Monday, January 12, 2015

A Cozy Post to Celebrate Winter


 I must admit, I cannot tell a lie, I complain about Minnesota winters-a lot. I mean, really, how could I not? There is SO much to complain about, right? Part of me answers this question with a resounding "yes!" Winters are grueling!! (I utter this statement often between the months of November and April). They are filled with endless bone chilling temps, numerous days of shoveling snow, 
restricted and dangerous travel. 
But, if we take a moment to stop, be still and reflect, 
there truly are beautiful things about winter----
quality time with family, walks in the snow covered woods, snow shoeing, ice skating, skiing, a good book, a new recipe. Obviously we need to be selective when we do some of these things. Make decisions carefully, 
particularly when traveling in freezing or snowy conditions. 
But, isn't mindful decision making a part of every day life-not just in winter?
So, sit back, relax and enjoy personal reflections on the positives of winter. 
Be sure to click on the links. 
They will bring you to some special places like RubberMoon Stamp Company.
 Perhaps you'd like to paint a blizzard scene. Click on the "Baby It's Really Cold Outside" link. Try it while enjoying a warm cup of tea on a glorious "snow day."  Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!


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"Polar Lights"
a wintery acrylic painting 
on gallery 
wrapped canvas.
Inspired by a trip made 
to Churchill, Manitoba.

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Winter skating party with 
family.





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Sweet little flock of hens on a winter stroll. 
It was 25 plus degrees that day. The following day
it was -6 degrees as a day time high temp!
Winter motto (yelling a little bit), 
"Get out doors when you can!"
Ridiculous weather makes us northerners
a bit dramatic at times.


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Snow shoeing with my son, Bernie. 
We came upon this little house in the woods.
It was not -6 degrees that day.




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Now, last but not least. A blog post I wrote last year for RubberMoon Stamp Company. A fun tutorial on how to paint a winter blizzard with the help of RubberMoon Stamps. 
Enjoy and happy winter!!
Click on the link below!


Thursday, January 1, 2015

Welcome to my new blog!

Hello and welcome!!
I have not blogged for such a very long time. Mostly because I have not fully decided what to write about. Maybe this blog will be my version of a New Year's resolution. "I declare, starting today, January 1, 2015, that I will commit to blogging on a regular basis."  Ok, sounds reasonable. But, I still have the issue of deciding WHAT to blog about.

Perhaps I should start by explaining my reason for this new blog. My former blog and studio name was Purple Sun Studio. I used this title for many years as a business name for my artwork.

Recently I decided my studio name should be more reflective of who I am, what I do, what makes me happy. My number one priority and love is for my family. That goes without saying. But, my horse has been such a tremendous character builder and teacher. I have had Ava since she was a weanling. With the help of talented trainers I have taught her how to be a dependable riding horse. This journey has at times been (very) daunting. There were times when I wanted to give up. But, after countless hours of hard work and dedication Ava is a sweet mare. We have a VERY long way to go. BUT if we quit today, I could honestly say my horse, Ava, is genuinely a Sweet Mare. 
Thanks for visiting my blog Sweet Mare Studio.