Sometimes . . .

Sometimes . . .

I just want to shut myself off from the world

Stay in my pajamas ... all the day long

Take a nap in the middle of the afternoon

Not talk to anyone for hours and hours

Read a scrumptious book from cover to cover

Stitch for hours uninterrupted

and watch what unfolds on the linen piece

Sit at my beloved Tapestry Loom

and weave and weave and weave

while watching the image come alive

onto the warp

Sometimes I just don't want to think

Sometimes all I want is to just sit 

quietly alone

Breathing in all the thoughts

that pass me by

(For they are all life nuggets of knowledge)

Trying to absorb life as it touches me

Sitting quietly in prayer and meditation

listening to what God has in store for me

Sometimes life is just moving

too quickly

It is hard to grasp all that is thrown at me

I'm trying to get this life thing right

I want to never turn on the television

and hear all the heart breaking 

turn of events.

I turn the ringer off my phone ...

just to grab a moment of quiet

for social media can drown me 

only if I allow it to

Sometimes I want to take long walks

in the outdoors,

breathing in the beauty that surrounds me;

forgetting the "stuff" that is furiously chasing me.

It feels good to be outdoors

for nature is God's true gift to us all

it is where I truly slow down

to pause and listen.

Nature is free and a gift to us all

Sometimes seems like a heavy word 

at times

then at other times it is the 

gift of hope and possibility

How are you feeling today?

Do you take the time to slow down,

to listen to your heart soul

and what it is saying to you?

Sometimes I wish we could meet face to face

and share a cup of hot tea together,

sharing our thoughts and desires

with one another.

Feel free to leave them here in the

comments if you like,

I'll be here.

Donna Lee

Progression

What is currently on my floor loom

Every moment I enter my studio,

my loom Welcomes me ...

I sometimes run in for a paintbrush,

a quick sketch,

look for a certain book or journal,

and I wish I had more time

to sit and weave ... just weave more!

I have been weaving on my Mirrix loom

and my Hokett looms for smaller projects,

but I haven't spent a lot of time

on my larger floor loom.

I have owned it almost a year now

and I'm not getting very far!

I created this current weaving project 

almost seven months ago,

and I ask myself "Where has the time has gone?"

I created a watercolor cartoon,

(from a watercolor original of mine)

set up the warp

and my weaving is slowly

working itself up the warp.

Progress has been so slow it sometimes disturbs me.

How I admire current day

tapestry weavers that accomplish so much!

I now realize they devote their time to their art,

not spread out their time in so many different avenues!

In order to do something well we must spend quality time

devoted to it ... learning, experimenting and discovering.

My Original Watercolor

inspired from Jeanne Carbonetti

When we are allowing ourselves growth and progress with our passions,

we must first realize how important it is

to devote time to our art or endeavors.

I don't want to spread myself too thin

in an already full life.

Tapestry weaving is important to me,

I have been distracted with knitting,

sketching, playing, 

working, needlework and writing . . .

all wonderful pursuits for sure.

Yet each pursuit has pulled me away

from my Tapestry Weaving,

what I truly love the most.

I do realize that in order to show progression

in my Tapestry Weaving,

I need to devote more solid time with it.

Progression in our work 

comes when we concentrate;

when we devote time to a certain thing,

when we set aside moments to grow.

My current work

I find myself saying yes yes yes to what I am writing

and agreeing with every word I have written here.

When we are passionate about something,

whatever it is for you and for me,

we must devote time to it.

I want to grow in my knowledge of weaving,

I want to see progression in this beautiful work

I currentlyhave on my loom.

I don't want to waste any more time.

So I ask you my friend ... 

What is it that you need to show more progression in your life?

Are you spending quality time doing what you love and need to do?

Are you spreading yourself too thin

and not getting much done anywhere in your life?

I think it is a question we have to ask ourselves

from time to time for sure.

Spring is a season of new beginnings,

at least it is for me.

My new beginning is carving out time

to just sit and weave,

quietly and meditatively in my studio,

my private and very special place.

My loom is calling me,

what is calling to you?

I know I am going to love this when it's finished

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

It's all about the little things

Annabelle Lily's shoes

I absolutely love Fall!

It is my favorite time of year . . .

for me it is a time of settling in

slowing down

writing more

painting more

pulling out those socks on my knitting needles

(which have been there since last fall!)

creating crockpot soups to simmer all day

nesting in my home . . .

for there is so much joy in this time of year.

We even have a new little puppy in our household,

and she is bringing a new kind of joy into our home . . .

Meet our Josie Grace

Halloween has passed

the candy is just about out of the house,

I've watched all the old horror movies

on TCM,

I must say truthfully, I don't get very

excited about that holiday,

but this year seeing my little munchkins

dressed up for the holiday,

made it even more enjoyable!

Our Grayson Blake just turned one in October

Now I look forward to Thanksgiving,

finding and recognizing all that I am grateful for,

and there is so much for our family this year.

It just keeps getting better and better,

and our family continues to grow.

