Drawing Challenge: Water

Patrice had us thinking about water, so blessedly abundant here in the Pacific Northwest. 

In the neighborhood on Friday morning, rain clung to the delicate branches of this newly sprouted bush.

Just the day before, this was the scene as Daughter and I took Flossy around Greenlake.

Water-creatures were out basking.

Public art seen along the Elliot Bay trail this blustery afternoon...

...ends up here, draining fresh water into the Bay.

 In many parts of the world, water is in scare supply and some have to walk miles each day for enough of this precious stuff to survive. 
I never take water for granted.

Being by water refreshes and restores serenity.

'Water Works' - pencil and watercolor on 180 lb. cold press paper, about 6"x4"

Float on over to Patrice's always-refreshing blog for more water images from a myriad of marvelous artists participating in the drawing challenge this week.

Searching for Rythm

Visiting the Sailor last Friday, we took a walk at Point Defiance State Park as the day ended.  Mt. Rainer was looming wonderfully.

Driving back to Seattle, I took Highway 509 rather than the so-called freeway, I-5, and was rewarded with a nice sunset along the waterway.

This road parallels the canal where his ship was tied up, loading cargo for Anchorage - that's it, behind the pleasure fleet.

I am still a woman without a country in some ways, not in my studio yet, trying to get a rhythm going in this exciting new place.  Each day is an adventure of discovery.  

Hope you are enjoying the week.  

See you over at Patrice's place this weekend for the Drawing Challenge.

roY g biv

Happy First Day of Spring, Northern Hemispherians!  Yellow is the color of the month for Roy G. Biv players.  Here's my collection:

Daffodils abound at the Public Market and in neighborhoods all around the City.

Yellow Fin spuds - Yummy!

Jelly fungus found on a downed branch around my Alaska property.

I spotted these dashes of yellow at the Port of Tacoma last Friday when we went down to grab the Sailor off his ship for a quick visit.

 There is plenty more yellow to bring in the spring on view via links at Jennifer's excellent blog.  See you there!

New Studio - Before

I rented my new studio last week, and am waiting anxiously to move in.  Here is a shot of the space facing the east wall.

The current tenants will be out shortly.  I really like my turquoise floor.

Waiting to move in is hard.  I feel starved to paint - it has been a long hiatus, and although drawing and photography have kept my visual eye amused, I long for the feel of deep immersion that studio hours provide.

We found a great trail yesterday afternoon, and walked along the ship canal for a mile or two.

Daughter, Instagramming along the way...

I am treasuring these last days of winter, making the most of these waiting moments.

A Different Kind of Beauty

The first few days here have been graced with sun, rain showers, and temperatures warmer than i am used to this time of year. 

 It is a bit like heaven.

 Walking to an evening meeting under the cherry blossoms rather than driving 9 miles is a plus.

 I am relishing living among so many deciduous trees after twenty years in a place abounding only in evergreens. 

 One comes upon interesting sights along every way.

 These sculptures are lying around in a yard not far from my new rental house.

 

 We got over to Green Lake for a lovely walk on Tuesday afternoon.

 The turtles were out basking on logs.

 My home in Alaska is so beautiful, it's delightful to find a different but equal beauty here in my new home!

Happy day to all!

My Journey Outside (by Flossy)

As Readers may know, Mother and I have moved to the City.  I thought an account of our voyage here on the Alaska Marine Highway would be of interest as a cautionary tale if nothing else.

Mother's last maudlin walk with me down Sing Lee Alley toward our former studio (distant center roof with dormer) was a very cold one.

We boarded the ferry in the dead of night.  (I was too exhausted for observation, but Mother did post a picture or two of me on Instagram).

Wrangell was our first port of call, at 6 am after only about 3 hours of sleep.

The view from the forward observation lounge approaching Wrangell.

I was certainly ready to get out of the truck and go exploring.

The long blue thing on the left is the ramp one enters and leaves the ferry by - even cars.  Dogs have to stay out of the way.

Turns out there was a great Pack traveling with us! 

This lady had a very nice Beagle and a 20-year-old Italian Greyhound named Luigi who was too cold to say much.

 When we were back on board, it was time for my breakfast.  Well, guess what was forgotten?  My food and water bowls!  Mother improvised, using a CD case for my plate.  I drank some water from a paper cup. 
Hmmph!

 When we got to Ketchikan mid-afternoon, Mother redeemed herself by purchasing a lovely heart-shaped crystal water bowl and adequate food dish at a very nice Thrift Store we found on our walk.

 The sunset on Wednesday was beautiful, Mother reported.
Dogs are Not Allowed on the upper decks.
Hmmph again.

We traveledthrough Canadian waters all day on Thursday.

I had to take her word for how stunning the views were.

 Since there were no towns that we could stop at, the Ferry Captain ordered Car Deck Calls so People could come visit us Dogs.
The Others were actually relieving themselves ON THE DECK! 

 Quelle horreur!  It was so WRONG!  I absolutely refused to sink to that level and steadfastly waited until we were safely off the ship at Bellingham.
Dare I say, Hummph?

 The rest of the voyage was a blur...

 Finally, early Friday morning right on schedule...

...we drove off the ship!

I was as glad as Robinson Crusoe to be on dry land again, I can tell you!  We stopped for a lovely walk at Larrabee State Park.

We were both thrilled with the warm good smelling air and beautiful scenery of our new home.  Glad to know that the City is not all buildings!

If you are Canine and ever have to travel by Ferry, get one of those 'Service Dog' vests and ride in style with the People on the upper decks.