The saved hummingbird

This is a picture of the hummingbird I saved after it flew into the window and and was laying unconscious in the snow. Now it sits in the window box (with fake flowers) outside my studio. He usually likes to sit in the rhody, but we've had so much snow that he's afraid he'll be crushed if it falls.

A Magical Moment

It is snowing and the world outside is beautiful! Yesterday I heard a bird-thump on the window glass, and when I looked outside, there was a hummingbird laying in the snow. Right away, I went outside and picked it up.... it rested in my hand for just a moment, then flew away to a nearby branch. After a few moments, it shook itself off and flew away in search of food. I never imagined I would have an opportunity to actually hold one of these magical creatures, what a wonderful reward for all of the care I take in keeping their feeders filled (and thawing them on frosty mornings).

It's unbelievable!

An unbelieveable sight here in Washington on the 19th of April. The goldfinches and swallows are wishing they'd stayed in Mexico a few more weeks, that's for sure. As for me, I'm glad to be snuggled in at home instead of trudging around Ft. Worden, freezing my bunzitos. Good thing Teesha made us all visualize good weather for Artfest, now we know why that's so important! The snow hasn't kept the hummingbirds from their feeder, tho....

Artfest Memories

My trip to Artfest was wonderful, as always! I took the "Seasons Journal" class with LK Ludwig on Thursday, and had lots of fun making gelatin prints and collages with a nature theme. On Friday, I was in Nina Bagley's "Gatherings" class (that's her picture above, looking all serene).

This was truly all about serendipity, I found the perfect cover paper and ribbons in the Art Asylum, picked up the window frame on the cover at a shop in Pt. Townsend on Thursday evening, and a wonderful person gave me a small wire hummingbird nest to put in the corner of the "window." Also, my classmates were very generous with collage elements and helpful advice so I was able to turn my ordinary garden journal into a wonderful work of art, just in time for the artists' show on Saturday night. Here's a close-up of the book cover

This was my fifth year, and I was resolved to take it easy and make time for breathing and other relaxing activities. I'm not sure I was very successful, I got too focused on completing my projects and doing every possible thing there was to do. Maybe next year....?

Belated Valentine's Day

This is a pic of the Valentine's Day bracelet I made with some of the charms I got in the terrific Charmster's Valentine's Day exchange. Aren't they amazing!?! I got 50 charms, enough to make this bracelet and add to several necklaces. Note to Charmsters: the "diamond" ring and royal flush cards were gifts from my dh, so don't be wondering how you missed getting those...
We celebrated the occasion in Reno and I wore this bracelet with a sparkly red dress, I truly felt like the Queen of Hearts.

No pic, just gratitude

I've had thoughts of blogging, but mostly when I'm outside re-landscaping, digging up something or cutting down something else. I hate to be inside when it's sunny out! But every morning first thing I have my bloggy ritual, skipping from my blog to Tejae's, then to Nina, to Misty, to Katie Kendrick, to Judy Wise, to "Dispatch from LA" and finally link over to &rew and Lisa E. It's a familiar little path, sometimes following a trail over to Kelly Rae or another artist that I might remember or might not. Then with that huge daily dose of inspiration I put on my overalls and go outside to putter happily for the rest of the day. I always try to remember to come in and get cleaned up and start cooking something before my dh gets home at 6. I finally even started wearing a watch to keep track of the time. And marking off the calendar to keep track of the days. My dh retires on Halloween, which is now officially next month! Hooray!

So this is a thank you to all of the artists who enrich my day via blog or postcard. Yesterday I got stung by a bee on my arm, I think maybe it's a sign to go to my studio and create something and give the creatures outside a break from my intrusiveness.

Tagging Postcard

This is the postcard I put together to tag the RAP (Random Altered Postcard) group. I've gotten one back so far, and it was a blast. Now I'm trying to think of how I'll fill out my own to send out through the mail. Of course, the "Post Secret" item is my favorite!