Winter...trying to make the best of it

Finally, our latest snowstorm has passed. Hundreds of schools were closed here in northern Michigan yesterday.

Taking the back roads to town recently, I noticed the little bare twiggy trees planted in rows near the city limits. Almost every one held the remains of a well crafted bird nest once hidden among the leaves, now exposed to the rain, wind and snow. It seemed as if once a mother bird began crafting her cradle, the tree was off limits to other expectant parents as each sapling contained one and only one nest.

Acrylic paint on a small wooden block measuring 3.75 x 2.75 x 1.75 in deep. Five trees in all with three on the front and one on each side. Top and bottom painted as well. Available in my etsy shop: Saraphina

January Nibblefest starts tonight...

It's been awhile since I have participated in the Nibblefest Art Contest, but this month's theme seemed too fun to pass up. Combining two animals or creatures to form one. Thought I was creating a 'raccrow' but when I showed my son asking him what he thought it looked like, he said 'crocoon?'. So either or will do. Join the fun and see all the mismatched characters beginning at just 99 cents this evening on ebay. The banner below will take you there but the entries will not start showing up until after 7pm est. I do believe any ebay member can join this group and would be happy to recommend you if you are interested.

Eighteen years ago today...

...a litter of 7 puppies were born in a little dog house out in the bitter cold. I must admit I wasn't very involved in the event as I had just given birth to our second child 10 days earlier. It took us by surprise. Birdie was an jittery English setter and her pups were sired by a friendly collie from across the road. New homes were found for the pups and even their mother. We kept one male. He was almost all black with white feet and a zig-zag on the back of his neck. Grandpa said that slash of white looked like a lightning bolt and that is how he got his name.
My dad always had a soft spot for him and cared for him when we moved into town for a few years.

Lightning turned out to be a very loyal companion. He was a gentle dog and even though birding was in his blood, he learned very quickly that our flock of chickens were also part of the family and left them alone. I don't consider myself a dog person, but Lightning became very close to me. Near the end of his life when his ears and eyes failed him, he sought me out, following me room to room even when it was so hard for him to get up again after plopping down at my feet. Lightning's favorite activity was romping through the woods any time of year.
Miss ya old boy...