Artistic Rhythms

Twisted Tree (The Artist Challenge)

2012-01-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

Twisted Tree

“A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees.”
William Blake

It seems to me that all trees have something to share with us.

Included at The Artist Challenge for the current gallery.

Small

2012-01-17T12:56:00.002-05:00

"And the Yopp...
That one small, extra Yopp put it over!
Finally, at last! From that speck on that clover
Their voices were heard! They rang out clear and clean.
And the elephant smiled. 'Do you see what I mean?...
they've proved they ARE persons, no matter how small.
and their whole world was saved by the Smallest of All!' "

~Dr. Seuss (Horton Hears A Who!, 1954)

2012-01-10T23:14:00.000-05:00

Embrace

Embrace the universe, expansive.
Our sun, stars and our moon,
Planets that join the Earth,
Embrace the space in between, uniting.

Embrace the atmosphere, surrounding.
Our skies, oceans and our land,
Mountains viewing the valleys,
Embrace natural environments, breathtaking.

Embrace the weather, traveling.
Our clouds, wind and our showers,
Storms meet the serene,
Embrace her patterns, balanced.

Embrace the cultural landscapes, shaping.
Our cities, towns and our farms,
Visible human imprints,
Embrace the texture, varied.

Embrace the animals, wild.
Our sea life, mammals and our insects,
A natural symbiotic cycle,
Embrace all alive with us, surviving.

Embrace the people, everywhere.
Our exalted, common and our unique,
Strangers gaze upon friends,
Embrace the whole of humanity, smile.

Embrace all that exists within.
Our good, bad and our well-meaning,
Eyes mirrored back at us,
Embrace the present, here and now.

First… embrace yourself.

2011-12-08T11:46:00.001-05:00

Here are some new and past ornaments I've relisted on Etsy and Artfire :)

The Far Side...What's in My Front Yard?

2011-11-22T10:16:00.001-05:00

:) !

© The Far Side, Gary Larson

The Far Side...What Do Cows Do When We're Not Looking?

2011-11-13T19:10:00.001-05:00

Here is another funny Far Side cartoon that can really make you think! ;)

© Gary Larson, The Far Side
All Rights Reserved

A Ghost (Art Challenge)

2011-10-22T23:47:00.001-04:00

A Ghost

Included in newest Gallery at The Artist Challenge

Image of original artwork

An Open Mind

2011-10-14T13:03:00.001-04:00

"An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it."
~Anonymous

Because..."Where there is an open mind there will always be a frontier."
~Charles F. Kettering (American engineer and inventor 1876-1958)

However,"I try to keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out."
~Harold T. Stone (American actor 1913-2005)

How open is your mind? :)

Various Artworks (Art Challenge)

2011-09-24T21:35:00.005-04:00

These are some works I did from past challenges and are posted in the newest gallery for sale at The Artist Challenge. Please have a visit to see what other artists chose for this 'No-theme' theme.

©2011 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Original Artwork

Remember Me? (Art Challenge)

2011-08-09T14:41:00.000-04:00

Remember Me?

This was done for the current theme at The Artist Challenge. Please take a visit to see other member's beautiful interpretations.

From The Far Side...

2011-07-11T14:15:00.000-04:00

Are you also a fan of The Far Side? This reminds me of those original Saturday Night Live 'Land Shark' skits with Gilda Radner :)

© Gary Larson, The Far Side
All Rights Reserved

Myths, Legends or Other Worldly (Art & Writing Challenges)

2011-05-29T17:34:00.004-04:00

From the Wormhole,
The Time Traveler

Through the depths of pure darkness,
Through the reaches of all space,
He arrives from the vortex,
His transcendental portal.

Traveling upon the curves of time,
Traveling upon the waves of reality,
He slips in between, the
Now and what will be.

Fixing the rips, rifts and loops,
Mending temporal paradoxes,
Stabilizing anomalies,
He watches all alternate worlds.

