tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43093215557759327432024-03-06T23:26:27.527-08:00Westie, Art & GardenLiving in the country enjoying a westie dog, painting with watercolor, acrylic, oil, and gardening. Loveliness. Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.comBlogger652125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-43949625029150342872017-12-28T12:56:00.001-08:002017-12-29T11:42:54.401-08:00Tulips as Cut Flowers<br />
A new year. A new project.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I have this flower obsession it only makes sense to share it with others who love fresh flowers. It is a laborious project that my back can surely tell you about. Many tulips were lovingly put in the ground (sounds so simple) with compost added then covered again. They went on a hillside so drainage wouldn't be a problem when our Spring rains come. The temperatures are in the teens here so the roots should be growing 8 inches below the soil as the soil temperature is warmer there. Hidden but very busy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The months of March, April and May they will be dug out with bulbs attached, hosed off and stored in a 38-40 F cooler til market days or florists call. The reason the bulbs are left attached is they have a long storage life until you actually cut them from the bulb and add to a floral arrangement. You will also get longer stem length. Many start showing color at the same time so this helps the grower, me, have a little more time to sell them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The tulips that will be available are all billowy doubles that you don't see for sale in your grocery store. These are luxurious and look like peonies. Real showstoppers. Can't wait to share photos with you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A note here about adding bonemeal. If you are planting with a cat or dog helping they will go bananas over the bonemeal. I used in some beds and didn't in the others for that reason. I think it just as wise to sprinkle fertilizer on the soil when the tulips first start poking up through the ground in the Spring. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Watch how the Smithsonian gardeners plant tulips here. That soil in the video looks completely different than mine. </div>
<div>
<br />
596https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/videos/400-tulips-in-20-minutes/15596</div>
Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-10577936865232626512014-12-12T12:46:00.002-08:002014-12-12T12:57:05.142-08:00Squirrel Bank Tellers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGAz5heO946cruW1Wk0UWrRJjQYDC-x05bRyGuElhBa2LnoMqGBPf96svL53mInkkl-9fKOH4qN8JWiepUQns3VUsV0Lb2rNNC9oiYt-VZcnRnVD68ZIfrhYQXX0fLIaENyiHTFZn29og/s1600/squirrel-illustration-childrens-books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGAz5heO946cruW1Wk0UWrRJjQYDC-x05bRyGuElhBa2LnoMqGBPf96svL53mInkkl-9fKOH4qN8JWiepUQns3VUsV0Lb2rNNC9oiYt-VZcnRnVD68ZIfrhYQXX0fLIaENyiHTFZn29og/s1600/squirrel-illustration-childrens-books.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Squirrels.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just the word conjures up fluffy creatures that jump around,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
rarely slow, but always fast paced from branch to branch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At least here in Maryland. They are about as busy as ants!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The branches bow to the squirrels when they leap through the air </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
onto them like the branch is saying, "You're welcome,"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and then tossing them back up in the air.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's a jungle gym out there in the woods. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In town toothy squirrels scold the cats, dogs and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
even birds down on the sidewalks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I was wondering do you feed the squirrels during the winter months?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like most people feed the <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1179" target="_blank">birds?</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our neighbors put out salt blocks and apples for the deer and it keeps </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
them coming back for more. If someone put out salted caramel apples</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
for me I would keep coming back too. That is a given. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have four chestnut trees and the squirrels get more than we </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
do every year. To pick the chestnuts you need some major insulation</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on your hands. The outer part is like picking up sea urchins. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile the squirrels who have the daintest paws ever and can</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
only carry one heavy chestnut at a time to their secret hideaway </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
still manage to get more than we do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here is the real news.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am writing and illustrating a <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">children's book</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Illustration has worked it's way back to the very tip top </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of my creative endeavors. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay tuned and in the meanwhile I'll be feeding the <a href="http://animal-world.com/encyclo/critters/Squirrels/SquirrelProfile.htm" target="_blank">squirrels.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-54558070925782181052014-12-03T20:44:00.000-08:002014-12-03T21:16:37.155-08:00Cooking with Lavender - Daily Painting <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3kbQBUrcO9qxBKZe4ycfeLRSyrktUeZUy-Q2vwmXBi_lr0pr57bARXQujm_e5ubGnGj5KF-5uvALBnE6pJ8JoAlQ7ZFd-NpOgilLc7Y_9xZYQJjVqS_V00IpCaa9c73MQrgClo1LYfhh/s1600/Lavender-Painting-Daily-Rabbit-Art-Candylei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3kbQBUrcO9qxBKZe4ycfeLRSyrktUeZUy-Q2vwmXBi_lr0pr57bARXQujm_e5ubGnGj5KF-5uvALBnE6pJ8JoAlQ7ZFd-NpOgilLc7Y_9xZYQJjVqS_V00IpCaa9c73MQrgClo1LYfhh/s1600/Lavender-Painting-Daily-Rabbit-Art-Candylei.