A picture is worth a thousand words!

Finally some relief from the heat and humidity, and the flowers were sure happy this morning, so here they are. The pink Calla Lily was hiding beneath the Easter Lily. One snowball after 10 years of nursing the bush, finally changed where it was planted and it loves it's new spot. My pictures wouldn't be complete without my Brow Eyed Susan's. To the right side of blog you will find the Gardenia bush in bloom and smelling delightful after the rain last night.

Just checking in!

Sorry but I have been a little busy, I will get back to regular posting and bring you up to date about my flowers and all things bright and beautiful. I completely redid four of my flower beds and am looking forward to seeing my lovely orchid lilies once again. They are already about one foot high. We have had some rain periodically so every flower and bush seems to be happy.
As you know full moon is tonight and even though I have slept soundly, there has been traces of the reoccurring dream. I felt like I seen the hair but still no face. Oh well life goes on and if it happens then so much for mysteries.
I finally went to have my blood checked, from the incident back in October when something poisoned my system so badly. Doctor says I have beautiful blood once again. OH NO, did I say full moon tonight!! Please don't let any vampires read this post.LOL

Arriving soon new painting

It is way passed sleepy time but I had to say, my new painting is almost done. It has an arched stone bridge which I have always admired. I do believe I have been watching too much DIY. Hopefully it will be posted tomorrow if the weather holds and we don't have freezing temperatures.
This winter has been something else, very cold here and then we had a few days with sunny warm weather and all my spring daffodils and tulips decided to come up. I have two blooms on one of the daffodils, I think I may get a shock tomorrow.
I have also noticed in the last few weeks an upswing in the people connecting to Twitter. I have my posts on the right side of this blog if you care to join me I am:
http:twitter.com/calviaart you might want to search for me there.

Only portrait

I came across the only portrait ever done of my husband and also realized it was the only portrait that I also had ever done.. It is a very good likeness and he was pleased with it.. Maybe I better stop while I am ahead, and go back to the wicked stick men..I'm great at those..LOL
I have been busy going through antiques and tools in the garage so that my dream of an art gallery can become a reality.. Tons to go through, I just hope they don't accidentally tag me..
I have let mother nature take care of the watering of my flowers, and she did a good job last night. So good to hear the rain falling, makes for good sleeping..

What was that??

At 3:27 AM, I was startled from my sleep by a tremendous boom. Then I saw lightening and another roar. I later found out that a tornado had touch down here in Grandy and was headed for the Currituck Beach Lighthouse across the sound about 5 miles as the crow flies. Oh well, so much for a full nights sleep.
I'm just glad it was over quick and without any damage. I just received pictures from what hit my home area of Michigan last night so it was a little unnerving to say the least. Oh yes, of coarse Omaha, NE. as well..My knees are beginning to get flat spots from all the praying..
Good news, my "Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate" flowers have reached the eves of my patio. I am so proud of my flowers this year. But camera has let me down. I now have to replace the card. It wasn't the batteries at all.
Shall I continue.
A bouquet of roses appeared on my porch with a card from my husband. If you've read my blog or know me you know that hasn't been possible since he died in December. Then one week later, Belgium chocolate hand dipped strawberries and huge cookies arrive. Same message. So after calling my Dr. he sent the paramedics over to get my vitals. I finally over came this mess by laughing and saying, "Hubby would have went to my flower garden, picked me a bouquet and put them in what ever vase was handy, not a Waterford Crystal vase". No way can you use a credit card from heaven.. I guess it helps to have a sense of humor every now and again.
Let's see now, I really should find something else to do but can't work outside because our temperatures have been so hot. Yesterday 100 degrees in the shade. This is not normal. It has cooled a little today because of the rain, or whatever went through this morning. I think I will read for a while, but I will probably get into trouble doing that, it seems of late I can manage without ever leaving the house. Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong!!

I'm keeping my promise

As I promised; here is the picture of my "Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate" and my Orchid Lilies gone wild. It is only mid-May and usually they are only about six to twelve inches tall but this year they are already over three feet tall. I would dare wager that they will go past the eves at this rate. Any Takers?
Last year one of the blooms on the orchid lily was almost twelve inches across. Also if you go back to my post "Spring has sprung" you will see the same spot only with my Easter flowers just blooming. A very drastic change wouldn't you say. Ahhhh my mommy and grandma would be so proud...
While I am thinking about it; Mother's Day we had a tornado touch down less than four miles for me. The reason I say we is because my son, on the phone from Michigan talked me through the radar because I couldn't get anything on TV. All Hail and lightening broke loose and we hung up and I went to my safe spot. It may have been the scariest Mother's Day but I feel it was pretty sweet too.

Just happy

My flowers are growing like there is no tomorrow and looking so healthy. My first rose is now in bloom and the "Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate" and Orchid Lilies are doing spectacular. the stalks are strong and heigth great. I think I stated before that there were so many plants this year. Someone up there loves me and is watching over and helping my flowers do so well. The weather is cooperating and we are having a few showers and also finally some heavy dew in the morning. One lady asked about my flowers and I just said, I talk to them and tell them they are going to be the prettiest flowers around. They respond by showing off their beauty for me. See,!!! what other tales can I tell today? Oh yes , the reason there is not a photo of my beauties is because I discovered the batteries are dead in my camera. I promise I will replace the batteries as soon as I can. I haven't seen any sign of my calla lily yet, remember "Can You See Me" from last year. I hope the moles that invaded this winter didn't get it. I would really rather not get hostile but might do so if I don't see the calla lily soon.

