Happiest of Holidays to You!

Our holiday tree this year

My holiday season has been a busy one,

and so has yours I am sure of it!

I was determined to step into December lightly,

I told myself I would not let stress get the best of me,

I would enjoy the decorating, the wrapping, the baking,

all the beautiful holiday moments . . .

so far so good!

(I admit as the holiday draws nearer,

it is getting harder to keep that promise to myself!)

I must say I have been doing a lot of 

internet shopping and home delivery this year,

that Prime from Amazon gets me every time!

The malls are so crowded, 

traffic in Virginia Beach is crazy

and time is running out!

In between all the holiday demands,

I do find time to create a little art for myself,

it centers me, helps me keep focused.

Since my blog is all about my creative life,

I have done a few things I would love to share:

 Setting up a warp on my wonderful Mirrix Loom

 Working on a painting for someone special

 Not done yet ... still needs finishing touches!

Playing around with my own handspun yarns

Stitched this beautiful ornament for our tree

So as you can see I have had

time to create my artwork.

I truly mean it when I share that

it keeps me grounded,

keeps me happy

and I feel centered when I can

spend even a few moments

working on something.

Art is a discipline, at least it is for me.

I make the time for it,

and I never regret it!

So I leave you here in 2016

wishing you the most joyous

holiday season you can have!

May it be filled with love and celebration,

may you find time to be good to yourself as well!

I thank you for visiting here faithfully this year

and listening to what I have to say.

I look forward to the New Year,

until then I have gifted myself the rest of 2016

to stay unplugged . . .

no Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,

or Internet!

(I may post a pic of my precious grand babies during the holiday!)

Oh my goodness, whatever will I do

with all that time that just came my way!!!!!

From our Wynn Household to yours,

May it be a Merry Merry Christmas for you

unlike any other!

I leave you with a pic of our

sweet Josie Grace

(Last year we couldn't let her near the tree!)

Josie Grace

Love always,

Donna Lee

(aka an old creative soul)

Returning to my Spinning

A treasured keepsake I found in Providence, RI

Perfect prop this morning!

It has been years, literally years,

since I have picked up my spinning!

I returned to my wonderful 

spinning wheel just last week

and I am falling in love with it

all over again!

I have had a Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel

for ten years

and it is brand new!

It had become a piece of furniture

in my living room

that I dusted and polished every now and then!

Oh my ....

Say Hello to Rapunzel

I knew it was time to try and work with her again.

My granddaughter loves to play with the drive band

and spin the wheel around!

I want my wheel to be more than just a toy!

So I decided I was going to sit at the wheel one afternoon,

grab some fleece, oil the machine and

find my rhythm once more!

I sure did!

I truly had forgotten how wonderful

spinning your own yarn was.

A practice bobbin full of yarn

My whole desire to return to spinning

was to create my own unique yarns

for my Tapestry Weaving.

I have the fondest memories of

the Southeastern Spinning Guild

here in the Tidewater Area

(I'm talking about 20 years ago!)

We would rotate homes, bring our wheels,

fill the house with laughter, chatter and the sound

of wheels going round and round.

I had forgotten about that for awhile

and remembered while writing this post!

Oh the friendships that were formed back then.

Now it's all gone ... how we lose touch with others!

Life moves on and we forget!

I did learn a lot during that time,

and I do know that your spinning rhythm

doesn't disappear ... it returns with practice!!

For my birthday I purchased the amazing

Jenkins Turkish Drop Spindle.

My Tapestry teacher Rebecca Mezoff

had demonstrated and shared hers

and I wanted one.

There is quite a waiting list to get one,

but I finally got mine.

I have been playing with her and

the beautiful rainbow dyed fleece that

came along with it.
It was  60% Merino Wool and 40% Bamboo blend
from New Hue Handspuns

I am taking Rebecca's Little Looms class
right now online
and I am spinning these fibers to create
a small tapestry.
I want to see how my yarns weave up!
Can't wait, but first I need to spin up a fiber stash!

I completed my first skein

and am now on to the next!
I ordered more from this company
and got this luscious Periwinkle blend!

How I love this masterpiece of handcrafting!
From the hand carved spindle
to the hand blended fibers.

I have always loved art forms that call to me.

