Snow at Daybreak – Mars, PA – January 2018
Snow at Daybreak.
I stumble through
the early morning darkness
heading to the kitchen
for that first cup of coffee
to help prop open
my bleary eyes.
On my way,
I flip the switch
that turns on
the flood light
shining out
into the backyard.
What could be
more beautiful
than bright white
fluffy snowflakes
fluttering down
on a cold January morning?
Snow at Daybreak.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Icicle – Dealing with Change – Mars PA January 2018
Dealing with Change.
If you
think
you can’t
deal
with
change,
think of
the drop
of water
who froze
in
midair
when the
brutally
cold wind
met
it.
It became
an
intricate flake
that
landed
on the rooftop
and joined
the
others
to form
a
soft
white,
fluffy
blanket.
Then
the sun
came out
and
warmed
it
just
enough
to create
a crystal
clear,
hard,
solid
icicle.
The sun
grew
warmer yet,
and
the icicle
melted.
The
drop of
water
fell
to the
earth
and
watered
the ground
where
the tree
grew
that
provided
shade
when
the sun
grew
even
warmer
yet.
It went
through
all that,
and
remained
beautiful
in
every
stage.
If a
drop of
water
can manage
through
all that,
You, too,
can
deal
with
change.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Yellow (rumped) Warbler in Winter Watercolor 11×14 140 lb cold press
A Winter Warbler Watercolor
I was looking at some beautiful photos on Mike Powell’s Photography Blog the other day of a fluffy little yellow-rumped warbler he spotted eating berries in the frigid winter weather at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Reserve in Virginia this month.
He was so cute, I asked Mike if I could paint one of his photos. He kindly obliged. My watercolor doesn’t do justice to the beauty of the bird or the magnificent shot Mike caught, but it was fun to do. It’s been a while since I painted a bird. And this little guy had his fluffiest coat on in the frigid temperatures we’ve been experiencing in the Northeast part of the United States lately, which made him just too irresistible for me to resist.
Thanks for giving me a shot at him Mike, and I hope you all might find some time to check out Mike’s lovely photography blog. And if you really love bird photos, you must also check out Kathy’s blog at Backyard Bird Nerd. Kathy has the best backyard birds I’ve ever seen. She claims one of her secrets is the bark butter. I think every bird on the planet would like to live in Kathy’s backyard!
Enjoy!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Frozen Stream – Backyard – Mars, PA – January 2018
In Time – Seasons of Change.
Isn’t it so comforting?
Doesn’t it fill you with hope?
To know…
that the brittle frozen stream
will once again flow
with soft warm life…
in time.
Seasons of Change.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Red Male Cardinal – Backyard, Mars, PA – taken through glass window – January, 2018
A Bright Spot in the Storm.
Need we really look
any further
than out the window
amidst a storm
when searching
for a bright spot?
Nature’s examples
teach us
there is always a bright spot
amidst a storm.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Bright red male cardinals fill my backyard in the winter and seem even more vibrant when the snow is swirling and blowing and the tree branches are bare. Such a bright spot in my day.
First Snow – 11/19/17 – Mars, PA
First Snow.
There’s just something
about the first snow of the season…
That first snow that sticks to the ground and trees –
even if just a briefly passing dusting.
Especially when it happens on
a late Sunday afternoon.
And when it appears suddenly –
as if it wanted to be a special surprise.
And when you are settling in by a warm, crackling fire
in comfy home sweet home.
Cherish the Moments.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Sunset, Mars, PA – Autumn 2017
Every Sunset.
May every sunrise
fill you with hope.
And every sunset
bring you peace.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Falling for Fall -Mars, PA – November 8, 2017
Falling for Fall.
The days may grow shorter with darkness coming earlier….
but then we get to enjoy the warm glow of candlelight,
and breathe in the scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon.
The air may grow crisp and the temperatures colder….
but then we get to wear flannels and hoodies and knit sweaters,
and sit by crackling warm fires under fleece blankets.
The leaves that once brought shade may turn dry and fall from the trees….
but then we get to kick and roll in the heaped, crunchy piles
and wait for sparkling white snow to stick to the bare brown branches.
The change of each new season…
brings opportunities for us to Fall for each one,
and embrace the joy and blessings it brings.
Fall for Fall!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi*
*A Born-Anew Autumn Lover!
Daily Stretches.
Stretch your muscles
to move about with ease.
Stretch your eyes open wide
to see the beauty in this world.
Stretch your mind
to explore new experiences.
Stretch your wallet
to give to those in need.
Stretch your heart
to give more love.
Stretch your imagination
to create art or music or beautiful words.
Stretch your arms open
to embrace in a hug.
Stretch!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Sticks and Stones: A Charlie Guest Post.
I know you humans have a rhyme that says:
“Sticks and Stones may break my bones….”
And I get it….
It’s a good lesson about name calling…
But I LOVE sticks and stones!
They are nature’s toothbrush and toy all in one!
Even ask my baby niece!
She knows who to watch and learn from.
When Mom brings her outside,
she brings a blanket and toys for her to sit on and play with.
But she watches how her Uncle Charlie has fun!
I romp through the leaves and play with the sticks and stones.
And then she does the same.
I’m such a good uncle!
Don’t you think?
Woofs and 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, Jaeger the neighbor dog, 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.
the creative life in between 