Chinese lantern flower – Phipp’s Conservatory – Spring 2017
So small.
So delicate.
So intricate.
So powerful.
So bright
without a light.
Nature’s symbol
of life’s joy.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
#cherishthemoments
#onebeautifulthingeachday
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow…-Kahlil Gibran
Next Sunday is Mother’s Day.
Last Saturday my youngest “child” got married.
My greatest honor in life has been being a mother.
But as this wise verse from Kahlil Gibran in The Prophet reminds me,
I may have housed their bodies, but I cannot house their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow.
I am so proud of the men my boys have become.
As I watched the youngest celebrate marriage, and the oldest toast his brother last weekend,
my heart swelled.
Somehow we managed to do a good job.
And I couldn’t have done it without my husband – their father – by my side.
As I look at this photo I took at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago of a Momma Duck (made of flowers by the way) and her little ducklings, I was once again reminded of the privilege I was bestowed in life to be a mother. I am now also blessed with two beautiful “daughters”-in-law and the great privilege of being a “grand”mother.
I am so grateful.
Here’s to all the moms out there!
Cherish the moments.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Pink Apricot Watercolor Expressionist Tulips – 8 x 10 Fabriano 140 lb Cold Press
Pink Apricot Watercolor Tulips.
I found a few extra moments to steal away to my art studio this past weekend.
I felt like painting some tulips – inspired by our recent trip to Phipps Conservatory‘s Spring Flower Show.
I gave this one a couple tries before I finally decided I liked this version. I started too tight and too “literal.” I so admire folks who paint things that look exactly like real life, but it is not my passion. In my first go, I tried much to hard to replicate the photo. I then loosened up a bit and created this version that more represents the beauty I felt looking at the tulips.
To me, this painting speaks Joy and Happiness and Life.
And that is what I am feeling this week as we count down the days in wedding week!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Daniel Smith Watercolor Paints used: Rhodonite Genuine, Cadmium Yellow Light, Green Gold, Perylene Green
the creative life in between 