Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, Butler, PA – 5/27/19
In the Shadows.
So often
it is in the shadows
in the quiet of the shade
away from the light
away from the bright
away from sight
that the greatest peace
the most euphoric joy
can fill your heart.
In the shadows.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Three Feathers Watercolor – 11×14
Three Feathers.
Three feathers
painted at the end
of a beautiful
three-day weekend
celebrating life and love
and liberty,
celebrating family and friends
and freedom,
celebrating nature and nourishment
and nationhood,
celebrating appreciation and admiration
and art.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Flox in the Morning Sunshine on my Walk – Mars (Pittsburgh), PA – May, 2019
I went far,
and I came home.
And I realize
I am experiencing
the same sun
and the same earth,
the same sky
and the same air.
And the world
feels more like home.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Cliffs of Moher Pathway, Ireland in Watercolor – 11×14
Painting a Path – Preserving a Memory.
On our recent trip to Ireland, I took over 1,000 photos!
I narrowed that thousand down to about 100 that I chose to preserve in a photo book for hubby as a final gift for his birthday and memory book of our amazing trip.
One of my favorite photos is of this stone-lined path along the Cliffs of Moher.
I decided to try and paint it in watercolor – though I’m not a great landscape artist.
Hubby knew right away what and where it was, which made me smile.
I prefer to paint loose, rather than realistically, but sometimes that is even more of a challenge.
Maybe you see another spot or special place near a beach when you look at this painting?
No matter what you see, my hope is that it evokes joy and a sense of peace and happiness.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Jodi McKinney, Author & Artist, McKinneyX2Designs, Berry Vine Gifts
A Book-Signing Event.
There once was a little girl
who dreamt of being a mom.
Her dreams came true
with two sweet little boys
who she loved so dearly,
and they grew into men.
The mom was so proud and happy,
but missed being needed as a mom.
She learned other things
in her life in between
like blogging and writing
and painting with watercolor.
Then the mom was blessed again
with an even greater gift.
The mom became a grandma
to two beautiful little girls
who brought so much joy and love
and inspiration to her life.
Encouraged by hubby
and friends near and far
The mom painted characters
and wrote silly rhymes.
Then she put them together
in books dedicated to her grandie girls.
The first was pure fun,
and the second devoted to her bestie grandma friends.
And now this mom has been honored
with the opportunity to share this joy
In a book-signing event
at a sweet local shop.
Please stop by if you are anywhere near the Pittsburgh area!
I would love to share this joy with you!
Author Book-Signing Event: Jodi McKinney
Klaus the Mouse and Other Silly Animal Tales
and
Lucas the Lion and his Fun Rhyming Friends
Saturday, May 25th – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Berry Vine Gifts
185 Bradford Road
Bradfordwoods, PA 15015
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
PS Lots of fun handmade, home decor, jewelry, children’s clothing and gift items available at Berry Vine Gifts! You won’t regret a visit to this charming little shoppe!
Both books are also available at Amazon if you cannot make it, but are being offered at a special price for this event!
The Simple Scent.
You stop me
in my tracks,
and I realize the sight of you
is only a small part of your beauty.
I close my eyes,
and I inhale slowly… deeply.
I let your scent
completely fill me.
It is full of hope
and new beginnings.
It is fresh
and brimming with life.
Happy memories
fill my soul.
Appreciation of the present
warms my heart.
All from the simple scent…
the sweet sniff
of the Lilac.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
#mbpreset
Slai Head Drive, Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland
Far Away and At Home in Ireland.
I went on a trip
farther than I’ve ever gone before.
I went across the ocean
and to another continent.
It was a different country than where I’m from,
and it’s name is Ireland.
Though it was far away
and across the ocean…
Though it was a different continent
and a different country,
I felt just as at home there
as I feel at home.
I felt loved by the people
and one with the land.
It helped me see a bigger world,
but also made the world feel smaller.
I tried my best to breathe it in
and hold it in my heart and soul.
I’m carrying it with me
wherever I go.
I’m embracing it
as part of who I now am…
As part of who it made me…
on my trip far away
and at home in Ireland.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Bleeding Heart.
Every Spring
you show up
and you remind me
of Grandma’s love.
You remind me of her presence
and influence on my life.
Thank you
Bleeding Heart!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Many years ago, my Grandma gave me this bleeding heart plant. I have transplanted and moved it. It will always be where I am. Grandma will always be a part of me. There is likely not a day that passes where something doesn’t remind me of her or make me think of her, but this plant is an extra special reminder. It makes my heart soar and swell each Spring when it blooms. Just like her love for me did and still does. With Mother’s Day approaching, I remember Grandma with love and the deepest admiration. May I be even half the Grandma to my grandchildren that you were to me. ❤
PS – I will be taking a blogging break for a week or so. See you when I return.
the creative life in between 