Hogback Mountain

One of my favorite things to do is to take my sketchpad and watercolors outside to create with. This is a picture that has a story too....

 First, here is the view of Hogback Mountain that I sketched...hopefully you can see some similarities!

Usually when I set out to sketch I have a public destination in mind but this time my friend Jamie and I just set out to see where life lead us. It lead us on many a road but finally we turned up Pinnacle Mountain and saw some breath taking vistas, the one pictured above really caught our eye and we stopped on the road to gape...lol....that's when we saw the man watching us from his yard!! I rolled down my window to explain we were looking for something to draw, and he invited us to sketch from his porch!! OMG...it was awesome, I was in house envy! His wife was so sweet, offering us ice tea and the use of their bathroom if we needed it! Here is a picture of Jamie sketching...

It was such an unexpected and fun adventure, the only downside was that were sketching in the sun, so I came home with a sunburned neck, arms and feet!

Ouchie....

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This is day 6 of blogging for 90 days in a row!! Be sure to check out how the rest of our 90 day bloggers are doing!

Sharon Estes 

Yvonne Armitage Gebauer 

Sandee Setliff

Sandy Beach

Donna Lueders

My tarot reading - third row

The third row is the Emotional Row, what's present with your feelings

The Hermit - The Hermit Tarot card suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention and focus inward and looking for answers within. You have a strong need to understand, not just at the surface level but to really know why life is the way it is. This is a perfect time to take a step back from your day-to-day life and deeply contemplate your motivations, personal principles and values. You desire a new direction in life and, as a result, have recently begun a journey of self-discovery and contemplation.  You must find your own light, shine it on your soul and create your own special path. 

The Lovers- On a more personal level, the Lovers card represents the establishment of a personal belief system and becoming clearer about your own values. This is a time when you are figuring out what you stand for and what your personal philosophy on life is. This is also a time when you need to stay true to yourself and be as authentic and genuine as possible. When the Lovers card appears in a reading, it is important to think about what decisions and choices you are facing. The fact that the Lovers is a Major Arcana card indicates that these decisions or choices are incredibly important and significant so it is essential that you choose the right path. There may be an easy option available but you will need to ask yourself whether this is the right path for you in the long run. Oftentimes, it is the more difficult path that will bring you the greatest benefit, particularly on a deeper level.  The Lovers card highlights that your own value system is being challenged, and you must make a definite choice based on that system. The choices are never really easy or obvious, either. Unlike the Fool’s choice which has no wrong answer, the choice of the Lovers is very much right or wrong because one of those options will almost certainly take you down a negative path.

The Fool - The Fool Tarot card is a card of potential, new beginnings and innocence. This Tarot card shows the highest potential for your life, reaching a state of renewal and new beginnings, where each day is an adventure and each moment is lived to the fullest. The Fool card represents the beginning of all creativity and a desire to accomplish new goals (or to, at least, start the process of working towards those goals). The Fool indicates that anything can happen and the opportunities are just waiting to be taken advantage of. The Fool Tarot card is a card of potential, new beginnings and innocence. This Tarot card shows the highest potential for your life, reaching a state of renewal and new beginnings, where each day is an adventure and each moment is lived to the fullest. The Fool card represents the beginning of all creativity and a desire to accomplish new goals (or to, at least, start the process of working towards those goals). The Fool indicates that anything can happen and the opportunities are just waiting to be taken advantage of.

my reflections

Hmmm...the tarot reader said this row was very important to me right now and that I should take a time out, follow what I want, while staying grounded. Reading all the above definitions implies to me that I might have some big decisions coming up and that I need to look inward and not reach a decision hastily, which is funny because I had been considering not continuing with my studio after my trial year was up. I am not having the experience I wanted but is leaving Art MoB the right path to follow....or is it just the easiest path? I am ½ way through my year and I am already questioning continuing on....maybe I just need to "take a step back" as the Hermit card says, "think about my choices" as the Lovers card says, and "live each day to it's fullest" as the Fools's card says...and  not rush my decision.

My tarot reading - second row

Keeping a record of my tarot reading is just so I can keep in my mind what is going on with me and what to focus on, I really don't expect this to be of much interest to anyone, soooooooooo....you might prefer to leave me a comment over on the Helmar blog, which would make my heart happy! I was a little late with my post as I was so consumed with the show....which relates to the reading I got from the tarot too, lol

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The second row is the Mental row which is how your mind affects your life

The Empress -The Empress shows a deep connection with our femininity. Femininity translates in many ways – beauty, sensuality, fertility, creative expression, nurturing – and is necessary in creating balance. The Empress calls on you to connect with your feminine energy. Create beauty in your life.  Discover new ways to creatively express yourself, be it through painting, music, drama, or other art forms. The Empress encourages you to spend time in nature.  It is your turn to have things work out in your favor, to be blessed and to feel nurtured. Know that you are worthy of receiving this loving embrace.

