Love Is In The Air

Here's my first new card design for 2024. I'm calling it 'Love is in the Air'. This bear has the sweetest face and he was a lot of fun to paint. I do realize that he is holding the violin.... not correctly, but perhaps this is how bears hold violins? My apologies to any violin players out there.

It was 'Eggpiphany' here the other day! Our chickens started to lay! We got 2 beautiful blue-green eggs. The grandkids are coming up for the weekend. I can't wait to let them collect the eggs. It's the simple things.

 

A view of January in Maine from across the river.

Welcome 2024

 

Two years in a row we have missed being together for Christmas due to covid. (I will not make that a capital "c" even though my computer wants me to.) With grandchildren under the age of 5, it's tough not being together. We did Facetime. We will get together soon. I'm actually thinking of exchanging a gift before we do. I think a little pullover I got one of the kids is too small. I could just buy this little guy a box of crackers and he'd be content, he's the happiest little soul.

This 'new beginning' time of year is always one of reflection for me. I lost a painting I was working on (stay with me, there's a connection here). I can't stand to lose things, and I'm the 'family finder' when things get lost. Well, I searched my studio from 'top to bottom' and could not find this painting. To be clear, a visual: the painting was a 5" square birch wood panel, 3/4" deep. Not big. But when something is lost in my life, well it was like losing a billboard. This loss inspired a 'deep clean' of my studio, and THAT was the perfect 'new start' to my new year. I think I may start every new year this way. Sighting 'When In Doubt, Throw It Out' as I went, I worked my way through draws, files, boxes, under the couch, etc. Of course I did find the painting. The little booger slipped down behind a stand of drawers. It landed on the wall/floor molding, and so in not reaching the actual floor I didn't see it when I looked under the drawers. Sneaky, very sneaky. (This whole episode has changed my relationship with this painting and I find that fascinating, but now I am truly off topic). I'm happy and my studio is clean. Let this New Year begin!!