Golden Fragments and Thoughts from Old Wessex

The last hours of April before she disappears over the greening hills for another year...

Through ancient woodland awash with bluebells, I followed the deer track. Bewitched by April’s scent, lost in a world away from concrete and roads. 

This world of layered leaf and broken branch, birdsong and new life unfolding. It breathes, quiet, and yet I do not feel alone. All that has passed over this land is still here. Ghost steps, echoes of stories left behind. A single piece of litter carelessly discarded pierces a sad reminder into my heart, that time has moved on. And yet I see horses, horses of old, a procession of them and leading in front a white one with a ragged mane. This old Wessex path, a hawk short flight from Chippenham, is still Alfred’s land.

Ghosts of gold, cuckoo flowers and golden fields.

Apple blossom and golden dusted eggs

Sweet flower cake

Easter time. Precious moments with family.

And a new addition to the Moonlight and Hares studio. Pale pink velvet, complete with sparkly horn and fluffy mane, a unicorn.

Found in a local shop one Saturday whilst  browsing, How could I resist bringing her home with me to watch over and enchant all things with a little more magic when working. 

                                                   

Enjoy your May day tomorrow and don't forget to bathe your face in the morning dew ;) x

                                                        

                                                              ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

P.S

Thank you for stopping by here and commenting. This blog seems to be having a few problems lately with the size of font and I've been unable to reply to comments, but think I may possibly have sussed it now? ( the commenting bit at least) Fingers crossed? Also, sadly the music has had to go! :(  I've always loved putting music on here, even to the extent I kept it as an HTTP site for as long as possible rather than secure HTTPS. Now though it was time to go to the more secure site settings but that has meant the music player is no longer compatible. I may find a way around this but at the moment we are silent here. Another reason it had to go for now, is because of the much stricter laws of sharing content etc that have recently come into force. In the meantime I may try and embed some of my Son's music, we shall see?

March Meet the Maker Part Four

It's the last day of March and the final instalment of posts for the 'March Meet the Maker Challenge' over on instagram.
Day 26.
Self Care

I’m always thinking about my lists of ‘to do’ or new ideas and rarely switch off as I enjoy what I do. Sometimes though things can get out of balance if you don’t take breaks and recharge. Taking time out is important. Things I like to do are: spending quiet time outside in nature, looking and listening, gardening, feeding and watching the birds, lighting an outdoor fire and sitting beside it. Going for walks, visiting historic sites, day trips, listening to meditative music, writing, burning incense, and soaking in a candle lit bath with the latest book that I’m reading. How do you rebalance? Image is my ‘Be still and listen.The Earth is singing’ that I created in 2012

Day 27.

Anything goes
Today I can choose whatever I want so I thought I would share my little Robin friend who I was lucky to know for two years. For those of you that don’t know the story, he began following me around in 2014 making it clear that he wanted to be friends. I even caught him on the windowsill peeping in. Within a few days he was feeding from my hand. Then most days apart from nesting seasons he would be there waiting for treats and chasing any other robin away. He was a sweet inspiration and can often be seen in my paintings. One of the last times I saw him he let me stroke his red breast. I think he knew he didn’t have long left and was his way of saying thank you and goodbye. I will never forget him.

Day 28. 

Packaged.

When you purchase your items from Moonlight and Hares it will be packaged in a cardboard pip box or board backed envelope. Prints are protected in biodegradable cellophane sleeves that can be dIsposed of on a compost heap, or veg waste box. ( I get mine from @ecocraft ) A little reminder is added in with the print. Cards now mostly get sent naked, although sometimes if they are to go in an envelope rather than a box I will put them into the bio cello sleeves too. I don’t print receipts unless specifically asked for to save on paper and ink. All orders receive a card with a thank you note. I use paper packing tape instead of plastic which is great and soooo much less noisy! 

Day 29.

Most difficult to make. 

I suppose my ‘most difficult’ to make would be wooden hangers. Mote time consuming than difficult though, as they have to be cut out by hand and sanded before I even begin the enjoyable part of painting them. Many folks have asked when I will be making more. And yes I hope to get a batch underway soon. I do love making them but because I love painting pictures as well, it’s trying to strike a balance. I also get asked if I do commissions for them. Sadly the answer to that is no. I made the decision to stop taking commissions a few years back as found I worked so much better without any pressure, worry or commitment on a piece. 

Day 30.

Support

Working on your own can be quite hard sometimes, so I’m grateful for all online support on social media. Your comments and wonderful messages continue to support me. So thank you! Here at home I have support around me in the form of a personal furry assistant. He makes sure I tidy up and never leave anything on the floor as if I do, he will quickly sit on it. He would really like to be chief sorter of the cards on the shelf as occasionally knocks them down with his paws, mainly when I’m concentrating and have forgotten that it was his lunchtime 10 minutes ago. When I’m feeling a bit down he reminds me that it’s time to go out into the garden, to look at the flowers and clouds and to give him a cuddle. Of course I also have support from my wonderful hubby who is also my best friend. He encourages me 24/7 through all ups and downs. And if the printer or computer is playing silly games, he will be there with his tech savvy skills.

Day 31

Product in use/wild

It’s the last day of March Meet the Maker today and I can’t quite believe I’ve managed to do the whole thing!   Thanks for accompanying me along the way, it’s been fun. Here’s a picture of my print Fox Chestnut all framed up. 

 Have a great Sunday and Mother’s Day xx