Tapestry Weaving slows me down enough to think,

Spinning teaches me patience and finding my rhythm,

Knitting fills my heart with pure joy

and

Zentangle® teaches me to enjoy the process

more than the final product

through meditation and centering.

Life is so fast paced,

especially at this time of year!

So when I have the chance to do something creative,

I want it to be fulfilling

and relaxing for my spirit.

How about you?

What art forms do you like to do,

and why do you spend time at them?

I would love to hear about it.

May your week be filled with joy,

remember to slow yourself down

whenever you can

and take in all the beauty that surrounds you!

Donna Lee

Being Creative on a Sunday!

Marbling on 300lb watercolor paper

I love Sundays!

What a beautiful day I had yesterday.

Church service then lunch with my sweet family!

Any time I can spend with my kids is special!

We went from 72 degrees on Saturday,

to the 40's today

and last night it dropped to the 30's!

So I was definitely in the mood to stay home,

get creative and nest a little bit.

First thing I did was pull out my spinning wheel.

I have been the lucky owner of a 

Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel for quite awhile.

I must say it has sat looking pretty

in my living room for years!!!!!
I would walk past it and say "hello spinning wheel"
and never take the time to play with her. (sigh)

I have been wanting to return to my spinning

for quite awhile now.

I want to create my own yarns for 

my Tapestry Weavings.

So today was the perfect day to begin.

I was shocked to see how much it was now worth $$$$$

It had definitely increased in value over the years!
I had a treasure and didn't even appreciate it.
So she got a lot of attention today
and a hand rubbing of Love and some Danish Oil!
What a joy it was to find my spinning rhythm again!

Trying to find my spinning rhythm again

I had been watching some Zentangle® artists

doing some amazing works with marbling the tiles

before drawing on them.

I was intrigued, watched a few You Tube videos

and decided to give it a try!
Here was my absolute favorite video I found.

Shave Cream with food colors

I just poured some shave cream (old fashioned kind!)

into a flat tray,

added some different food color dyes,

swirled the colors with a knife

and laid my papers face down,

I then used a flat cookie spatula to

wipe off the excess

and there was surprise underneath the foam.

What fun!

I created over 14 different tiles and a journal page yesterday!

Not bad for a playful afternoon!

I love the Zendala tiles from Zentangle®

Of course you know there is always

a Mandala nearby ... I created this one Sunday Evening,

by the fire of course!
I couldn't wait for the tile to dry ...
which was quickly by the way!
I wanted to get drawing immediately.

So Yes ...  I would say it was a very creative Sunday.

I always love trying something new,

and also returning to something old

and finding completion at the end of my day!

Always find the time to be creative

Hoping that your Thanksgiving holiday

will be one filled with Joy,

Love time with your family,

Delicious food,

and Blessing after Blessing!

Take the time to recognize 

all the good in your life,
I promise you it is there to find,
if only you will look for it.

take the time to be Thankful for it all!

Donna Lee

Connections with others

Created for my last Zentangle® class of 2016!

Life is full of connections!

We connect with others in so many ways

on a day to day basis.

I love the word Connect!

I recently created a Mandala and

decided to create a little mandala and word play.

So I found a page from an old book,

colored it with a watercolor wash,

and then found a word to cut out and use.

(You never know when you might need just one word!)

I connect with my Optical patients all day long,

friendships are always nearby,

my family always needs me,

I am connecting with my students

when I teach,

I connect with words through the page of a book,

my art while I am in my studio,

my weavings while sitting at the loom.

I even connect with strangers

along my daily path, and so do you!

This is just a small reminder for your day:

To make those connections in your own life work.

Be loving and gentle, in times of strife.

Be that kind word, when there is none to be found.

Be the smile when someone needs to see one.

Connect with others in a real and sincere way!

It is so important!

Especially in these deeply divided politic times in our nation.

I found this beautiful magazine from the UK

at Barnes and Noble recently.

I saw Zentangle® was featured inside

so I purchased it.

Oh my goodness it was filled with so much

beauty and thought provoking articles.

Always finding time to draw!

Find moments to just Breathe,

in whatever way works for you.

Connect with someone you haven't seen in awhile,

Re-connect with a family member.