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lavender...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just saying the word evokes images.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you ever heard anyone call it Rabbit Tobacco?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay. So deer don't fancy it, but we all think it's a fine dining ingredient.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lavender and honey, <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/tools/searchresults?search=lavender" target="_blank">lavender and lemon,</a> lavender and lavender and lavender....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You get the idea. In the winter months we tend to become passionate about these things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe you are even sipping on <a href="http://everything-lavender.com/lavender-tea-recipe.html" target="_blank">Lavender Tea</a> as you read this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I was a young girl I asked my Mother if she could paint my bedroom lavender.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She obliged and I thought she was the coolest Mom and I the coolest kid. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was before we even had any lavender plants in our landscape.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I have both lavender and rabbits outside!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The lavender we planted and the rabbits just came to visit, hop about and nibble.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm enjoying my daily painting time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's refreshing and it gets the idea machine pumping.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Watercolor and brushes equal Love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A small size 2.5 by 3.5 inch print offered here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Signed and titled on the back by myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
$5.00 and that includes shipping. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<pre style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902); color: #333333; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: -23px; margin-right: -23px; padding: 1em 24px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;"><code style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px;"></code></pre>
<pre style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902); color: #333333; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: -23px; margin-right: -23px; padding: 1em 24px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;"><code style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px;"><script async="async" data-button="buynow" data-callback="http://www.westieartgarden.blogspot.com/callback" data-name="Lavender Girl" data-quantity="1" data-shipping="0.00" data-tax="0.00" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/js/external/paypal-button.min.js?merchant=moresheep8931810@aol.com"></script></code></pre>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-66887247024854053942014-12-01T17:20:00.000-08:002014-12-02T07:37:00.344-08:00Simplicity in Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAHkT0z3ZIfFCF8RplB9Kpqcy7VZsO9h5CavKbnQvET1ciO0E6EIP_NFgvYrhEDaUn3_DDxHoU40dzFLHKnaZQRvYs7at4jQWqWoI-oKBhizVWaTqrlxyLbCZbbFGNGDa3cQK0FZNkxpn/s1600/toadstool-fairy-candylei-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAHkT0z3ZIfFCF8RplB9Kpqcy7VZsO9h5CavKbnQvET1ciO0E6EIP_NFgvYrhEDaUn3_DDxHoU40dzFLHKnaZQRvYs7at4jQWqWoI-oKBhizVWaTqrlxyLbCZbbFGNGDa3cQK0FZNkxpn/s1600/toadstool-fairy-candylei-blog.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simplicity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what draws me to illustration and watercolors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Less is more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently I read this <a href="http://www.thecolorist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">quote</a>, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Any fool can make something complicated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It takes a genius to make it simple." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Woodie Guthrie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm excited to have a little time to paint,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hoping to get back to the daily painter status. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking forward to Christmas as well on this </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
blustery, first day of December. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will soon be another year wiser. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another year getting 'simpler.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a> says,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"This is a good thing."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Purchase a small 3.5 by 2.5 inch print of this illustration here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIjS0gPAZ-Zta0p9vpiw5L2z5yQMMwTOTg0vCfrhxAN5WoXZsIh_B1QjdXsTXZ_Boyv6LYmuiagyt2Fzme9ecVqTveCSumzshpa49Dt_Yrz6RihNgssQYCUji6ZLOENkp5YZJW4WkFx6u/s1600/toadstool-woodland-friends-illustration-72-afinecushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIjS0gPAZ-Zta0p9vpiw5L2z5yQMMwTOTg0vCfrhxAN5WoXZsIh_B1QjdXsTXZ_Boyv6LYmuiagyt2Fzme9ecVqTveCSumzshpa49Dt_Yrz6RihNgssQYCUji6ZLOENkp5YZJW4WkFx6u/s1600/toadstool-woodland-friends-illustration-72-afinecushion.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Candylei Art photo mark not on print.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Printed on cardstock. Signed and titled on the back by myself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A sweet deal for $5. which includes shipping in US and Canada</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paypal accepts most credit cards and echecks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<pre style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902); color: #333333; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: -23px; margin-right: -23px; padding: 1em 24px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;"><code style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px;"><script async="async" data-amount="5.00" data-button="buynow" data-callback="http://westieartgarden.blogspot.com/callback" data-name="A Fine Cushion Aceo Print" data-shipping="0.00" data-tax="0.00" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/js/external/paypal-button.min.js?merchant=moresheep8931810@aol.com"></script></code></pre>
