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

Playing with Color Palettes

A Neutral Christmas Color Palette ©Cindy Rippe 2013

I've been wanting to create and photograph style boards ever since I saw a picture of one in a magazine from 1996.  My friend Kelly Hoernig and I finally started on this project the other day.  We gathered treasures we've been collecting; including fabrics, jewelry, books, dried seed pods, flowers.... you name it.  If it inspires us artistically we save it.  We had a really fun day playing with color and creativity.

I have been struggling with color for the last few years.  I think it's because I've been drawing so much in graphite.  There could be other reasons for it but I'm going to use this exercise to find my internal rainbow again!

One of my challenges will be to work with color schemes that I would normally not choose.  This neutral, primitive style, print was perfect.  I didn't really like the colors at first but it did have pine cones on it. Nature; you know I love that, and it reminded me of Christmas.   I laid the fabric swatch and green knitted place mat onto an old cable knit sweater. The little bird that I display each winter at home, plastic snowflakes, buttons, a wooden heart from Kelly's stash and a few of my pine cones completed the board.  Surprise!  I like it now.

I'll be sharing one of these Inspiration Boards each week throughout 2014.  We aren't all going to love the same color combinations but it might just spark the imagination and become a "jumping off" spot to create something new. My hope is to get back to painting more next year and maybe this will help.  I hope it will help you too!

"Creativity is contagious, pass it on!"  Albert Einstein

Saying Good-bye to the Lilies

Lilies in my August Garden ©CindyRippe2013

As I watered the garden today I realized that I was saying goodbye to the lilies. I'm sure they'll be gone in the next day or two. They were magnificent this year, lasting for several weeks, and scenting the air with sweetness.  You can see the Rudbeckia flowers peeking their yellow faces out from underneath.  It looks like they are ready for the next act in the perennial bed fashion show.

Each moment of the year has its own beauty.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

Pink Cosmos Watercolor Effect - Smile - ©CindyRippe2013

It was "one of those days" yesterday.  Lee and I both had aches and pains that we were dealing with.  Part of getting older I guess. Between the "ouch"es and limping though we kept finding things to laugh about, smile about and be grateful for. Don't get me wrong.... I'd rather not see him hurting, or myself for that matter, but I am so grateful that when things go bad we find some way to smile.  If there's anyone on earth that I would choose to grow older with and deal with days like that, it's Lee ... and I'm glad he chose me.

A cheerful heart is good medicine.  Proverbs 17:22

Week of Words - Day 7 - Moments

Week of Words - Moments - Day 7  - ©CindyRippe2013

I've had a wonderful week of designing, travel, inspiration, and friends.  It was a week of work but, for  me, it was long overdue.  During the day I sketched, gathered my design themes and even painted a few things.  Most of all though I was spending time absorbing and being reminded of the rules of good design and listening to my Design Mentor, and friend, Mary Jo Leisure.  I've been making an almost annual trek to spend the time with her for many, many, years.

Each evening my friend and cohort, Kelly Hoernig, and I would pour over our trend research, business planning materials and marketing ideas.  Don't get me wrong.  We did lots of laughing and visiting but work was our goal.  There wasn't much time for sleep, except for the nights were exhausted, and I'm sure we were designing in our dreams.

There were renewed friendships, special memories, some tears, laughter and sparks of imagination flying all over the place. Our hosts, Larry and Cheri Rol, provided a wonderful studio space, food, and a place to be inspired.  So many MOMENTS added up to an experience that I'm, once again, grateful to have been a part of.

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.  Eleanor Roosevelt

A Week of Words - Day Two - Believe

Believe - Tulips - ©CindyRippe2013

It takes a lot of inner strength to BELIEVE that your ideas will work when you try something new.  As I develop my new business plan it might be easy for self doubt to creep in.  The tulips remind me that I have to BELIEVE and it will be successful!  They amaze me each spring as they spring forth with lovely flowers.  After the flowers fade the leaves feed the bulbs, and die back, leaving the brown bulb to rest until the next year.  If you look at the bulb by itself it's hard to imagine all the work that's going on deep within.  It takes imagination and patience to BELIEVE that you'll see a beautiful flower next spring.

