Drawing Challenge!

Our drawing challenge this week!!! These are so much fun! Everyone in the group is having a blast creating their stories. So, here's mine:

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So much fun!! Happy Thursday!! A new drawing challenge will start tomorrow. If you would like to join us, here's the group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youcandrawit
Seize the day! Love and peace always ~ Kathy
A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.
― Salvador Dali

You Can Draw it!

Last week I had my Son and his partner in town to go see the "Van Gogh Immersive experience" at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville! I have to say, it was quite amazing!

The floor was even moving!

The whole experience lit a fire in all of us, so it's time to start drawing again! Please join our drawing group "You can Draw it" on facebook, if you're not already a member. I can't wait to see what you create! 

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 Ready to start drawing!!! It's all about the journey!! 

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"There may be a great fire in our hearts, yet no one every comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

I live in the woods!

 
Oh my gosh! I had to share this! Both of our little ponds are alive with calling/mating Wood Frogs and the Hawks are taking full advantage of the love sick amphibians, like this unsuspecting female that ended up being a quick snack for this gorgeous bird. And yes, nature is cruel, but it's the way of the world! 

And just another "perk" of living in the woods, Iris tried to bring this animal spine inside! I have no idea what it was, but I'm suspecting a Squirrel...and since I've seen a Bobcat, two Foxes, several Coyotes and a Bear on the cameras lately, finding small animal bones on our property does not surprise me at all! Of course, Iris is disappointed!


But, I have to say, I love seeing the wildlife on our property!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! This is my latest little drawing from the prompt "Goldfish" --- but while I was drawing it, I started thinking about my daddy. He was a huge Pink Floyd fan and not a day goes by that I don't wish he was here.

love and peace always ~ Kathy

New Moon Monday & Drawing from Memory!

 
The Moon cycles sure to seem to get faster and faster. And if you are in to that kind of stuff, like I am, this is a really cool animation of Moon phases for 2022!
And with tomorrow's New Moon on February 1st, it's also the Chinese New Year! Year of the Tiger! 

I drew this fun little Tiger yesterday, following a youtube tutorial! So much fun! And I did watch the Bengals win yesterday, so I'm super proud of our LSU Tigers!!! I can't wait to watch them win the Super Bowl! And, I'm not even a football fan! But while I was watching, I drew this awesome little Owl! This week's drawing challenges are all animals "from memory" --- lucky for me, I know exactly what an Owl looks like!

I love how Procreate records your drawings in a time lapsed video [this is the short version]. So cool! And it's finally going to warm up a wee bit today, so I'm looking forward to some afternoon sunshine! Happy Year of the Tiger!!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

Instant Pot & Art!

 
It's been so cold here!!! All I want to do is stay in my PJ's, draw on my iPad and make food! So this beautiful little character came out last night! I love her! Meet Mayvin! She's an "App" developer and also an avid collector of ceramic frogs. Her grandmother was a collector of frogs, as well, and Mayvin inherited the whole collection when she was 12 years old. Since then, she has added some gorgeous hand-painted ceramic frogs to her own collection, some of them really rare and dating back to the 1800's. A lot of her friends think she's weird and quirky, but frogs are way more special to her than people, anyway. Currently she is working on an amphibian identification app which, hopefully, can help identify some species of frogs that are believed to be extinct. She's currently saving all of her money to take a trip to the Amazon and Equatorial Africa Tropical Forests to test out her app!
I bought an Instant Pot a few years ago and haven't used it in at least a year! I was actually thinking about rehoming it, until I started seeing all of these amazing recipes from Jeffrey Eisner! His cookbooks are just choked full of flavorful recipes and old favorites! Like this delicious Italian Sausage and Shell Pasta I cooked last night. It's super rich [just look at the ingredient list], but certainly worth the splurge now and then!

And today I'm making a big pot of onion soup [Japanese Steakhouse style], because my allergies are kicking my butt! I'm so ready for Spring!!! I hope you are staying warm where you are!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being." ~ Franz Kafka

 Has everyone enjoyed the first full Moon of 2022!! It seems like it's lasted for days here! With our first substantial "sneaux" of Winter, the reflection from the Moon beams has made it seem like an eternal daylight. I'll take it, though! It has been keeping me awake...not because I can't go to sleep, but because I can't stop looking at it. This photo was taken from my pillow, with my phone! The Moon had two rainbows around it and it was gorgeous! Wayne said that means there is ice in the clouds when that happens. So gorgeous! 

And since it was another super bright Moon last night, I stayed up late, drawing on my iPad! So much fun! I hope you are all having a great week!!! 
love and peace always ~ Kathy

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Daily Meditations...

