It has been a week since I have been able to play in the garden. What a surprise! Weeds have invaded along with the deer who left foot prints and nibbled plants scattered across the yard. Did I mention the weeds? They were not there last week. How do they take root and grow so quickly?
At first, I was a bit undone by the sight of the weeds towering over the vegetables and flowers in the garden. One week is all it took for the alien invasion to totally transform the appearance of the backyard. I stood, I stared, I may have grumbled and stared some more, I tried counting the varieties, more grumbling and then I remembered my camera, my paint and my canvas. After all, weeds come in different sizes, shapes and colors and some are even edible, right? Then the quote came to mind, the quote that always results in an attitude adjustment: "Weeds are Plants dealing with Unhappy People".
I quickly put on my happy face, only removing the weeds that were choking out my original plantings and left the others in their new home. Why? Well, I never want to be accused of being an unhappy grumpy person. And seriously, some of the blooms on the weeds are gorgeous! I spent most of the morning with camera in hand capturing the colors, the blossoms, the butterflies. Currently, the plan is to spend my afternoon in the garden painting, En Plein Air.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue
Yes, we are still celebrating the 4th of July! The twinkle of sparklers, the boom of the fireworks lit the night skies once again last night and we are anticipating yet more this evening. The 4th of July, the unofficial declaration of Summer!
In the past I've spent the 4th of July at the beach, in the mountains, at downtown community celebrations, however it is the neighborhood celebrations with family and friends where the most vivid memories live. Foot races, card games, swimming with watermelons, patriotic music blaring, red white and blue the color theme of the week, cook outs, gorging on hot dogs, homemade ice cream, chips and cupcakes. Late nights, laughter, gallons of lemonade and sweet tea, more food, more games and another night sky filled with explosions of twinkle, sparkle, glittering colors. Boom! Boom! BOOM!
God Bless America!
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
In the past I've spent the 4th of July at the beach, in the mountains, at downtown community celebrations, however it is the neighborhood celebrations with family and friends where the most vivid memories live. Foot races, card games, swimming with watermelons, patriotic music blaring, red white and blue the color theme of the week, cook outs, gorging on hot dogs, homemade ice cream, chips and cupcakes. Late nights, laughter, gallons of lemonade and sweet tea, more food, more games and another night sky filled with explosions of twinkle, sparkle, glittering colors. Boom! Boom! BOOM!
God Bless America!
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Thursday, June 1, 2017
The Flight of the Bumble Bee
The bees are busy buzzing this morning out in my garden. Which has reminded me of several creepy crawly bug stories. Insects, bugs, butterflies and bees have held my fascination since I was a young child. Their colors, the patterns, the variety I find inspiring. The Bumble Bee has been one of my favorites since elementary school days. When at recess and before school several of us we capture Bumble Bees with our bare hands and bring them into our class room as 'desk pets'! Pretty sure our teacher was traumatized by the buzzing and the large number of flying Bumble Bees in her classroom. I remember the day well when she must have reached her threshold, notes went home that day. "If your child continues to capture Bumble Bees your child must have a container to keep the insects secured. Thank you." You would be surprised at how many "bug cages" appeared on desks the following morning! Every one of the bug catchers had one. In hind sight, probably not what the teacher was expecting, she was most likely hoping for no more bees in her classroom.
And then years later, came the spiders. As an art teacher in a Title One school I provided "bug cages" for my students. However, the students had a fascination with spiders, all kinds but I drew the line at Black Widows or Brown Recluse as these were not allowed. The students would bring in live insects for the spiders to eat each morning. You can only imagine the squeals of delight when they were able to witness the spider capturing their next meal. Or the terrified screams of other adults when they saw the spiders in the Art Room. But oh the beautiful works of art created by the students! They studied, they observed and captured the essence of the spiders in glorious colors, surrounded by patterns, natural designs birthed from their imaginations.
However, the "world's largest" Praying Mantis just might be the best bug story ever but I will have to save that story for later as there is not enough room for the hysterical moments.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
And then years later, came the spiders. As an art teacher in a Title One school I provided "bug cages" for my students. However, the students had a fascination with spiders, all kinds but I drew the line at Black Widows or Brown Recluse as these were not allowed. The students would bring in live insects for the spiders to eat each morning. You can only imagine the squeals of delight when they were able to witness the spider capturing their next meal. Or the terrified screams of other adults when they saw the spiders in the Art Room. But oh the beautiful works of art created by the students! They studied, they observed and captured the essence of the spiders in glorious colors, surrounded by patterns, natural designs birthed from their imaginations.
However, the "world's largest" Praying Mantis just might be the best bug story ever but I will have to save that story for later as there is not enough room for the hysterical moments.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Do you dream in color or black and white?
Are you a dreamer? Do you remember your dreams? Do you record your dreams or ever try to discover what they mean? Dreams can be vivid or partially hidden by distractions or what seems like fog. Dreams can be pleasant, joyful, fleeting or possibly even a nightmare or warnings. I find dreams to be intriguing glimpses into another world, filled with inspiration to be pursued during the waking hours of day.
Do you dream in color or black and white? Do you remember the conversations, the sounds or smells within your dreams? Do you have a dream or series of dreams which are similar or repeated frequently?
