So, life goes on as we try to adjust to having Diva, the four pound Chihuahua, as part of our family.

She shakes much of the time. We think this is a Chihuahua thing. She has very fashionable outwear, even coats with hoods!

She is learning to dry her feet on a towel by the door. I’m not used to having to vacuum more often! LOL!

All things considered, everyone is doing their best.

Bath day…

Walk in the deep woods

Winter birds call, bare branches

Scent is fresh, primal.

Art Prescription: Except for swimming, a walk in solitude does me much good.

With no distraction, I take step by step, and my mind wanders freely.

Home to studio I worked on these peonies. I’m trying to slow down and not rush a painting.

Slow it down a bit

Savor the process of art

Brush by brush, paint spreads.

Art Prescription: I’m trying to slow down…

Sketch and preliminary shadows:

I woke up this morning and thought my painting was too yellow.

I reworked it with cream and tried to add a bit more drama with gradations of darks.

Guess I’ll look in the morning to see if I’m satisfied.

Mixed media:

Steady group of clouds

Rain pelts or mists with cold wind

Winter weather day.

Art Prescription: Well, it could be snow… all this rain.

Thankful to have a warm pool to swim laps in, and a place to do yoga.

Winter bouquet:

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

Brene’ Brown

Two Great-horned owls call

White moon shines through tall pines boughs

Just then…one takes flight.

Art Prescription: I sat out on the deck bundled with a throw and read for a while.

Once in I heard the calls of two great- horned owls. So close.

Watercolor sketch in my journal:

So….. we’ve, my husband and I, have become “owners” of a Chihuahua named Diva!

Diva, as her name implies, is from Las Vegas. She flew here in a pink carrier courtesy of Southwest Airlines and Sam, love of my life.

So begins the Diva Chronicles!

Diva is a three-legged Chihuahua who my mom took in off the streets of Vegas. She has a congenital defect in her fourth leg, but can get around like nobodies business!

Matisse, our big-Old-Black cat is adjusting. A few hisses here and there.

While my mom is not able to care for her, Diva will live with us.

She’s already been to the horse barn.

We can learn so much from animals!

If you lean too hard

I will bend with your heavy

Without the sun, break.

Art Prescription: We have to be strong to bare the emotional weight of others.

Without good boundaries we allow others to lean on us too hard. They may be falling, and left unchecked can take us down with them.

Stand tall, firmly rooted, reach for the sun!

New tree for UNC Hospital: