Stocking Stuffing (8) - Cows

Calves Christmas Eve

(Ol' MacDonald Had A Farm - The Continuing Story)

Written by me!

 

Ol' MacDonald had a farm

E, I, E, I, O

And on the farm he had some cows

E, I, E, I, O

With a "Moo, moo!" here, and a "Moo, moo!" there

Here a "Moo", there a "Moo", everywhere a "Moo, moo!"

Ol' MacDonald had a farm,

E, I, E, I, O

Now the story stretches on

For the little calves.

They loved to play out in the snow

On the little farm.

Catch a snowflake here, and a snowflake there!

Here a flake, there a flake, "Hurry, catch a snowflake!"

Oh, these calves, they loved the snow,

E, I, E, I, O

Soon the day turned into night;

Tired little calves.

Mama tucks them in real tight

On their beds of straw.

See a sleepy calf here, and a sleepy calf there,

Here a yawn, there a yawn, barn is filled with big yawns.

Mama sings them off to sleep,

E, I, E, I, O

Time for gifts, it's Christmas Eve

Santa's coming soon!

Sweet, tasty treats I'm sure he'll leave

While whistlin' a tune.

Stocking stuffed here, stocking stuffed there,

Here some hay, there some hay, sweet and tender hay, hay!

Calves are in for a real treat

On this Christmas day!

"Stocking Stuffing... Cows"

 (watercolour, approx. 7" x 7")

This completes my Christmas 'Stocking Stuffing' series for 2015!

 My Dad suggested that I visit the farmyard in my series and 

depict some calves getting treated some tender green hay from Santa!

These were fun to draw and I got them painted just in the 'St. Nick' of time!

It has been fun to complete these illustrations and then write up something

to go alongside them... I took a lot of creative license with a lot of the songs 

I adapted. I never realized how difficult it was to work out a story to the tune

of 'The Christmas Song" (aka "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") in 

yesterdays post ... that song has no consistent rhyme scheme or beat scheme!

As for today's choice of  'Ol' MacDonald Had a Farm", it is only a beat scheme, 

the original song/poem doesn't rhyme - it just sounds nice when spoken aloud - and it 

distracts young minds with lots of animals and their sounds around the farmyard!

My hope for each one of you is that you can sleep soundly tonight,

as you look forward to time with those you love, 

and that you truly enjoy the simple pleasures of the holiday season!

Thank you for your encouragement over this past year!!

Wishing you all the best - always!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

♥ Cath- 

Stocking Stuffers (7) - Bunnies!!

Bunnies Eve

(adapted from "The Christmas Song" by me)

 

Bunnies playing in their burrow home

Snow is falling out of doors

Hot choc'late with soft marshmallow foam

Fills my mug as well as yours.

Everybody knows a bunny on Christmas Eve

Has excitement to the full

When it comes to Santa, they believe

In his sleigh the reindeers pull!

They know that Santa's on his way

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh

Every bunny knows they must be in bed

So "Twas The Night Before Christmas" can be read.

Now they're dozing off and sleeping sound

The gifts can be put under the tree

Stocking will be stuffed with treats all around

Christmas morn will be filled with glee! 

"Stocking Stuffing... Bunnies"

 (watercolour, approx. 4" x 7")

 

 This is another favourite! So many bunnies!! 

I drew the stockings out first and then after fitting in ten, 

I set to work fitting ten bunnies into the little burrow room! 

Some sprawled out, some curled up, and everyone snug and 

comfortable - there really is nothing quite like big families!!

Hoping you get to cozy up with your 

loved ones this holiday season!

♥ Cath-

 

Stocking Stuffers (6) - Raccoons

Raucous Raccoons Christmas Eve

An adaptation of  "Santa Claus is 

Coming to Town" - written by me

 

You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Where'd you get that egg?

Why won't you play nice?

Let go of his leg -

I won't tell you twice!!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

He knows if you are sleeping

Up soundly in the tree

He'll know if you are peeping

Don't make him count to three!

1... 2.... 

They're sleeping at last

Hopin' nobody shifts

Gotta be quiet and fast

Deliverin' the gifts!

Santa Claus is coming tonight!

"Stocking Stuffing... Raccoons"

(watercolour, approx. 6" x 6")

Sometimes Christmas Eve is not easy.  The kids can be rambunctious or even raucous.

The excitement and anticipation can be too much for li'l systems to handle!