The word BELIEVE has the same meaning as : be certain of, have faith in, have no doubt, and trust.  Do you  have the determination and faith to believe in your own upcoming plans?

... Do not fear, only believe. Mark 5:36

Love is the Flower - You've got to let it Grow.

Isabella and the Irises - quote by John Lennon - photo ©CindyRippe2013

The Japanese Irises are blooming.  They are almost as tall as Bella and she loves them. There was one that had a bent stem so we cut it to put in a vase.  She was very excited about displaying it in her bedroom because "sometimes her Dad gives her a flower and she puts it on the nightstand".  I love that she loves flowers too.  She even worries about which flowers she can pick just in case "they are still growing".


Grow what you love. The love will keep it growing. Emilie Barnes

Rainy Day Blessings

Driving between the raindrops - ©CindyRippe2013

I had a great day today.  Even though I got caught in a major traffic jam in the morning (causing me to run late), forgot my camera (I bought a disposable camera), almost forgot my wallet, kept choosing the wrong streets to drive on which meant I had to turn around many times, drove through several torrential storms, and ended up exhausted, it really was a good day!

Everyone's schedule finally lined up just right so that I could take my grand-daughter and great-niece to the Children's Museum and a few other places.  It's been one of my goals to get them together to play since they don't have that opportunity very often.  They had a wonderful time, played so well together, and it filled my heart with joy to share that with them.  Yes, it involved lots of driving but it was so worth it!

So tonight I'm thankful for the Blessings I received and for safe travels through the storms.

Thank you, dear God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough. Thank you for the rain.  Garrison Keillor

Sparkling Raindrops

Sparkling Raindrops on the Hostas - ©CindyRippe2013

The spring rains have lasted a long time this year.  I've been taking advantage of the days between to get the garden in shape for summer.  Most of the perennials have been enjoying the cool nights and rainy days and have done well.  The sparkling raindrops on the hosta leaves above are a favorite reminder of how the rain and sunshine work together to create beautiful moments. I try to take a few minutes right after the rain stops to walk through the garden and enjoy them whenever possible.

 Tears of joy are like the summer rain drops pierced by sunbeams. Hosea Ballou 

With all my Heart

White Bleeding Heart Flowers in my Garden - quote by Vincent van Gogh - photo ©CindyRippe2013

I'm still working toward my Design goals.  Some days I can't seem to focus (or maybe choose not to focus) and my interests wander all over the place.  The bottom line, though, is that I am "all in".  I have no intention on giving up on my goals, sharing my vision with others, and working in a field that I love.  Even the little snapshots that I take for this blog bring me joy and I hope inspire others to find beauty and happiness in their own lives.  When I look back over the weeks that have passed I can see progress and feel blessed to have the opportunities that lie ahead.

Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.  Buddha

Lots of little things to do Today

Little raindrops on Hostas - ©CindyRippe2013

We celebrated Memorial Day yesterday by honoring those who've served in the Military, remembering those who built our church 150 years ago, and with a family picnic.  We've set aside the day today to get started on our giant list of chores.  The choice of working outside or inside was made for us by the rain.  I did work out there for a little while, and checked two jobs off the list, but my shoes were soaked and it's chilly, so I headed back inside.

Before I came in I noticed all the sparkly raindrops on the hosta leaves. They reminded me that our large list consists of many little jobs.  If we can focus on one thing at a time it will make a difference.  So, with this post I can check number 3 off my list and get started on the next project.

I hope that you're able to enjoy your day today. Whether you are resting, or working on chores, try to break them down into a list of little things.  I believe in you...you CAN make a difference!

It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.  John Wooden 

Heartland Art Experience

Heartland Art Experience - www.LindaCoulter.com

Escape to America's Heartland for a fabulous art experience at the Old School Center in Farmington, Illinois, on October 16- 19, 2013.

