It seems like forever since my last post.  I took a much needed rest for a few weeks to heal from the flu and take some time for peacefulness to return in my life. Having finally emerged from under my quilt I see the sun is out today. I snapped a few photos just because they reflect my quiet mood......

It is so important to find that bliss again after all the to-ing and fro-ing of the holiday season. The simple beauty of this shell is a wonder, if a person takes just a small moment to look. And the trees are in crisp outline to the sky.

I had the pleasure of painting a portrait of this darling little imp at the end of last year.  

I'll be posting more soon - in the meantime, if you are able, take some time for a quiet interlude.  -Lynndee

Every year about this time all the little things that I want to do for people start to make a big pile on my desk.  All the little details that make life so pleasurable for the holidays also make me want to take a nap about now.  So, I think this is a good time to take a nap or a movie break or just to lighten up already!  I'm all about the beautiful details, but a bit of balance is in order as well.  Time to listen to the winter birds and smell the fir needles under my feet, releasing their spicy aroma as I walk down the path.  Perhaps a little purring therapy from my darling kitty? 

Here's a great book I'm reading - it's a bit old, but a wonderful story.....

And here's what's on my front door this year.......

I hope all my readers know how much I love you!  It is so fun to write this blog and share myself this way.  Be kind to each other and to yourself especially, and enjoy your blessed life!

I'm in the mood for the holidays.  It's all these lights and cookies and music and gift wrapping that are everywhere now.  And the ubiquitous candy canes - which I couldn't help but offer up in an illustration.  You gotta have Candy Canes.
Everything seems to sparkle or glow.  And maybe it's all the candles reflecting in the night.  Everything and everyone looks better by candle light. Here is my kitchen window sil. 

And there seems to be a red and white theme emerging......

I have been doing a lot of cosying up in our little beach cabin.  I love the cold months for just that sort of thing. Puttering in the kitchen and starting to decorate for the season. This pine cone illustration is from a while back but it is finding new uses as a tag design this year.......

I've been baking and the house smells delicious like cinnamon.  The light is wonderful right now with the sun so low in the sky - everything is softly glowing.

The dark blue winter sky is the background for this curious crow who has found the glow of a fallen star.  And as the Winter Solstice is coming very soon, we are opening more to the mysteries of long nights.  Even when it is the darkest, there are always sparks of light that reach across the night sky.  This illustration was inspired by my Etsy friend Angie, who imagined a crow for celebrating the coming Solstice.
Of course all my artwork is available in my Etsy store, and you can check out Angie's Etsy storefront Gothic Glass Studio to see her beautiful glass work and amazing jewelry.  

Here is the final calendar design for 2012.  This is a 'loose leaf' style and it comes packaged in a neat little case - similar to a CD case - which opens up to make an easel for displaying the calendar - very clever!  I am hoping to make another calendar design this year, but it's getting a little late, so we'll see.  Anyway, this one's a limited edition.......More new things for the holidays are on their way.  Here is a link to the calendar in my Etsy store. 

Here in the Northwest we have to look a little deeper for the truly brilliant fall colors, but they can be found.  This little vine was just shining it's rainbow colors for me. 

And you know this print is for sale at my Etsy store.

I'm having so much fun doing calanders for next year.......going through all the seasons one by one.  I realize again that I take joy in all the little delights of each season.  It is in the small pleasures that the spark of happiness can be found.  Here is a loose leaf style calander that is almost ready - just need to proof read all those numbers.  Each month comes as a 5x7 card that can be displayed on a little stand or just propped up on a window sill or desk.  

I love this month!  The leaves fly off the trees and the wind is chilly but our hearts are warm.  This is just a quickie post because I am winding up lots of projects before the end of the year.  I'm working on 2 calanders (more on this soon!), and here is the artwork for the month of october.......

Tomorrow the sun is crossing the celestial equator.  These days always bring a flurry of activity for me as I immerse myself in the studio.  At the moment I am feeling quite inspired by the change of seasons.  Here is a new illustration that came about recently.....

The perfect autumn day would have blue skies and puffy white clouds and there would be a crisp little wind blowing these gorgeous leaves off of the trees.  A print of this illustration can be found for sale at my Etsy store if you need a a little bit of autumn to gaze at right now.   

You know I've been an artist since I was 14 or so years old, and I have been a professional since my early 20's in one form or another. It's been such an interesting road for me.  I'm often asked how do I stay inspired to keep making art?  Well, I think I've "learned" how to be inspired over the years especially when my creative tide is at it's lowest ebb.  I have found that when I go exploring I am inspired.  These days I love to look at other people's amazing blogs.  Here is one that really makes my heart sing......Susan Branch, the artist and author extraordinaire.  She never fails me with her unwavering life loving posts.  Another new place to find wonderful images that fill me up is on Pinterest - a really cool site where you can make a virtual pinboard of imagery that you love.  

As this new season begins to unfold I am so grateful for all the beauty around me in all it's forms. Here is a photo I took recently that made me feel all ready for cozy days in the kitchen in my beach cabin.

If you are a kindred spirit I hope you will keep on being inspired and being creative.  Keep the fires burning, trying new ideas and putting them out there.  No second guessing what is in your heart.  Then take care to refill the well.  I want to share this truely wonderful quote I found on Susan Branch's web site because it really struck a cord in me.....

"On some hill of dispair, the bonfire you kindle can light the great sky - though its true, of course, to make it burn you have to throw yourself in." quote from Galway Kinnell