Blue Sky and Blue Lines

There is a stunning blue sky today. It's so nice to have so much light. Much of January was grey and sombre and my mood by month's end matched it! Having light makes a world of difference to me. I can stand the cold and the snow if you give me a little sunshine.

Today's light created the most beautiful shadows in the forest where Meeko and I walk. It took my breath away. It was like being part of a beautiful tapestry made of tree trunks and blue shadows.

Meeko and I aren't the only ones who enjoy walking through the forest. We noticed lots of animal tracks today in the fresh snow.

Generally, I let Meeko go off-leash in the forest. But he lost those privileges last week. He caught the scent of a dog and took off down the pathway--completely out of my sight and in the direction of where the forest pathway exits onto a road. I ran after him. Me run? Me run in the snow? Yes I did! Thankfully, the dog and owner he had gone to greet stayed in one place and waited for me. The owner said she knew it was odd for him to be all on his own.

But really how long can you stay mad at a face like this?

Happy February to you all. I wish you blue skies wherever you may be.

Blue Friday

Today is 'blue' day in the Poppytalk Summer Colours week.  This is the final day in the coloured-theme week. I have pulled together a collection of photos taken by me, Emma and Chloé. The top photo was taken by Emma with a timer at my parents' Muskoka home last summer.

1. Muskoka silhouette (photo by Emma)
2. Forget-me-nots
3. Swim goggles
4. Top of fire hydrant (photo by Chloé)
5. Emma's feet in Muskoka (photo by Emma)
6. Lobelia
7. Chicory (photo by Chloé)

If you garden, you know how hard it is to find true blue flowers. When I started my garden here, I planned different colour schemes for different flower beds. I intended to plant only blue and white flowers in the pool area. So many blue flowers actually are more like purple. I love purple but was disappointed that my blue and white vision never quite came to be.

I am feeling a little blue today about my painting time lately or, more to the point, the lack of it.  It's challenging once the girls are off school, especially because my studio is in the house. Other parents manage to work through the summer but I think when work is outside of the home, it is understood better and respected by everyone both inside and outside of the family.  Despite my frustration, there's lots to celebrate right now.  Emma's high school graduation and prom is tomorrow and Chloé's birthday celebration with her friends is in progress right now.  My birthday is on Sunday, Chloé's actual birthday is next Saturday and we are leaving for a family trip to New York in a matter of days.