Flowers and Bees in Winter

Winter Solstice is almost upon us. The longest, darkest night, when the ground should be hard with frost as in the deep mid winter that carols sing about. The earth should be cold and asleep. It's not though, here there is not a sign of Jack Frost. In the garden there are flowers blooming and yesterday there were bees.

I don't think I've ever seen a bee on a flower in December here, ever!?

I know some folks are enjoying the mild weather, but I would prefer to see December decked out in frosty attire. The seasons are just not right. Maybe we won't get a winter at all?

Last weekend I had a fleeting visit to Dartmoor. It was my Birthday and I stayed a night at the Two Bridges hotel which is conveniently located a short walk from the ancient Wistmans wood. It was lovely to be back there again and this time in Winter rather than summertime which was when we visited last time. The lichen and moss seemed even brighter without leaves on the trees.  

On our way back we passed Postbridge, and stopped to see the old clapper bridge .

 A bronze age tomb remains. 

 Then walked a little and sat with the quiet stones.

Back home I've hung the green upon the door and the fae lady has mistletoe for hair once more.

It feels like weeks since I picked up a paintbrush. I've been so busy with packing orders there was little time for much else. Christmas has been busy in the shop and I'm very grateful to anyone that has supported my work and bought from me these last few weeks and of course throughout the year. The calendars have been a great success and only a small amount are remaining now.
Now things are beginning to quieten down and I have a painting on the go and  even managed to find time to do three little Aceo sized paintings. Inspired by Wistmans wood.

It would have been wonderful to have seen the wood on a frosty day or in the snow. Maybe one day?...But even though I didn't, my little white hare got lucky!  :)

Music To Listen To While Sketching And Watching Butterflies And Bees

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Albert Einstein

There is not a day goes by when I don't listen to some form of music. I wash up to music, paint to music, cook to it, and  most nights fall asleep to it.  When I was a child I heard music in the ticking of my parents bedside clock and when I lie in the bath I hear it in the dripping tap.  Music is an escape for me, a story. As well as immersing myself in pages and ink I mostly submerge myself in notes and melodies that fly me away to heavenly places.  Far away from the constant bombardment of negative news and daily dose of depressing data that is thrown at us via, media and social networking. Oh the bliss to put headphones on and block out not just the news of the world sometimes but my own thoughts that get carried away on the wave of it all.
I like all kinds of music but my favourite is the type that gives me goose bumps. That is the music that reaches  my soul. It's always a joy when I find a new piece that pulls at my heart strings, brings a tear to my eye or lifts my spirit and takes me on a flight as if I'm an eagle soaring high above the earth.  When  I come across such a piece I listen to it over and over. The other day I watched a dvd and found this beautiful piece by Alexandre Desplat.

Here's another wonderful piece by Dustin O Halloran..

And more beauty by Sigur Ros

I've been sketching in the garden and have continued to be outside in the good weather as much as I can.

   

The sunshine has brought out lots of butterflies and bees to the garden. So good to see.  

"Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher" 
William Wordsworth