<pre style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902); color: #333333; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: -23px; margin-right: -23px; padding: 1em 24px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-break: break-all; word-wrap: break-word;"><code style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: Monaco, Menlo, Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px;"><script async="" data-amount="1.00" data-button="buynow" data-name="My product" src="paypal-button.min.js?merchant=moresheep8931810@aol.com"></script></code></pre>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-59585924966715053112014-11-26T19:16:00.000-08:002014-11-26T19:26:11.776-08:00Thanksgiving Preparations and Candy Canes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cdBQjyWS0fnkheiMtVkc3i1LujKercpcimXmGeKt6zhs5B5ZM8KoxQEM4pcoMLyoP7RqFqq0e6n9SXO64rUNn9Nv-3t3KSAru5cOKl55q5a3EWYIaGo1SG3y7oT2olu4eLwsbIQAXtiq/s1600/candy-lei-candylei-painting-illustration-candycane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cdBQjyWS0fnkheiMtVkc3i1LujKercpcimXmGeKt6zhs5B5ZM8KoxQEM4pcoMLyoP7RqFqq0e6n9SXO64rUNn9Nv-3t3KSAru5cOKl55q5a3EWYIaGo1SG3y7oT2olu4eLwsbIQAXtiq/s1600/candy-lei-candylei-painting-illustration-candycane.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tis the night before Thanksgiving and we are all stirring--literally!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some with a spoon and some with a candy cane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I heard Ina Garten makes many dishes the night before</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and then heats them up on Thanksgiving and things are stress free. Imagine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am afraid the meat would be a bit dry if I did and the things</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that are to be crispy would turn soggy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But Ina published a book called <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/cookbooks_details.aspx?CookbookID=34" target="_blank">Make it Ahead</a> and she knows her stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are thankful for our family that will gather around the table tomorrow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For those farther away, we will think of them too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back to the pie crust.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Thanksgiving</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-80950882480604418742014-11-23T22:28:00.001-08:002014-11-27T14:25:24.872-08:00Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRsOTTc2tI41Ffh8oAgDlbqAElcnDIVbCbYIevg0Bul3c8ExRwyJFvXlX-Iw92BjzK1Jl7KiNGO4AQKDh9PkP6Z86Ew046437LqD5pt06tIFhrMRmI3nxltt1ZK6XFVQSHaOKGDd5kVdX/s1600/moon-dreamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRsOTTc2tI41Ffh8oAgDlbqAElcnDIVbCbYIevg0Bul3c8ExRwyJFvXlX-Iw92BjzK1Jl7KiNGO4AQKDh9PkP6Z86Ew046437LqD5pt06tIFhrMRmI3nxltt1ZK6XFVQSHaOKGDd5kVdX/s1600/moon-dreamer.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you've not lost a parent yet,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you don't know what it's like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can only imagine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last month I lost my Dad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In a way you feel like a part of yourself died.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Living close and helping take care of him has given me a</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
library of memories of his sense of humor and thoughtfulness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Memories to cherish. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-13328282553444583512014-04-10T23:04:00.000-07:002014-04-11T12:10:51.922-07:00Cats Illustration Print <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGH5KqEFTfQ8cMJO9qV-XdgyXJI4yfTqXRt4dl6am-YEmU2n5Jm28MPrFJnK-y0o1gA8A_jZzgBdNIevD3sG_fH250C-gMUribQvr9HYbCExwQbnnl1MIpa3q5_okiiouezRXdPWDdqzi/s1600/Candylei-illustration-cats-painting-We-are-friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGH5KqEFTfQ8cMJO9qV-XdgyXJI4yfTqXRt4dl6am-YEmU2n5Jm28MPrFJnK-y0o1gA8A_jZzgBdNIevD3sG_fH250C-gMUribQvr9HYbCExwQbnnl1MIpa3q5_okiiouezRXdPWDdqzi/s1600/Candylei-illustration-cats-painting-We-are-friends.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
We Are Friends</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you think you feed birds first and then you also turn to bird watching? Or vice versa? These two cats feed the birds every day and purr with their eyes closed while the birds sing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This past winter we fed the birds quite alot and are still feeding them. Woodpeckers, Cardinals, chickadees, and finch. They deserve it and help keep the garden pesticide free! We bird watch out the kitchen window. No need for binoculars as they are so close. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The lilac buds and leaves are opening a little. Yay! The mourning doves always make a nest in one of the lilac shrubs. They are a maze of branches. Their nests are not as neat as the little grass ones other birds make, but they do hatch out their babies nicely. The Mother and her baby snuggle and then comes flying lessons. . There's not a refrigerator or stove but Baby is well fed on the catch of the hour/day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've listed a number of new artworks and prints lately. Stop by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader" target="_blank">my shop, Dictionaryreader,</a> to see sizes and titles. Fun. Fun. Fun.</div>
Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-7032475625326149702014-04-01T17:51:00.000-07:002014-04-01T18:07:41.627-07:00Chicks Spring Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedoQklDj_I2J_18iHFIOilFHKjBbjqBozvtb4lONGMbbsumuHVwyIQB1oNc10ZFqjA-7G5NUYUtwbY1uNMvQSpXOz7-4mL10ri7ik5Y3XH6E2V_84Kp8x5DqqGUhaJk4DuzhsEV8GS-iM/s1600/1-Candylei-Easter-chics-painting-Spring-Party-aceo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedoQklDj_I2J_18iHFIOilFHKjBbjqBozvtb4lONGMbbsumuHVwyIQB1oNc10ZFqjA-7G5NUYUtwbY1uNMvQSpXOz7-4mL10ri7ik5Y3XH6E2V_84Kp8x5DqqGUhaJk4DuzhsEV8GS-iM/s1600/1-Candylei-Easter-chics-painting-Spring-Party-aceo.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All of the sweet babes of Spring. Especially little yellow powder puffs. Chicks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little chirps and little baaah's and it's a bit like Old McDonald's farm. So many little calves dot the pastures. Lambs jump and run along with the kid goats. Geese are still laying eggs but soon the nests will be full and then little heads peeping out from under Mother Goose's wings. . So many wonders this time of year. Saw the cutest pics of baby chicks that Martha ordered from <a href="http://www.mypetchicken.com/" target="_blank">My Pet Chicken</a> on <a href="http://www.themarthablog.com/" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's blog</a> . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really paint my childhood and the things I liked then pretty much remained the same. Gardening, flowers and animals. There is such freedom in children's art and illustrations. I can truly say I love my job! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Come on over to my Etsy Shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader" target="_blank">Dictionaryreader</a> and see all of the wonders of Spring. Easter is not too farm away. </div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-41879249560547686772014-03-30T08:32:00.000-07:002014-03-30T08:32:55.093-07:00Scottie ACEO Illustrations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS3IA-b3QplPVWObGtWoXzkThBgJ6IjQ27utUQ1N2laoLs9XtUSpkaRRTS6QAsDiAJz3m33WDXYEu7j85ME7xx9sU7e3sDdJzPnKP4G7T58zhLPnyZkSZBWtmk7Ea-fESaQzvjaTjm_m7/s1600/Candylei-Scottie-Horticulturist-aceo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS3IA-b3QplPVWObGtWoXzkThBgJ6IjQ27utUQ1N2laoLs9XtUSpkaRRTS6QAsDiAJz3m33WDXYEu7j85ME7xx9sU7e3sDdJzPnKP4G7T58zhLPnyZkSZBWtmk7Ea-fESaQzvjaTjm_m7/s1600/Candylei-Scottie-Horticulturist-aceo.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's that time of year that makes our hearts beat a little faster. The early daffodils are blooming. Tulips</div>
<div>
are up and the cheery red noses of Peonies are showing! The iris are sharpening their small sword leaves with each other and happiness is in the air.Good bye Winter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A little Scottie dog aceo painting love. Not just any Scottie. He is a horticulturist quite schooled in the ways of plants and all of their phenomenal attributes.I will undoubtedly learn much from him this Spring. Scottie Horticulturist is for sale on Etsy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have two red foxes that circle the farm morning, noon and night. It's amazing how afraid of humans they are yet they lay low waiting for chickens to fly the coop. We have some that are free ranging, but there are a select few who think they are mountain climbers. Fearless. Those we keep try to keep a close eye on when they are out. Chickens are the best grasshopper eaters around. They can also pulverize your garden in hours so there is a delicate balance to be kept.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Grow on flowers, trees and shrubs! That message is not for the pesky weeds. . . . </div>
Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-66960724200611994912014-01-30T17:11:00.000-08:002014-01-30T17:14:33.913-08:00Mixed Media and Penmanship Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZoCf_Tww2mR1KCjWobLp8WWU-xo_qg3_4uZtklhO5sUGQN9T_9NMtfx5TL0RaNVmW1nTO__70VBLmOa0K2yEmboHFT370vv5_n8QRkOMJKMhBQjMGcGyQsuJDARrO2p0q9YpWjv_zKIg/s1600/1-French-girls-art-room-decor-gardener-Candylei-Dictionaryreader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZoCf_Tww2mR1KCjWobLp8WWU-xo_qg3_4uZtklhO5sUGQN9T_9NMtfx5TL0RaNVmW1nTO__70VBLmOa0K2yEmboHFT370vv5_n8QRkOMJKMhBQjMGcGyQsuJDARrO2p0q9YpWjv_zKIg/s1600/1-French-girls-art-room-decor-gardener-Candylei-Dictionaryreader.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite things is old penmanship and faded papers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another is gardening and painting so they are brought together</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in this new grouping (new series) of mixed media prints</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that I am offering on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader" target="_blank">at my Dictionaryreader shop</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This French girl spreads love and gardening cheer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
by planting her gardens in heart shapes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am ready for Spring and all of the bulbs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and tubers that push their noses up through the </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
winter weary soil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spring is like the opening of the treasure box</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and the treasure box being the garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All kinds of jewels shimmer and sway!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not to mention fragrance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-81211545985421639452014-01-28T20:19:00.001-08:002014-01-28T20:21:55.415-08:00Painting My Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnii3k9unDf-fZDkuLijXEgBGLonLzgVFCJ9G-_9IUYJTXo7lRBQk0qTQP-y_KocLa_yOoWjBfdvet0EhAvD3HVJuiiGBfaEhgLX82h4pjQvjftrzTaoyo3s4oEw2YyIS9visPCkUtoY9-/s1600/1-childrens-animal-painting-birds-flying-dreams-Candylei-dictionaryreader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnii3k9unDf-fZDkuLijXEgBGLonLzgVFCJ9G-_9IUYJTXo7lRBQk0qTQP-y_KocLa_yOoWjBfdvet0EhAvD3HVJuiiGBfaEhgLX82h4pjQvjftrzTaoyo3s4oEw2YyIS9visPCkUtoY9-/s1600/1-childrens-animal-painting-birds-flying-dreams-Candylei-dictionaryreader.jpg" height="640" width="491" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what you think about when you sleep on a </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
