Magic at the Lake

Magic at the Lake is the title for this week’s painting and post. This name is also a reminder to seek out magic everywhere! Before I elaborate I want to welcome new readers and share the purpose of this post and blog.

Small Spaces Special Places

Welcome new readers! Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s is “Small Spaces Special Places.” Why? I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye.

Also, there are the special places I see on my daily dog walks. Each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for things to paint. Sometimes, we venture on the road and I share paintings of special places from these trips, too.

If you think you will enjoy a weekly dose of unique artwork and musings on life, sign up here for this weekly blog. Let’s get to this week’s topic!

Woowoo on the Wawa

We are either late bloomers or slow learners or both. Why? Last Friday, we took the afternoon off and went to Lake Wheeler located about 8 miles south of downtown Raleigh. Confession: I have lived in Raleigh for ages and I have never been to this lake. Holy Smokes! It’s just beautiful.

Mr Himself brought his new, handmade, gorgeous wooden kayak. I rented a plastic kayak at the Lake. Think it cost $7 plus a $2 launch fee. Even though it was pretty darn hot, we had such a magical time. The vast sky was filled with beautiful, fluffy clouds. There were amazing birds all along the edge of the lake. We even saw a huge Great Blue Heron and heard it “Sqwonk sqwonk” as it flew overhead.

There is something indescribable about paddling along on the water on a hot, summer Friday afternoon. We both felt so grateful to be able to spend a few hours. And, to think it’s all just a 15-20 minute drive from our house.

Magic at Home

When we got home, we saw more magic. Our front yard bluebird house has had it’s ups and downs this year. The first brood fledged in early spring. The second brood disappeared without a bit of evidence about their demise. I consulted a friendly bird expert who said the likely criminal is a snake. So Mr Himself cut back all the tree limbs near the bluebird house.

Voila! We have 4 little bluebirds in the house right now. Here’s hoping the parents somehow manage to stay cool enough in these last few days before their fledglings fly out. Here they are taking a nap.

Doesn’t it look as if the little bird on the left has it’s ‘arm’ on the one in the front? Gahh! So adorable. OK … this is totally off topic and not about painting. But don’t you think wonder and magic help fuel the creative fires? I do!

Magical Music

This week I have also been listening to different music. Heads up I am not one of these artists that can paint, listen to music and a podcast all at once. I actually need peace and quiet to paint. But if I’m doing office work or taking a shower, heck you bet I’ll turn on some music.

There are two songs that inspired me this week. One is a classical guitar piece that Mr Himself introduced to me ages and ages ago. Here’s Manuel Barrueco playing “Danza del Altiplano (Peruvian Dance).” Oh my goodness I think this is so beautiful!!

And, then out of the blue I thought of Al Jarreau singing his 1982 hit “Mornin.” Here’s another confession: I played this song over and over and over again. Why? Oh good grief, I was an insurance representative at the time. And I was on the road four-five days a week in South Carolina. Can you say miserable? But this song saved me…seriously. Thank you Al Jarreau!

For Sale

By the way, this week’s painting is in a cradled panel. What does that mean? It means that the 3/4 inch wooden ‘cradle’ around the panel functions as a frame. So you can pop this painting on your wall – no fuss no muss! Woot!

Please let me know if you would like to see what the cradled side of the painting looks like. I can send you a photo. Here’s the a link to the page with a Paypal button if you’re interested in buying it and thank you!

What Brings You Magic

How about you gentle reader? What brings magic into your world? I would love to hear. Please share in the comments below and thank you!