Yesterday I received one of those ‘Happy Anniversary’ notes from WordPress, reminding me that I did still have a blog and despite not having posted once in February, I might quite like to celebrate six years of blogging with a post …..
So here I am. Six years – isn’t that great. Thank you all for being here and being so nice and encouraging and such fun……..
I’ll keep this brief, airy and light filled and just a little bit arty.
With me is the first completed mixed media work in about two years. I’m sadly out of practise as you will most likely note. In order to get back into the flow I did a class with the wonderful Tamara LaPorte called Owl Wisdom. Here’s my version
The sketch
on A3 heavy duty watercolour paper.
And that’s where the photographing stopped until it got to here – almost finished
Finished – or as good as it’s going to get
I scribbled onto the photo on my phone in an effort to avoid having to upload to computer and edit in the photo editor with a watermark…. I had to do all that uploading anyway as WordPress seems to have deleted direct access to my Google Photo account ……. Is it just me or has that happened to you too?
During the last month I knitted and crocheted. The one item completed is this scarf made with some beautiful beaded silk thread that has been in my stash for years, it drapes beautifully
For a change, let’s finish with Orlando. He was playing with his nepeta mouse, got high and turned his attention to putting on my shoes and trying to catch the light catcher sparkles all at the same time – then he fell asleep….
Thanks for coming by to check us out. Love that you did!
Pingback: Painting a Teddy Bear | The Contented Crafter
I love the magical owl and your story of Orlando is funny. Congratulations on six years, Pauline – you are one of my favorites. Your creativity is inspiring and your words are always just right.
LikeLike
Ah thank you Jodie, that’s a lovely thing to say π You are special to me too xo
LikeLike
Sweet Orlando!!! What a pretty owl! Whenever I see blues and green I think of you, my dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, that’s lovely π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can I just say, that scarf! You took BEAUTIFUL yard and made an even more beautiful scarf. Gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much – and I loved your story! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blogversary, Pauline! Your work is exquisite as always, a true artisan. :0)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam, thank you for your generous words π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π₯°π₯°π₯°
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to hear from you. The owl is beautiful as is the scarf. Orlando is quite the fellow. Love that he was trying to get the sparkles from the light catcher. Congratulations on the anniversary of your blog. May you have many more.
LikeLike
Thanks SS, I hope you’ll hear from me again regularly this month at least. There’s life in that old cat yet and he and makes me laugh with his antics…….
LikeLiked by 1 person
An owl full of magic and a scarf of delicacy! Congratulations for 6 years of blogging :>)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww π Nicely said, thank you Lynne
LikeLiked by 1 person
All beautiful; the owl, the scarf and Orlando. Thanks for the update.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cynthia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, and arty. Lovely post. Well done on the six years. π Congratulations.
Lovely knitting, nearly colour coordinated with the painting.
Hugs to all, and enjoy the last bit of the season.
π
LikeLike
I didn’t realise how well coordinated they were until I was loading photos π Thanks for your good wishes – yes, it’s winding down and the trees are starting to colour up. Still warm but the days are drawing in…… You will also be looking forward to the cooler days and nights, look forward to seeing something from you soon xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have seen a single tree that has started to turn colour. It is a small sign, but it is starting. The mornings are cooler now when I take Miekie out, but the days still get very hot. π I am indeed looking forward to cooler day, and a less hectic schedule too. I have been crafting still, but not blogging so much. I really need to start at that again. π This is a good year so far, so no reason not to.
Take care and enjoy. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, beautiful creations. Happy Sixth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Frank π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary, Pauline! Time truly flies, doesn’t it? I love the owl! As usual, your color choices are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time is flying at supersonic speed these days isn’t it Jill. I find myself wondering if it has anything to do with the fact that they (the scientists) say the universe is accelerating outwards at ever increasing speed………. I’ve tried and I can’t do quiet colours, I’m just a gypsy at heart π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary, Pauline! Congratulations. We must have started at about the same time. My sixth anniversary is also coming up sometime this year, I think. I’ll wait for WP to tell me.
I love your owl and his/her wise words. The colours are stunning.