Knight of Swords -When we are obsessed by an idea and wish to manifest that idea, we are often so blinded by the desire for its fulfillment that we fail to see the difficulties we may encounter or the consequences of our actions. The Knight of Swords is a powerful figure full of life and energy who needs to be balanced with a realization of responsibility and compassion. Once he has set forth on his journey, there is no stopping him! He does not see, nor care about, any upcoming challenges, risks or dangers, and instead moves forward with his strong intent to succeed and win. On the positive side, this card shows great ambition, determination and strength to succeed no matter what.

Queen of Wands -The Queen of Wands is the dominant feminine energy of the element of Fire. She is not afraid to demonstrate her power to others nor does she shy away from a challenge. She is therefore a strong leader who is focused on her desires, intending to get what she wants. Thus, the Queen of Wands indicates that you are strong, independent and able to take care of yourself and sustain your own creative vision, even in the face of adversity. You know what you want and how to get it, and you are masterful at engaging with others to achieve your goals. You are talented at staying fiercely determined and focused on your own goals whilst being friendly and optimistic with those around you. The Queen of Wands is the dominant feminine energy of the element of Fire. She is not afraid to demonstrate her power to others nor does she shy away from a challenge. She is therefore a strong leader who is focused on her desires, intending to get what she wants. Thus, the Queen of Wands indicates that you are strong, independent and able to take care of yourself and sustain your own creative vision, even in the face of adversity. You know what you want and how to get it, and you are masterful at engaging with others to achieve your goals. You are talented at staying fiercely determined and focused on your own goals whilst being friendly and optimistic with those around you.

my reflections

Since the Knight of Swords is facing the Empress, to me this means that I need to be careful in pursuing my art ambitions, set boundaries and challenge old habits. Again, I need to slow down, spend time in nature and connect with my feminine energy. This is the second time The Queen of Wands has shown up in my readings and I love it as I really connect with what she stands for. I feel like that by having her show up again in my reading is a good sign to continuing going for what I want, which for me is to succeed in my art career. But I do need to keep a balance between what I want and asking myself, what do I need?

My tarot reading- first row

My first card laid out in the Querent is "The World"...and again this reading was so "on spot". 

 Introduction: The World can signify that you are figuratively feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, which is not an easy place to be. It's an excellent time to review how well you do at "asking for help" when you need it. Remember you don't have to do everything on your own.

General: This can often be a card of completion. You've worked hard, and you are almost to the "finish line" in some way. Don't quit now that you're almost finished! You're almost definitely in need of some well deserved rest and relaxation; don't be afraid to take it. You are getting closer to "who you really are," at your deepest levels.

Work: In terms of work, there's a very good chance that you are working far too hard for far too little recognition and money. It's important if this is the case to "blow your own horn" a little, to make sure that the powers that be don't "accidentally" overlook your many positive accomplishments. 

The first row is the Material Row which relates to Health, finances, career...etc.

The Page of Swords -  You cannot wait to get started on a new project or an idea, and to share that with others. You start all new projects, ventures and journeys with a huge amount of energy and excitement. The challenge, however, is whether you can keep it up! As with all Pages, the beginning always looks promising but something else is needed in order to maintain the pace. 

 Eight of Cups indicates that it is time to ask yourself what you can do to bring a deeper satisfaction and joy to your life beyond the obvious pursuit of material satisfaction and/or physical enjoyment. You may also be feeling that you are giving too much and not getting nearly enough in exchange.

Eight of Pentacles -  This card reflects a time when you are focusing all of your energy on something and making sure it is as perfect as it can be. You are very engaged in what you are doing and determined to do a good job.  The Eight of Pentacles symbolizes a concentrated determination to master the new skill being learned and the single-minded effort of someone who has consciously chosen a new career path or creative undertaking. This card shows a diligent and hard-working attitude, and indicates that you are applying yourself fully to whatever is at the center of your attention. This card creates success through perseverance and individual initiative as opposed to luck or the generosity of others.

my reflections

For me, this is very accurate. After all I am trying to make a go of it by being in an art studio, and I am determined to give it one year...fully and completely. To engage in all activities and to participate in the best way I can...I do feel tired this month, having done 2 shows in 2 months, painted Poppy Bear and trying to maintain work to sell in my studio at the Art MoB. I was not surprised at her interpretation of "slowing down and staying grounded"...Giving everything your all can really drain you and I feel this right now more than I have in a long time.

So I had another art show....

This is day 3 of,,,,"Can we blog for 90 days straight?"  

participants:

Sandee Setliff
Tamiko McCurry
Donna Lueders

Sharon Estes
Yvonne Armatage Gebauer 

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Welcome to pictures of my third art show :) 

I had so much fun at the show, talking with friends and meeting new people! An art show is both fun and exhausting. There is so much work to get ready for it, and then whoosh it's over. It's kinda like being on a roller coaster. First you get into your little car and feel the excitement wash over over you as all the ideas swirl around in your head as you begin your preparations, then you have the first big hill, which you climb slowly, producing art, sending out press notices, printing up flyers and finally hanging the art itself...now you are at the top of the ride....take a quick look around to view the scenery and enjoy the time during the show cause then....swoosh....you are done and the ride is over!

