Color, Creation, and Inspiration

"Seven Royal Colors Play Rainbow Ride" 

Who but I peeps from the unhewn dolmen arch? 

(excerpt taken from a translation of the ancient poem, Amergin in The White Goddess by Robert Graves)

Hello, Readers! Sometimes stories are channeled through art. My mind tends to travel down random conceptual tangents that wind up linking different ideas together. Skipping around on the creative path, no matter where it leads, permits me to follow along and let creative spirit show the way. 

As creation grows, so do stories. I like to listen to audio books while I work. Many of the books I listen to are about philosophy and quantum science, two topics I love to engage with. The books I digest influence my creative work, and I think it's interesting to see the elements that appear in a finished project. 

There is a lot happening on the story front these days; the 3rd book in the Fairday Morrow series. The Master's Emporium, is in the works, along with a WIP that's been brewing up a storm lately. So, while the story cauldron is simmering, here are some of the art projects I've recently completed. 

The more you look, the more you see; truth lies betwixt the lines. Nature's spirits are my muse, and when I explore the essence of natural patterns on a deeper level, I always find myself lost in a mad splash of matter. After all, that's where it's all happening! 

"Myxtress Molasses" 

Microscopic Modern Art 

"Dream Dragon" 

Dream Dragon waking

Knock, knock Skull of Forever

Three fold vibe power

"Sorceress Purpura's Spell" 

Conjuring violet in the Skull of Forever

Spin, spin Rainbow Ride

Purpura’s spell, call a star

Spin, spin Rainbow Ride

When is now, and not so far 

 

Spin, spin Rainbow Ride

Xeerimoops, a stranger way

Spin, spin Rainbow Ride

Skull of Forever in play

"Colors Dancing in MIND" 

"Color Storm" 

There are clues about the stories and more artwork at Cottagefive.com if you're interested in putting some of the pieces of the puzzle together. 

Cottagefive.com is my art website where you will find drawings, paintings, copper wire characters, mood candles, Microscopic Modern Art, and more! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my art. I love to share ideas and spark imagination. Enjoy the colors! They are eternally light and free. 😍💖

~Jess

Copper wire mermaid on fluorite stone/ clam shell

"Dancing with Spirits" 

Mood candle art

Views From the Pond May/June

I was hoping to do one post for May and one for June, but life had other plans. So, like last time, I will be sharing pictures from my pond over the last two months. Although May and June proved to be very busy months, I did find moments to sit outside and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of Spring and early Summer. Of course, much of Mother Nature needs to be absorbed in person and I just wasn't fast enough to catch many of the visitors to the pond and yard. Maybe next time! 

Every day I see the pond and surrounding area look so different depending on the light and shadows. It is beautiful and amazing. I can see why Monet created so many paintings of his water garden. The every changing views are good for the soul! 

And a few of the animals that I saw over the last couple of months. I missed taking pictures of a raccoon that comes down at dusk to wash his hands and face, a red fox, squirrels, a variety of birds, and all the fireflies. 

Last July we began a drought here, which lasted through the early Fall. The pond got down to a puddle and the brook dried up. The frogs and other animals were so sad. I hope this summer will have the right amount of rain for  all the creatures big and small. I'll keep you posted!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: The War I Finally Won l by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 

The War I Finally Won picks up right where The War That Saved My Life ended. Adad had her surgery to correct her foot and there is a world of possibiliries awaiting her. She and her brother, Jamie, are living with Susan Smith, who has been caring for them more than their own mother ever did back in London. Sadly, they are no longer living in Susan‘s comforting house as it was bombed. They’re living in a cottage that belongs to Lady Thorton. This new house is dark and dismal, but they are making do. Lady Thorton is a little sharp tongued and cold, making Ada feel tense. Things become a little more difficult when a teenage girl named Ruth comes to live with them from Germany. Lady Thorton is not happy, but she has to allow it. Could Ruth be a spy? With the war going on and all the changes in her life, Ada has no choice but to change and grow.  Who will she be?

I absolutely adored The War I Finally Won. Ada is a characters who touched my soul and made me care about her and the things that she’s gone though. I was hoping now that she and Jamie are officially with Susan that there life would be easy. But, the times weren't easy and war brings a lot of sadness, and Ada had tough things to experience. I enjoyed getting to see old friends from the first book like Maggie and I enjoyed meeting new ones. It was interesting trying to figure the new characters out!  The characters will definitely stay with me, as they have made their way into my heart! This is a great sequel to a wonderful book and one I would recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and is 9 years old and up. I bet even people who aren't fans of historical fiction will be captivated by Ida, Jamie, Susan, and their story.  I definitely look forward to reading more books by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Has anyone else read The War I Finally Won? Or have your read another book by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.