Shearing time and .......

Wendy is off to England for a family wedding - so obviously I had to make her a card. Being the glitter queen of Mexico, I included a small bottle of gold glitter, just in case
she got homesick.

Gotta have a 'cuppa' and definitely some music!

Last time I was in Australia I was on a sheep farm where the sheep were waiting to be sheared.  They all bunch together like they are hoping no one will notice them.  Don't pick me - pick her - pick him - but don't pick me.  I think the process is painless, however how would you like to come out bald after having all that beautiful wool.  Coming out of the shearing barns must be like coming out of a bad hair dresser! 

I tried to capture the feeling in a whimsical way.

That's it for today my Lady Lovlies.  Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and had some play time in the Studio.  Thanks for dropping in.  Come again soon.  I love your company.

There are many things in life that will catch your eye,
but only a few that will catch your heart. Pursue themAuthor Unknown

.

*Know Thyself ... complete

Not much to be said today. I think she is finished. I'll leave her sit for a day or two and see if the kitty is still OK with me. Other than that --- here she is ... sitting in her garden in Italy, contemplating life.

It was actually difficult to get a good shot of her - the light is so bright here, and even though I hung her in the shade, I think the photo is a little darker than the original.

Hope you are having a grand time ... getting ready for spring.  Such a beautiful time of year - all things new and fresh.  Thanks for dropping by.  I do appreciate your company and your comments.  

Every time you don't follow your inner guidance,you feel a loss of energy, loss of power a sense of spiritual deadness. -- Shakti Gawain

* Just a little bit more ...

We worked long and hard today. The kitty and I have come to some sort of agreement and I think she's looking much better. (although we may have another chat manana) Still some small details I see which I want to finish. Otherwise "Know Thyself" is just about complete.

 This is my last canvas. No more blank ones - so I'm feeling a little unsettled. Might have to fill in with something else for a few days.

Here she is: ...

"Know Thyself"

Thanks for dropping in today.  I enjoyed our visit.  Beautiful weather isn't it.  Take care, and I'll see you soon.

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” 
― Lao Tzu

 

* Quite a Day ....

Yes, indeed, we had quite a day. I have never really had toooooo much of a problem painting just about anything, but this little kitty on her knee, this tiny wee CAT, this .... this .... stubborn little feline .... WELL! She simply will not be painted. We have been at loggerheads all day. I've painted 'big cats' (lynx) before and had no problem ... but ... but this little thing? Well, there are no words printable to describe our struggle. So, she is being left to sit there today and we will see what transpires manana.

We are making progress though. M'lady was sharing some interesting bits about her history today --- a long line of gypsy's who over many many years made their way to the mediterranean from high up in Turkey. Her family, over the years made it's way to Italy and now she feels she has roots in that country.

Many little details to work out ... and of course, the dear little kitty.

Thanks for popping in my beauties.  It's a beautiful day here - hope things are warming up wherever you are.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. – Confucius

  

* Know Thyself

Today, M'lady and I chatted, and chatted some more. She informed me the painting is set in the Autumn ... the end of Autumn. The harvest is in, the world is slowing down, and she wears her favorite warm shawl, made for her by her mother, when she has quiet time in the garden. The leaves, except for a few, have left the tree, and inside, m'lady feels like it's time to withdraw, go within, and do quieter things for the winter. The hustle and bustle of spring is over, the fun and frolic of summer, the work of the fall ... all done. Now it's time to "Know Thyself". She informed me this is what the painting is to be called.

 "Life has changed incredibly in the last century, my dear, she confided. The world has sped up to fast forward and no one seems to think spirit and soul are important anymore. Well, of course some do, but so many have no idea how important it is to grow into spirit during this life time. That is why we are all here." I agreed. That was about as far as we got today.

 I was tired for some reason and didn't paint as long as I usually do. She is quite put off with me because I left her faceless.  She is a woman of substance.  A wise woman whom I sure can share much of her wisdom with all of us.

A little close up so you can see the colours I'm using.

Hope you all had a lovely Saturday.  Thanks for the visit.  So many of you drop by, you have me talking to myself now.  And just to be polite, of course I have a sangria with each of you!  Come again soon.

“What you love is a sign from your higher self of what you are to do.” 
― Sanaya Roman

Miss Valerie ...

Good morning my lovlies.  Habibi and I are hanging out in the studio.  There is such a strong wind I can't keep the doors open - odd for here.  Habibi is enjoying his usual place on the sofa and says Hi.  Thanks for dropping in.  I'll bring the sangria up if you will stay a little while.  I know it's morning ... but this is Mexico!