Pretty quiet

My friend flew back to Michigan today and it is really quiet here tonight.
We are to get some more rain tomorrow and I am happy for that. My flowers have almost tripled in size since the rain last week. The grass is green and growing.

New Pretties today

I found a new flower today that I forgot I had planted. It is a miniature Iris, Dutch Iris, and it was hiding behind a clump of miniature daffodils. WOW! What beautiful color for such a little plant. Now I know what they mean by good things come in small packages..
I also finished the keepsake box top today of Trixie, the beagle, and still have two coats of polyurathane to go before I get to put it on the box and ship it.. Will post a picture of Trixie finished..

Spring has sprung!

The flowers know it is spring and have arrived in brilliant yellows, pinks, blues, lavenders and purples.
The bulbs so lovingly planted the day after Christmas, have met my expectations. I can enjoy this beautiful view any time day or night from my kitchen window. Makes me almost feel like I should do dishes or some thing like that.
They will look so pretty Sunday for Easter!
I would imagine the daffodils will really show up tomorrow night for full moon.
Happy first day of spring.

I await with !!

Oh they are trying ever so hard to push through and arise with all the glory and beauty that spring can offer!! All this rain has really stirred my flowers and they are coming a long great. I picked my first batch yesterday and the smell of double daffodils waft through the air all night long. I still fear for my "Kiss Me Over the Garden Gates" for I'm sure we are not done with frost yet! They come up from seed and believe me they are up in abundance this year. I shall watch ever so close and if necessary, tuck them in at night should a cold spell hit. We are at 66 degrees this morning with rain heavy at times. I'm loving it. If you have never grown flowers in sand during a drought, then you wouldn't understand how my heart soars when I see the beautiful blooms! This I can say proudly since you can all enjoy the photos that I post.
I am going to once again this year attempt to grow Moon flowers, it has been a few years since I last grew them. My friend has also promised me some of her "Red Hot Poker" plants.

Why Not!!

A friend of mine was rather impressed with the "Janie" stories and said when I get through with "Janie" and her mischief, that she would gladly illustrate the book if I would consider doing a book.
Now I ask you, is that the face of an angel, or is the halo just a bit tilted??
This is "Janie" age six.

I know it is still February, but my plants are really getting anxious and some are in bloom, others that shouldn't peek out yet, have..
Of coarse, I am anxious as well, every morning I go out and check to see how they are doing and give them a few words of encouragement.. Yes, I do talk to them!!
We've had some very wonderful rain, very much needed may I add.. I spend a good deal of the day outside, but today it is cold and blah, so I shall do some writing..

Recognition Finally!!

I have been really, finally enjoying myself. I joined Eons.com (BOOM BOOM BOOM) and have received more recognition in 2 weeks than in 4 years of trying to get my original art and photos noticed.
I was also asked to be moderator of the WWAO group (Worldwide Women Artists Online.) It is a private group for we ladies that are 49+. But there are so many groups to join and meet new people. They have even started an art gallery for all artists.
There is also the regular WWAO which is for any age lady.
My yellow Calla Lily "Can you see me" made a very big hit. Everyone was looking for me instead of realizing I was being funny, as due to the bright yellow of the flower.
I have received several badges already, wrote a tribute to my Grand-Dad Sheldon, and try to put my 2 cents worth in on several subjects as well.
I have accrued 44 friends and am in 17 groups.

Breath-taking Beauty

Spring has sprung-- and you can view it at:
http://www.squidoo.com/garden_of_digital_delights/
This lens was created and designed by KKC Bauder, you may recognize the name from an earlier post on Phoophie Tales (which by the way just won another award). She has the ladies from WWAO doing digital flowers and believe me you just have to visit and see all the beauty for yourself..The lens is already ranked number 27th in Art & Literature.. WOW I must correct my last statement---RANKED 17th I just checked...

Buying original art on the internet

I have been told people will not buy original art on the internet, because they would rather see it in person.

I believe it is the perfect way for people to be exposed to original art and view different art that is inspirational and not reproduced by a robot, such as seen in retail stores. Stop and think of the perfect pieces of art in the retail stores, and I will tell you, it is impossible to paint 1,000,000 paintings all exactly the same.

My heart and soul goes into each and every painting. I have been asked by many, "What is your style?" I can only reply, "My own unique style." I do not copy the old style, modern or old masters.
I paint what I see either in my dreams or what nature presents to me. I thank God for the creative powers He has instilled in me, and the original way He has allowed the paintings to flow from me.

I love nature and just recently I was informed the 88 acre farm where I raised, will be turned into a wild life preserve. My heart soared and needless to say, I am homesick, maybe in the spring I can go for a visit.

authored by:

Sylvia Outlaw