I heard Dolly’s song, Nine to Five recently, and it is stuck in my head. So, hopefully this sketch will release it!
Truth: I am semi-retired, working one or two days per week, but can always use a little kick in the morning!
Was sooo happy to get my new Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen in a rich CopperOrange. Although I ordered the cartridge converter with it, they sent a free blue ink cartridge, so I thought I’d try it out!
Now, all my black and grey inks are purchased with a waterproof factor in mind. Never gave that a thought as I sat and sketched my cute wave pansies. The pen worked so smoothly and I felt like I now had a “Porsche” to replace my existing tribe of pens. (Well, not replace, so much as enhancing my collection!) Of course, the pansies are rich shades of pink, so I started to add some quinacridone red, and, well, here’s the result.
It’s not waterproof ink!
Lesson learned, I will get that cartridge converter into action before trying a sketch that needs some color added!
PS – By the way, the blue ink would be great to use with just water in a monochrome theme!
These adorable banditos (cedar waxwings) were crushing the berries on my serviceberry tree! I had a perfect view and got a few closeup photos. This allowed me to sketch these quick berry-loving birds.
Cedar waxwings
I’ve not kept up with adding color and scanning – here’s a few miscellaneous ones:
These lovely coneflowers were captured in a photo by Eric Lopez. Thanks for the inspiration Eric!
Saw this donkey at our annual Spiedie and Hot Air Balloon fest at Otsiningo Park. Too cute!
I grew these onions myself – and did not realize they just plop up out of the ground when they are ready!?!? Thank you, onions!
Way back in July, I had the honor of hosting Stephanie Yue, aka Quezzie.
She has an entertaining ride report on Adventure riders, as well as a blog: 250superhero.blogspot.com. She recently completed a more than 30,000 mile solo ride to travel the four corners of the continental US. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, she did it all on her 250cc Vespa! (Did you notice the “solo” part?)
Hi Steph!
Her overnight visit began in Ithaca, NY, where my friend Jim and I scooted to the Scooter Shop to meet her. We then stopped at some falls (of course, it’s Ithaca!) and then the Blind Tiger for a cold one (of course, no reason not to!) before ending at my house for dinner.
She is great company, and an amazing person, I’m so glad I have the chance to meet her!
She also inspired me to try more long-distance rides, but the only place I’ve gotten so far is a solo trip back to Ithaca. Oh well, I have put nearly 3,000 local miles on the scoot this year, and that is an accomplishment for me!
Here’s a few sketches (finally scanned, I’m still behind!) from that visit:
My prep (easy!)
Stephanie’s prep – not easy!
A colorful stop in Boiceville, NY
So, I got a little carried away with sketching Eric’s photos. What can I say? They were all fantastic images, and I couldn’t stop at just one…
These photos were also taken at the lake at Yaman Park.
Silent graceful and fluid, I adore these winged creatures.
Thanks again Eric, for the inspiration!
I just signed up for a free online course “Tao Te Ching Live Challenge” through zenlearning.org.
It’s a year long discussion of the tao te ching verses, with online discussions.
You may have noticed my tendency to skip around things and subjects, so we’ll see how long I last with this!
Snowy Easter – Tao Te Ching Verse One
Part of verse one: “Mystery of mysteries, the door to all wonders.”
As I sit and watch the Easter snow softly falling, I think about the verse. I decide to sketch the large pine trees in my back yard.
What I got from this verse: “Chill out. (No, that’s not a pun on the snow!) Don’t define things as good or bad. Surrender and trust the mystery.”