For several years I have tried [without success] to meditate...you know, the traditional way...sitting quietly, listening to soft, relaxing music, reciting a mantra over and over in my head until it literally sticks in there for the whole day...counting beads on my Mala, etc., nothing worked. My mind just wandered and wandered, thinking about what I should/could be doing, or what I needed to get done later in the day. I finally gave up on it and decided I would try again this Winter, when I didn't have so much to do in a day. 

Those of you that know me, know how much I love playing with Photoshop! Well, over the years, I have collected quite a bit of digital scrapbooking stuff and digital art. One of the places I get a lot of stuff from is "Design Cuts" --- there you can download everything from fonts to patterns, to clipart, to photoshop tools, etc. I had gotten away from the traditional "digital scrapbooking/collage" stuff that I used to love and spend endless hours playing with. But now, since I really know how to use photoshop way better than I did 10 years ago, I decided to start playing with it again. Not only am I in love with the results, but it has become so "meditative" for me! I create in the mornings, while I'm having my coffee, and just let my mind be free --- so much fun! So relaxing AND rewarding! You should try it...instead of a paper journal, it's like journaling with your computer

I even created a new page on my website, just for my digital art --- check it out! And, there's music, so turn up your sound! As always, thanks for stopping by!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"The thing about meditation is: you become more and more YOU" ~ David Lynch

Writers Block and Oracle Cards!

Soon after I joined Etsy...way back in 2005 [wow! has it really been that long], I started following Katie Daisy, because of her wonderful art and inspirations. Over the years, I have collected various things she has offered...cards, journals, calendars, books, etc. I just adore her work! I actually think her work gives me inspiration for mine...especially some of my drawings:

We could all use a little therapy!

So what do you immediately think about when you hear the word "therapy" --- I think about laying on a couch, pouring my life problems and things I'm "hung up on" out to a total stranger that is probably not even listening, or has already decided what "pill" he/she is going to prescribe for me to make my days better. But why should I pay money to "feel better"? It don't even make sense, if you really think about it. I'm 57 years old! I should know what to do to feel better...right! Not necessarily. It's not the same as taking ibuprofen for aches and pains...and then you feel better in an hour. It's not the same as laying down to take a nap and waking up feeling better in an hour, or so. It's not the same as taking a long hot bath with some yummy bath salts or fizzy balls [although that is an awesome way to unwind!]. When you have something going on in your head that you can't stop thinking about, there is not a whole lot you can do about it, except DISTRACT your brain!

Life in the forest...

For those that do not know, we had to send our little Lita to Rainbow's bridge last Friday...I'm comforted in knowing she will see Ozzy again and that he's been waiting for her ~ bitter/sweet

My last journal drawing was a tribute to her:

And today I did some "Shinrin-Yoku" [forest bathing] --- what a wonderful day!

Looks like Autumn is on its way!

So much love in the forest!

Squirrel Dinning Table!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule." ~ Frederick W. Robertson

I'm a sewing fool!!

I've been addicted [as of lately] to making these awesome journal covers!  I finally got my pattern down [that took almost a week] and now I can't decide which one is my most favorite!  These fit a standard 9.75 x 7.5 Composition Notebook perfectly!  And, I've also sewn in a strip of leather, so you can easily mark your page.  The outside cover features a nice zippered pocket, 

which can be used to store your pencils, markers, favorite pens, etc. 

 The inside flap also includes a smaller pocket that is perfect for keeping your favorite pens and pencils, a small notepad, or business cards.  I love them!  They would make great gifts, too!  Check em out in my Etsy shop!

And now I've gone and bought a heavy duty sewing machine, so I can start sewing on leather!  I can't wait to get started with that!!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

love and peace ~ Kathy

"If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it." ~ Ruthie Lindsey

Sneaux Days!

It started snowing Friday afternoon and snowed all night...we ended up with about 8 inches, total.  When we moved to Pisgah Forest, North Carolina [wow, 10 years ago already!!], I was so excited about witnessing my first ever SNEAUX!  Being from Louisiana, snow doesn't happen that often and, when it does, it never sticks around for very long!  I fell in love with that initial snow fall and longed for more...that was, until day #2 and I couldn't leave the house, the mail wasn't coming, all the stores were closed anyway and I started to feel a little bit like "Jack" in "The Shining".  Even though I love days of creating and not having to go anywhere, the mere thought of NOT being able to is what bothered me the most.  I can see the Blue Ridge Mountains from right here, while I type this, and they are covered in snow...a beautiful sight, but I like enjoying it from my window.

The good thing about "sneaux days", is that it makes me very creative.  Yesterday, I made several of these gorgeous "personal crystal" necklaces.  Have you ever wanted to wear a crystal, but always thought they looked too "new age" --- these are perfect for just that!  They are gorgeous and, very unique and feminine!  Check em out!