Your scarf is very beautiful too. I would like to see a photo of it worn. That way I could better tell how it drapes. π
Have a wonderful month and enjoy your seventh year of blogging. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the owl is a she – simply on account of the eyelashes. It’s quite good to get that reminder isn’t it – I’d have no idea otherwise. You are a much more prolific blogger than me, so you will really deserve your anniversary kudos! I shall see if we can catch a shot of the scarf around a neck just for you. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some fellows I know have the longest cutest eyelashes. π
I look forward to the pic if you take one. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary! I love your twitty owl and his sayings. The colours made me stop and think about the owl I did in traditional owl colours , yours is so much more fun. The scarf, wow what pretty yearn, and I love the cat who did too much and fell asleep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The thing about creating is we never have to stay with the known – its so freeing π
LikeLike
Oops, hit post too soon…. ‘The Cat Who Did Too Much and Fell Asleep’ sounds like the title of a really good children’s book ……
LikeLike
Oh, Pauline!! I LOVE the owl and what he’s sayings. He makes me happy and I love the colors. The colors in your shawl as well. So soft and delicate. Very feminine. There is so little of that kind of thing anymore. You made me laugh at Orlando’s antics. I have little experience with cats, less with catnip but I was happy to see him here today. He’s been on my mind lately. I’ll be happy to see Siddy again but I do miss Orlando. He is part and parcel of your blog since it’s inception. Congrats on 6 years. That’s quite the accomplishment. Things have changed a lot over the last few, don’t you think? Hope to see you again soon. You are an anchor for me here. Love and hugs. M
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Marlene β€ I'm happy to hear you like to see Orlando, even if he isn't quite at his best here π I thought he needed to be seen again too. Siddy gets all the glory. O's
a dear old fellow and doing quite well these days I'm happy to say. Things have changed haven't they. For a start we are six years older………. We have made many friends, some of them are mutual friends which is really special. And we've lost some. Some have passed and some just stopped blogging. I've discovered I don't much like it when people just disappear, especially when I feel connected to them.
It's much better if they sign off then I kind of feel like we said goodbye and it's okay. Is it the same for you? I've promised myself to have an artsy March, so I'll be posting some work – good or bad – regularly this month. I framed the owl today and like it better now it has a surround – but the work is a bit rough I think, my hand is out of practise! Hope you and daughter are both doing okay, I keep meaning to ask you where she is intending to go and when – the thought of her going far away must be hard for you, so you are much in my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything you create is good to me. I can’t eve do stick figures without a pattern. π But I know good work. I adore how Orlando gave in and made peace with the pesky little brother. He is part and parcel of your blog. Looking forward to more beautiful art. Hugs and love to all of you. M
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to give you a painting lesson – you would be quite surprised at what you can do…… got your email, thank you xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I took tole painting lessons in the late 80’s-90’s. Loved it I think they call it decorative painting. Have lots of brushes, booklets with patterns and old possibly dried out acrylic paints. Just not enough spark left to pursue it anymore. But I’d love to paint with you and learn a thing or two. π
LikeLike
I’ve never done tole painting, really have little idea what its about, maybe I should look into it π Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to play together for a bit β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve given away so many books on it that it breaks my heart. Still have so many. But there are only so many hours in a day. But you never know. Daughter still wants to make a trip there. π
LikeLike
Not a lot of good in keeping books you aren’t using and we can’t do everything…… Daughter is very welcome to put up on my sofa bed in the living room any time – sadly I don’t have a spare room any more. – but you know, it’s a jumping off point π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the offer, Pauline. I’m in the same shape with no guest room again. But you have inexpensive hotels nearby should a visit happen, I’m sure. Odds are not favorable but you never know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
PS How’s the kitchen organization coming along?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have just disposed of the last of the items that were to be rehomed and the last cupboard is waiting for its wash out and rearrange. It’s just the spare cups and glasses and a few vases now, so no biggy. I have empty shelves, space for everything and everything is easy to get at. I am feng shuied thoroughly. Thank you so much for all your wonderful suggestions and ideas they all worked a treat! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to extend my congratulations on six years, Pauline, with all your other fans and friends. That’s a lovely scarf you’ve made, all the more amazing to me that you’ve done so with part of your stash. You have excellent taste in yards. Your owl is very sweet. I’m glad you’re back doing something you love and that you’ve found a good instructor to keep you moving forward. Lindy, Mouse and recently Tessa all love the Nepeta growing in the garden. The good news is that a second plant self-seeded in the side yard so we have two ready sources. Orlando is a sweet, old soul. What a happy household you have, Pauline. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Alys β€ You are very fortunate to have self seeded nepeta – it generally grows stronger and better that way. Mine has never had a chance to seed as O destroys the plants as soon as he finds them. Barricades, upturned baskets and all other deterrents have failed in the face of his determination to get at his favourite drug! My gentle and sweet kitty has another darker side….. Currently he is passed out on the window seat having had a good brush and a treat or two.I am greatly relieved to be back into some art, I needed a class or two to get over the hump of forgetting where to start and how to do it once started. I had torn up two pieces, first time ever. Completely unsalvageable! This month is art month!!
