A Happy Way To Start My Day

Just before my walk this morning, I jumped on the computer while waiting for my neighbor/walking partner.  Much to my surprise, I found that I had won the November Give-away from the wonderful Mandy Saile over at Bijous Whimsy. I had to do a little happy dance, because I loved this painting from the moment I saw it. Actually, I love Mandy's work anyway, because it is so joyful, but this piece really spoke to me.  She will be having prints of this painting at her Artfire shop, so hop over there and check it out.

Off to dance a little more, and probably scare the bunnies. Back later with a list.

Fall In The Garden, And A Few Notes

After the rain this past week, the last two days have turned into the kind of days that are the reason for living in New England. The temperature has been slightly crisp, but warm when you are in in the incredible autumn sun The sky is the deep blue that you only get in the fall, and the air smells spicy, with overtones of woodsmoke. The garden still has some treasures, like the white mums that were given to me several years back, that seem to really like living under the willow tree.

And, the yellow mums growing in Second Daughter's garden are glowing.

The Bluebird Asters in the front yard have a stunning color, and really shine in the afternoon sun. The bees like them, also.

The grasses also come into their own. The Big and Little Bluestem aren't very pretty (at least in my garden), but they feed the birds. The monstrous Miscanthus grass of unknown parentage in the back yard is quite dramatic. And this is my favorite, the Zebra Grass. I love the sun coming through it.  

Here  are links to a  few things that I've seen around the net this week. 

1. This is an important message, and not just for teenagers or the gay/lesbian community. I think we all have times in our lives where it is important for someone to say this to us, and then to keep repeating it to ourselves until life does get better. 
2. If you are intimidated by Photoshop (like me!) check out the free e-course being offered by Kim Klassen . I'm not real good with the whole "just play with it and figure it out" dynamic, so I'm hoping this class will get me over a few hurdles.
3. On a lighter note, there is a give-away being offered by Mandy over at Bijou's Whimsy. Crows are really amazing creatures, smart, social, and beautiful with their iridescent blue/black feathers. I probably shouldn't be telling you about this , because I'd like it for myself, and if you go and look, it will be harder for me to win it! 

And now, back to enjoying this beautiful autumn day. But first, I have to find my long johns and extra blankets. We are headed off to a marching band competition, and with this wind and clear sky, it's going to get downright chilly in the bleachers!  I hope you are having a fine weekend wherever you are.