Sometimes it all you can do to get them through the day  without bouncing off the walls,

and it's another Oylmpic event altogether to get them tucked into bed for the night!

But parents are geniuses when it comes to trying to get the gifts under the tree on Christmas 

Eve night... What's the famous ratio for genius? 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration - 

Yep,  the sounds about right, when you're trying to outsmart a couple of rowdy young raccoons!   

So, whether your kids are as quiet as church mice 

or as loud as two monkeys fighting over a banana,

I hope your holidays are full of joy and anticipation!

♥ Cath-

    

Stocking Stuffing (5) - Dogs

Deck the halls with bow-wows of Collies

Fa la la la la, la la la la

You'll be entertained by their follies

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Now for the Labrador Retrievers

Fa la la la la la, la la la

As for Santa, they're all believers

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Yellow labs join in the chorus

Fa la la la la, la la la la

'Specially the small pup named Doris

Fa la la la, la la la la

Santa's coming, we're so excited!

Fa la la la la la, la la la

We think his reindeers have been sighted!

Fa la la la la, la la la la 

Time to get to bed and snuggle up,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

It will be hard for excited pups

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Santa's here, pups are soundly sleeping

Fa la la la la la, la la la

Toys delivered with no one peeping

Fa la la la la, 

la la laaa laaaaaaa!!

"Stocking Stuffing... Dogs"

 (watercolour, approx 5" x 7")

I would typically choose Rough Coat Collies for a dog illustration 

- I have a real soft spot for them after having one for 14 years -

but I chose to depict yellow labs in honour of my friends

getting a new li'l puppy which they have named Molly.

Within a day or two of getting the news of Molly, our other friends 

announced that they would be getting a German Shepherd pup,

which they were naming Blu, that is why the pup in the illustration

is wearing a beautiful blue collar like the one Blu wears! 

So this illustration celebrates new puppies and the excitement 

associated with them and the holidays!

Hoping your holidays are filled with just 

the right amount of excitement for you!

♥ Cath-

 

 

Stocking Stuffing (4) - Cats

The Three Kitten's Christmas Eve

(written by me)

 

Said the three little kittens, 

"We cannot find our mittens!

What will we hang up tonight?"

"If only we had listened,

And cleaned up 'til all glistened

Everything would be alright!"

The three sad little kittens

Searched all day for their mittens

'Til Mother wished them goodnight.

"Whatever is the matter,

Your smiles could not be flatter,

Why are my kittens contrite?"

"Oh Mother, we do so fear,

E'en though we searched far 'n' near,

Our mitt'ns ne'er came into sight!" 

The kittens as they blubbered

Watched her go to the cupboard

And pull out an old flashlight.

"Come along, my dear kittens

We will find your lost mittens

E'en if it takes 'til Midnight."

They searched attic and basement

And every window casement

 Then to their joy and delight

Their Mother found the mittens

For the worried li'l kittens

 Laying across the skylight.

"Oh Mother, we had forgott'n

That on the roof we'd gott'n

When we were puttin' up the lights."

"It was so warm and breezy

There was no fear we'd freezy,

So we tossed our mitts out of sight."

 "Thank you so much Mother dear!

We now have reason to cheer

For this is Christmas Eve night."

"Now to hang our mittens 'round,

Then to get to sleepin' sound -

Santa is coming tonight!!" 

"Stocking Stuffing... Cats" 

(watercolour, approx. 4" x 6") 

These li'l kittens, although rather forgetful at times, are also very creative!

They are quite adept with a pair of scissors - just look at the snowflakes they've made!

Completely tuckered out from their mitten searching expeditions, but happy

that their dear Mom helped them retrace their steps to find the lost woolens.

Without them what would they have to hang for stockings?

Hoping you find joy in your holiday anticipations

and in the actual celebrations too! 

♥ Cath- 

Stocking Stuffing (3) - Giraffes

A Giraffe's Christmas Wish

(written by me!)

 

Twinkle, twinkle little star

If I could keep you in a jar

I'd wish upon you ev'ry night

Wishing for some snow, so white!

"I wish I may, I wish I might

Have the wish I wish tonight!"

In Africa the sun glows so hot

For giraffes like me, it's just the spot

But all the same it might be nice

To have a little snow and ice!

If I should wear some figure skates

I'd create some nice figure eights!

I'd glide across the ice so slick

Spinning, twirlin' 'round, oh so quick!

