Lovely Tree Poem

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Trees 

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast:

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear,

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

by Sergeant Joyce Kilmer 1886-1918

Blossoming Cherry Tree, drawing from the sketchbook of Julie B Montgomery, Copenhagen, 2002

I dedicate this poem to all mothers, especially mine, who models creativity in everything she does.  Happy Mother's Day.

CREATIVITY: Elizabeth Gilbert

If you or someone you know is creative in any way please watch this video. As a full time artist I found the information and ideas to be invaluable, opening up the pathways to create. ENJOY.


Elizabeth Gilbert on Creativity

UNION OF HEARTS

"not I love you because I need you but I need you because I love you." Unknown

Things that make you live longer... living in small spaces with the ones you love, a daily glass of wine, and seeing nature every day. This piece, A Union of Hearts, was painted as a pattern for wallpaper during the Arts and Crafts Movement at the turn of the last century. This movement led by William Morris and influenced by the critic Ruskin, was a response to the Industrial Revolution. It brought the much needed nature of British flora and fauna indoors to the walls of the masses. Both the organic imagery of this movement and the presence of public parks, greatly increased life expectancy.

So touch a leaf, draw a heart, drink a glass of wine and go sit in someone's lap. Who knows, if you do it daily, chances are you'll live a long, long life.

Union of Hearts, a water colour design for textile by C.F.A. Voysey, 1899. The design was used by Alexander Morton& Co. as awoven fabric and as a wallpaer by Essex and Co.

plate 58a, Parry, William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement, Portland House, 1989

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_Crafts_Movement

ENTREE D'ARTISTE

Santa Barbara Magazine did a shoot with me and my son, in our home and studio space, for the Feb 2010 Design and Style Issue. I was honored to work with editor, Gina Tolleson, and photographer, Nancy Neil... two very talented women artists. Here's to filling small spaces with creativity and abundance. Enjoy.

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