Yes, indeed, our Miss Valerie has been up to it again! ... sending out lush, tempting, gorgeous pressies to heaven's only know who. I absolutely know I'm not the only one she spoils. It took a month, however just when we thought all was lost, when I picked up the mail yesterday, there was a lovely 'cardboard' box from Valerie. I was amazed she could part with it, due to her love affair with cardboard. :o) I took my time opening it - glass of wine on the terrace - opening each little package, ooooing and awwwing. First
the wooden pieces ... oooooo ....

Then the stickers, labels and borders ...  yummy .....

And then .. wait for it ... the TAGS ... Miss Valeries famous tags!  AWWwwwww ......!   I was so impressed I ran right upstairs to the studio and made cards.  The one with my most favorite bird in the whole wide world was already a card!  So here are the results.  I will give Valerie full credit of course, however, I really feel some of her work must go out into the world to be enjoyed by people who have no idea of the talent that exists in Dusseldorf!

Miss Bird is staying with ME!  Isn't she gorgeous?

Thank you so very much, Valerie!  I know how much work you put into these gorgeous objects and I am honoured each time I receive a package from you.  You are a dear friend ... even if we never meet ... I value that more than anything.  

“A good friend is a connection to life, a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.”

Lois Wyse (1926-2007) (except I think I might be a little "off';o)

  

The VERY beginning

Began a new painting today. It's not completely blocked in yet. She was, however, very persistant that I begin. "RELAX!, she said. Why don't more people simply relax. A wonderful way to do so, it to make yourself pretty, put on your nicest dress, pour yourself a drink, and go out into the garden alone for some quiet time. Evening is nice - nothing to get up and hurry to get done. Alone is the key. Ponder your life. Who are you? What do you really want? What wonderful small thing can you do for yourself tomorrow with absolutely no one else involved?" Hmmmmm ... perhaps not so easy to answer for those of you working, or with a family or both. "Once you begin to do this on a regular basis, she told me, your life will change, little by little." I believe that it would, because we would be honouring ourselves and some of us never take the time to do that. So, here is the very beginning ....

Thanks so much for the visit.  And a special thank you for all the very lovely comments on Lord Ganesh.  They were and are very much appreciated.  Nice and warm again here - I think the cold snap is over.  Back to the Sangria on ice.

“The most adventurous journey to embark on; is the journey to yourself, the most exciting thing to discover; is who you really are, the most treasured pieces that you can find; are all the pieces of you, the most special portrait you can recognize; is the portrait of your soul.” 
― C. JoyBell C.

 

Lord Ganesh

When I used to attend an Ashram located in the Canadian Kootneys, I fell in love with Lord Ganesh, along with Saraswati and Quan Yin. Lord Ganesh, though, touched something deep and I felt very connected to this diety.

 Lord Ganesh is known mainly as the Remover of Obstacles, and Lord of New Beginnings. There are many stories of Ganesh, the one I like best is the following,

 His parents were Shiva and Parvati. One day while Shiva was bathing and Ganesh was playing beside her, Parvati came in and mistakingly took Ganesh for an intruder and cut off his head. Shiva was in instant grief and instructed Parvati to go and get her son another head. Parvati came back with the head of an elephant, which worked very well. Ganesh loved his sweets and finally one day his rather large tummy popped open. He had to get off his mouse (his vehicle by which he traveled) to get a snake and wrap his stomach so it would close. Now that to me is the story of a diety and I love it. I also love to have Ganesh around and at the moment I could use some help with removing some obstacles and get a head start with new beginning - so I presume that's why he has come to be here now. I finished the painting today. See what you think.

Thanks so much for dropping by.  It's still chilly here, however at least the sun is out this afternoon.

“Just know, when you truly want success, you’ll never give up on it. No matter how bad the situation may get.” - Unknown

  

Another day in the Studio ...

and a little more done on the painting. Probably another day two before it's finished.

Hope you had a lovely day.  Still cold here, so thanks for dropping by.  I was told Sangria and Hot Chocolate are great together - so that's my next adventure on a cold day.  :o)

”The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.” -- Picasso.

          

Thinking of Ganesh

Some people call him Ganesha, I prefer Ganesh which I have always called him.  He is probably my favorite Hindu diety, but then I love Saraswati too. When I left Canada, I had to leave my three foot bronze statue of Ganesh behind. I miss him. He is well known as the Remover of Obstacles, and generally known as Lord or Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles, both of which I need at the moment. He is also a patron of the Arts and Sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. Good stuff, right? So, I thought I'd try a painting. Yes, it was a surprise to me to, this  morning I had no idea that's what I was going to do. Now I have a canvas with the first block in. See what you think - I promise it will improve!