feather pillow under a feather duvet!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soft and sweet and you fall right to sleep</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another painting in my "Painting my Dreams" Series</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Available as a print now <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader" target="_blank">here.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is so cold outside in the single digits</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and we are very glad for feather down coats,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
duvets, and all warm things.</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-46354895983999116072014-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:002014-01-25T08:54:01.835-08:00Flying Owl Art Childrens Illustrations <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" closure_lm_236713="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFEuDJpHKwPzQD6-5rUcZdr63l7Q6nAR6u_oM3ozccIKEHgdCWuvSb186zQLosPrazZsloWcC_OLkFTE_yIxCu3PtEkFQbeEfu1fIsDH05MjySwDHtbuDbYfk5hBXlTZDYeqROgCw4zz6/s1600/Candylei-owl-Flying-Children-painting-allforlove.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></div>
Valentines are being made and written.<br />
<br />
This watercolor illustration is one of my new series<br />
titled Painting Your Dreams<br />
Who would want to fly with Owl to deliver letters and<br />
LOVE banners?<br />
<br />
Valentine's Day.<br />
Another holiday that we can give and indulge in chocolate treats<br />
and send adorable expressions of love to our friends.<br />
<br />
This Owl and children art print is available <br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-69550403930367710422014-01-23T20:16:00.000-08:002014-01-23T20:16:17.509-08:00Edwardian Art Dolls at Dictionaryreader Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLRwBGoibN3mCQQWhq5mjjvnllGOXoC-qPcAsFK4ojPBXU6ZZq_Rd5KtsVa8rZCVJi8H3lu2TCbnbQjTSSmvj2M_0z4XNhBNCA78uFbaRPVqh4prIt4OwQCJ-XQCZd2UDoKgVRqHGJSAW/s1600/1-Sculpted-Clay_Doll-OOAK-Handmade-Candylei-Dictionaryreader-Marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_121="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLRwBGoibN3mCQQWhq5mjjvnllGOXoC-qPcAsFK4ojPBXU6ZZq_Rd5KtsVa8rZCVJi8H3lu2TCbnbQjTSSmvj2M_0z4XNhBNCA78uFbaRPVqh4prIt4OwQCJ-XQCZd2UDoKgVRqHGJSAW/s1600/1-Sculpted-Clay_Doll-OOAK-Handmade-Candylei-Dictionaryreader-Marie.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiWdd2jxZ55cHD6wQFVOtfDxmEutNHAiFON9wdGAcn8J3-1MQp1UegATefKku-2e-lYdnMzv3v-yk_VYl4SbSun7xaH9pvKo4PEmn1Pi89dP4ueqQ3L4m_e76h7qLQaVks1gsCCIvSGh2/s1600/1-Candylei-art-dolls-figurines-Marie-Adrienne-etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_121="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiWdd2jxZ55cHD6wQFVOtfDxmEutNHAiFON9wdGAcn8J3-1MQp1UegATefKku-2e-lYdnMzv3v-yk_VYl4SbSun7xaH9pvKo4PEmn1Pi89dP4ueqQ3L4m_e76h7qLQaVks1gsCCIvSGh2/s1600/1-Candylei-art-dolls-figurines-Marie-Adrienne-etsy.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-ngJun4buYCX6Ihl6TO9uywacyKt7wunKxeeRi3_vKpvcf3N9X1-Gefh6Vmi84BdO4-iYoFeNU9NGLsGdkHchm5r0KgZBbX2-7yj-Kj2Jkog97MLupsRtkn2O6vHV8iPFeR_bqKPg9jr/s1600/1-Candylei-clay-totem-figurines-blonde-boy-art-dictionaryreader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_121="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-ngJun4buYCX6Ihl6TO9uywacyKt7wunKxeeRi3_vKpvcf3N9X1-Gefh6Vmi84BdO4-iYoFeNU9NGLsGdkHchm5r0KgZBbX2-7yj-Kj2Jkog97MLupsRtkn2O6vHV8iPFeR_bqKPg9jr/s1600/1-Candylei-clay-totem-figurines-blonde-boy-art-dictionaryreader.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We've had quite a week here of snow, bitter cold, and closed schools.<br />
It's a change from the slushy wet snow, this week it's been white powder<br />
and all of the skiers and snowboarders have got to be on the mountain top!<br />
It was 3 degrees F. the other morning. That probably drops us down to a<br />
gardening zone 4 this year!<br />
<br />
Many other "good things" have been happening too. I've completed a few<br />
art dolls from clay. One deserves another until I have a little village!<br />
Do see all of my completed clay handmade, hand sculpted dolls in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader" target="_blank">shop</a>.<br />
They are brand new, but created with Jane Austen, the Federal Era and <br />
Edwardian Era in mind where possibly tea was taken more seriously and<br />
fabrics and books were discussed every day! My kind of day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-71026891534519823072014-01-21T10:02:00.000-08:002014-01-21T19:01:28.967-08:00Art Dolls Clay by Dictionaryreader Edwardian Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx4dLyrGFYNKrgjIbTsASTKOq2z6mbI1uc2JEgKj7chfae-yfrwqqUWyluzeLntdwyVKuBObnFHNXdmeGqdybNoCWKLHVe0ej3_ZmkOftdOqXkZ5BiImyNhWp7nnt-LQXKLKXgp1OEjEN/s1600/1-Edwardwardian-Doll-Hand-sculpted-Candylei-dictionaryreader-linen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_856544="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx4dLyrGFYNKrgjIbTsASTKOq2z6mbI1uc2JEgKj7chfae-yfrwqqUWyluzeLntdwyVKuBObnFHNXdmeGqdybNoCWKLHVe0ej3_ZmkOftdOqXkZ5BiImyNhWp7nnt-LQXKLKXgp1OEjEN/s1600/1-Edwardwardian-Doll-Hand-sculpted-Candylei-dictionaryreader-linen.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penelope My newest handmade doll </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4Iegbeh_dn5fh4Rdbts8pDyNSScGFGgJOfWbo16iEDRfsqrfc66a1mGUtc93a-_0zr-_gLzLt4_YgeLXDSQ19QAuQ6KubHMB0Ik7X1Epw9qXI0fxtvhWHJTycR5Hvl-CeoQJGiOuBF9w/s1600/1-Candylei-Edwardian-doll-linen-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_856544="null" cua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4Iegbeh_dn5fh4Rdbts8pDyNSScGFGgJOfWbo16iEDRfsqrfc66a1mGUtc93a-_0zr-_gLzLt4_YgeLXDSQ19QAuQ6KubHMB0Ik7X1Epw9qXI0fxtvhWHJTycR5Hvl-CeoQJGiOuBF9w/s1600/1-Candylei-Edwardian-doll-linen-girl.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet from every angle<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some very sweet dolls have been coming to life here.<br />
