Christmas Check List...

I vowed not to take in any commissions to complicate my traditional Christmas pursuits... and succeeded. "Not a creature is stirring..." in that camp and oh... what a relief it has been! All household and yard tasks have been dealt with as well. The outside gallery has been delivered inside to the downstairs storage area for the winter. The inside studio is tidied and ready for our winter works program. The firewood is stacked and stored safely... and kindled. The yard work is done... gardens put top sleep and leaves bagged and delivered to the local waste site. We are ready... to batten down the winter hatches... and to prepare for Christmas celebrations.

My first winter works item was to create another personal heirloom piece for my children. You will recall that River Spirit was sent off to Allison's home for Christmas 2014. This year she will deliver it to her bro' Andrew's home... where it will hang for Christmas 2015. It will be present for their joint celebrating... and "I" shall then be present. That is already in the planning stage!

This year... I have been kicking around the "Idea"... or painting theme which would relate to Christmases passed that I shared with Liam and Bryn. My fondest memories were obviously spent with them in Nova Scotia... where we "lurked" together constantly. Just so you understand their term "lurked"... the equivalent is beach bombed. Peggy's Cove Light was a favorite haunt... in every kind of weather... even during gales.... winds and glee and laughter!!

We went ever day in search of pirate treasure along the many nearby ocean side beaches. Visions of doubloons danced in all of our heads. But we settled for shards of sea glass, china and a variety of seashells and float-some that ended up in their garden shed "museum".... shelves and all! They were halcyon Never Land adventures that still linger as fresh as the salty sea air in our nostrils and hearts - Forever!

Here is the image that has emerged to celebrate those memories. I think that this image closely and honestly captures my feelings. I know it will theirs too! Time is something that we all are given. It is meant to be used for our own goal-seeking and pleasure... and wisely used too. However... it is meant to be shared to... especially with our children. It is this unconditional connection in their early lives that will shape and produce generous adult "children". I am proud to note... that I am very blessed to have five generous children... who possess beautiful minds... intellect and generous spirits. This painting visually confirms our connection... Then... Now ... and Always!

Merry Christmas Girls and Boys!!!.... We love You Guys dearly... "To the moon and back!"

"Down East Vigil" - oil on canvas 24x20 inches

Allison and Andrew's version "River Spirit"... speaks of our common early childhood of River memories and plein air paint outs together in "shallow waters"!! Merry Christmas K'Town and Rockwood!

"River Spirit! - oil on canvas 20x16 inches

Good Painting!.... to ALL!!