Things to Come

It's been a rainy day here in New England, but despite the gloominess, 

I still managed to get myself out to the gym this morning!

The kitties were hunkered down on the guest room bed,

and still there when I returned. 

I think they have the right idea!

I've been a bit sluggish with my blog lately, not for lack of interest, but rather because I've been  renewing my desire to make art with fabric and thinking out what I want to create. I've decided to begin with a series of landscapes.

 My usual method of making a picture in one sitting and then sewing it immediately wasn't really working for me. Like many artists, I would be dissatisfied with the finished product and that would hold me back from starting something new. Where is the joy in that?

So I'm taking a different approach.

I've been slowly setting up a few pictures, pinning them up on a design board - a piece of foam core which I can move from room to room - and letting them sit, adding elements from time to time, but mainly just living with them while letting them develop slowly. It's almost a meditative process, working slowly, and reflectively and I'm hoping to come up with some good pieces in the end.

With the recent rain, we are finally seeing an end to the snow ( we hope! ) and I think it's about time to change my blog's snowy banner! So, soon there will be a new look here at Hartfelt,

some new work to show,

and always new pictures of Mr. Angus and Miss Rosie!

I know we are all thinking of those who lost their lives in the tsunami today, 

and all those who were affected by it.

May everyone who reads this have a happy and safe weekend.

Angus and Rosie: The Saga Continues...

Rosie loves to squeeze between the plants on her way to the window sill...

and Angus looks very serious, wondering who that is looking over his shoulder!

Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend!

Birthday Love

Thirty years ago today, a beautiful light came into our lives.

 Funny, smart, inventive, creative, savvy, kind, 

thoughtful, independent, resourceful,

loving daughter:

We celebrate you today!

Happy, Happy Birthday, Kate!

Happy March!

Recently, the fragrance of a hyacinth plant in the supermarket stirred up a strong yearning in me for green grass, leaves and flowers. I settled for my favorite plant - miniature daffodils, wrapped in the brightest of yellow papers.

Of course, Miss Rosie had to investigate....

and later, Angus wondered what was under the soil.

And, although we had another 5 inches of snow last week...

I can see that the forsythia bush outside my porch window
 is busily preparing

to sprout new blossoms when the weather cooperates.

All things in due time,

but meanwhile I think I'll cut a few branches,

 bring them inside,

and enjoy a pre-Spring showing  when

they burst into bloom!

Wishing everyone a happy March !!!

Stop and Smell the Roses!

Just sending out wishes to everyone who stops by

for a very happy Valentines Day!!

This is the card I made for my husband, a fabric picture 

of the Kids (as he calls them!).

Angus cannot resist investigating

and smelling my Valentine roses!!!

I love you all, my blogging friends. I'm always thrilled to get comments and to read your blogs.

I always wanted to have a penpal when I was a girl,

and now I feel that I have such friends all over our country and in other parts of the world!

Hope everyone has a lovely day!

xoxoxo

Just a Few Things...

February has always seemed like kind of a dark month to me, and this winter has certainly had its challenges! Here in New England, we're buried in snow, have leaky roofs from ice dams and are now going through some truly freezing weather! 

But there are always ways to create mid-winter cheeriness

with color and comforting things!

I received this wonderful hand cut valentine from my clever friend Elaine! She tells me that, at one time, some men's neckties had designs like this. I can't imagine what would be written on a necktie these days!

I recently purchased this book, after perusing its pages for just a few minutes! A really spontaneous purchase! Maybe it was the phrase "25 Heartfelt Projects" on the cover, or maybe it was some of the sweet projects and photos within:

I love the combination of quilting, embroidery and beading here,

and the wool applique combined with quilting here.

It's a bit late to start projects for Valentine's Day, but I think this book will provide me with plenty of gift ideas to use throughout the year.

I'm still recovering from the surgery I had at the beginning of February. Apparently it was a difficult surgery - the gland  was quite inflamed - and the area is still swollen. Today I put on makeup, felt great and went out for brunch with a friend. An hour later I was in pain again. So, this is definitely a time for patience. I'm trying to live in the moment, enjoy being indoor with the kitties, and work on a few low-key projects. I hope to share some of my landscapes soon.

Spreading out fabrics, embroidery threads, beads and fibers is always uplifting to me!

I hope that everyone who reads this has a wonderful weekend!

I certainly intend to!!

Hearts and Flowers

With Valentine's Day approaching, I took out some of my favorite papers and fabrics, preparing to make some special cards. As I grow older, I find myself attracted more and more to the color pink or soft rose. In my stash there are plenty of examples of this color, in various prints and patterns, so I don't have to buy a thing! This is always an enjoyable part of February for me.

And in the spirit of Valentine's Day, my friend Andrea sent me some wonderful photos of a tree in a neighboring town which is decorated every year with handmade hearts. The tree stands in front of a church and gladdens the hearts of all who see it! A great idea for any tree - I've thought of trying it myself!

Tree Photos by Andrea Willey

And I just have to add these funny photos of the kitties.

Today, as I came into the living room, I caught sight of this display.

No, Rosie is not falling out of the bed -

She is sleeping this way,

and stayed like this for about twenty minutes!!

You could say that she was just

"Hanging Out"!

(Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

Hope everyone has a great week!