And I have noticed that snow does add a little "magic" to everything!  I even thought about it last night when I was drawing in my journal and, it dawned on me, what if birds built nests on backs of bears!  They sure would stay warmer in the Winter!  Think about it!  

So, if you're like me, and really don't care much for snow, or Winter, you should join our drawing group on facebook!  It's so much fun!  Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/youcandrawit

It looks like the "sneaux" is starting to melt, but today I'll be sewing!  Hope you are warm and cozy where you are!  Happy Winter!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

I'll leave you with this...a wonderful quote our yoga instructor read at the end of our practice last week --- I find it very fitting for Ozzy and I!  Enjoy!

Happy Autumn!!

I never know what I'm going to draw when I sit down with my journal at night. And I always find it interesting when I start drawing and what comes out of my head...it's a secret to me. It's a connection between my mind and my hand and I just watch it with my eyes. I have no idea why I ended up drawing a "Forest Ranger" last night, but then, she was way to serious...so, a peace sign earring and a smirk fixed that! 

 Happy Autumn!!! It's a great day to explore the forest...get out there!!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"The woods are full of fairies; the sea is full of fish; the trees are full of golden leaves; let's make an Autumn wish!" ~ unknown

Inspirations...

...I realized yesterday that I hadn't written/drawn in my journal since June 30th.  I also realized how much I missed it.  I need it to clear my mind, to let go, to reminisce, or just to dream.  My husband said, "that's something good to do in the Winter, when you can't get outside as much" - *sigh*...I didn't really want to wait until Winter to start my journal back again...I just needed some inspiration.  Walking up to my mailbox, I realized how quickly Autumn is approaching...the tell-tell signs are already becoming evident in the leaves...so, there it was, my inspiration:

  And so tomorrow I'll be doing my very last show [bitter/sweet, but more about that later] at "Art in Autumn"...the weather is not looking promising, but I'll try to will it away!  So my little girl came out looking uncannily like the weather lady ~ Karen Wynne ~ lol...I don't know if she would think so, but I do...maybe it's her outfit! 

Happy Friday!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph." – Matt Hardy

Frogs, shelves and sticky chicken...

Hey!!!  So yesterday I attended a free class on "frogs" at the "Cradle of Forestry".  It was very interesting and I learned about the various frog species in our area and their habitats. I also "won" a frog sounds CD.  You can listen to the "Gray's Tree Frog" here ~ one of my favorite Summer sounds.  

  Maybe the saying should be "a frog in hand is better than two in the bog" ~ I need to get better at drawing frogs.

 So this week's theme for the "2013 Project 52" Flickr group was "on the shelf".  I decided to showcase my little shelves of collectibles over my sink.  Click on the link and you can read all about each item and where it came from.  My little shelves of love!

Everyone is wanting the "Sticky Chicken" recipe, so here goes:
Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken thighs, trimmed well [I don't like chicken fat at all, so I cut off just about all of the fat.  If you don't mind the fat, feel free to leave some of it on]
Cavender's  All Purpose Greek Seasoning
Bragg Liquid Aminos
Garlic Power

 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 Yellow Bell Pepper and 1 Green Bell Pepper [diced]

1 Medium/large Purple Onion [diced]

Olive Oil [this olive oil is really really good]

2 cups Chicken Broth [maybe more, see below]
2 tablespoons All purpose Flour

 *Note* ~ the beer is not an ingredient for the recipe, just part of my Friday Night cooking school regimen :)
Directions:
In a bowl, combine trimmed chicken thighs with Cavender's, Garlic Power & Bragg Liquid Amino.  Coat well - use your judgement as to how much to use.  I use a pretty good amount of Cavender's [probably about 2 teaspoons] and slightly less Garlic Powder [about 1 teaspoon] and just enough Bragg's to get it nice and coated and have the spices stick good.  Set aside:

 Heat Olive Oil [about a tablespoon...enough to coat bottom of pan good] in a fairly large skillet for a couple of minutes and then toss in the peppers and onion to saute'

Cook the veggies until tender [really, as long as you like.  I like my veggies to start getting a little browned and caramelized, which can be achieved by covering while cooking, but leaving a small opening for ventilation]...stir often to keep from sticking.  After the veggies are done to your liking, wisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of flour and pour over veggies

stir until heated well and gravy starts to thicken, then toss in the chicken

cook until chicken is done [about 15/20 minutes], stirring occasionally.  If your gravy seems to thick, you can always add a little more chicken broth to thin it.  That's it!  I cooked up a big mess of Kale to go with it

  and seved it over steamed rice.  

 So yummy!  And, it's even better the next day!  If you cook it up, let me know how much you love it ~ enjoy!!! 

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"I refuse to believe that trading recipes is silly.  Tuna fish casserole is at least as real as corporate stock." ~ Barbara Harrison