Broken Wing~

And with a broken wing

She still sings

She keeps an eye on the sky

With a broken wing

She carries her dreams

Man- you ought to see her fly.

~Broken Wing~

Martina McBride

Love Letters~

"A real love letter is absolutely ridiculous to everyone except the writer and the recipient".

~ Myrtle Reed

Valentine's Day ~ Saturday ~ February 14

Just what is a Lifescape?

Please click on illustration to enlarge.

Lifescapes

Watercolor Word Journeys

Lifescapes are a combination of whimsical watercolor and written documentation of a person's life, a special occasion or a memorable event.

In preparing a commissioned Lifescape I will seek personal and useful information regarding the recipient through a series of questions and interviews.

From a collection of carefully selected questions, I will create a pictorial biography. You decide on the occasion and fill out a questionnaire. When completed we will review the material via phone, email or a personal visit. At that time, I can gather additional information for your Lifescape.

Typically your Lifescape will be completed within a week or two. However, this may vary depending on the time of year and other works in progress.

Simple matting and black framing are included in the price of your Lifescape, making it ready to give when it arrives.

The most requested sizes are:

11" x 14"~ Finished size- matted and framed~ 16" x 20"

8" x 10" ~ Finished size- matted and framed~ 11" x 14"

~Other sizes available~

You will receive the original watercolor, while prints may be added to your order for additional gifts.

~Prices upon request~

I will be posting small sections of Lifescapes that I am currently working on. To protect the personal information of my clients I cannot post the entire Lifescape.

All images are protected by federal copyright laws. No copies or reproductions are permitted without my permission. So please ask~ chances are I would be thrilled to share.

Valentine No. 2~ February 6, 2009~ Jean's Pendant

Jean's hearts~

This beautiful pendant was a gift from my Dear Mother-in-law last year. This little photo doesn't begin to do it justice. My beloved pendant is a 30" antique, sterling silver chain with 36 very personal silver hearts and a large, silver heart locket soldered onto it. You see, my husbands parents-who I love dearly, started collecting these precious hearts years ago. As they traveled the world Jean would always keep her eyes opened for a special sterling heart to add to her already full pendant.

I wish you could clearly see the inscriptions on some of these tokens. Some have the name "Jean" inscribed on them, some have other dear sentiments, there are cloisonne and even one or two holding precious stones. Each and every one of these sweet charms was held close and dear by someone at one time. Over the years, I admired this beauty and loved the jingly sound that it would make when Jean wore it.

I don't have to tell you- this sweet piece is ever so dear to me. I try to wear it at least for a few hours, every day in February- and other occasions that calls for a something a little special... and "jingly".

Do you have a piece of jewelry or some memento that someone dear passed to you? I would love to hear your story.

Valentine's No. 1 ~Cherub Give-Away~ February 5, 2009

cher' ub~ n., pl. -ubs or -u-bim' angel, pictured as a chubby child with wings~ ---che-ru'bic (-roo'-) a. ~Webster's New World~


I am quite taken with cherubs- their sweet, innocent faces with pudgy cheeks and chunky little legs. It's at this time of year that I bring out a little collection of hearts and cherubs to place here and there throughout our home. Do you have a fondness for cherubs per chance? If you do- share a little tale
about Valentine's Day and one sweet cherub may fly your way just in time for this romantic holiday.

The winning tale will be chosen randomly by a sweet, blindfolded cherub living nearby.

Take Care of Your Things... February 3, 2009 No. 25

When I was young, my Mother always said, "take care of your things".

In a couple of weeks I'm heading to the south shore of Massachusetts for a get-away with friends. I did this little sketch of a nearby beach where we walk each morning. My plan was to make this into a small Valentine for each of my friends. That is, until my beloved standard poodle Lucca-decided it was her chew toy.

Never leave your things around~ was my lesson for today. Accidents do happen. Do you have a story to tell?

February 2, 2009~ No. 25~ Treat Yourself

Image obtained from google

According to the calendar, there is still plenty of winter left. However, the days are getting longer and sun a little warmer. It's during mid winter that it's important to "treat yourself".

Several years ago, when I was newly married- I worked hard at staying within our means and spending wisely. My Mother use to say to me~ "treat yourself". She was an accomplished CEO of our household. She always had a little something extra put away~ she called them "tuckies". To this day~ I try to have a little extra cash "tucked-away".

February is the shortest month- but it can also bring in the worst of winter weather here in Maine . Some call it the cabin fever month. When you are feeling tired of winter and ready for a change in the weather-no matter where you live~ how will you "treat yourself"? And do you have a little stash of cash "tucked-away" for something special?