sNOw MuCH fUn!

I made these snow kitties after one of the many snow storms we have had here in Virginia. We don't usually get a lot of snow in the South, but this year it has poured down. All together I think we have gotten around 52" of snow.

I have so enjoyed each snowfall. It's so pretty and fun to play in. I purchased an old inner tube tire to sled with, and it has worked well for me. The dogs love the snow too...running, playing and rolling in it.

Have a look at my snowy pictures taken right here at home in the quiet town of Montpelier.

The snow kitties were a first for me...I usually work with sand, but snow works too.

I used some Luma dyes (they don't make this brand anymore, but you can use Dr. Martins) to color them. The dyes are concentrated and water based so it only takes a few drops to get alot of color. I used an old window cleaner bottle as my sprayer.

Snow in Virginia, what a wonderful thing! The birds enjoy it too!

Help Haiti!

I see so much dispair, anguish, and oppression in this photo from a Twitter taken from Mashable.com. I can't even imagine the grief and total desperation that the Haitian people and her communities feel at this moment. Can you imagine not being able to locate a family member after a crisis like this, or walking down a street in your town that is lined with dead?

This imagery is stunning, shocking and it permeates my mind.

Can I make a difference at all? What can I do?

What I will do.... with your help and with the help of others...

If you purchase any item from my shop at ZAZZLE http://www.zazzle.com/leslielovinlife (also see left hand side of blog for link), I WILL DONATE ALL PROFIT FROM ANY AND ALL SALES TO THE RESCUE AND RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HAITI. (I will keep this donation going until I achieve at least $100...hopefully more!)

I hope YOU will donate. You will receive my original photographs on a nice button, print, poster or card for doing so! Please donate if you can and THANK YOU if you do!

Merry Christmas!

December 2009

Merry Christmas to one and ALL!

To all of my friends/artists old and new... Please forgive my absence from this space...I have been dealing with a few health issues...pray for His guidance and direction of my care.

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Summertime gifts...

Backyard Butterflies

Even though I have been absent from this space...I have been enjoying all the beauty that God has to offer.

In Honour of Mothers...

I have to say...until becoming a Mom myself, I never really understood all that a Mother is. And I say THANK YOU!

Thanks MOM... For being my friend, for providing a HOME.

For all the LOVE that you give... not only to me but to others... children, family, animals, friends and those less fortunate.

For staying up late and waiting in line.

For always attending recitals, rehearsals and plays.

For putting me ahead of yourself.
For picking me up and for taking me HOME.

For letting me grow... make my own mistakes and loving me even more when I do.

THANK YOU MOM...for your support, LOVE and respect.

Mommies deserve to be honored today...they make the world a better place!

Spring flowers

Spring is so beautiful this year.... these beauties are all from my yard!

Please forgive my absence from blogging...once warm weather hits...I'm outside. I will be taking some time away from blogging for a little while...but I will be back with more LOVE to share soon!

Making A Wish Come True for Alan

I got a phone call on Wednesday afternoon from Dr. Matt Bitsko with ASK (Assistance Support Kindness). ASK is a non profit organization that provides financial, spiritual, social and emotional support for children with cancer and their families. Matt told me about Alan Hill who is the recipient of a room makeover from Make A Wish Foundation.

Alan's mother Laurie wanted Alan to have some special designs painted in his room. Alan aspires to become an entomologist (a branch of zoology that deals with insects) and loves bugs, all types, kinds, sizes and shapes.

So, on Saturday morning, I made my way to Alan's home. Alan is a wonderful 16 (soon to be 17) year old. He is smart and kind, and Alan has a pure zest for life.

Alan has been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and has been in a tough battle with this relentless disease since 2005. Alan forges on. He does not feel sad or sorry for himself. He LOVES life!

So, after speaking with Alan and his Mom, we decided on several different bugs.

And a special request from Alan's Mom; "Can you paint Wayne Alan Hill, Jr. P.H.D., Entomologist on the wall?" Well of course. I painted each dragonfly, butterfly and beetle in its place.

It was such an honor to meet Alan and his family. It was such pleasure to be able to paint in Alan's room and to know how much he appreciated it. In fact, he told me so.

On Saturday, I learned something I've always known... A mother's love is GREATER than any love there is!

Happy Birthday Alan! Prayers and blessings are being sent your way!