Spring Fever?

Illinois Snow - March 12 - ©CindyRippe2014

I'm warm and cozy in the studio today working on new designs but thought I'd share a few pictures of one of our snow storms.  I am SO grateful for our neighbor, Adolph, On days like this he clears our sidewalks with the snow plow.  This is one of those really wet and heavy snows.  It's pretty but not easy to clean up!  Also thankful for all the times that Lee cuts Adolph's grass in the summer.  Lee likes the heat and Adolph doesn't mind the cold so it works out for all of us.  Speaking of work.  It's back to work for me as I long for some beautiful Spring weather for the garden.

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

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

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 

Mother's Day Love

Mother's Day Love - quote by A Radici - photo ©CindyRippe2013

We were lucky to spend time with both of our Moms again this year.  We went to church and breakfast together. We spent the afternoon with our own children and granddaughter.  After a hectic start it ended up being almost the perfect day for me.  Time spent relaxing and visiting with the "kids".  The "almost" was due to Tawn not feeling well.  We missed you and hope you feel better soon.

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine--she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. A Radici

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

Spring Beauty and Finding a better Mood!

Crab Apple Blossoms today - ©CindyRippe2013

I found myself getting really frustrated today while working in the office.  I've been pulled in several directions lately with current jobs that need to be finished and an exciting new project I can't wait to get started on.  Mix those emotions with normal family "stuff" and decisions that need to be made and it adds up to "I think I need to go for a walk!!!"  It was time for a break so I decided to run a quick errand as my excuse to escape the office and headed over to the park.

I've been watching all the crab apple trees in the neighborhood and anxiously waiting for their beautiful blooms.  They'll all be open in the next day or two but look what I found on the sunny side of the tree this afternoon!  A few brave flowers that were reaching for the warmth of the sun.  There were quite a few bumblebees on that side so I'm sure they were happy too!

Good thing I had my camera with me.  My wish came true and I got to enjoy these first lovely blooms, walked off the bad attitude and came home to finish at least some of my work.  I sure don't want to spend my favorite time of the year in the office all day.  I think this just might become a habit!

Nothing is so beautiful as spring - when weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring the ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing.  Gerard Manley Hopkins

Spring Green - The Color of Promise and Awakenings

Spring Green - The color of New Life - quote by Henry David Thoreau - photo ©CindyRippe 2013

I bet you expected to see another flower today...surprise!  I love this color.  The color of the new leaves just barely opening on the trees and shrubs. I probably drive everyone around me crazy as I point out yet another beautiful tree.  It's a color so full of promise.  It reminds of new life.  I think about it as a reminder that we get another chance, another awakening, another spring. The trees have been barren and seemingly lifeless for so many months but the warm weather and sunshine have brought them back to life.

As I drove down the street in River Forest today the color was perfect!  I pulled over to the side of the road and snapped this picture for you.  I hope that you'll take another look at the trees this week (or whenever Spring arrives in your area).  This color only last for a few days.  When you see it, please think of the opportunities ahead of you and take a moment to be grateful for yet another peek at immortality.


The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. Bern Williams

Artful quotes and Waterfall Inspirations

Waterfall at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha with quote by Pablo Picasso ©Cindy Rippe 2012-13

It's really windy out today with dust blowing everywhere!  Apparently we need a little more spring rain to wash it away.  I remembered this peaceful waterfall at the Botanic Gardens in Omaha. It's a quiet area set back from the main walkway with the sounds of the waterfall washing over the rocks and chirping birds. Wouldn't it be nice to sit on that bench and sketch? 

A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods. Rachel Carson

Anticipating Goodness

Anticipating Goodness - Flowering Pussy Willow Branches - ©CindyRippe2013

It's been one of those days.  The time went speeding by as we tried to get a few things accomplished around here.  I should emphasize the word "TRY".  It seems like everything we want to do takes so much longer than we anticipate and we end up feeling like we failed.  Well, instead of thinking that way I've decided to look at what we did get done.  NOT what we didn't.  As long as I try to do my best I'm not going to dwell on the negative.  Just make a plan to try again tomorrow.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Psalm 27:13

Late Winter Snow Day

This quote by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones, seems perfect for the storm  ©CindyRippe2012

The late winter storm we've been promised is finally here.  Cold winds, stocking up on groceries and preparing for a snow day.  It's one of those times I'm so grateful I can work from home (or in this case, from Mom's home).  I'll worry about Lee as he drives in to the office.  Not about his driving but about those that don't seem to know how to drive when it snows (or rains, or is too sunny, or have their own set of road rules...) and will glad to have him safely home again!

He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.' Job 37:6

Life is about not knowing - Sweet Ambiguity

Our tree before the changes - Delicious Ambiguity - ©CindyRippe2013Life is about not knowing - Sweet Ambiguity - ©CindyRippe2013

Today's the day we are getting a tree trimmed.  It's a huge maple tree.  The leaves give the perfect amount of shade on the deck and keep the house cool in the summer, the birds love it and we are entertained by their antics while feeding on the seeds we provide.  There is a pair of squirrels that race around the trunk all year long and the ivy bed below provides a perfect frame for one of my cement angels (and a hiding spot for a garden snake once in a while).  It's always the last tree to change color in the fall, but then again, it's the last to drop it's leaves which adds another day of raking just when you think you're almost done!

As with any plant in the garden it has it's issues.  It's probably too close to the houses (ours as well as our neighbors) and there is worry about storm damage some day.  Well, today is the day that we hope to make that better.  Lee and the neighbor have made the decisions about which limbs need to go, who's going to do that, when they'll arrive and all the rest of the details.  I've been given the job to work from home today so that if there are any questions I can answer them.   Whaaaat????  I don't even know what you guys have agreed on.  I don't know anything about trimming trees, how much it should cost, or what to do if something goes wrong. Thanks!

I'm also wondering what the tree will look like or how things will change in the garden.  I'm the type of person that just needs to know. The plans, the times, the details.  I can usually handle and adapt if I just know what's going on.  I don't like to be "hanging in limbo" (hey....tree limbs....limbo....lol).   Well, I finally realized that I'm NOT going to know so just go with it.  Life is about not knowing and can be a delicious discovery.  I went outside, took pictures of the tree and will stay out of the way unless they need me.  Feels pretty good.  "Delicious Ambiguity" as Gilda Radner once said.

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.”            Gilda Radner

Snowfall and Kindness - Lake Katherine

Snowfall at Lake Katherine ©CindyRippe2013

We had the first measurable snowfall since last winter today.  Lucky for me, since I got to clean off the car, it was light and fluffy. Not so lucky, the roads were a mess and people forgot how to drive in it. I made it to my meeting safely and spent a really productive 5 hours planning future design projects with my Creative Team.  We are really looking forward to new and exciting adventures this year.  I am personally grateful for the kindness of a great friend as we shared knowledge and encouraged each other to move forward with our plans.

The snow really did make things look nicer outside today. It's been so cold, grey and dry.  The white fluff seems clean things up for now.  Hope this good feeling lasts for a while!


Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!… He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments, Who can stand before His cold? He sends forth His word and melts them He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow. Psalm 147:12-18