<br />
Penelope was made without molds with my own two hands <br />
<br />
<br />
and lots of love and time went into her<br />
<br />
I hope that is evident in her sweet disposition<br />
<br />
when you create a doll you are the hairdresser,<br />
<br />
the makeup artist, the fashion designer, etc<br />
<br />
no two are exactly alike and each are rewarding to create<br />
<br />
See more <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-47018904797564845812014-01-05T16:08:00.001-08:002014-01-05T16:31:35.147-08:00Mermaid Painting Sea Gardener Daily Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader">Etsy store today.</a><img border="0" closure_lm_475380="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUHkdfTCQPy2T27pr4OMiFSIruKBwVruw_Ffm6XdD8jT1mNJZ8crB1MxfrOEmZG04PS-uLyxd1pQY8OXypZb5eGcWhLP5mhw6TyvZz8Ldjh8bgggOv0MRwW_elM_yMLQhDL7tzid-hvg9/s1600/mermaid-illustration-candylei-original-aceo-dictionaryreader-sea-gardener.jpg" gua="true" height="400" width="275" /></div>
Art -- the great escape from cold blustery weather. <br />
<br />
I will go to the beach and swim, dive and sunbathe.<br />
<br />
Even if it's only in our minds, I can relive it over and over<br />
<br />
each time I look at the painting, when the painting is finished.<br />
<br />
<br />
Portfolios have been on my mind of late.<br />
<br />
"Have recent art and be ready to talk about some of them."<br />
<br />
Tell about why you created the piece and what it means to you -<br />
<br />
What materials did you use and how you feel you could improve on it.<br />
<br />
What if I spent more time and effort telling about how I could improve on it<br />
<br />
than what it meant to me? Just kidding, but by painting every day we<br />
<br />
can work out alot of those things. <br />
<br />
Now art is not always an escape, it's expression, it's about colors,<br />
<br />
it's about memories and hopes...and on and on. Soft edges, hard edges.<br />
<br />
It's about both you and me and all the viewers.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now to get my boots on and lock up the chickens!<br />
<br />
Bring in the firewood and visit with both Hercules and Ion.<br />
<br />
Art can mean something different to each artist. <br />
Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-44858804175739189102014-01-03T16:25:00.000-08:002014-01-03T16:25:11.835-08:00Hercules Storm<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1eHYCTSapWXIF6p8bWMCQtt_4io2iMMBCqQlHlx4LxgpuAqFYsijLR01_541vI_cjPcZCawogwxhmzaOEF2VWP_L6UAh65Y1m1FS-EZHX-OJHCP3JeCLWEwGb4NpSrmJ-s_0hF_HpBt6/s1600/wagon-wheels-hercules-snow-storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1eHYCTSapWXIF6p8bWMCQtt_4io2iMMBCqQlHlx4LxgpuAqFYsijLR01_541vI_cjPcZCawogwxhmzaOEF2VWP_L6UAh65Y1m1FS-EZHX-OJHCP3JeCLWEwGb4NpSrmJ-s_0hF_HpBt6/s400/wagon-wheels-hercules-snow-storm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
It started soft and sweet with big fluffy flakes</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
and so beautiful, calm and quiet. Wind? There isn't any wind, we said.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything was looking picturesque. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuUVrOx-Z90uZI6lIX3LQv3g8Xgc-beZAEk4foP3YuardgMRDud0OWj03FTYbvavK8JzEUO6pLIBzCc9_bJUE9BlQm5YcMN0iaiUE1AsMibfIkuffVDvi8ZzurpdvYuqc_IbF2Yep15Dy/s1600/hercules-storm-starting-country-Candylei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuUVrOx-Z90uZI6lIX3LQv3g8Xgc-beZAEk4foP3YuardgMRDud0OWj03FTYbvavK8JzEUO6pLIBzCc9_bJUE9BlQm5YcMN0iaiUE1AsMibfIkuffVDvi8ZzurpdvYuqc_IbF2Yep15Dy/s400/hercules-storm-starting-country-Candylei.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got more firewood, candles and matches.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
More warm clothes and bulky socks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to bed thinking we might have a foot</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
of snow in the morning and hoped the power stayed</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
on just the same. Everything is much easier with power!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
It wasn't long til windows were rattling and</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
the wind was lifting snow every which way like</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
a big snow blower. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning I noticed under the one of the outside</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
doors that snow had blown in under it and against the wall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are days when I think we are living in Laura Ingalls time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just that we have electricity, computers and phones, but still</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
battling cold winters and farming.</div>
Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-22128437620982524802013-12-18T10:48:00.000-08:002013-12-18T10:51:17.297-08:00Folk Art Cat Illustrations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP6gvVWHHQuoAAxi8oDmEebZ0u4SS_qXZ8xGC2c5Mpg7OscrCgIQa9_iC7tWqjfLb2olBnSJ3UnEN_5RbUJzAtzhsAAnwxid8zWBXuk3OmD1NGNmJjRqIYhcVE3m71puPY7zsguvbK4Eq/s1600/cat-folk-art-painting-aceo-Candylei-Always-playful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_357174="null" gua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP6gvVWHHQuoAAxi8oDmEebZ0u4SS_qXZ8xGC2c5Mpg7OscrCgIQa9_iC7tWqjfLb2olBnSJ3UnEN_5RbUJzAtzhsAAnwxid8zWBXuk3OmD1NGNmJjRqIYhcVE3m71puPY7zsguvbK4Eq/s320/cat-folk-art-painting-aceo-Candylei-Always-playful.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
Always Playful<br />
<br />
A pet cat or dog brings down blood pressure. <br />
They bring amusement and love.<br />
Cats are forever playful and fall down and roll over and start playing. <br />
We used to have a cat that raced around the house at midnight <br />
so playful and noisy that you thought someone might be breaking in.<br />
I think they are low maintenance. <br />
The only hard thing about them is keeping them <br />