Dreams are a great source of inspiration for creative adventures, especially when you may be experiencing 'writer's block". Keep a notepad and pencil on your night stand to record your dreams as you remember them. This is a great resource of original images and ideas.
Sweet dreams!
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Do you dream in color or black and white? Do you remember the conversations, the sounds or smells within your dreams? Do you have a dream or series of dreams which are similar or repeated frequently?
Dreams are a great source of inspiration for creative adventures, especially when you may be experiencing 'writer's block". Keep a notepad and pencil on your night stand to record your dreams as you remember them. This is a great resource of original images and ideas.
Sweet dreams!
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Puddle Jumping
April showers bring mud puddles, rainbows and May flowers! I love Spring rain showers.
The low rumbles of thunder, the flashes of lightening and the rush of wild wind as the storms race across the country side. I love the sound of the Spring Creepers chirp celebrating the arrival of rain and the emergence of the box turtles when the rain is gone.
I enjoy watching the water collect into puddles and waiting for the arrival of the birds. Rushing to be the first to splash and bathe in the Spring rains as if in celebration that winter is over and warm sunny days are just around the corner. However, more than anything else, is the excitement of jumping and splashing in the first mud puddles of Spring. Mud splattered and soaking wet surrounded by cheers and joyful laughter. Spring has finally come to my garden.
Soon, many hours of my days will be spent painting En Plein Air, between the flowerbeds or resting in the shade of the apple trees, as an excuse to avoid weeding or mowing. Spring! I'm so looking forward to feeling the mud squishing between my toes.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
The low rumbles of thunder, the flashes of lightening and the rush of wild wind as the storms race across the country side. I love the sound of the Spring Creepers chirp celebrating the arrival of rain and the emergence of the box turtles when the rain is gone.
I enjoy watching the water collect into puddles and waiting for the arrival of the birds. Rushing to be the first to splash and bathe in the Spring rains as if in celebration that winter is over and warm sunny days are just around the corner. However, more than anything else, is the excitement of jumping and splashing in the first mud puddles of Spring. Mud splattered and soaking wet surrounded by cheers and joyful laughter. Spring has finally come to my garden.
Soon, many hours of my days will be spent painting En Plein Air, between the flowerbeds or resting in the shade of the apple trees, as an excuse to avoid weeding or mowing. Spring! I'm so looking forward to feeling the mud squishing between my toes.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Thursday, March 2, 2017
A Creative Life
Do you have visions of creative individuals walking around covered in paint? There truly is more to a Creative Life than the appearance of art supplies. Briefly, a Creative Life is filled with adventures, explorations and the journey into the unknown. Are you Creative?
How do you know or identify if someone is Creative? Are there visible signs of Creativity?
Take a closer look at Creativity. Creativity is the ability to think "Out of the Box", to be willing to explore options and opportunities even if they might not work. Creativity is taking an idea expanding on what is before you and exploring the unknown while asking "What If". Most often, Creativity is birthed from daydreams or inspired by the works or needs of others. Creative individuals are problem solvers, innovators, and sometimes artists.
Ask the "What If" questions, think "Out of the Box" explore all of the possibilities.
March forward into 2017 curious, and exploring your wildest dreams. You are Creative!
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
How do you know or identify if someone is Creative? Are there visible signs of Creativity?
Take a closer look at Creativity. Creativity is the ability to think "Out of the Box", to be willing to explore options and opportunities even if they might not work. Creativity is taking an idea expanding on what is before you and exploring the unknown while asking "What If". Most often, Creativity is birthed from daydreams or inspired by the works or needs of others. Creative individuals are problem solvers, innovators, and sometimes artists.
Ask the "What If" questions, think "Out of the Box" explore all of the possibilities.
March forward into 2017 curious, and exploring your wildest dreams. You are Creative!
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Time is Racing!
February is already here just when I was getting used to January. Are you like me, finding several items leftover from your January to-do list?
February is the shortest month, therefore I have decided a change is needed in the area of time management. I am setting dedicated time for writing each morning, followed by household chores, [not really, just throwing in a load of laundry, preparing dinner = popping meal into slow cooker and feeding cats] and then for the Creative Adventure of the day...which could be painting, quilting, drawing, baking, gardening, more writing or....Who knows where the Creative Adventure will lead.
And for as long as needed, tackling 1 January left-over project a day until January's to-do list is completed. Time management is the 'theme' for February.
What are your time management tips?
I am using a large desk planner and an egg timer. Tasks are written by date and time for task allocated. Yes, the egg timer works. I've found I work faster and efficiently on tasks knowing the timer may go off before the task at hand is completed.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
February is the shortest month, therefore I have decided a change is needed in the area of time management. I am setting dedicated time for writing each morning, followed by household chores, [not really, just throwing in a load of laundry, preparing dinner = popping meal into slow cooker and feeding cats] and then for the Creative Adventure of the day...which could be painting, quilting, drawing, baking, gardening, more writing or....Who knows where the Creative Adventure will lead.
And for as long as needed, tackling 1 January left-over project a day until January's to-do list is completed. Time management is the 'theme' for February.
What are your time management tips?
I am using a large desk planner and an egg timer. Tasks are written by date and time for task allocated. Yes, the egg timer works. I've found I work faster and efficiently on tasks knowing the timer may go off before the task at hand is completed.
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming
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