Our miracle baby ... Dylan James

Take a long look at the world around you

and notice

the little things that are changing . . .

see the beauty in the leaves falling

the temperature dropping

the cool briskness in the air

the full moon at its brightest

Nature is amazing and it is a gift to us all.

Don't forget to look UP!

You never know what you are missing!

Leaves just starting to let go

I have pulled out my art journal again,

trying to work at it more diligently ...

I was inspired from fallen leaves

and collected so many to do a watercolor study.

Here is a sample of my journal page ...

I got out the watercolors, oil pastels and had at it

Words just flowed ...

I love art journaling

It truly is all about the little things,

those things which bring you joy in your life,

Whatever that may be!

Take the time to slow down and enjoy

all that is around you,

all that you have been given.

Cherish the special moments,

the ordinary life moments,

and the treasured times.

This weekend, pour that extra cup of hot tea,

and read one more chapter before rushing out the door!

Write a small haiku,

call a friend,

here's a thought ... write a letter to someone,

in your own handwriting!

Just treasure the still moments given to you

I am wishing you a week of joy,

a time of restfulness of spirit,

a time to be creative,

a moment to restore your soul,

just be in the moment,

be in this beautiful season . . .

it won't let you down

Donna Lee

The Joy of Family

Our OBX family photo before leaving

I believe family is the greatest gift we own

Loving each other

Sharing our lives together

Having fun and giggles

Watching our family grow

Loving and Supporting each other's efforts

My week in the OBX with my entire family was great,

how rare it is these days to get to spend

a whole week together

playing with grandchildren (and children)

spending a block of time together,

forgetting about what we left behind,

if only for a short time.

Since we've returned ...

of course life marches on

and we try to connect as much as we can!

I'm just grateful for treasured moments,

where time stands still for a little while

and we are reminded about what is truly important.

Now, oh so very soon

we are anticipating the birth of our third grand baby,

and in three short weeks,

we are bringing our new labrador puppy home . . .

(still trying to come of with a cool name for her!)

things are about to get real busy in the Wynn household!!!

This I know to be true:

Time stands still for no one

Love is the greatest gift of all

Grandchildren change your perspective on life

Each moment should be treasured

Even when your children are grown they need you

You still need to carve out time for yourself

Finding time to do what you love is important too

Reach out to extended family,

my summer has been blessed 

with re-connection with cousins I cherish!

I can't get enough of my sweet family,

which is growing with each passing moment.

The Joy of Family ... I know I'm truly blessed

and grateful and gifted for sure,

how about you?

Celebrate your loved ones today,

find moments to be together,

heal broken relationships with extended family,

it's so important,

for family is what matters.

Sending Love and Light
Donna Lee

My Documented Life

January 1, 2014 I began my journey

with 

A Documented Life Project

as we are approaching mid August

(way past the middle of the year),

I decided to share some more of my journal pages.
My original post was January 8, 2014
when I had first begun this project,
you can find it here!

This has been a wonderful experience 

and I encourage you to hop on over to the

Documented Life Page

and be totally inspired!!

The creators of this adventure are

some beautifully inspiring women,

and each week they come up with 

more and more ideas to keep our journals 

filled with creativity!

Thank you to each and every one of them

for helping and guiding us along the way.

My journal has become a record of my life,

events, ideas, thoughts, poems, photos, art

and so much more.

It is never a chore to work on it,

only pure creative joy!

It has become my friend and companion!

With each and every passing week,

my journal becomes more a part of me.

I look forward to recording the moments of my life,

remembering and documenting.

The fact that I got to create art along the way,

makes it all the more special!

Sometimes I just sit in my studio,
glancing back at the pages

and see just where this year has taken me.
How soon we forget little moments in our lives!

I decided to share some of my favorite pages with you today!

It feels like I am opening up my soul to you,

journals are so very private.

What fun this project has been,

I know many of you have been participating

right along with me

and each one of our journals will be different,

in their own beautiful way.

I feel that I am connected with so many

others through this project!
We even share our work on a private Facebook page,
keeping us all connected together!

I don't think it's too late to jump in,

or I sure hope they offer this project again in 2015!

My journal is growing with each and every passing day,

it just feels good to hold it in my hands,

this is an amazing effort

and something I will treasure for years to come!

Wishing your Wednesday to be full of

love and creativity

and happiness in all things!

Donna Lee

Grace and Gratitude

Is this not the most perfect sign?

I was visiting a garden show recently

and just had to snap this picture!

It got me to thinking . . .

Each and everyday do I try to live my life 

with

Grace and Gratitude?

In the busyness of our everyday lives,

we are losing touch with simple things,

forgetting what is important,
always looking to what comes next.

I went to Mr. Webster for meanings of these words ...

Grace:  a way of moving that is smooth and elegant

Gratitude:  a state of being or thankfulness

Summertime is such a perfect time of year

to slow down, enjoy life at a more gracious pace,

and live with a more grateful heart.
My senses are hightened around these words,
this way of life, this way of thinking.