away from the bird feeders.<br />
<br />
New art paintings on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader">Etsy</a> <script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-17717029352207754872013-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:002013-12-15T15:37:18.266-08:00Snow bound<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJqk81H9infnyQvNtBdo_4GmOBXcLLwCM-as1kntXa37Sf4E4cFNGEmfJDnd-k0-MStB5KmPFEdk_2vpIroVeVmMgqTUyk3-J5tZIWWodTqeHMwbAbadUe0NKjvr1PUt6M2Ngs4fVruZQ/s1600/westie-art-garden-winter-candylei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJqk81H9infnyQvNtBdo_4GmOBXcLLwCM-as1kntXa37Sf4E4cFNGEmfJDnd-k0-MStB5KmPFEdk_2vpIroVeVmMgqTUyk3-J5tZIWWodTqeHMwbAbadUe0NKjvr1PUt6M2Ngs4fVruZQ/s400/westie-art-garden-winter-candylei.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
It's very shabby chic outside with white decor everywhere. We've been seeing lots of it along with ice this past week. The joys of living in the country are many. However you are your own department of transportation director, laborer and complaint department. True multitasking. If you want to get through it you have to make it possible yourself or pay someone to do it. Obviously the second would have been the fastest, but no, we chose the first three separate times. It's not all hot cocoa and marshmallows out here. There is a feeling of satisfaction when you eventually do make it out to the highway. I really need cleats or spikes at a time like this so we can stay standing for longer than 10 minutes when working on ice. Don't get me wrong I'm still staying in the country! Love this life.</div>
<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-87279952390038423572013-11-23T19:03:00.002-08:002013-11-23T19:07:40.280-08:00Buttontop Girls and Squirrels Illustration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D379s0ledJ77ZW9hsRNxXbx1tFcIbuOU0_RClcIPfMhXGwR2akF1IawSiTcpqBxEn5wiwbaffM7KQ0_FK8Pygpd7hp0cXFjkMyoDVzv67v5xtMbJrACTf7lsMfeviqmMUL8uT3B0fW1B/s1600/Dictionary-reader-Painting-ACEO-Mossy-Tea-Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_590118="null" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D379s0ledJ77ZW9hsRNxXbx1tFcIbuOU0_RClcIPfMhXGwR2akF1IawSiTcpqBxEn5wiwbaffM7KQ0_FK8Pygpd7hp0cXFjkMyoDVzv67v5xtMbJrACTf7lsMfeviqmMUL8uT3B0fW1B/s320/Dictionary-reader-Painting-ACEO-Mossy-Tea-Party.jpg" width="320" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Tis the season for comfort and joy...and tea. It's all sunny and warm inside while frost is forming on everything not moving outside. It's also the season when car batteries seem to go ker-plunk, but who wants to talk about that. We want to talk about cookies and pies, preserves and all those things we enjoy cooking on the stove or going in the oven. Warms us all around.<br />
<br />
The corn has been harvested here and the fields look so bare. Not much different in color as the cornstalks were wheat color and the chopped off stalks are still the same color, but now the deer are much more visible. There's lots of dropped kernels here and there for birds and wild animals. <br />
<br />
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are approaching. I'm trying to add new paintings daily to my etsy store. Etsy is such a vibrant community of artists. If you've not visited it do so soon and browse many handcrafted items and works of art. Link here to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a><script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-25245086582079471302013-11-09T08:51:00.001-08:002013-11-09T08:51:26.392-08:00Westie Aceo Illustrations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader">Shop.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" closure_lm_163968="null" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeNTReQKogtxPfWn1LAs1YkVah7unRhbojkwWYCRYhiXqbRD7z0sIvCKuEjpHDeWstnzB_KwO1xP0-zpm99cnB-cr-IWLwb3HuVv_lAXW4-brqkrLHuUxmX4Wx_QWppo19GHfEMQ6JeFc/s320/Westie-dog-illustration-aceo-Candylei-my-front-yard.jpg" width="320" zsa="true" /></div>
<br />
<br />
It's Fall but we are thinking about Spring already. Thinking about seeds and bulbs and all things green and beautiful. Leaves float and twirl some days and other days the wind whips them by. Mother Nature is playful one day and strict the next hurrying them on their way. I want to get as many oak leaves as I can in the compost pile.<br />
<br />
This year I am noticing how beautiful the Korean Dogwoods trees are coloring up now. Some trees here are almost fully decloaked but not the Dogwoods. It's November and they are center stage! They bloom later than the other dogwoods in the Spring and I cannot think of anything negative about them.<br />
<br />
We have wood for the fire. Let the wind howl and bring on the seed catalogs!<br />
<br />
(Still trying for one aceo painting a day.) <br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-86752976476284696342013-10-28T11:12:00.000-07:002013-10-28T11:12:26.131-07:00Flamingos Can Swim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtIWs8XaJC3PdT9LBBfpR2OQqFwJR27Mxrl9Vo7LFMPR3K5oVJwvClY3HGNTYkoCs5GuStagn-kogiz7ZrdauvynSPoYZEZTw_p0KzKNiMRfajWaaqrRYIG6Sj5WlwU99VVs6ExlRwt3j/s1600/flamingo-swim-alice-wonderland-candylei-aceo-dictionaryreader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_963639="null" height="271" isa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtIWs8XaJC3PdT9LBBfpR2OQqFwJR27Mxrl9Vo7LFMPR3K5oVJwvClY3HGNTYkoCs5GuStagn-kogiz7ZrdauvynSPoYZEZTw_p0KzKNiMRfajWaaqrRYIG6Sj5WlwU99VVs6ExlRwt3j/s320/flamingo-swim-alice-wonderland-candylei-aceo-dictionaryreader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Flamingo Swim<br />
<br />
This is the time of year when the color balance shifts from more color outside to more color inside our home. Possibly there is more color in my paintings too at this time of year although it's subtle. Coral pink is one of those hard to use colors in the garden, but it always looks great with burgundy, plum and dusty pinks. Every color is pretty if we know what to lay it next to. I am trying to absorb this idea as much as possible and continue to learn. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader">More artwork here.</a>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-34035842810077275012013-10-18T11:39:00.000-07:002013-10-18T11:39:17.092-07:00Art journaling by Candylei Yap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d-K0jYPYi7UGbTmvgpM8KhLz1mkAB930CEnvzXjrT0DRuL8Qe4tt35VWotM26kl4CJaSOWH-ug8cloI08m7I2LIfunPKGmJTtV9QjIQ05YehaJ39K96bDvn3uTsqM5Y8UyL0WhdfsYNy/s1600/Holding-Tea-Candylei-aceo-dictionaryreader-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_50897="null" esa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d-K0jYPYi7UGbTmvgpM8KhLz1mkAB930CEnvzXjrT0DRuL8Qe4tt35VWotM26kl4CJaSOWH-ug8cloI08m7I2LIfunPKGmJTtV9QjIQ05YehaJ39K96bDvn3uTsqM5Y8UyL0WhdfsYNy/s320/Holding-Tea-Candylei-aceo-dictionaryreader-original.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Drawing, designing and painting are each in themselves a beautiful process. We are not limited in any way, yet we tend to limit ourselves. We are our own worst critic, right after our children. They in innocence point out what they like and don't like. First we need to remember that not every drawing or sketch is meant to be sold. Each sketch is a learning process. The more we wield the pencil the more it frees our mind and opens our heart. Freedom is what gives us confidence in the art world and what a beautiful world it is.<br />
<br />
Often when cooking if we don't have an ingredient in the recipe we improvise according to our taste and substitute a different ingredient. This is slightly where I am at adding a little more abstract backgrounds to my aceos. Different, but overall reads the same!<br />
<br />
Stop by my little aceo shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader">Dictionary Reader </a> Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-51502112203408234492013-10-16T08:21:00.000-07:002013-10-18T11:03:38.636-07:00Alice in Wonderland Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGkEj6Al0sSqFB_kEt5IAjoIM0HlyKGdZ0DIdagMJt6i_C05bt830gJep9CiOwXXO_c2MkK2hwdgq4A99CCAARHyBHEQiMIqjaSFMX7g0zwtUuEIsQdWH7uN8UMpqQR9NyY_quhO2Q5lN/s1600/alice-in-wonderland-paintin-aceo-candylei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_861837="null" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGkEj6Al0sSqFB_kEt5IAjoIM0HlyKGdZ0DIdagMJt6i_C05bt830gJep9CiOwXXO_c2MkK2hwdgq4A99CCAARHyBHEQiMIqjaSFMX7g0zwtUuEIsQdWH7uN8UMpqQR9NyY_quhO2Q5lN/s320/alice-in-wonderland-paintin-aceo-candylei.jpg" width="320" xsa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
Every day we choose a path to take. Often we cross paths with others which are not confrontational, but a new acquaintance is made. We are so happy for those we meet that open up new ideas and cultures. It adds a little more wonder to our world. <br />
<br />
A sweet aceo painting a day is one of my new challenges. When I put myself to a commitment it cultivates the mind like a farmer who tills the soil. I am surprised what is in my mind and heart and how the art and ideas shoot forth like a fresh spring. So much is hidden away in each heart waiting to grow! When I get a pencil and start sketching it frees me and lets me dream as well. And sketching is an art form we can do anywhere. As the weather cools outside, my drawing table inside is filled with sunshine.<br />
<br />
View more art if interested here. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dictionaryreader">Candylei Illustrations</a> <script type="text/javascript">
var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><script type="text/javascript">
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4949646-1");
pageTracker._trackPageview();
</script>Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-36001776452750520652013-10-14T11:45:00.000-07:002013-10-14T11:54:27.317-07:00Original Aceo paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTZUat90hu_spHsd1pSPX9wkNANGh4cjr2E53yDznEuA65K1ikoL6PtCEtGUxpvlqXz4Z3KdsHZ3s9AkJqZLWF0UMLCh293FfKjVflG37buiqq6oLWe7jNFDTaAmrAyRnZltIVKUx965c/s1600/candylei-aceo-gentlemans-agreement-etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_136995="null" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTZUat90hu_spHsd1pSPX9wkNANGh4cjr2E53yDznEuA65K1ikoL6PtCEtGUxpvlqXz4Z3KdsHZ3s9AkJqZLWF0UMLCh293FfKjVflG37buiqq6oLWe7jNFDTaAmrAyRnZltIVKUx965c/s320/candylei-aceo-gentlemans-agreement-etsy.jpg" width="237" xsa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At the drawing board and loving it. When we create it makes me feel weight free...until I stand up! Gardening with all it's wonders and helping others has kept me busy before.<br />
<br />
The titled of this illustration is Gentleman's Agreement. It's a small 3.5 inch by 2.5 inch painting. Such a darling size. This boy made an agreement that he would search high and low for the largest flower. He succeeded. You think of all of the men and women who searched the globe and brought plants and seeds back to their countries and today we are enjoying them in our own gardens. Thank you all!<br />
<br />
We have had a lovely summer with lots of rain. The plants and garden loved it. Love this new cool fall weather though! Yes!Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4309321555775932743.post-39692860177284150282013-02-11T11:54:00.000-08:002013-02-11T11:54:39.095-08:00Great News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZurSWtk0qMYO5CzXJovDbDIpXEtgg32ThUd6a0chCm0R-FD2CZGufjS14jaYQ-rsA6wmzcJSdpMXO8U7l3sENcjEH1oKakbE3Yk5PiOeA4pTZtOQn91vIL-UXf3LrZEx4XcMS9h1F90E4/s1600/vintage-westie-postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZurSWtk0qMYO5CzXJovDbDIpXEtgg32ThUd6a0chCm0R-FD2CZGufjS14jaYQ-rsA6wmzcJSdpMXO8U7l3sENcjEH1oKakbE3Yk5PiOeA4pTZtOQn91vIL-UXf3LrZEx4XcMS9h1F90E4/s400/vintage-westie-postcard.jpg" uea="true" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Those of you who have been following along about my son and his chemotherapy, will be happy to hear this. He had 6 strong chemo treatments with 3 weeks inbetween each treatment. After the very last treatment the Dr. ordered a petscan. The petscan revealed no cancer. Petscans are metabolic maps. His Dr. referred him to a radiologist and that Dr. didn't recommend radiation. We are thrilled! Everyone is happy and very thankful! He has numbness and tingling in his fingertips and also his toes from the chemo but hopefully the nerves regenerate there. Our bodies are amazing creations. <br />
<br />
Above art is on a vintage postcard. Adorable. Candyleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17940481300846596938noreply@blogger.com2