LikeLike
Orlando would make a good truffle pig with that kind of nose and determination. π
I’m so glad you’re back to your art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy sixth blogging anniversary, Pauline π I love your owl, though she does look a wee bit sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. I think it must be that if you are an owl gazing silently out into the world there is much to be a little sad about, even when you know it will all be owlright in the end……..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary – doesnβt it fly past! Delighted you posted what youβve been up to – all gorgeous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does indeed! Thank you π
LikeLike
It’s the colours that have really grabbed me this week in your pics. The owl is gorgeous and your yarn. As a huge Siddy fan, I’m sorry but I’m going to have to complain about the lack of his happy little face this week – sorry Orlando, you are cool, but not Siddy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Orlando doesn’t mind. He thinks the camera is going to steal his soul anyway and would really rather not allow that. Siddy will be back next post I’m sure. The colours are pretty great aren’t they π
LikeLiked by 2 people
I bet it was Siddy that told him that so he can hog all the limelight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Siddy just looked a little guilty as I read this, you may be right……..
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking at the photos, it’s pretty apparent what your favorite colors are! It all looks so fresh and happy. I’m glad you got back to making art–you were doing lots of that when I first “met” you and it gives you such a fine outlet for your creativity. My six-year blog anniversary should be coming up this summer, I think–I can’t believe how much blogging has come to mean to me! Give sweet Orlando a good scritch for me. . . .
LikeLiked by 2 people
As to the years of blogging – I think we all have stories of how much it has changed our lives. Things we never imagined have come our way and friends we never met have come to mean so much. It’s a pretty fabulous thing! I’m glad to be back at my practise again for sure, it enlivens me in ways I forget when I’m not doing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your blogoversary and on the artwork. We both liked the owl – especially Jackie who gave a big smile. I do hope Siddy wasn’t offended X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Siddy never minds! He knows he’ll be back………… Glad to hear there was a smile xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on 6 years on your blog and I love your shares. The shawl is so stunning and I love your owl. If that’s you out of practice then it’s amazing! X
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hello, hello! Thanks so much for coming by and staying to chat π I do rather like that scarf – sadly not really quite big enough to be a shawl unless I shrink a bit ;-D the colours are really pretty. Thanks for liking the owl too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw I misread, it’s such pretty colours x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your owl and your scarf are beautiful.
But, oh to be a cat! πΊ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simple pleasures π
LikeLike
I checked and nepeta is indeed catnip π That owl is so cute. I love the colors. And they are echoed in your scarf as well. It looks as though your talents remain sharp, Pauline!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very kind Lisa π Hopefully you will see a big improvement if I can keep to my intention of sketching every day and completing a painting every week throughout this month. Yes, catnip is nepeta, nepeta is catnip….. I’ve always known it by its botanical name and forget not everyone does. I think I might be including more green in palette, which is a nice addition to all the blue I typically surround myself with.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, but there must be green as the owl is in the woods! I do find I stick with colors for a while and then slowly other colors creep in and things change.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Quite so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Pauline, I love the owl. And I really like seeing the progress start to finish. That always fascinates me! Orlando got high?!? Thatβs funny. π€£ Nepeta has a way of doing that!
Happy Blogging Milestone! Iβm so happy we met in the Blogosphere. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Orlando has always had a bit of a drug problem Cheryl. Once he demolished three potted nepeta in less than half an hour and was completely smashed himself. Nowadays he is monitored and I get a good laugh out of his antics π Six years have flown by and made the globe so much smaller – I am so glad we met too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I missed seeing your wonderful projects, Pauline. It’s so interesting to see your sketch transformed into a delightful and vibrant owl (I’m an owl fan at heart). And the scarf is stunning too! I love those colors and the delicate pattern. Beautiful. Happy Creating this March, my friend. β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a huge owl fan – even so this is the first time I’ve done more than sketch one. Glad you like the scarf too π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your newest art work looks great to me, Pauline.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s certainly colourful Carol π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy BlogaVersary! Your owl is beautiful, it turned out lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to see you again Apple – thank you π
LikeLike
You’ve had a lovely creative month, Pauline. I think Orlando has found feline nirvana – his mistress’ heavenly smelling shoes, kitty pot, and sparkles. Actually, it sounds pretty darn nice from my perspective, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Put that way, I’m with you. I’ll have to try sniffing and dribbling all over that catnip π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy Anniversary. When you are surrounded by such lovely things and Orlando and Siddy, everything is certainly owlright.
LikeLiked by 1 person
π Hoot-hoot!! β€
LikeLiked by 1 person