and feel blessed to have had them in my life for so many years. Merry Christmas, boys.)

( click the image to see hope on the horizon!)

This is a repost from 2007, but worthy today.

xoxo

Lo

Happy HOWL-idays to MEW!

Well, at least Emma and Bliss are ready for the holidays!

I did have every intention of printing these and mailing them to my friends but I only got as far as designing it.

Please feel free to right click, save and print and sign "Love, Lo" on it and put it on your mantle!

One of my resolutions for the new year is to find balance between life and work and to get back to blogging.

I miss everyone!

Have a wonderful Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza...whatever you celebrate, celebrate with all your heart! ♥

Love,

Lo

xoxoxo