It's important and good for your own

heart and soul.

Find those times when you can just be 

good to yourself.

Feed that soul of yours with good stuff!

Donna Lee

Unrest and Recovery

A treasure I found this past weekend ... such beauty!

I recently got away to the Outer Banks

to celebrate my Sister's birthday.

Somehow time spent in the OBX

brings my soul back to where it belongs.

The gift of rest, time away, the roar of the ocean,

and the sand between my toes.

This has been such a season of Unrest . . .

 especially where Politics have been involved.

The bickering, slander, unkindness,

television commentaries, judgements and commercials.

I could go on and on.

Everywhere you turn

people are slightly grumpy,

worried, agitated or rude.

They are unsure of the future.
And now this morning after the Election,
we have our results!
The unrest continues.

So we have to grab those moments

when we can unwind, regroup, refocus and recover,

Come back to what makes us comfortable again.

It could be through travel, family time,

creating art, prayer, naps and so much more.

The Ocean is always my calming gift

Now the busy holiday season is fast approaching,

I am practicing moments of self care

as much as I can.

It seems we are moving from one stress (politics)

right into another (holiday shopping)

and if we aren't careful ... it can take our breath away.
I am currently working on a sweet project ...
a linen stitched stocking for my tree!
I started it at the Sanderling Inn
while away with my sister.
With each little stitch I am relaxed.

I have fallen in love with my stitching again

Unrest can be unhealthy

Recovery is vital for our well being.

So grab those moments whenever you can ...

it's not being selfish, I promise you.

For me time spent in my studio is vital.

Painting, drawing my Zentangle or 
Weaving at my Loom is a must.

Created this during Election results

How I love my Mirrix Loom!

How about you?

I would love to hear what calms your soul,

What you do to take care of yourself . . . 

we can all learn from each other.

Take a walk outside, breathe in the fresh air

that is given to us each day.

Visit with a friend, take a long nap (just because),

sleep in one morning,

reach out to a long lost friend, 

Here is a great idea . . .

stay off Social Media for awhile,

and see how you do!

Advice for your day!

On this uncertain Wednesday morning,
I wish you Peace ... all the Peace you can accept!
Walk lightly, be good to yourself!
May your day be filled with beauty
and
all good things.
My wish for you is Rest
in a season of Unrest.

Thank you for stopping by today

Donna Lee

Quiet Words

Creativity

Every day

is an opportunity

to be creative ~

the canvas is

your mind,

the brushes

and colours

are your thoughts

and feelings,

the panorama is

your story,

the complete

picture is a work

of art called

"my life"

Be careful what

you put on the canvas

of your mind today ~

it matters.

(Innerspace)

I shared this at closing yesterday

with my Zentangle@ Class

and thought it was perfect

to share on my blog post

this last day of October.

Blessings to you always

Donna Lee

Checking in with Myself!

Looking for tiny moments of Joy

It is now the season of Fall . . .

Just a few months left in this amazing year!

I always consider this time of year 

as a time to check in with myself,

re-evaluate and step back just a bit.

I love that there is a crisp feeling in the air,

Leaves are changing colors all around me,

I can open my windows at night and hear

the beautiful sounds of nature.

October is almost over

and here we step quickly into the Holiday Season,

it's right around the corner folks!

I must say I dread the busyness of the next few months,

it's all about what we have to get done,

who we have to buy for,

hurry, hurry and hurry some more.

So I took the time to re-visit

my WORD for the year,

RENEWAL

How appropriate for me this time of year!

The world is such a loud and noisy place,

it is good to be reminded to turn Inward.

Re-evaluate our priorities,

slow down for a bit

and concentrate on what is truly important.

There are just a few months left of this year

and I ask myself how did I do with my 

Word for the year?

I think pretty darn well.

I have learned that in this life,

we are constantly changing.

People come and go in our lives,

we walk in and out of relationships,

we hold on to certain things with a strong grip,

we are learning each and everyday we live.

So I guess we are constantly renewing

our hearts and minds.

We need to look at all the opportunities that come our way 

and actually see that we can grow from each one!
They are all teaching moments.