No one has spoken to me.  I'm not sure about the woman - she is wearing a saree, however perhaps it's me as I've always LOVED sarees!  Who knows, perhaps they will speak to me tomorrow.  They did tell me the colours they wanted.  Ganesh was very adement he did not want to be grey!  So, obviously he's not.  :o)

It's cold here is Mexico today.  We are not amused.  We are having to wear sweaters and drink chocolate calliente (hot chocolate).  I've been out this afternoon sitting directly in the sun to feel it's warmth.  I think it might carry on like this for the rest of the week.

Well - do hope you are into lots of mischief and having fun. I'm really enjoying what's happening on your blogs these days.  Always fun to see the surprises.  Thanks for dropping in.  No sangria today -- too cold.  Come again though - I promise to make you some.

Wishing you Happines as big as Ganehsji’s appetite, Life is long as his trunk trouble as small as his mouse and moments as sweet as his laddus.  

           

Queens' Jumpers Finished

I completed the painting last evening. The Queen told me she wanted her crown to sparkle, and also those of her little flock. (They all demanded crowns too - being part of the Royal Estate). I covered each heart with glossy accents and allowed them to dry overnight. She's delighted. The message the Queen discussed with me all through the painting process is to relax and enjoy life. It's short. Laugh much. Enjoy others company. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and let the rest go. Allow the Universe to assist you on the journey by asking for help. When it appears, act on it. Yes, have wonderful ideas, ask for help, and ALLOW them to evolve. There's that ALLOW word again. One day at a time. I thought everything she discussed with me was valuable and a good reminder of how I am trying to live my life. May I introduce "The Queens' Jumpers", acrylic on canvas, 26" X 34", from the Studio of Donna Parker.

Hope it makes you smile.  Thanks for dropping by.  Always love seeing you here and reading your wonderful comments.  Take care and have a great day.

Mary Oliver - "You must not ever stop being 

whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else 

the responsibility for your life."

 

We made quite a bit of progress today. Everyone was in a good mood. To tell you the truth, I've never painted anything whimsical in my life before. I'm very much enjoying this process. Lot's more to do - so it may be another day or two until completion. Until then - here's
what's happened.

She does have quite a lovely message for me which I probably really needed at the moment.  It will apply to all of us at some point.  I'll reveal that when the painting is complete.

Thanks for coming over.  Did Marie drink all the sangria again?  She keeps saying there is none left when she arrives, but now I'm catching on!  The only reason I know it wasn't her this time is she's too sick to get out of bed!  Poor baby -- heal and be well - thinking of you.

“Art must be an expression of love or it is nothing.” 

Marc Chagall 

Ah, Marc Chagall.  Wish I could have met him.

 

* The Queen's Jumpers

If you have lived in Britain or OZ or if you do, you will already know that sweaters are called jumpers. AND, jumpers are made of wool, AND wool comes from sheep. Thus the name. I really have no clue what is going on with my muse. I was in the process of drawing two women together. I got one sketched in and sheep started to pop out.
hmmmmm.   Here ya go ...

Just started - who knows where it will go from here?

Hope you had a wonderful day.  It's been a beautiful sunny day here and I enjoyed playing in my little garden this morning.  Are there signs of spring with any of you yet????

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

Thomas Merton

 

"Always and Forever"

There are those in my life that I will  love "Always and Forever". It doesn't seem to matter what happens between us. Unfortunately one of these souls and I have decided to take different paths. It's been 36 years. I can't imagine never seeing their face again in this lifetime. It's given me a heartache. I've had to do something with the feelings, so I painted the woman on the beach.

She has such a calm appearance, however on the inside her heart has been ripped out and most certainly will never totally heal.  

Thanks for dropping in today.  Sorry this has been such a heavy subject.  I'll get back to my Goddess's soon.  I'm sure one is waiting.  Sorry, Sangria all gone.  My fault today.  :o)

"I can't talk to you anymore, it's not that I am mad at you, it's just that when I talk to you I realize how much I love you and when I realize how much I love you, I realize I can't have you and that makes me love you even more".~_Unknown

 

Broken 2

I've worked all day today. There is quite a change. She didn't want to be sitting on a sofa. She wanted nothing around her - no one around her - only the ocean. She is in pain, physically, emotionally and spiritually. More work to
do.

Thanks for dropping in.  Hope your Sunday was a good one.

You alone have the key to my wounded heart, But you can't help me, for as we discussed the time has come that we will be apart. I have chosen a different path to be apart from yours, for if we were close,  afraid I am that I might lose my course.

 

Broken for the last time

Spent the day in the studio. Blocked in a new painting. Lots of changes ahead, I can feel them coming. Haven't a clue what she will turn out like.

Weekend already.  Hope you are having a good one.  Relax, enjoy and create something wonderful.  Thanks for dropping by.  

I dislike the way you make me feel, I abhor the way you make me want you, I loathe the way you make me love you, but most of all I resent knowing there is no future. 

 Nishan Panwar