I know that is what I would want

A frozen pond on which to jaunt,

But other creatures might dislike

Their home becoming the Klondike.

So, Santa please, do what is best

For me, my family, and the rest.

Let's forget wishin' for snowfall 

I wish good days for one and all!

"Stocking Stuffing... Giraffes"

(watercolour, approx. 12" x 7")

These sweet giraffes are going to awake to find the juiciest leaves 

from the tallest of trees tucked into their stockings - the leaves they 

are not yet tall enough to reach! What a wonderful treat to awake to!

This is my favourite, so far, in my Stocking Stuffing series! 

I LOVE GIRAFFES!!

I discovered, while researching how giraffes sleep, that they sleep for about 4 hours a day!

They snuggle down into these sweet little packages - all limbs and long curving necks -

and they curl their neck around to rest their heads on their hind quarters!

These li'l giraffes were SO much fun to draw! 

All curvy lines and knobbly knees!! And spots!!!

The keen observer may have already discovered that whenever I draw 

a giraffe, I hide a heart (or two!) somewhere among their spots.

 I love hiding hearts (when I can) in my artwork!

Can you find the hidden hearts on these giraffes?

I will join with the li'l giraffe in wishing good days to one and all!

All the best ALWAYS!!  

 ♥ Cath-

 

 

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffing (2) - Mice

'Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring,

Not even a mouse.

 

Because they were both tucked up,

Sleeping soundly in their beds,

While visions of yummy treats

Danced in their heads.

Papa Mouse sneaked in quietly

With cheese for his small mousies.

They were dreaming of Christmas Day

and visiting cousins from other housies!

"Stocking Stuffing... Mice"

(watercolour, approx. 12" x 6") 

Inside the walls, everything is quiet; we can't hear the parents prepare.

Tiny morsels have been collected and saved, so everyone can have a share.

Oh, the celebrations that will be beginning soon! The party is about to start!

So much thought has gone into the festivities, so much time, and so much heart!

 

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up everyone! Today is Christmas Day!!

Look at the treats Santa left in your stockings before rushing off to play!"

 ♥ Cath-

 

Stocking Stuffing

Stocking Stuffing

(by Catharine Fairchild)

Hot cocoa and popcorn as we sit by the fire,

Laughter and smiles, their eyes are getting tired.

Soon their heads nod and bob down in soft slumber.

Plump pillows, cool and cozy, nestle their sleepy heads,

Stitched quilts, tuck them into their warm and welcoming beds.

Sweet dreams will arrive as they doze into sleep.

Tiptoe out of their rooms to gather a few small gifts,

 Sneaking back to their stockings, hoping no eyelid lifts.

Tokens of love await them in the morning.

. . . . . . .

One of the most difficult things to accomplish during the holiday season

is not gift wrapping or baking seemingly endless cookies, but trying to 

get the gifts under the tree and into stockings without anyone noticing...

At our house, Mommy usually find a way to get the gifts under the tree 

while Daddy gets to enjoy the "milk and cookies" that our kids put out.

It's just a fun moment in time when the kids are sleeping, but excited 

for the next day at the same time.  They are older now, so sleep comes 

easier but the excitement is still the same on the eve of the big day!

I still remember when I was a little kid, trying my best to get to sleep 

but waking so often, anxiously wondering if I got one of the things from

my wish list.  The next morning it was always a treat to discover not only the 

gifts but also a stocking filled with small tokens of love in the form of a big orange

stuffed into the toe, some small gifts, and a handful of chocolates!

. . . . . . .

I've been working on a small series for the holidays titled,

- Stocking Stuffing -

Different animals, in their unique environments, gently slumbering while 

a parent plays 'Santa' and quietly fills each of their carefully hung stockings.

 "Stocking Stuffing... Bears"

(watercolour, approx. 12" x 6")

A cozy den under the tree roots, soft quilts cushion their sleep.

Yummy treats tucked into their stocking will make the morning so sweet!

♥ Cath-

  

 

Delivering Christmas Cheer

This year seems to have gone by as quickly

as my recently planted amaryllis bulb sprouts!

And like the rapidly growing amaryllis stalk, 

there has been something to be wowed by each day!

It's a lovely thing to realize that with a little water 

and a snug peat-filled pot that the amaryllis bulb 

will awaken from a 3-season slumber and begin again 

to sprout and stretch its gorgeous green leaves upward!

