Sunset

On my way home from Vendor Night this evening ~ sun is setting behind the mountain as the Roanoke River rolls along.

Columbine

My Columbine are starting to open.  SO pretty!!

Planting Flowers

Mr. Magic hard at work planting petunias.

 

We decided to stay home today to plant some flowers.  Mr. Magic planted petunias in the planters on our wall in back.  I planted a few flowers in the pots by the front porch and I planted flowers in the front little flower bed that I designated as a shrine to the Blessed Mother.

We didn't know the temperature was going to drop to 36* tonight.  I hope the flowers will be ok.

 Mr. Magic stopped for a minute to wave to Jake and I as we were hanging out the window watching.

 Making headway!

My Blessed Mother flower bed.  Flowers look a little sad as they were dry.  Hopefully, with a little time they will perk up.

Open Studios of Roanoke Tour

 Mary Bullington

Yesterday, my friend Phillip and I visited 3 artists during the Open Studios of Roanoke Tour.  Open Studios is a self-guided tour of artists' homes and workspaces.

Seeing Mary Bullington's art is always a joy ~ her passion can be seen in each piece.

Linda Atkinson works in wood ~ her pieces were interesting and fun!  There is an amazing attention to detail in her pieces.

We spent a lot of time at Eric Fitzpatrick's.  He has a gallery on the lower level of his home that is filled with his art.  His porch is painted with a colorful "welcome" and his yard can only be described as fun.  The garden behind his studio is stunning, full of statues, a large fountain, and a lot of greenery ~ a peaceful retreat.  Eric's studio was the highlight for me.  It is a dream studio ~ large and filled with his sketches, paintings, and life mementos.  His paintings are spectacular!

The tour ends at 5:00 today ~ I hope to visit a few more of the 29 artists represented on the tour.

 Linda Atkinson

 Linda Atkinson

 Linda Atkinson

 Eric Fitzpatrick's front porch.

 A few of Eric's pastels.

 In Eric Fitzpatrick's studio.

 In Eric Fitzpatrick's yard.

 Eric's front steps.

 Eric's garden.

 Eric's garden.

 Eric's garden.

 Eric's garden. 

 Eric's garden.

 

Wisteria in Eric's garden.

Eric Fitzpatrick

"Red Defends Her Forest" by Mary Bullington

Dogwood Beauty

Spring 2018

Our Mother of Good Counsel

Today is the Feast Day of 

OUR MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL.

Turn to her and ask her to intercede for you with her Son, Jesus ~ He will give you the grace you need to live according to His will, for the glory of the Kingdom.

This face.

Rain

This is day 3 of rain.  We needed rain and it is bringing out the green in everything, but now we could use some sunshine.

Finding My Way

The postman just brought "Finding My Way" to my door.  I have admired paintings by Dana Primrose Bloede for some time.  This one called to me and I am thrilled to now own it!!  Isn't she beautiful?

Earth Day

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

Every single day, we must each do what we can to keep it beautiful.

SHEEP

SHEEP, a print from original, by my fellow artist and high school friend, Jeanne Stanford.  Precious sheep.  I love it!!

Jeanne Franz Stanford

 

My Comfort and Joy!

The Good and The Bad

This is the one good thing that happened today.  She was standing right next to the road as we left the lane this morning.  Bad thing is Mr. Magic was taking me to Urgent Care.

It looks like any plans I had for the next week+ are not going to happen.  I can't believe this, but I have Gout AGAIN.  This time in the other foot and the pain is through the roof!

Cannot walk at all.  I may need to start taking a preventative medication.  Seeing the Dr. again in a week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Pam!!

Wishing you a magical day and a bright future. May this day be filled with surprises and joy. Spend the day celebrating the lovely gypsy that you are!

Sending birthday love to you, my friend. 

♥♥♥

Wisteria

My Wisteria.  Very windy today, but she is holding strong!

"Cherish your human connections.  At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal.  You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or a parent."

~Barbara Bush

City Hall Flowers

Our Spring flower display in front of City Hall.  It is always gorgeous!

"Early Spring"

"Early Spring" by Nancy Noel

LOVE!!!

Tarot Deck from South Africa

This beautiful Tarot Deck arrived yesterday.  It came from South Africa - took a little over a month to get here.  It was worth the wait.

Hettienne Grobler is the creator and author of Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck and Book Set.  She is the owner of TheFrenchMadonna Etsy store.

IT IS 37*, gloomy, very windy, and snowflakes are in the air!

Winter has returned!

In the Flower Garden

Winter is over!  The fountain is up and running!

Storms and Tornadoes

It's a cool 47* this morning after the rain from last night.  My thoughts are with those in the Lynchburg and Danville areas who were hit hard during the storms.

Hail

Tornado Watch here till 11:00 tonight.

This photo was sent in to WDBJ7 from Hillsville and Fancy Gap (72 miles away).  That is some LARGE hail.

Wisteria

The Wisteria tree is loaded and just now blooming.  Of course.  Big rain and wind storm in the forecast.  It happens every year.  This lovely tree gets shredded from wind every Spring and I hold my breath hoping the flowers will come back.

Just now received notice that we are under a tornado watch until 11:00 tonight and we may have large hail.

Redbuds in the Woods

Heavy Rain is Coming

 Out taking some pictures before the heavy rain comes and tears the beautiful petals from these trees.

Angel Waiting

After this long dreary Winter, she is eagerly waiting for me to fill the pots with beautiful flowers.