Just found out I'll be joining a wonderful group for the Heartland Art Experience in October.  The classes I'll be teaching will be based on my botanical art, drawing and graphite, mixed media and layering techniques with colored pencil, pen and ink. We'll probably do my Pen 'n Ink technique on fabric too.  Final class descriptions and photos will be available soon.

For more information, as it develops, check out the HEARTLAND ART EXPERIENCE group on facebook or contact Linda Coulter through her website HERE.  Of course I'll feature the classes here as well.  I look forward to having you join me for this event!

You may not be a Picasso or Mozart but you don’t have to be. Just create to create. Create to remind yourself you’re still alive. Make stuff to inspire others to make something too. Create to learn a bit more about yourself. Frederick Terral

Feeling Blue is not so Bad Today

Beautiful Bluebells -quote by William H Gass - photo ©CindyRippe2013

I'm not feeling great today.  Seasonal headache, nothing serious, but I thought it would be a perfect day to find something blue to match my mood.  Well, it had the opposite effect.  I love these Virginia Bluebells that were along the path in the shade garden last week.  Looking at the image didn't take the headache away but it made me happy because of the calm blue color.  I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that blue is my favorite color too!  Enjoy....


If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive. Eleonora Duse

Bright Tulips and a Life Lesson

Pay attention - Don't miss the good stuff - Cherokee saying - photo ©CindyRippe2013

I had Mom with me today.  We had a really early start and I kept her busy along with me as we accomplished several jobs and errands after I helped her with a personal care projects.  We laughed as we traveled in and out of the pouring rain. (whenever we were inside the skies cleared up - when we headed out the door the rain would start again!)  I helped her and she ended up helping me by hemming a pair slacks. I wasn't sure she'd be still be able to do that but we were both pleased and surprised at the outcome.  I took her to see the family of Swans at Lake Katherine, to her doctor appointment and more.  Even though the weather overall was dreary we made our own sunshine with patience and laughter.  It was a good day.

The orange tulips are from the garden outside the Visitors Center at Morton Arboretum.  I had the photo in the file from my visit last week.  They were really tall and so bright glowing in the sunshine. I didn't even notice them when I headed toward the lake and flowering trees that surround it.  I guess I looking up at the time but I'm so glad I got a second chance to see them on my return trip along the path.  Just as I learned a few new ways to enjoy the good time we have left with Mom that day, I learned to slow down as I walk the garden paths.  And pay attention...

Everything in life comes to you as a teacher. Pay Attention. Learn Quickly. Cherokee saying

Life is Beauty -The Path can be Sweet

Path at Morton Arboretum - May 2013 - quote by Mother Theresa - photo ©CindyRippe2013

A beautiful path with lovely trees and a blue sky.  Just what I needed at that moment, that second in time, that feeling in my heart.  I'm glad that I was able to capture the image and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Morton Arboretum as I worked this day to collect inspiration for my art and research.

I hope you take the time to enjoy it too ... along with these words by Mother Theresa.


Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is life, fight for it.  Mother Teresa

My Yellow "Brick" Road

Finding my path - quote from The Wizard of Oz - photo ©CindyRippe2013

Throughout my years as an artist and designer I've found myself on many paths.  I've searched for knowledge, and practiced my skills, as I worked towards each goal. Some of the goals were personal, others for my design business but all fulfilled a need in me to create.  I've been very lucky to use these experiences in my design business and have shared the knowledge that I've gathered during all those years as an artist, teacher, author, and consultant.  I've always hoped to inspire others to find the creative spark inside them, as I share a bit of my faith and love for family and friends along the way.

The other day I came upon this bed of seeds that had fallen from the trees and covered the street.  I was intrigued by the colors, as usual, and shot a few photos.  Later, while I reviewed the images, it reminded me of the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz stories.  On second glance I noticed the stop sign.  The entire scene seemed to sum up my creative life over the last few years.  I have been letting life's struggles get me down and every time I try to follow my path I let the stop sign become the focal point and just quit.  Or worse yet, I would think of an idea, make plans and then just stop there.

