A mild start to November

I saw a wasp and a butterfly on Monday and there is a pink rose blooming in the garden. Hard to believe it is November now. But it is and the apples have all blown from the two trees. So far I have made chutney, apple pie and fresh juice but there are still two bucketfuls in the kitchen to use up.
I have had to put my little heater on a few times in my workroom, but so far the weather has been kind and it's wonderful to be outside watching the twilight fall early and the Autumn light play tricks with the shadows and reflections.

 I captured these shadows in the greenhouse, they remind me of old photographs.

There is no sign of frost yet and the lavender still has flower.

But the leaves are falling...

from the great giants, in the field behind the willow herb.

and the holly is reminding everyone what time of year it is.

I've been busy making things to restock my Etsy shop. New items will be added tonight at 9.30pm (uk time)

I won't show everything, but here are a few items that will be making their way there.

                                                                           ~*~

 So who had a sparkler last night then?  The best firework, pretty, but no noise.
 I did.  ;)

That November night, looking up into the sky, 

You said, 

"Hey, wish that was me up there-- 
It's the biggest rocket I could find, 
And it's holding the night in its arms 
If only for a moment. 
I can't see the look in its eyes, 
But I'm sure it must be laughing." 

But it seemed to me the saddest thing I'd ever seen, 
And I thought you were crazy, wishing such a thing. 

I saw only a stick on fire, 
Alone on its journey 
Home to the quickening ground, 
With no one there to catch it. 

I put on my pointed hat 
And my black and silver suit, 
And I check my gunpowder pack 
And I strap the stick on my back. 
And, dressed as a rocket on Waterloo Bridge-- 
Nobody seems to see me. 
Then, with the fuse in my hand, 
And now shooting into the night 
And still as a rocket, 
I land in the river. 

Was it me said you were crazy? 
I put on my cloudiest suit, 
Size 5 lightning boots, too. 

'Cause I am a rocket 
On fire. 
Look at me go, with my tail on fire, 
With my tail on fire, 
On fire. 
Hey, look at me go, look at me...

Kate Bush ~Rockets tail 

Winter On it's Way

As I sit writing this I can see through my window the wind has got up. The last week has been so still and grey, but today the light has changed. The first glimpse of winter in the pale pink tinged afternoon.

Light and shadows on the wall look like other worlds and landscapes. Maybe I will paint pictures inspired by these. More to add to my long list. ;)

I've been busy with wooden hangers. I have 16 more to paint and then I am having a break from them.  There is always a balance that needs to be met with me in regards to  painting and crafts. If I sway to one too much, then I have a desperate urge to do the other. Recently It's been mostly craft, so it's time to get the balance back.

 Above, owls waiting their turn. There are 11 to paint, barn, snowy and tawny. Below some woodland fairies which have just been listed in my Etsy shop.

This time last year there was snow on the ground. This year I have two pink roses in bloom.
The furry two know winter is on it's way though I'm sure....

Hmm...sister hasn't quite mastered the art of cosiness though...