Sandee Setliff, animals from the mountains

Jamie Miller, animals from Costa Rico

Miriam Hughes, animals from everywhere

 We had a fabulous time having our tarot cards read by Noelle, who came down from Black Mountain just for our event. I was really looking forward to getting my second reading too.

Noelle and Kim

And afterwards, we had another great dinner with friends! We talked well into the night and ended up being the last people out of the restaurant, I am sure they were glad when we finally left!!

We are already swirling ideas around for the next show!

Crows

Crows really do not interest me that much, although I know how smart they are, they are also loud and annoying in general. Usually I don't bother taking pictures of them either, but I admit that every time I see them I wish they were Ravens...now a Raven is a bird I would love to fly into my backyard! 

However, back to the crow. This is about the only time that a crow fascinated me. Which means, I actually said "oh wow", and grabbed my camera...a sure sign I am impressed. I've never had one land on my suet feeder before, it's amazing how big they looked when perched on my tiny feeder.

But the amazing part was that he managed to hang upside down in order to be able to grab the suet out of the cage.

I really had no idea that he would have the strength to pull himself up like that!

This is my favorite shot since it looks like he he posing for me and thinking how I shouldn't put him so low on the list of my favorite birds. I do admit he redeemed himself a little bit this day.
Just a little...

Still wish he was a Raven....

"American Crows are familiar over much of the continent: large, intelligent, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices. They are common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers. They usually feed on the ground and eat almost anything – typically earthworms, insects and other small animals, seeds, and fruit but also garbage, carrion, and chicks they rob from nests. Their flight style is unique, a patient, methodical flapping that is rarely broken up with glides."

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology  

1. Crow

Keeping a birding life list

I love birding but more specifically, I love the birds that I see in my backyard. I am not one to travel to locations to get a glimpse of a species...for some reason this does not interest me. However I love to see how many different species visit my yard, whether they are in the woods or on my feeders. I also love taking pictures of them to "officially" record them, and it also helps to use the photographs when identifying them too. I am not the best at either and do get frustrated in both endeavors, but I am doing the best I can. :)

Here is information on what a birding life list is:

Definition:

(noun) A cumulative record of bird species that have been positively identified and seen by individual birders. Most birders prefer to record only birds they have observed in natural habitats, and many birders arrange birding tours and travel to local and regional festivals to see more species to add to their life lists. Differences within species, such as male and female birds, are not generally recorded.

Many field guides offer species checklists as an appendix that birders can use to record their life lists. Some birders also prefer to keep life list records in a birding journal or online blog. Additional lists may be kept for backyard birds, rare birds, state birds and other specialized categories.

A great way for birders to keep track of the species they've seen is with a life list which

 is a cumulative record of the bird species an individual birder successfully identifies, and keeping a list is the easiest way to track which birds you have seen. For most birders, however, it is just fun to keep a life list and add up how many bird species you have seen.

To properly add a bird to your life list, the bird must be…

• Positively Identified: The individual keeping the life list must be able to identify the bird in question through field markings or sounds. It is acceptable to have another birder or observer point out the bird species, but to add it to a life list the birder in question must then see the markings for themselves to be confident in their identification.

• Ethically Observed: All proper birding ethics must be followed for a bird to count on an official life list. If laws are broken to observe the bird or the bird is harmed in the process of identification, it would not be acceptable to add it to the life list. For example, trespassing on private property without being invited is a violation of birding ethics and any observed species would not count.
• Alive: Birds must be alive to be counted on a life list. For the purposes of listing, eggs are not considered alive, and dead birds – such as prey of other animals – are also unacceptable sightings.
• Wild: To add a bird to a life list, it must be observed in the wild and behaving as a wild bird would be expected. Domesticated birds, escaped pets or birds that are deliberately imported such as for a zoo, petting zoo or ornamental garden are not acceptable life list sightings.
• Free: A bird should not be captive or restrained in any way to be considered part of a life list. Birds that are in wildlife rehabilitation, for example, cannot be counted, and should not be counted immediately after their release until they have resumed wild activities for feeding, roosting, migrating and so forth. Similarly, wild birds in zoos,aviaries and aquariums cannot be counted on a life list.
• Established: Ideally, the most "pure" life list will only count birds seen directly in their native habitat that have established viable breeding populations for at least several generations. This is the most controversial factor to consider for building a life list, and in general, if the other conditions are met the bird's population will likely be established.Vagrant birds are an exception, but are generally considered suitable to add to a life list if they arrived outside their range without human assistance – a bird that was captured and unwillingly transported before release in a new area, for example, would not count, but a bird that migrated poorly because of storms could be added to a life list.