Let It Snow!

(source)

There's something about seeing that 'ol calendar flip over to December.  After a dizzying, "where did the year go?" sensation passes, I long for the flurry of snowflakes swirling in crisp, cold air.

My family just loves to play in the snow.  

Skiing, sledding, ice skating, making homemade snow cream... please count us in!  

Unfortunately, here in southeast Virginia, we're much more likely to experience a balmy 65 degrees than enjoy a significant snow in winter.

Cold weather memories fill my mind, as I begin decorating for Christmas.  Half-tempted to break out the hot cocoa and marshmallows, even though I'm presently wearing shorts.

Yep, it's almost wintertime in Virginia.  Be sure to bring your flip flops!
 

Color Inspiration for Fall Painting Projects

Recent travels have sparked my imagination for upcoming painting projects...

Along the entry road to Wintergreen Winery, the distressed white paint of this sign speaks to me.  I can see its relaxed, weathered finish reproduced on a Chippendale-style dresser.  A gift from a dear friend, I'd like to see it re-imaged as a beach cottage piece -- perhaps for my home office?  Bet its traditional fan carving will look like a seashell, once I've dressed it up in softy-sanded white paint.

I just love to take a tailored piece of furniture and re-work its vibe into something much more expressive and relevant for today's lifestyles!

 Consider this barn red paint.  Offset by a chunky handmade sign, it caught my eye near Wintergreen Ski Resort.  Great shade of red that's richly saturated and yet sun faded, all at once.

I'm thinking an antique Sheraton chest of drawers, inherited from Grandma Thrift, would look great in that color.  It's a perfect storage piece for our ski chalet guest room.  The space combines rustic elegance with pure escape, like Ralph Lauren crossed with LL Bean.  Its sumptuous fabrics, vintage snowshoes and wooden skis are so very Chateau Relaxo!

Sometimes...

... I just need to stand still. 

Preferably some place beautiful, to experience its quietness.  

To pray.

To hear myself think.  

To rediscover my peace. 

To regain my balance.

To feel the breeze.  

To still my soul.

To renew my strength.

Monday evening on Wintergreen mountain, looking toward Three Ridges.  Just before sunset, I'm centered again.  Ready for the two surgeries tomorrow, knowing they are prayerfully kept in His loving care.  Always.

Plein Air Painting: La Première Partie

It just looks so romantic and peaceful, 

to break out a delicate box easel and paint
'en plein air' style.

I've always wanted to paint beautiful landscapes, not just snap sunset photos from the passenger seat of a pickup truck traveling at 45mph.
He's truly my favorite artist.  Capturing and reflecting His beautiful creation is a daily joy, even when this faith journey is in fast forward mode.

Oh, to be still and quietly paint in a garden like Claude Monet did, as he interpreted his beloved Giverny in signature Impressionist brushstrokes.  I'd gladly settle for a scenic spot in Paris or out on Cape Cod.  More realistically, atop Wintergreen, overlooking Three Ridges.  Anywhere by the water would make me a happy camper.

No beret or artist's smock, though.  Couldn't pay me to wear such goofy gear.  I'd be decked out in my regular old painting clothes and my favorite Sperrys.  Listening to my iPod, in my own little world.  Maddie dog by my feet.  Pretty much as I paint in the studio, except I'd be basking in the beauty of the great outdoors.  So cool.

It takes courage to paint outside... out where people can watch and lurk as you work.

It's kinda odd... I know this firsthand.

To be continued...