It's an even lovelier thing to realize that with a little care

and a snug love-filled hug that a neighbour

will feel blessed by a small gesture of kindness and will

produce a warm smile that will in turn make us feel blessed!

It's a beautiful time of year to show kindness!

I have found that at this time of year people are much more receptive 

to unexpected knocks at the door and the discovery of a basket filled

with fresh baked cookies sitting on their front porch.

There is something wonderful about this time of year!

We are all anticipating the first snowfall

We are finding ways to stay warm and snug...

Boots and galoshes, 

Hats and toques, 

Gloves and mitts,

Cowls and scarves,

Parkas!

Kindnesses, especially the unexpected ones,

can add a special warmth to someone's day

that simply cannot be replicated any other way!

When was the last time you shoveled your neighbour's driveway or sidewalk?

Or ran down the street after their garbage can lid because it was blown off 

by a strong gust of wind?  

When was the last time you baked them a special treat - just because?

Or simply dropped off a note letting them know that you're glad you're neighbours?

Now is the time to get your heart thinking of how you can share warmth

and show kindness to those with whom you share a street!

"Delivering Christmas Cheer"

(watercolour, approx. 8" x 12")

Be a Secret Santa!

Be a bold, carol-singing elf!

Be your own sweet self! 

However you choose to do it - 

just do your very best to get out there

and deliver some Christmas cheer!!

♥ Cath-

  

"A Collection of Nuts"

Autumn Is For The Squirrels

A poem written by me!

Running here, running there

Inspecting all the ruts

Dashing here, dashing there

Collecting all the nuts!

Leaping here, leaping there

Bounding from tree to tree.

Jumping here, jumping there

We're on a gath'ring spree!

Checking here, checking there

 Using our sense of smell.

Looking here, looking there

We buried them so well!

Scurrying here, scurrying there

Gotta tuck them away.

Bustling here, bustling there

We have no time to stay!

 

 Cramming here, cramming there

Working all day, 'til night.

Shoving here, shoving there

Packing them all in tight!

Watching here, watching there

Thieves are quick as a flash! 

Squawking here, squawking there

Gotta protect our stash!

 

The poem was written to go along with my newest illustration celebrating Autumn!

"A Collection of Nuts"

(watercolour, approx. 12" x 7")

Hope you find enjoyable activities to fill your days 

while everything out of doors prepares itself for Winter!

♥ Cath- 

 

 

 

"Leaf Leap"

The soft breezes that brought welcome respite in the Summer

now band together in the cooled air to create gusts...

The air turns crisp...

The gnarled limbs of apple trees

are heavy with ripened fruit...

The sunlight is simply delicious, bathing 

everything it touches in a luminous glow...

The brilliant foliage is transformed into stained glass...

...even the soft greens of late changing leaves look like

shards of peridot delicately suspended from narrowing limbs...

Walks out of doors are transformed with sights, sounds, and scents...

Kaleidoscope landscapes...

Crunching and scuffling leaves...

Wood fires warmly perfume the cold air...

{Insert contented sigh here}

I fall for Autumn every single year!   

...and so do these sweet li'l mice:

 "Leaf Leap"

(watercolour, approx. 6.5" x 6.5")

An ideal spot! A quick scramble up into a low bush, 

to the perfect branch that was spotted whilst on our walk...

One... Two... Three... 

Woo... hooo..... HOOOO!!! 

It's as though the toadstools grew here for this very purpose!!

As the puddle is to Spring, so the leaf pile is to Fall

The perfect day for a leaf leap!

Get out there and enjoy it!!

  ♥ Cath-

Sketchbook Sneak-A-Peek

Summer break has yet again flown by 

with lots of sunshine and clear skies!

 

Just the way I like it!!

 

Two months filled with a mixture of busyness and laziness

and barely any structure or stricture to our days!! 

 

The kids took a break from school, I took a break from painting...

 We accomplished what needed to be accomplished and

found ways to fit in what we wanted to accomplish!

All in all, lovely!

Now, Summer break is over and everyone is back to school; the house is quiet... 

But I've adjusted to the quiet. Actually, I've now heartily embraced the quiet!

I've found it's the friend that can be gone for long periods of time 

but when you're again in each others company it's oh, so enjoyable!

 

I have to admit it was a wee bit different when I sat down with my watercolours!

