January 22, 2026 a large snow storm dumped 18 inches of the white stuff in the Providence RI area.

I remember snow storms when I was young. I’d go sledding at my friend’s housethat had a hill. When we got too cold to stay out, we’d go warm up inside with somehot chocolate.

The 1978 Blizzard happened the day before I turned 12 years old.
I woke up to hear: No school
Yet we couldn’t go out. The next day the only door we could go out was the back porch door.

We went out to unbury the cars.
A huge Backhoe truck made passes to clear the snow.
There were some people that got trapped in the storm.
It was two weeks until school opened again.

People walked up the street to the convenient store.
We enjoyed stopping and talking to our neighbors.

With this latest storm, I noticed some kids sledding at the playing field hill.
On the way to an appointment, My daughter pointed out a deer in Lincoln Woods park.

I did a couple of Pen and Ink drawings, which you can see below.

Best,
LG

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists

Things have been moved around.  We moved our toothbrushes and floss to the living room. 

Some inconveniences have been had. Use of the space has been limited a times.    

It’s taking longer than we’d expected.

Finding another wall behind the wall.  

Yet despite those things, We looked forward to seeing it once it’s done.  

This period is merely temporary.

Having a vision for tomorrow. 

I’ve been playing with Claybord.  A board with a thin layer of clay.  I apply colored inks.  Then scratch out lines for texture. 

I am entering two pieces into the Pawtucker Arts Collaborative members exhibit.  

One is displayed below.

Best, 

LG

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.” For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

We’ve enjoyed going to the Pawtucket Art Collaborative gallery for these drawing sessions.

The Gallery is in an old mill building.  

There are assorted chairs to sit at to draw in the gallery.  

There is soothing music that is played for background ambiance.

Marks on the pad.

dot marks

lines

shaded areas

We’re focused on what’s in front of us.  Present.

No judgement.  Practicing.

We usually stay for about an hour. 

There is a Thursday appointment to get to.

I might need to stop at the store to get some things. 

Yet this time is lovely and soothing.  It’s “me time”.

Being in the moment.

?Below I’ve share a drawing.

Best,
LG

“Figure Drawing” Charcoal Pencil

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

The people of the United States of America are facing tumultuous times.

I suppose every generation has faced challenges.  

I do what I can.  

And make space to center myself.  

I do my art.  

I zoom in on a image.  The shapes, lines and colors direct me.

Look

The smallest thing could bring a smile.

Below is a mixed media piece of a Praying Mantas in leaves.

Best,
LG

“Praying Mantas in leaves” Mixed Media

Arts News:

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

One of the sounds I enjoy hearing in the morning is the call of the Mourning Dove.
It’s cooing call has a melancholy feeling to it.
I remember the first time I heard it. I was like, “What is that bird”. It was day time. It couldn’t be an owl. It wasn’t an owl, but the Mourning Dove.
The Mourning Doves come to our yard often. I like to watch them. Sometimes they rest on a tree branch, while other times on the ground.

There are a number of different doves around the world.
In the city we see Rock Doves, often referred to as Pigeons.

I found watching Africam shows online that there is an African Dove that makes an extraordinary sound. I heard it while watching a live cam. I wondered what it was. At first I thought it may be an insect. But no, I was amiss.
It turns out it was a dove: An Eurasian Dove.

Here’s a link to different Doves.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/browse/shape/Doves

Below is my illustration of a Mourning Dove on a branch. It’s done in Pen and Ink.

Best,
LG

“Dove” Pen and Ink illustration

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org

Yet there are people coming together to help in many ways. Organizations
throughout Our country are collecting donations to help those in needs.
I came across an article, “After The Fires: How to Rebuild Los Angeles”
https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/after-fires-how-rebuild-los-angeles

“The post-fire landscape raises the possibility of alternative land use forms to increase the resilience and sustainability of the city. More green space could reduce fire risk by acting as a buffer between developed and high-risk fire areas as well as reducing fuel loads. Areas such as playing fields, bike paths, and golf courses can slow the spread of fire. When irrigated, they can provide moisture to reduce ignitions.”
“Fire-resistant plants and landscaping techniques can also lower fire risk.
Additional green space could add to the vitality and health of the city, bringing the added benefit of reducing urban temperatures while acting as a “carbon sink” to trap carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere. To be sure, achieving that goal would still face many obstacles, including the fact that much of the charred land is in private hands.”

We can create.
We can join together to make our communities more
resilient
stronger
nurturing
beautiful
inspiring

Best,
LG

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.”

Ultimate Guide to Spirit Animals:
The Hummingbird generally symbolizes joy and playfulness, as well as
adaptability. Additional symbolic meanings are:

Lightness of being, enjoyment of life
Being more present
Independence
Bringing playfulness and joy in your life
Lifting up negativity
Swiftness, ability to respond quickly
Resiliency, being able to travel great distances tirelessly
What I have felt see the hummingbird in my yard:
Joy, lightened up, wonder, amazement

I never cease to be enchanted and amazed by nature’s beings.

Best,
Lisa G.

PS: I got some new art supplies and have been playing them.

One result below.

Art News

“The Horse Gift“

Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.

Best,
Lisa G.

“Chimney Swifts” Mixed Media

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click
on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as
well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate
portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists
who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org

This time of year has been called MUD season.
There are days when it’s still cold, as winter hasn’t yet passed. Yet there are warm
days when the ground begins to thaw. Snow melts to water. The ground gets
muddy.

One year we visited New Hampshire at this time.
A lot of the landscape was still bare and brownish.
We took a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway.
The view changed as we went from lower elevation to higher elevation. From low
elevation with bare brown trees and brush to higher elevation with snow covered
mountain tops.
We stopped at one point to check out a short trail. We came across tracks in the
snow. They were moose tracks.
Great pics were taken.

Spring is forthcoming.

Below I am featuring a Pastel painting of a mare and foal in a paddock at this time of
year. Snow melting away to Spring.

Best,
Lisa G.

Lori’s Foal Pastel Painting

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click
on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation.

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate
portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists
who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org

How do you find time for a moment of peace and joy?

In our busy lives it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and noise.

For a while now in the media everywhere there’s news about Trump trials, extreme
politicians, war in Ukraine, Israel and Hamas terrorism, etc.

I do my best to limit my time reading news online or watching T,V.

Here are some things I’ve been doing lately.

January: winter in nor’east

Bird watch from home
Watch LiveCams at explor.org: Lots of nature and animals cams, as well as short
programs to keep one abreast of what’s spotlighted on the Cams.
Drawing, sketching
Writing
Pet Time with out rabbit and bearded dragon.

Best,
Lisa G.

Art News

“The Horse Gift“
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click
on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as
well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate
portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists
who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families
who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org