I do try to live my life around grace
and I am truly grateful for each moment
in my life, whether good or bad,
for each are teaching moments for me.

Try practicing gratitude today,
see what comes up for you!
List all the things you can think of
in your journal that you are truly grateful for ...
right now in this very moment
I am so grateful for Wednesdays,
time with Annabelle ...
who is sleeping sweetly ... oh so sweetly
in her crib right now.
I always wonder where  do babies go in their sleep?
It must be a very happy place ...
for Annabelle always wakes up full of joy and smiles
ready for her grand mommy to give her some smooches!

Have a beautiful day today,
walk in grace and peace
talk with grace and love
act in grace and patience
I will too!

Slowing down with Self

"I love and respect myself as I am"

I have been thinking a lot about these words lately ...

I created this mixed media mandala

while participating in an online course

with Louise Gale.

I have learned so many techniques and ideas

for creating my mandalas

and I can't believe we are already on week three,

with just one more to go.

As I was creating this artwork,

this affirmation was included

from a bunch Louise had shared with us,

I chose this one,

it spoke to me loudly!

It is so hard these days 

to love and respect ourselves,

just as we are.

The world says we have to be ...

thinner, prettier, talented, richer, better, achievers

and so much more.

I am trying so hard

to slow life down just a bit,

to center my life around

what IS, not what IF's.

Appreciating the gift of my family,

my faith, friendships, my written words and poetry,

my artwork.

I am learning to believe in myself

and the woman I have become

and the person I truly am

right here and right now.

This isn't always an easy thing to do!

Life certainly carries it's challenges along the way.

For now I will quiet my heart and mind,

concentrate on what is

and appreciate what life has brought me.

Loving and Respecting myself all the while.

I truly love how art and life

are mingled together so beautifully.

I am grateful for this teaching moment

I had this week

and grateful for creative moments

in my studio,

one of my most favorite places to be!

Donna Lee

A Week of Love

"Love Cannot Be Measured"

I have been working on my

Documented Life Project

week by week

and enjoying every minute

of filling my journal pages

with art and words.

This week's prompt 

was to repeat a shape

onto the page

so I chose hearts!

(in honor of Valentine's Day Week)

I used watercolor, inks,

rubber stamping, stickers, punches,

stitching on my sewing machine

and created this journal page

along with my own quote

I do believe in love . . .

Love for my precious husband

Love for my children

and my granddaughter Annabelle Lily

Love for my granddoggie Nollie

Love created in friendships

Love for my art and my creative life

Love for the written word

Love for senior adults

Love is all around

if only you will see!

It is in the tiny moments,

the cherished times,

the smiles given to others,

kindness extended,

it is a free gift in our life.

It is there for the taking and the giving!

I am wishing you a beautiful week,

a Happy Valentine's Day,

Joyous moments with your loved ones,

remember to Love yourself

along the way!

I am sending you Peace and Love

You, my readers

are precious to me!

Donna Lee

Favorite images of 2013

As I look back on 2013,  I realized I captured so many

beautiful life moments

with my camera in hand.

I loved participating in 52 Photos Project as well,

it continues to teach me to always look at life

with a photographer's eye.

Believe me ... it took me awhile 

to actually call myself

"A Photographer"

and actually believe it!

Here are some random photos,

favorite moments I captured

this year that mean

the world to me.

Hard to narrow them down to just these.

So many yummy life moments happened!

I am sharing openly with YOU!

It was a good 2013

full of growth, new experiences

and I became a

grand mommy for the first time!

Just how far I had come in photography

I am always seeking stillness

My word for 2013 on the back of a truck

Me and Patti ... Grandmoms to be

Fall inspirational words

52 Photos Project Prompt ... Polka Dots

Three Wynn girls at Thanksgiving

Uncle Ronald playing guitar

Sheep photo from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

My surfer boys

Time to play in Corolla

Creating artwork after the death of a friend

Sending Peace from the Glacier Mountains

Poppy Love in Canada

Sit with me awhile

Artful Spirit Retreat

Birthday fun on the beach

Birthday bowling fun

Me and my honey in the Outer Banks

Holding my grand daughter for the first time

My future little artist Annabelle

Spending time with Maya Stein and Amy Tingle

Serendipity Retreat Wishes

  Grand Daddy holding his Annabelle

How I love baby toes

Greeting me at Zentangle Seminar this fall

Staying at the Hotel Providence

I got Elizabeth all to my self for a little while

Life is full of yummy moments

Building altar in Glacier Mountains

How I love my name Donna Lee

Annabelle holding onto me

I hope that you will take the time

to reflect on all the blessings of your

very own 2013!

So many moments,

experiences, words written,

new lessons learned.

times of happiness and sorrow.

All wrapped up into 2013

and on to a new year.

I wish you love and peace,

time of precious moments with your family,

time for creativity

and most of all

a desire to be creative within you,

where ever that creative path leads you.

Follow it,

take some chances

and grow beyond measure!

See you here in 2014

Love to you,

Donna Lee