I experienced an awkward, "I thought we were best friends, so why haven't 

we seen you for two months" feeling...

 

I looked over my brushes, propped inside a tall teacup, and 

felt like I was about to say, "You're, um, looking good! ...hee, hee...

Hey, you've lost some weight haven't ya'?... ha, ha, ummm, nice haircut!"  

 

- All my familiarity with them had diminished! 

I couldn't even be sure if they were all there! 

I pondered over their sizes and shapes and tried to recall 

which ones were the newest and which were my favourite!

 

I sat there for a few moments more and then a 

most shocking thought came across my mind,

 "I don't really need to paint today... I can load the 

dishwasher and clean the bathroom instead!"

 

What???

 

 I knew right then and there that I had to get 

acquainted once again with my brushes and paints!!

When I see housework as more fun than painting, I know 

that my avoidance tendencies are conspiring mutiny!!

 

So I worked on a fun illustration and I'm 

in the process of painting it! Woo-hooo!!

But, you'll have to wait to see that one - 

it's still a few days away from being finished!

 

 

In the meanwhile, I will give you a small glimpse at my current sketchbook pages...

 

"S.S. Gravy"

Illustration idea, originating from a suggestion from my Dad... 

 

"The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker" 

...because, why not?  They may be future background characters to a children's book! Who knows?!

And throw in a General Store shop keep while we're at it!

 

 

No, this dragon is not thinking of small babies 

as he munches on a spoonful of pasta! Tsk, how could you think that??

It's just a matter of "don't-waste-paper-and-keep-the-ideas-flowing" 

and a "how-do-I-access-my-cropped-photo-files-on-my-tablet?" kind of thing!

And these are the sort of drawings that come from asking 

my kids to 'name two animals for me to draw!': 

"Turtle and Squirrel"

 

"Octopus and Goldfish"

 

 

That's all for now!

I had better get back to my watercolours and brushes,

gotta work to keep the relationship alive!! :)

Hope you all had a lovely Summer!

 

I, for one, am looking forward to 

falling for Autumn yet again this year!!

 

Wishing you all the best - always!

♥ Cath-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painting Pieces of History

A few years ago, our local school and schools in three neighbouring 

villages/towns became the focus of an Accommodation Review.

 

Each school in the review had low enrollment and high maintenance costs 

so in order to best use funding it was determined (through a 3 year process) 

that all the schools would be closed and one new school would be built, 

bringing all the students together in one place and giving them all 

the educational opportunities afforded to schools with high enrollment.

I was asked by the principals to paint portraits of the four schools

- an honour I felt unsuited for, but eventually I accepted the challenge.

Now, most people who have followed my blog and are familiar 

with my 'work' know that I love it when my art "smiles back at me" 

- and school buildings don't smile.

So, it may be needless to say that I stalled out on these portraits,

I didn't know if they would ever come together!

I had a personal deadline I was determined to meet which meant 

I had to pick up the brush again and get busy, but how can I commence 

without the spark of enthusiasm that comes from smiling artwork?

I went to the one place I knew that I could get help

- I went to God in prayer!

I poured out my heart before Him, expressing my fears, 

acknowledging my difficulties, and my desire to use the abilities 

He had blessed me with to create paintings that would honour 

the memory of the much beloved schoolhouses.

I set to work with renewed vigor and you know what happened?

The schools began to smile back at me!!

The enthusiasm remained strong hour after hour, 

and day after day as I worked away on these four portraits!

 "Campden Public School"

- Built in 1874 -

(watercolour, approx. 11" x 14")

 "Jordan Public School"

- Built in 1944 -

(watercolour, approx. 11" x 14")

 "Maple Grove Public School"

- Built in 1944 -

(watercolour, approx. 11" x 14")

 "Vineland Public School"

- Built in 1895 -

(watercolour, approx. 11" x 14")

I love old buildings! Some have such character and charm that they practically sing

 with the time and talent that went into their construction and final aesthetic!

I didn't expect the emotion I felt when I knew that Vineland Public school 

was no more, but I soon realized that the memories of the school were not 

housed within those old brick walls, but carried about inside my heart and mind 

- going with me wherever I go in this world!  

So it is not with sadness that I drive by the school property 

- it is with hope for the future! 

Hope that many more generations of children will be 

blessed with the opportunity to learn within our community!

So I, for one, am looking forward to walking into the new 

school building and observing the beginning of this new beginning!

