state of mind

Castles

/ Jodi / 33 Comments
squires castle

Squire’s Castle, North Chagrin Reservation, Willoughby Hills, OH

Some build castles
of stone and mortar
and brick and clay
on top of hills
overlooking fields and valleys and streams.

They want to tell the world
they are rich and powerful
and should be looked up to
and should be seen
and should be honored and admired and revered.

But the very best castles
are the ones that are built
with love and compassion
with respect and dignity
with humbleness and grace.

They are built in the fields and the valleys and streams.
The everyday experiences of life.

They are life.

They are the good life.

The life well lived.
The life well loved.
The best castle of all.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

The above pictured castle was one I visited this past weekend with a few “princesses” that I love.  Thanks for showing me the true meaning of castles… of life… of friendship… of love…. Pam, Anna,  and Joan… ❤

Learn more about Squire’s Castle here.

A Peaceful State of Mind

/ Jodi / 34 Comments
abstract cobalt teal and inka gold lifeinbetween

Abstract Cobalt Teal & Inka Gold (inspired by Debi Riley)

A State of Mind

Wishing you waves of peace
richness of gold
and a world of happiness

this Sunday and always.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

This abstract piece I created was done on a 5×7″ sheet of 140 lb. cold press shizen professional grade rough texture rag watercolor paper that is 100% recyled from post consumer waste.  I love the texture of it and bought a package of 100 sheets through Blick.  I’m curious to know if others have tried it.  I typically use Arches, but am loving this paper.  

I began by slathering on some Inka Gold acrylic paint with a palette knife leaving it thicker and lumpier in some places.  After it dried, I added some cobalt teal blue watercolor to one side and then mixed a bit of lemon yellow into it for the green on the other side.  Before it dried, I placed a crinkled up piece of saran wrap on it, which I did not remove until the paint dried.  It is really beautiful in person, and I am even making card prints from it for our ETSY Shop.