Daybreak – Mars, PA – October, 2018
The Light of Dawn.
They say it is always darkest
just before dawn.
It gives me hope.
It fuels my dreams.
I will not let the darkness
limit my heart and mind
from seeking and seeing
the light of dawn
and the promise of hope
that comes just before dawn.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
October Autumn Leaves, Wexford, PA
Change.
When the fear of change
challenges your thoughts
and stifles your actions,
look to the leaves of Autumn.
Marvel in their bold beauty,
and allow them to ignite your bravery.
Dare to embrace something new.
Confront your experience differently.
Welcome the transformation.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Charlie relaxing in the Dog Days of Autumn – October, 2018 – Mars, PA
The Dog Days of Autumn – A Charlie Guest Post.
Who says dogs like summer best?
I say hold your horses…
The dog days of summer
are for the birds!
Maybe it is the elephant in the room,
or maybe you consider me pig-headed,
but I’m going to let the cat out of the bag
and tell you Fall is the cat’s meow!
It just makes me mad as a hornet
and really gets my goat
when folks don’t realize the lion’s share of enjoyment
weasels out in the crisp breeze of Autumn.
Are you like a fish out of water when the leaves start to turn?
I promise Autumn is not a one trick pony.
You’ve got to believe me – I wouldn’t hurt a fly…
Fish or cut bait, and enjoy the beauty.
So when summer’s gone to the dogs
and I get ants in my pants,
I watch like a hawk
for the smoldering heat and humidity to quit cold turkey
And I head out on a wild goose chase
and let sleeping dogs lie
for the red herring is truly
the Dog Days of Autumn!
Woofs & Wags,
Charlie
Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends. Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model. Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house. If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com. If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.
Red Lantern in Snowy Woodland Watercolor 11×14
Red Lantern in Snowy Woodland Watercolor.
When it is 109 days until Christmas…. (woohoo!)
and 105 days until the first day of Winter…. (while I paint in shorts in air conditioning)
and 72 days until the Mars Fall/Holiday Craft Show…. (the biggest, greatest craft show in our area!)
I can’t help but get a teensy bit excited for snow…
and Christmas…
and holiday decorating.
And I had so much fun painting this wintery scene
while early September temperature hovered in the 90s,
but Autumn sunsets and breezes tantalized and teased.
And I dreamed of the warm glow
and frosty blanketed beauty
of a White Christmas.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Crimson Flowers Watercolor 11×14
Crimson and Coral.
Coral Flowers Watercolor 11×14
Painting Fluid Florals.
Watercolor on the Weekend
makes me happy…
makes me feel fine.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
PS I’ve been known to have random songs pop in my head for almost anything – and then break into tune (or out of tune as it most often turns out) when they do. Can you guess the two songs running through my head when writing this post?
Links here if you can’t guess:
Song One
Song Two
These original paintings, prints and cards are available at McKinneyX2Designs.
Garden Gate Door Watercolor 11×14
The Other Side of the Door.
What lies behind
the other side of the door?
Do we dare open?
Or do we just imagine?
Do we take a chance?
Or are we too afraid?
Are we content to simply embrace the beauty on this side?
Or do we take the chance to experience even more?
Do we…
Open our mind?
Open our heart?
Open our eyes?
Open our souls?
To what lies behind
the other side of the door.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
A New Day.
Here it comes…
a new day.
Look around,
Listen to what it has to say,
Taste its flavors,
Touch its textures,
Breathe in its fragrance.
Experience all it has to offer,
and give it your best.
Don’t miss it…
It is one we’ve never seen before.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Sun & Clouds – August, 2018 – Mars, PASilver Linings.
I was basking in the sunshine,
when darkness cast its shadow.
I looked up,
and sighed with relief.
When I saw the cloud radiating so brilliantly
with its irrepresible silver lining.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Early Morning- Mars, PA – July, 2018
Each New Day.
(Early Morning Observations)
Each new day
is another opportunity to
continue building,
add another layer,
strengthen the foundation,
claim your space.
Each new day
is a gift to
live and grow
and simply be
the uniquely wonderful you
you were meant to be.
Shine in the light
of each new day.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Bumble Bee in Red Petunia Flower Basket – Mars, PA – July 2018
What Would You Be?
What would you be
if you could be
anything you wanted to be?
Would you be
Kind?
Would you be
Loving?
Would you be
Compassionate?
Would you be
Understanding?
Would you be
Generous?
So many wonderful things we can be…
What would you be?
What are you being?
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 