♥ Cath-

P.S.

 I have been told that these portraits will have a home somewhere 

in the new school and the new building is almost finished! 

The doors are to be opened for the students on September 8th 

for the 2015/16 school year! 

Hmmm, maybe I'll paint a portrait of the new school 

to complete the collection in my portfolio!   

The Adventures in Woodcarving Continue: Miss Penelope

 The Spring session of woodcarving with 

my Uncle Mike is about to come to a close...

This is the third year I've been carving with Uncle Mike...

(Some of my first carvings can been seen here)

It's always fun - especially when I have no idea what to carve!

A couple of months ago Uncle Mike handed me 

an off cut (excess wood cut off from the block when 

cutting out a shape) and said, 'Look at it until you see 

one of your characters in it, then carve it.'

"Sure, okay! Yah, I can do that!"

"Ummm, okay... let's see here...."

"Hmmmm..... "

[25 minutes elapse]

Uncle Mike: Why aren't you carving yet?

Me: I don't know what to carve - I don't see anything!

Uncle Mike relieved me of my quandary when

he suggested a character with a big sun hat... 

That could work! The odd shape of the off cut certainly 

would allow for it! - Okay, where's my sketchbook?

That was how it started and this is how it finished up:

Meet Miss Penelope!

Miss Penelope is just on her way to market after gathering 

a pail full of flowers in the nearby meadows...  

"Miss Penelope"

(hand carved, basswood, approx. 7" tall)  

Uncle Mike helped me a lot with this piece!

- Did you notice how I italicized, bolded and underlined that?? -

Oh yes, I needed a lot of help! 

There were a lot of tight spots and angles I couldn't get quite right -
have I mentioned before how nice and patient my Uncle is?
 

He also thought to use an old wooden thread spool for Penelope's pail!
 

I'm glad he helped me find Penelope in that block of wood! 

She turned out really sweet!

  

 

If you happen to see Penelope's booth at a local market

this Summer, be sure to stop and say, "Hello!"

♥ Cath-

Elderberry Hedge - Spring Woodland Wildflower Walk

Awww, Spring!

The temperatures may fluctuate and the rains may fall

but one cannot deny the renewal of hope that Spring instills in us each year.

The emerging emeralds, the charming chartreuses, and the soft celadons

awaken a part of my spirit that slumbers through the long Winter.

Each and every Spring my mind reacts to those delicious verdant hues

as though it has encountered something brand new and never before seen -

my impulse is to visually drink it all in, attempt to memorize it, and somehow,

somewhere in my mind, bottle it up so that it can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Yes, it's an impossible task, but maybe that is why Spring is so special!

Spring is a transition period between two strong and opposing seasons...

Spring is the peacemaker that gently coaxes us out of our huddled burrows,
 helping us forget the harsh cold days of Winter. It's warm days ease us toward
Summer's heat and refreshment is found in the still cool evenings.

Spring, in a word, is refreshing!

And we haven't even mentioned the flowers!

The joy of Spring is only increased by the beautiful colour 

that abounds in every garden, field, and meadow!!

That brings us to our most recent event held in Elderberry Hedge:

The Spring Woodland Wildflower Walk

Each year, the Elderberry Hedge residents are invited to take part in

this refreshing and informative walk through the nearby woodlands.

The walk is organized and hosted by the village librarian, Mrs. Robin Robins.

Mrs. Robins is always the first of the feathered residents to arrive back from her Winter travels 

and is always all a twitter about the beautiful things popping up in and around Elderberry Hedge. 
About a month after she arrives, Mrs. Robins has the flyers posted and the invites delivered for 

what she proclaims to be 'the most wonderful walk in the world!'

"Elderberry Hedge: Spring Woodland Wildflower Walk"

 (Watercolour, approx. 9" x 12")

 This year's walk was exceptional! A lovely group of Spring enthusiasts joyed in the

discovery of Woodland Hyacinths and the always pleasing periwinkle, as well as,
Johnny Jumps Ups, Jack-in-the-Pulpits, and the triumphant Trilliums!

Mrs. Robins beamed as she spoke of the history of each plant.
Her group would contentedly pause and observe the plants
with their unique flowers and ask questions that made
Mrs. Robins beam all the more as she answered each of them!

The walk continued on for about an hour and then everyone was welcomed back
to the library commons for a lovely luncheon and tea, where the happy hostess
flitted amongst her guests, showing them all kinds of books about wildflowers!

