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!  :)

Winter King

These past few days I've enjoyed adding the final decorations to our home. Holly, ivy and my favourite, mistletoe. There is just something which attracts me about mistletoe. For those of you who have read this blog over the last few years, you will know that each year I try to get it to grow on my apple and hawthorn tree. As yet I have still not been successful and this years bunch again comes from our local farm shop. So it's not really growing in my tree, I just placed it there to photograph. :)

I  finished a painting the other day. I have named him 'Winter King' seen here in a wintry collage. 

I'm sure Winter will inspire some more icy work yet, so watch this space.  'Winter King' is available to buy as a print in my Etsy shop here. Last posting date is tommorow, so there is still a teeny bit of time to buy if you are still looking for gifts. 

It's raining today but I'm wishing for more frosty weather, as in the picture above, taken last week.
I suppose being mild is easier on the heating bills though, that's one good thing...

November Mists And Cracklings

Misted, smoky, damp days of November are here. I love their scent. Sweet browning fallen apples, tangled with leaves fermenting on mossy damp lawns. The sharp temperature drop at night  mixed with wood smoke that spirals out of cottage chimneys. Warmth beckons from cosy windows looking so much more inviting at this time of year. It's that time to dig out hats, scarves, gloves and big socks that come up to the knees again.
Skies have been illuminated with flame and cracklings.

While outside is Autumn, inside has been one step ahead.
Winter and Christmas has stopped by at my desk.
Holly and Mistletoe hares to be added to my Etsy shop.

                         

 And some more pendants.

 I've just finished reading a story with a unicorn. It also had wonderful dragons, magic and Glastonbury woven into it's pages too and the theme of the story is so current and relevant to today. I won't give too much away but suggest you go and read more! The book is called  'Tilly Greenway And The Secrets Of The Ancient Keys' By Essi Tolling. 'Watchers' is book one of a trilogy. There is an Amazon link on the right side bar. I think it would make a wonderful Christmas gift for an older child or teen? Or if you are like I am... then of course also yourself. ;)
I love the way that books now have trailers, what a great idea. I found this one on you tube.