Firewood Lichen

Lichen manages to grow in the unfriendliest of environments.

Even on our firewood.

Thanks to Judy

Looking at the rusty gate the other day, I was reminded of Judy commenting that it looked like ancient cathedrals and the alcoves and niches where icons or perhaps candles burned.

The row of vague triangle shapes along the top of the gate started to look like flames.

Those certainly belong in alcoves.

So I have taken the large dome shapes from elsewhere in the gate, 

reduced them and drawn them over the flames.

Flickering in the gloom of an ancient place of worship.

Homework

My sampler of techniques Jude is sharing with those of us taking her Boro class.
Darning, reusing and recycling
is surprisingly freeing.

Winter on the Annapolis Basin

A visit to Diane's home at the other end of the basin is always inspiring.

I live way up the other end in those far and distant hills.

We watch the redpolls, American finches and juncos at the feeder.

Crows squawk around in the breeze.

Pigeons attempt to feed too, but Diane shoos them away!

A feral cat comes by hoping to catch an unsuspecting bird

and a fox does the same.

When the tide turns the seagulls start swirling over the shallows

and the seals move onto the long sandbar that appears.

But it is the sight of the eagle soaring over the water hoping to catch his afternoon snack that always thrills me.

Pilfering the Peanut Butter Ball

Visualizing the plan of action...

Arriving at the scene..

Nibbling up as much as possible..

Never remain at the scene too long..

Always check that those rusty pups aren't around before making a mad dash back to the tree.

A flurry of Colour is Sometimes Needed in March

March here is still a cold, blustery, snowy and icy month.
I begin to yearn for the fresh colours of spring.
So here's a bit of colour!
My mocking bird was made by Canadian artist Betty Nelson-Daniel.

We call him Hugo.

He has very high self esteem.

and can hold a pose for ever!

He wears a feathery crown and butterfly wings.....

and is richly dressed in leathers and ribbons.

Drawn Threadwork

My grandfather served as a doctor in the trenches of World War I.
He was not a strong man and fell victim to TB or something similar.
As he spent week after week recovering in hospital, 
his fingers were obviously not idle for a second.
He learnt the needle art of drawn threadwork and 
made the most enormous linen bedspread I have ever seen.
A gift for my grandmother.
I know it's enormous because I now have this wonderful piece of family history.

His corners are a bit uneven and the spider webs are somewhat imperfect.
But how amazing it is!

I love the edge here that didn't turn out as straight as expected.

When WW II broke out he had a bomb shelter type of iron contraption built around their bed!
What a sight that must have been.
Thinking of you Grandpa!