As the day stretched into mid-afternoon the woodland walkers, with full tummies
and happy hearts, began to take their leave but not before thanking Mrs. Robins
for a most wonderful day and assuring her that they would be back next Spring!

Mrs. Robins, exhausted but oh, so happy, quietly tidied up the library and
soon flew home, excited to tell Mr. Robins and her chicks all about her day!

 

  I hope during this season of transition that you 
make time to enjoy all that Spring has to offer! 

For, as Jane Austen has said, 
"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment."

♥ Cath-

Happy May Day!!!

It has long been a tradition 

in the pastures that border the village 

of Elderberry Hedge to celebrate May Day!!

The field mice take it quite seriously!

Well, as serious as a group of silly field mice can ever be!

They get together in March and begin to make plans...

 Throughout April they gather supplies,

and finally the BIG day arrives - May 1st!

After all their hard work and preparation the mice were thrilled 

to awake to a day that was sunny and bright!

The sky was a perfect blue and seemed to stretch on forever...

A few flossy clouds drifted by during the day - adding charm to the celebration!

 May Day for the field mice includes:

1) Flowers - everywhere!  

2) Fun - had by all!  

3) Food - a plenty! 

and 

4) a May Queen!

Can you guess who the field mice chose as their May Queen this year?

Ellie, one of their most favourite friends in all of Elderberry Hedge Pastures

was unanimously selected as this years May Queen!!

Let me tell you, those dear mice worked almost non-stop for several days 

collecting enough flowers to make a "crown" suitable for their May Queen!!

Ellie was SO honoured to be May Queen 

and to spend the day watching all the festivities!!

AJ was also an honoured guest, sharing with Ellie in the enjoyment of the day.

She was thrilled to find that the mice had remembered that her favourite colour is pink

when they made her a lovely and bright flower wreath for her head!

The mice had thought of every nice thing in their planning!

They had a parade complete with banners, flowers, and music...

They had a wonderful BIG cake that had to be carried in 

on a huge platter by six of the biggest, strongest mice...

And they had a Maypole!

A Maypole complete with flowers, colourful ribbons, and exuberant mice

who pranced around and around, crisscrossing at just the right moments, 

so that when they were done they had covered the pole with beautiful woven colour!!

Someone else was joining in on the fun - did you see?

a shaggy, golden Shetland Pony named Kimbly!!

  

Oh, the mice had so much fun adding floral garlands to Kimbly's mane

and dotting her long, flowing tail with pretty posies!

Kimbly even gave some of the more adventurous spectators

a "bird's eye view" of the festivities!

Fun was had by all! Much cake was munched on and the flowers were collected.

All of the flowers will be delivered to Newt's stationery shoppe in Elderberry Hedge, 

so that Newt can add the colourful petals to her paper pulp and create beautiful notecards!

Ellie, AJ, Kimbly, and all the field mice hope you had a lovely May Day as well!!

♥ Cath-

P.S. My original painting was too large to scan completely into the computer and the above photograph of it does not show much detail... here is the most complete scan I could do:

"May Day in Elderberry Hedge Pastures"

(Watercolour and gouache, approx. 10" x 14")

 

My 3rd Blog-iversary!!!

Well, much to my surprise I realized that today marks

the 3rd year of my adventures in blogging!

The bunny on the left was featured in my very first blog post.... 

the mouse on the right was featured about a week later.

                           "Springtime Joys"                                              "Springtime Joys Too"

When I was switching out my Winter themed home decor/paintings

for lighter Spring-ier designs I went through the paintings my Mom 

had made for me over the past several years and selected this one:

  

My Mom painted this for my birthday 2 years ago.

She chose the following Bible verse to go with it:

"The flowers appear on the earth... 

The time of singing has come."

Song of Solomon 2:12

Look at what Mom wrote on the back of the painting:

"The Joy of Spring"

The Lord gives nature a time to brush away the old and start fresh

We both loved the transition Seasons - Spring and Fall.

We both readily used the word 'Joy' to describe our feelings toward Spring.

I love that!!

I hope you all feel the need to smile as you experience the joy of Spring!

The warm sun, the brightening colours outdoors, the birds singing!!

Many blessings, many joys surround each one of us!

Open your eyes to them, thank God for them,

be filled with joy!!

♥ Cath-