A Season of Gratitude

(Created by my daughter n law Lauren)

I've just returned from a wonderful stay in the

Outer Banks of North Carolina

with my family

for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

How fun it is to all be under the same roof,

loving each other, playing, laughing,

sharing and exploring together.

Many of you know, I have four precious grandchildren,

Annabelle 4

Grayson 3

Dylan 2

Zoey 6 months

So needless to say, our lives are filled right now!

Getting away from our normal routines

allows us to re-focus on what is important.

Letting go of junk in our minds and hearts,

can be a freeing experience.

I had gotten to a burn out stage

before I arrived at our cottage

and needed renewal for sure!

Every time I walk by the sea,

listen to the waves 

and breathe in deep breaths of sea air,

I am renewed beyond any measure.

So today the thoughts pour out,

of all the things I am thankful for . . .

My family and their health

Our love and precious times together

For moments I will continue to treasure

For the time to slow my body down

For naps in the hammock

Delicious shrimp tacos at my favorite Bad Bean

Bookstores and watching our kids pick out books to take home

Walks on the beach with our whole crew,

Time to create my own art

Reconnection with an artistic friend,

Hallmark Christmas movies in the cottage

Time to hold my Jimmy's hand along the beach

For hugs from my mother n law

and watching her play with her

great grand babies

The smell of a 20 pound turkey roasting in the cottage

Our Thanksgiving meal together

For words spoken of admiration towards each other

Two nights alone in the quiet,

The gift of every day

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures,

I can't share all the ones I took,

it would make the this post way too long!

You can always click on my Instagram and see more

 (We tried for that last family portrait)

 Jimmy and his Josie

 Josie and Nollie

 Sweet Cousin Love

My Wynn Girls

 Every night we enjoyed a sunset view

 Heather always searching for that perfect shot

I will never grow tired of this view

 Dad and his boys

 Tried for that Mommy and Sons selfie

So glad Mom came to be with us

 Time out for some Zentangle® at the Whalehead Club

 Another try at our family pic

 Love this one! Sunset at the beach

 After baths and pj's ... story time with Grand mommy

 A little art time while parents were packing up

 Saying goodbye to the kids was the hardest

Last morning of quiet and meditation before leaving

Always be happy and grateful for the moments in your life,

treasure every day and the times spent with

family and friends.

Know who you are and what you stand for,

don't let the busy season swallow you whole,

take time to breathe and enjoy it all.

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