Thankfully, over this past year things have changed for me.  I'm still working on new, design, ideas and plans.  There are still stop signs, but now I take the time to make a complete stop (like I should, according to the Rules of the Road book) and then I carefully continue on my path.  I may not be able to move forward as fast as I want to, there are speed limits after all, but at least I'm moving forward. After all, I have a huge sketchbook and portfolio of ideas to complete!  Take another look at the picture.  After the stop sign there is a clear path ahead.  That's where I'm going.  I'll be making my own path and hope to inspire you to join me on my creative adventures!

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Albert Einstein

Lily of the Valley - May's flower of the month in the care of my garden fairy.

Lily of the Valley from my Garden - ©CindyRippe2013

Well, the lily of the valley flowers have finally bloomed!  I know they are late this year but with everything else taking so long to bloom I'm not even sure when they should have opened.  I've been checking for flowers for the last two weeks!  Lily of the Valley is May's Flower of the Month and I had hoped to post an illustration this year drawn from my own garden. The photo from last year turned out to be a Snowdrop.  oops!  There are fewer flowers on my plants this year overall but the delicate little bells are a welcome addition to my desk. I share some each year with my neighbor, Grace, as she says they are one of her favorite flowers.

I'll be drawing and painting them soon, but not today.  Too many other things to do!  Not to worry though.  My little garden fairy will take care of them for me until tomorrow.

Who would have thought it possible that a tiny little flower could preoccupy a person so completely that there simply wasn't room for any other thought. Sophie Scholl 

Blue Sky with Clouds made of Flowers

The blues never felt so good - ©CindyRippe2013

I have no idea why I'm feeling blue.  I'm not sad or depressed, just quiet...I don't know... maybe I just have Spring Fever.  Anyone else feeling like that?

As I walked through Morton Arboretum yesterday I came upon this large crab-apple tree.  The blossoms were abundant (as most of the fruit trees are this year).  The sky was a blue as I've ever seen.  As I looked up, the flower filled branches reminded me of billowy clouds.  I took a deep breath and thought "if this is what feeling blue is like, I guess it's not so bad!"   I found this quote by Vincent Van Gogh and feel the same way.  I just love a beautiful blue sky!

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.   Eleanora Duse 

Nature's Bright Spirit

The brightest crab-apple blossoms I've ever seen  - quote by R.W. Emerson - photo ©CindyRippe2013

The flowers on this crab-apple shrub were intense!  I saw the large shrub from far away and it made me turn the car around to get a closer look.  I wasn't even sure what type of plant it was at first.  I'm pretty sure, after a bit of research, that it's a type of crab-apple that's been trimmed into a shrub shape.  Overgrown now, though, and filled with thousands of bright pink/orange/red blossoms for all to see.

All I know for sure is that the colors matched my mood this day.  My heart was filled with the beauty of abundantly blooming flowers on the trees as I walked along the streets in my town.  I hope to carry that feeling with me and bring back the memories on days when I need some happiness to lift my spirit. I don't know about you but my mood matches the weather and brightness that a day might bring.  I'll need to look at this one next winter, I'm sure, but right now I'll appreciate the beauty of a living Spring.


Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Are you Taking time to Enjoy the Flowering Trees?

Spring Flowering Trees Captured on my Walk ©CindyRippe2013

I had the best of intentions.  I wanted to take my daily walk for aerobic exercise (especially after eating that ice cream last night.).  At the last minute I grabbed my camera to take pictures of my Red-bud trees before the storm comes through tonight.  That's my excuse for today anyway.  At this time of year I can hardly stand to be indoors.  I don't want to miss anything!  Spring flowers never seem to last long enough and I'm lucky to enjoy taking photos as part of my job.

Well, guess who didn't get any aerobic exercise?  Oh, I walked all over town alright, but I was lost in the beauty of so many flowers on so many trees.  You just can't walk that fast when you're looking up and/or through a camera lens!  Hopefully the distance I walked will make up for the lack of speed.  I guess I'll try again tomorrow.

It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!  Mark Twain