I was featured recently on the Squam Website with
Elizabeth's Morning on the Dock Podcast Series.
What an honor that was for sure!
She asked thought provoking questions,
and I answered with an open heart.
It was as though we were sitting in her amazing living room
just chatting over a cup of herbal tea!
You can find it here . . .
http://www.squamartworkshops.com/podcast/episode-49-donna-wynn/
I think everyone needs an Elizabeth in their life,
and know her the way I truly know her.
What a gift it is to truly share a friendship with this woman!
I so appreciate her guiding me along my creative life path.
This podcast kinda explains what this blog post is all about today!

So as November fast approaches
and the Holidays draw near,
just take the time to breathe in Nature,
breathe in Stillness,
breathe in Opportunity
and let go of unneeded stuff in your life.
Find regular moments of solitude
to keep yourself in check.

I love watching my little grandchildren growing up,
they are teaching me something new every day.
Especially about love, acceptance and discovery!
They are now 3, 2 and 1
(how precious is that!)

Grayson Blake

Dylan James and Annabelle Lilly

This is the perfect time to check in with yourself,
change the things you can
and
accept the things you can't change.
Allow yourself this freedom.
We can't rely on the "resolutions"
we wrote down in the beginning of the year,
for we are constantly evolving.

May your day be filled with joy today
as you walk your own path.
I'm so glad you stopped by today!

Donna Lee

How color affects our artwork . . .

I never stop being amazed at the beautiful sources of color

that is all around me.

I am more focused on color I am sure as an Artist,

whether using my Watercolors to paint,

or weaving with my scrumptious Fibers.

I take so many photos because I don't want 

to miss a creative moment, 

knowing that photo will affect my

artwork somehow and sometime!

I am having fun in Rebecca Mezoff's 

Color Gradation Online Course,

and I am learning more that I ever dreamed!

Color blending, hatching colors, shading,

and taking two colors of threads close to each other

on the color wheel,

separating them and blending them to make new colors.

The possibilities of color are endless.

This course just goes on and on with

insight and inspiration.

Thank you always Rebecca for giving

so much to your students through your courses.

I am a sponge soaking up every morsel!!

As part of the Social Marketing team at Mirrix Looms,

I also wrote a blog post about my course with Rebecca,

using my new Spencer Treadle

and The importance of color in our artwork.

You can find that article right here

Let me tell you one important thing . . . READY?

If you are at all interested in Tapestry Weaving,

explore the beautiful Mirrix Looms,

I purchased my very first 25 years ago,

They are as magnificent now as they were back then.

(I don't say that because I am part of the team,

 I say it because I love mine!)

I have had a dear internet sister purchase a Mirrix recently and

I welcome her into my weaving family!
She also signed up for Rebecca's course,
she is hooked for sure!!!!
Nancy is such a beautiful soul ...
check out her website here
she inspires me through her faithful walk,
and all her creativity!
What a gift it was when we connected
through our blogs one wonderful day!

I have just come out of the effects of Hurricane Michael,

I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia

and we were only going to have a snippet of the storm,

NOT SO!

2 am Sunday morning was a fierce storm passing through!

We lost power for quite a while, and it took days to get our cable back,

we still don't have our landline phone in service.

It did teach me the importance of not depending on television,

political news, Netflix and even my Pandora music!

Quiet is a good thing.

It slows you down, teaches you to listen way down deep, 

to rely on your thoughts

and rest your body.

The sounds of nature outside are so beautiful.

We usually close our windows and shut the world out,

we are missing life's little treasures.

I played Art ... using my new Sennelier Watercolors,

here is a small creation I keep working on.
You can usually find me with a pen and some watercolors nearby!

I am thinking of creating a card from the painting,

what do you think?

So on this quiet Wednesday, I am heading to my studio,

where all my favorite creative things are stored.
I am hoping to get a few hours of uninterrupted weaving time in today!

As I enter my studio, this is what I see first . . .

My precious Felicity Grace ... I've been calling her Gracie

and I think it fits!

Enjoy your midweek,
we are halfway there to the weekend.
Take the time to always observe your surroundings,
look up at the beautiful colors in the sky,
or see the plants still blooming,
certainly you have many shades of mums nearby!
As always, thank you for taking the time
to visit here ... it warms my heart!

Donna Lee

My Wordless Wednesday