Over the years and with the many photos I've taken of wildlife and nature, sometimes there is a story. This is where I will feature art and the story that goes with it.
Some people who come to my websites might not be aware of all the other websites my husband Jim and I maintain. Two of them were created to help animals; one for wild life (www.EyeHelpAnimals.com) and the other for shelter animals (www.HelpShelterPets.com). So at this time I'm going to promote these sites by sharing a painting because they were founded by using my paintings that we've put on cards, t-shirts, mugs, canvas bags, and a few other items. You can find out more by visiting the websites above.
My second slate painting for the fund raiser that my friend Vynnie had at his gallery is of a beautiful farm cat. Jim and I went apple picking and waiting for us was the orchard's mouser. He followed us up and down the fields as we picked apples. In this pose he looked determined with his tail held high, walking at a good pace to keep up. When we stopped to pick he would lie down, keeping an eye on us while at the same time, dozing and relaxing on the gorgeous fall day.
Often at night, especially when I just can't sleep, I hear, sometimes in the distance and other times close by, the howl and yelp of a coyote or a band of coyotes. I'm always happy to be in my house, along with my two small Pomeranians.
Every year cars and buses loaded with tourists make their way to the state where I live. We have come to realize that Columbus Day weekend is NOT the time to go leaf-peeping. Instead we go either before that weekend or just after when the foliage in our area is still just beginning to show with some of it at peak color. It is a beautiful time of year and I never tire of the colors that surround my home and my neighborhood.
Ah yes, finally, my favorite season is here. With the heat we had this summer, I didn't think it would ever arrive. But now I'm looking forward to cooler days and nights, sweaters and extra blankets (my favorite is the weighted blanket - if you haven't tried it you don't know what you're missing!), and back to cooking some of my favorite meals. Homemade spaghetti sauce is always a winner. Based on my mom's recipe, which she got so many years ago from and my aunt's Italian neighbor, it remains one of my favorites of all time.