30 Days of Gratitude - November 6th

Do you find the color changes in the Autumn leaves as interesting as I do?  We didn't have much color this year.  Oh, there were a few fabulous trees that seemed to shout their personality, but they were far a few between. The one Ginko tree, that I know of around here, turns really bright yellow.  I have a vivid memory of finding those leaves when collecting for a project in 1st grade.  They were so different and a bit exotic and mysterious to me even then.

As it turns out, the tree really is somewhat of a mystery.  They are the sole survivor of a group of trees from when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  The parts of the leaves, seeds, and bark, for medicinal use in Asian cultures has been known for thousands of years but remains a little mysterious to those of us who do not study that type of medicine.

Today I am Grateful for that Mystery and the Curiosity that led me to research the information.  I used to be known as the "Research Queen".  Maybe I will be again some day!  Follow me at Cindy Rippe - Artist on facebook to see some of my November Sketching Challenge posts.

As we struggle to make sense of things, life looks on in repose. Author Unknown

Counting 100 blessings

Thanksgiving Sunflowers ©CindyRippe2013 - Bible verse - Philippians 1:3

I hope you'll take some time, at least today, to give thanks for the blessings you have.  I know from first hand experience that life isn't always easy but there are always things to be grateful for.  This verse, from Philippians 1:3, inspired me to share one way that I do that.  When I go to bed, I silently try to count 100 people that I'm grateful for.  They may be only a wonderful memory now but have blessed my life in some way.  It could also be the checkout girl that finally made me smile that day, a friend that shared something special that happened to them, a gifted writer that inspired me or an artist that captured a beautiful moment in nature with their talent and skills.  But it always includes my very wonderful family.

I can usually find 100 people to be grateful for and rarely fall asleep before I finish the list.  It's a good reminder though, on the roughest of days, that I am truly blessed.  God's blessing to you and yours on this THANKSGIVING DAY!

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.  Cicero

Mystery Painting with Bella - Halloween project for children

Painting with watercolor over crayons with Bella - ©CindyRippe2013

Bella came for a visit last weekend and loves the new "crafting room".   The studio has two desks. One is for computer and paperwork and the other for painting, drawing and other creative endeavors.  When she walked in she was thrilled that "we both have a painting table now!"  My sentiments exactly, Bella. 

We painted several pumpkins and spiders, cut them out and taped them all over the house with Washi Tape.  Then while she was busy decorating the windows I quickly drew a few ghosts with white crayons on bright white bristol board.  (a little heavier than card stock)  The whites were a  perfect match and you could hardly see the ghosts.  Then I drew a few stars and the moon in yellow.  When she came back in to the studio we mixed up some Cobalt Blue watercolor paint and I suggested she color in the night sky. (I covered the ghosts a little so she wouldn't notice them right away).  As soon as the loaded brush went across the page she saw the ghosts!  She had so much fun filling the page and revealing the rest of the hidden picture.  We blotted extra paint off of the wax as she worked.

NOTE:  We used my professional watercolors to make this but there are child friendly, (less chance of staining), products out there.  We work on a silicone mat and Bella wears her painting shirt to avoid messes. 

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso

Apples and Autumn

Apple Harvest 2013 - Treemendous Fruit Farm, Michigan - ©CindyRippe2013

We took our annual Autumn trip to Michigan last week.  Jon and Tawn couldn't be with us so we brought them goodies when we returned.  Even though it rained this year, and we couldn't go out into the orchard to pick the apples, we did enjoy a warm fire and a breakfast treat. After the car was filled with our favorite varieties we spent the rest of the day stopping at farmstands, a garden center and gift shop while Jason checked out a brewery in Sawyer.  We enjoyed the changing leaf colors that surrounded us, and of course, we had lunch at Redemak's in New Buffalo.  It was delicious as usual.  Fun times with family!

Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.  Samuel Butler

Enjoy the Changes - Give thanks for the Blessings

2012 Maple Leaves in Omaha ©CindyRippe2013

So... technically the leaves aren't this colorful here yet but they have starting changing colors a little. I found this picture from last year, when we took a trip to Omaha, and it inspired me today..

There are so many things changing around here I can hardly keep up with them all.  Mom's care is a little different now, I've moved most of the important things from my large spacious studio to a cozy little room here at home, I've been devoting more time to my health and fitness, my days of travel teaching are ending, and I'm ready for my online classes to begin. First, and foremost though, is the book and workbook that I'm working on.  After that I'll be licensing my art again.  It's a lot to handle, I know!  It will probably take longer than I imagine but I'm just glad to be moving forward.

The changing of the seasons is the perfect time to reflect on the blessings that I've already received, and have coming my way, while enjoying the gifts of beauty that surround me.  Please take a moment to give thanks for the gifts that surround you and the changes that are happening in your life too!

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. - Elizabeth Lawrence