The yarn has been picked, needles ready as a new project awaits. Visions of one’s creation brings excitement. The act of handmade brings a sense of wonder and fulfillment as one’s vision becomes a reality.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
As life whirls busily around us, it is easy to get caught up in its fury. It is easy to forget the calmness necessary for balance. Small pleasures in life such as sweet fruit and a favorite hot beverage often add comfort and pay dividends to the human spirit.
Remembering to sit quietly, oblivious to life’s noise, brings a sweetness needed for balance and grace. It is only then that one can better face the whirl of life as the memory of a sweet break prevails.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Gifts From Nature
Gifts from nature drift softly down from the blue above. It is only with stealth awareness that they can be retrieved. Relish in small occurrences for they are what bring joyful moments.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Although a noisy and aggressive bird, the blue jay is undeniably beautiful! Its rich blue feathers sparkle in the sunlight and can be detected far in the distance.
I had been longing to paint these striking feathers for awhile and had forgotten that my dad had given me these some time ago. You can imagine my delight when I recently discovered them tucked away in a drawer.
Nature quietly offers daily gifts, but if one is in a state of unawareness they often go undetected. It is with heightened awareness that nature’s gifts bring pleasurable moments in time.
I would love to hear your stories about the gifts nature has bestowed on you.
Warmly,
Debbie
A Grand Entrance
In the midst of winter, Amaryllis make a grand entrance. They evoke memories of bright spring greens and vibrant blooms.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Shortly after Christmas I planted two Amaryllis bulbs. As they began to grow I waited anxiously for their beautiful blooms. Then one of my plants made their grand debut in the midst of winter with huge bright and bold blooms! We oohed and awed over these beauties as they stayed on display for days. My second plant bloomed a bit later with the same vibrancy and drama.
In the midst of winter when all is dormant, it is so joyful to witness something so magical and uplifting! Their color alone makes one yearn for warm Spring days and vibrant blooms again. Maybe, my next step will be to visit my local florist as I continue to yearn for the lushness of nature!
I hope you get to pick up a bit of nature somewhere and let it add a cheerful note to your home as well!
Warmly,
Debbie
You may purchase “A Grand Entrance” on my Etsy Shop.
P.S. I am trying to build traffic to my blog, so if you enjoyed this entry I would love it if you could “Tweet” it or click the “Like” button at the top of this page. Big Thanks!! 
Fine Art Readings
I thought I would try something new today using a new program called Cinch. It allows me to add audio to my written reflections that accompany my original paintings. I have been wanting to do this for awhile now and Cinch allowed me to do it quite easily.
I picked “Snowballs in Summer” as my first painting to accompany with an audio reading. I hope you enjoy it and that it adds a new dimension to my work online.
If you do enjoy this format please share by clicking a social media button above.
Thanks for listening!
Warmly,
Debbie
A Sweet Break
As life whirls busily around us, it is easy to get caught up in its fury. It is easy to forget the calmness necessary for balance. Small pleasures in life such as sweet fruit and a favorite hot beverage often add comfort and pay dividends to the human spirit.
Remembering to sit quietly, oblivious from life’s noise, brings a sweetness needed for balance and grace. It is only then that one can better face the whirl of life as the memory of a sweet break prevails.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
My mom gave me this Emile Henry mug a while ago. I love its deep color and glaze. It reminds me a bit of a crystal ball as it mirrors objects surrounding it. I thought the apricots would further accentuate the rich color of the mug. Of course I continue to be captivated by ribbon and its continuous flow.
There is nothing more satisfying than a small treat and a interlude from life’s harried pace. For me a nice steaming cup of tea, helps me escape from all the to do lists and tribulations in life. It is nice to just sit back and dream for a short while and enjoy a sweet moment in time.
Wishing you sweet breaks along life’s journey where you can breath a lovely sigh of contentment.
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, please press the Like button at the top of the page. Thanks!
It was a mild day in November when I ventured out to paint en plein air. My goal was to paint a small oil painting on acrylic paper so I could send it to Norway for a charity event organized by David Sandum. David is an artist friend I met on Twitter. When David heard that funding had been cut for children’s books in his local library, he decided to reach out to his Twitter Artists Friends for help.
It is heart warming and amazing to see how many artists were willing to create and donate one or more pieces of work for this cause. Being a teacher of young children this was a cause close to my heart. I am pleased that “Mild Day in November” has been sold. To date 100 cards have been sold and $3350 raised for childrens’ books. Amazingly, 200 artists participated from 23 countries! David has does a tremendous job organizing and maintaining this exhibit! The exhibit will be on display until February 1st, 2011.
You can stay up to date on David’s Twitter Art Exhibit here. You can also follow David on twitter under his Twitter name @DavidSandumArt .
I had a wonderful time painting ” Mild Day in November”. The light was gorgeous and the temperature was extremely mild for November. It was fun being on location –usually it is gray and cold in November! It made my heart sing and long for warmer days spent outdoors. Nature is always good for the soul!
Warmly,
Debbie
“Gleaming in anticipation one lone bauble awaits its place upon a tree aglow.”
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
I decided to do an old fashioned draw for my Christmas give away. So I ran off everyone’s name on my Mailing List and placed them in a Christmas Box. Then I shuffled them around and had my husband take a photo of my hand drawing out the winner. Even our cat Marley decided to get in on the action!
I am happy to finally announce the winner. Congratulations goes out to Janet Matheson, the lucky winner!! May “Awaiting Christmas” bring you much cheer and peace over the Christmas Season Janet!
I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who has signed up for my Mailing List. I greatly appreciate your support, kind words and interest in my work!
Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Christmas with Family and Friends
and
A Prosperous New Year in 2011!!
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. I hope to do more fun draws in the future for different items representing my work! Stay tuned!
I am having a fun Christmas Draw for anyone who is on my Mailing List or for those who join! You will be eilgible to WIN this Original Miniature Oil Painting titled: “Awaiting Christmas”, 3x2in. Oil on linen/panel. A reflection is included on the back on laminated card stock.
“Gleaming in anticipation one lone bauble awaits its place upon a tree aglow.”
It was painted alla prima (wet into wet in one session). I loved painting this little miniature and am happy to spread some Christmas Cheer by having one of my subscribers win it. It is my way of expressing my appreciation for your kindness and support of my work!
Many Thanks and Good Luck!!
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. You can sign up for my Mailing List on the side bar of this page.
If you like this painting you may also enjoy “Baubles and Ribbon” another Miniature Christmas Painting. View it here.
“Baubles and ribbon return, adding glitz to a festive holiday season.”
by Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
An English Ivy depicts a sense of free spiritedness as it drifts and spirals about. A sense of freedom and lightheartedness is felt as it happily cascades downward; twisting and turning without worry.
Children often exhibit this sense of complete freedom as they dance about in play. Their only concern is to enjoy the moment. Often as adults this sense of freedom becomes elusive as responsibilities take precedence. It is important to release ones worries and let a child like spirit prevail. Allowing oneself a moment of pure freedom of thought and spirit- if only for a short while.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Billowy clouds blanket the sky this morning allowing small pockets of blue to appear periodically. From a tall sand dune the distance spans before one’s eyes. Muted blues and greens seem to travel deep into infinity. Sporadically, the sun peeks out and splashes brilliant color patches on land and trees.
The clouds shimmer in smooth water captivating the viewer. It is as though this pocket of time could go on forever. Its allure maintains a sense of presence creating a long moment in time. There is no escape as the present punctuates this moment.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Big Island, Nova Scotia
