Through the Looking Glass...

Today is the first day where I officially feel like Fall is finally "here"...
Although the leaves are still green, the Dahlias and other annuals still blooming with summer colors...Fall is definitely in the air.  It's always amazing how fast the time and seasons go by each year.  In just four short weeks or so...the view "through my looking glass" (aka...sidelight of my front door) will change drastically with an expolosion and flash of those glorious fall colors (photo on the right is from October of 2010).  I absolutely LOVE the changes Mother Nature brings to us this time of year - and although I am just a tad sad to retire my flipflops...I love the thought of bringing out my warm, fuzzy, black slippers - they are very squishy and make me feel like I'm walking on air - hence the dreamy like state of my below photo...in my humble opinion they are the perfect work shoe...

Yes...they just came out of hibernation so are in need of a grooming...

Each year, the seasons come and go...in a blink of an eye.  But no matter what time of the year it is...one thing is certain - the seasons are very consistent - like a faithful, loving, old friend.  For our family, each season contains certain family traditions, special recipes and treats, decorations - and typically a flash back of the year before, where we can reflect upon all that has changed and all the new people that have entered our lives and found a special place in our hearts.  Fall is also a time when I look back on my long history of sharing, the memories and meaningful projects, shared tutorials and classes - and ponder what I might do to inspire others in their creative endeavors.

Speaking of fall and creative things...over a decade ago, I painted a fairly large Watercolor entitled "Fall Reflections" - which was inspired by a visit and photo I took from a lake in Massachusetts during the early-80s.  Watercolor is something I've been doing for many years - and although I've sold paintings and taught classes - to me, I'm more of a Watercolor hobbyist since it's not something I do everyday.  However, like many other hobby-goers...there is something special and refreshing about creating when the mood strikes.  For me and painting - this year it's been a real treat to incorporate them into ART tiles for my jewelry and craft projects...here's the original painting and ART tiles that I created from it.

Fall Reflections - 1999 painting of a Lake in Massachusetts

Fall Reflections painting digitized/miniaturized for my ART tile creations (available in our Etsy store)

So my thought with all this Fall weather...is you've got to love Mother Nature...she provides us with so much beauty - and yet never ceases to surprise us.  If you look at the past nine months here in the NorthEast...we've had beautiful blue skies, perfect sunrises/sunsets, welcome rains and breezes...but there have also been a few "surprises", such as:  record snowfalls ~ record temperatures ~ too much rain/to little rain ~ floods ~ and most recently...an earthquake and hurricane.  

This if course makes me relate the seasons and raw power of Mother Nature...to real life.  I know that many of you (like me) have had your share of challenges, frustrations, and feelings of disbelief in your life.  However, if you think about the consistency of the seasons that continue to move forward...we too have the strength and capability of weathering the storms and can take comfort in focusing on the positive things. This year I have been blessed with so many things...opportunities that have enabled me to share all that is dear to my heart, the mindset to let go of things and forgive, and most importantly the new people that have entered my life who are incredibly supportive and caring.  Amazingly positive things that keep me moving forward like the Seasons with a quiet strength and unwavering faith in all that's good. 

That's all for now...
FYI...this weekend I'm finishing up a couple creative Tutorials and DIY projects to share with you (hopefully one this Sunday)...plus look for updates and new products coming to the Artfire & Etsy stores this weekend (I know finally...)!

Have a super weekend everyone!
~JLynn