Spring Blossoms

 

The Apple Blossoms

Springtime White

Dandelion Sunshine

Pin Cherry Blossoms

The Humble Bumble Bee

THE GLADNESS OF NATURE

by

John Greenleaf Whittier

(1807-1892)

Is this a time to be cloudy and sad,

When our Mother Nature laughs around,

When even the deep blue heavens look glad,

And gladness breathes from the blossoming ground?

There are notes of joy from the hangbird and wren,

And the gossip of swallows through all the sky,

The ground squirrel gayly chirps by his den,

And the wilding bee hums merrily by.

The clouds are at play in the azure space,

And their shadows at play on the bright green vale,

And here they stretch to the frolic chase,

And there they role on the easy gale.

There's a dance of leaves in that aspen bower,

There's a titter of winds in that beechen tree,

There's a smile on the fruit, and a smile on the flower,

And a laugh from the brook that runs to the sea.

And look at the broad-faced sun, how he smiles,

On the dewy earth that smiles in his ray,

On the leaping waters and gay young isles,

Ay, look, and he'll smile thy gloom away.

~ Wishing you a very delightful day! ~

Where the Buffalo Roam

Buffalo Herd

The Yearling

These wonderful creatures live not more than a mile from our home. Within a few short weeks brand new light red fuzzy calves will be seen trotting by their mother's side, tussling in mock battles, or curled up for a baby slumber. 

Of Noble Knights and Sailing Ships

Noble Knights

and Sailing Ships

As director of a renaissance faire my husband and I founded in the late 1990's, my days are now filled with visions of brave knights tilting on armoured war horses, nobles bejeweled in pearls, gold, and silver with clothing made of fine velvets and woven tapestries, musicians gaily playing melodies heard by ancients over 400 years past on bagpipes, lute, drums, and recorder, and children laughing merrily as they dance around the Maypole, ride a royal's pony, or play medieval games, all under the green canopy of beautiful trees festively decorated with coloful flowing banners.

 Preparations for this annual festival, blessed with hundreds of dragonflies, began many months ago. But now 6 weeks away, nearly every waking hour contain thoughts, planning, sewing, sawing, painting, cleaning, constructing, mowing, hauling, placing, and greeting, until the massive gates of the Olde World Renaissance Faire finally open once again to reveal a beautiful re-creation of a land long ago and far away. This will be my life until...

I awake from my renaissance world, but only for a short time, as I look to the east and watch for 8 amazing tall masted sailing ships to arrive in the harbor of Duluth. In celebration of their arrival, a festival is to be held. In preparation, I begin again, with thoughts, and planning, sewing, and cleaning, hauling, placing, and greeting to produce a slice of Olde World for the wonderful creators of the 'Treasure Adventure', an amazing treasure hunting experience during the Tall Ships Duluth!  Time to be a pirate? Hmmmm, "Arrrrr!" :0)

Reflection of Youth

~ Reflection of Youth ~

A new bookmark design has been added to those available in my Etsy shoppe DeLaRenaissance.

'Reflection of Youth', created in December of 2006, was inspired by my photo of a beautiful tiny Arab foal born with us many years ago. Her innocence and curiousity in the world around her were woven into the image of a baby Pegasus viewing herself for the very first time in a clear blue pool rimmed in flowers.

Even though the little chestnut Arab foal grew up and became a beautiful mare, she still lives in my art as an inquisitive little white foal with wings.

~ Wishing you a beautiful Day! ~ 

Crocus In Stripes

The first of our Spring flowers have finally arrived! Crocus in blue, purple, and white, striped, and solid with blazing yellow orange centers add color and cheer wherever they appear!

The Hypnotized Gull

~ Wave Spout ~

Not even a flinch did this gull make as splashes and spouts of Lake Superior water rose above him.

Spring River and Forest

The St. Louis River

Setting Sun in the Forest

Minnesota is blessed with thousands of fresh water lakes, streams, and rivers. This past Sunday we took a 20 minute drive to view the beautiful St. Louis River as the Spring run-off swirled and churned through its solid rock banks where gorgeous trees of pine and cedar thrive, creating a scene of fantasy in the glow of the setting sun.