Saturday, August 2, 2014

Postcards from the Lake: Duck Parade

It felt like September at the lake in late July. Cold days, colder nights, rain, purple skies, lots of book-reading, fireplace fires, more rain. If it hadn't been so green, I would have bet that it was nearing October.


This postcard finds me picking up a few moments from our extended weekend like this park bench made of skis in Boyne City. We went to Boyne City because Rick's bike wheel broke and that was the nearest replacement site.


Lizzie caught her first mouse. After seeing one dart across the room earlier, it was nice to find a soft furry carcass in the utility room and not in my bed as Gypsy once offered. She's clearly been working nights.


And when she hasn't, she's been cozying up to Rick. Cozying is something Lizzie Cosette is pretty good at, so long as it's on her terms.


She missed the Duck Parade. They came out of the woodlot next door, mom and three babies, all in formation.


Then they combed the beach for whatever it is ducks comb beaches for.


Mama Duck kept a sharp watch, but they hung out for a rather long time, sometimes swimming next door, then back again.


They're still a bit downy, with a bit of yellow on their heads.


Then off they marched, in formation, once again. We aren't sure where they're hanging out in the woodlot. Or maybe they were on vacation.


I was somewhat productive, too. I finally finished a bunch of paper clay embellishments to use in various projects. It was so damp, I think they're still in drying mode, but I got them painted and ready to use.


I started with backgrounds for pages on Karla's book page swap.


And I finished off a journal (not pictured) and four mini-canvases that don't look nearly as nice here as they do in person!


It's a beginning.

21 comments:

Arti said...

What a beautiful post. Your lakeside sojourn is idyllic. And oh, you're feeling it too? September in July? I'm seeing leaves turning yellow here in my neck of the woods, despite 30C (86F) temp. Hope you have the chance to soak in some fun at the TCFF.

I need orange said...

Love the ducks. They look like about the same age as some in West Park here in A2. Especially love that one of the babies and their mom where all four of them have one foot in the air.... Nice capture. :-)

Love the ski bench, too. What a good idea.

I'm glad you are getting time to Make Stuff.

Hooray for vacation!

Jennifer Richardson said...

oh the beauty of your life!
I love those clay leaves...so much goodness on your work table.
And those ducklings:)
And that bench inspires me so....thanks for sharing.
it feels like Autumn here, too.
grateful and wallowing,
Jennifer

Marilyn Miller said...

I would say a very good beginning. Your artwork is wonderful.
Loved seeing Mrs. Duck and children strolling by. And Lizzie has a very cozy room to cozy up with Rick for sure.

With all the warm weather we have had it is hard to imagine you having cool weather. Usually it is the other way around. Oh that global warming and changes.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

We had some unseasonably cool weather here, too, and there were days where it really felt like September but the last week has been perfect so I hope it's been nice where you are, too!

I do especially love that first photo of the pink sky. How beautiful. And the duck pics are too cute. The canvases you made are beautiful - I am sure you can 'guess' which one is my favorite! I forgot to tell you that when I had friends over to help me hang photos, they noticed the two Paris canvases you made and complimented them!

tlcukjourney said...

A lovely post, I have to say that your first picture is absolutely breathtaking! What an amazing photograph... and the ducks, I love ducks, I love to take my children to feed ducks.
I hope you're having a great weekend,
Tammy x

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I SAW A DUCK PARADE TOO, THIS WEEKEND!!!!!! And the nights Jeanie, it's starting to feel like September! Oh, but what a lovely time you are having. This has been a magical summer for me, and I feel like a kid again. That's what summers are for....

littleRamstudio said...

Fabulous colours in that sunset.
Glad Lizzie is keeping an eye on those mice, ours are pretty good with spider patrol too.
Heather:)

~*~Patty S said...

Your sunset takes my breath away...such a gift to get to witness and you got a splendid photo...
Paperclay never looked so good Jeanie!
Perfect pics of the ducks too...quack quack quack ♥
Happy August!
oxo

The French Hutch said...

Jeanie, the perfect postcard, scenes from the beach with a lovely parade of ducks! It's always a tease to get a few cool days during summer's hot and humid days. We've had a few and it thrills me and I enjoy them to the fullest! You have been busy, love your mini's with all the color!
Have a great Sunday sweet friend.

Bella Rum said...

Go, Lizzie!
You make such pretty things. It's always inspiring.
Our weather has been cooler than usual, too. Feels like fall. Wonder what fall will feel like?

Joanne Huffman said...

Your four canvases are beautiful. I love the idea of making art in an idyllic environment. And, the ducks are delightful.

Anonymous said...

You are so artistic and creative. Keep it up.

Janet said...

Those little ducks are so cute following along behind their mama. And I love the bench made from skis.

You are so busy and so creative. I like all the paper clay embellishments. I might try making some of those myself. Great idea!!

Friko said...

Looks like you’re happy and busy.

Keep her Ladyship away from the ducklings!

Jenny Woolf said...

What a lovely varied post. The ducks are so sweet, the sunset is eye-boggling! And your creations are always beautiful and eye catching.

must love junk said...

That first photo is stunning! And those baby ducks are adorable :)
Susan

Sandy K. said...

I must say you always make me want to join you. You have a lovely way of describing time and place:). Love the ducks!

shoreacres said...

The mini-canvases are lovely. And you know I love the duck parade. i've not seen many babies this year, but there were some, and we still have time for another hatch or two before we even start to think of fall.

Tell Lizzie Cosette we're very proud of her hunting ability - and for knowing where to carry her catch!

Tamara said...

Lizzie is gorgeous, and her antics are always amusing. Beautiful art work - and I did notice the Paris piece - lovely. You do have some beautiful moments in your life. thanks for letting is see them too.

Barb said...

You are always creating something special, Jeannie! Those fuzzy ducklings sure are cute. I'm glad Lizzie is earning her keep.

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