Sunday Sketches

Speaking of a quick sketch for today's blog.......

I dashed this one off after my morning walk. The sun was just popping through the trees causing a lovely silhouette.

Sunday Sketches

I do not know about the Ground Hog, but yesterday was spring-like here in Washington.

After pruning my fruit trees, I was sitting in the sunshine having lunch when I thought about doing my weekly sketch. Why go inside? Instead, I continued to enjoy the sunshine while creating.

This is a fabulous driftwood log I come across when I take a walk along the inlet near Burfoot Park in Olympia. I love its grace....



The Olympic Mountains are in the background.

Another stellar day outside today :)

Time Out

It is vital for one's well being to take time out for fun and new vistas to spark inspiration for creativity.

I just returned from spending time in Whistler, British Columbia, skiing with my good friend, Elaine. Our last day of skiing was absolutely STELLAR! I must share some images of sunshine, new snow, and mountain vistas.

This is the morning view from our window. You can see the snow line and shadow of the mountains behind us as the sun was rising.




I did get a few runs in the fresh powder and can appreciate the tracks down the mountainside off one of the many peaks.


The view from the top of Whistler Mountain.


Here is my friend imitating the Whistler-Blackcomb insignia.


How did she do?


This is my favorite photo of the Whistler-Blackcomb insignia which my son and I took a few years back.



Whistler is one of my favorite places for renewal and inspiration.

And outstanding place to ski!

PERFECT!

Here in the Pacific Northwest we were recently treated to two full days of SUNSHINE. I happened to select those two very days to visit the beach and Seabrook.

Synchronicity!

AND PERFECT, I might add.

Imagine days and days of rain, a decision to go to the beach, and presto! Sunshine and blue skies. Washingtonians would say, "It's a miracle!" Especially since the weather is back to rain once again.

Here is what a Washington beach looks like on a rare sunny day:


This is the beach at Seabrook, a lovely little beach town near Pacific Beach, Washington.

Wind swept trees looking North.....


I was welcomed back home by these two Iceland poppies.

Beautiful, Chilly, Winter Day

Braving the 27 degree temperature and taking advantage of the sunshine treat, Ebony and I ventured out this morning on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington.

I must admit, we Washingtonians cherish a sunny day no matter what! Everyone Ebony and I encountered on our walk happily commented on the beautiful day. Pleasant way to start the day.

I took my camera along and snapped some photos of the frozen ponds and reflections. A few ducks found a small hole in the ice to swim and dive.


According to my trusty Peterson's Field Guide these ducks are Bufflehead. It is interesting that they are not listed as living in Washington. Is this a rare find?


Inspired, I came home and began a watercolor painting of this beautiful scene.

Berry Picking Time

SUNDAY   +   FAMILY   +   SUNSHINE   +   BLACKBERRIES   +  
CHEHALIS WESTERN TRAIL            PERFECT COMBINATION!

Early this morning as Ebony and I traveled the Chehalis Western Trail from Woodard Bay to Martin Way, many people were seen, full buckets in hand and blackish mouths, picking blackberries.

My favorite was this couple and their two children who came on bikes.

The little boy eating from his bucket made me think of times to come with my grandson :)

Another Sunny Winter Day in Washington!

Very rare to have sunshine in Washington especially in the winter time, but we have been graced with the fourth day of fantastic weather.

Washingtonians were out in droves. My friend and I and our dogs took a walk on the Chehalis Western Trail and it was amazing the number of people. I believe we have learned to take advantage of good weather here in Washington.


Yes, this is a summer view as I did not bring the camera today

The historic Chehalis Western Railroad, which operated from 1926 through the mid-1980's, has now become the Chehalis Western Trail. The trail runs north-south through the heart of Thurston County and links up with the County-owned 14.5-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail. It passes through a variety of ecosystems and environments in both the urban and rural areas of the County. It provides access to over 170-acres of park land including nearly two miles of frontage along the Deschutes River, and features access to the Puget Sound, Chambers Lake, wetlands, forests, farmland, creeks, prairies, and other habitats.


Yep, summertime too!
Although I did see people in shorts and short sleeves today

More Day Light to Create

That extra hour of daylight and the signs of spring sparked my creative juices today.  How about you? 

In between the desire to be outdoors in the sunshine, I began my second painting from the series of photographs which I took while in Mexico. I am mesmerized by the ice plant in bloom which grew profusely, cascading down the cliffs toward the ocean. There is something about the colors and movement?

Stay tuned as the next painting evolves..........