He does this unseen, unknown
To maintain the matrix of our lives,
The apparent arrow of time,
Tightly sewn within our space.

A voyager, explorer, an adventurer,
Able to move at maximum velocity,
He is of the fourth dimension,
He is the keeper of time.

He is The Timekeeper.

Sarah Donnellan
Inspiration: Doctor Who, of course :) And I also had in mind, The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells.

© Sarah Donnellan
All rights reserved, text & image
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This artwork and writing was done for the current theme, 'Myths, Legends or Other Worldly', for The Artist Challenge and The Inferno. Please visit to see other member's interpretations.

Bloom (Art Challenge, April Love)

2011-04-25T14:06:00.003-04:00

'Bloom'

Allow yourself to bloom.

This was done for the current theme, April Love, for The Artist Challenge. Please visit to see other member's beautiful work.

Hoodwinked (Writing Challenge)

2011-04-02T19:10:00.001-04:00

Hoodwinked

With his Magic Elixir
He goes,
From town to town,
From door to door.

He has a lightness of step,
A wink in his eye,
And a slight tip of his hat.

“Hello, lovely Ma’am, kind Sir.”
He charms his way in,
And they are his to finesse.

“Have you ever wished to be
Cured of all your ails?”
He asks caring and concerned.

(Leaning in, he whispers…)
“Between us a secret shared,
For your worthiness,
I saw a mile away.”

(Pulling a small bottle out of his bag…)
“In here I have some magic,
A tonic cure-all.
I have here, my Magic Elixir!”

“Come, let’s look at your wallets.
Simply empty them
Into both my open hands. ”

“You are of the lucky few
Who do now possess
Power over what ails you.”

I beg of you to beware
Of that charming knock.
Please do not open the door!

And so,
With his Magic Elixir,
Let it be the next town.
Let it be the next door,
And not yours!

Sarah Donnellan
Artistic Rhythms

Inspiration: Many can relate to being hoodwinked by some kind of questionable salesperson. Years ago, I naively opened my door one day to let a charming gentleman demonstrate the wonders of HIS elixir on my frustratingly hard to get clean carpet. What was a miracle in the moment was probably bleach mixed with water and a regret mixed with a charge that I could not get undone!

*Image (from the 1890s) in Public Domain
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This was done for the most recent writing challenge theme, 'The Joke' at The Inferno. Please have a visit to see other member's interpretations and at The Artist Challenge gallery of the same theme.

Intoxicating Moon (Art & Writing Challenges, Tender is the Night)

2011-03-23T23:41:00.002-04:00

Intoxicating Moon

Under the moon where we find ourselves suddenly,
With the night darkness wrapping around all of us,
Hypnotizing, we’re captured, held by her bright glow.
Lightheaded, dizzy, thereby uninhibited.

Waxing and waning, we are intoxicated.

Watching from above over all cast by her spell,
Uniting mortals with those of a fantasy,
Powerfully impelling bizarre behavior,
According to the nature of your character.

Waxing and waning, we are intoxicated.

Like the moon gracefully passing through her phases,
So too, are we transformed by the love and the lust
In ways uninspired by outside of this world,
This magical place and seemingly timeless space.

Waxing and waning, we are intoxicated.

Daylight leisurely creeps in, her hold unfolding.
Mortals start to waken, fairies begin to dim.
Whether were a dream or no, we vow to return.
For now and until next our meeting together…

Waxing and waning, we are freed.

©2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved
Text & Image

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This was done for the current art and writing challenge, 'Tender is the Night'. Please visit Artist Challenge and The Inferno to see other member's interpretations.

Turbulence (Art & Writing Challenge, Calm Before the Storm)

2011-03-08T23:18:00.004-05:00

Turbulence

Destruction was on a new journey.

To a small town, to a quiet town,

To those with big dreams and little means.

To those who hold tight to one another.

And in their bones they could feel it.

And with their skilled eyes they could see it.

The dense gray sky as she came alive.

Brewing, conjuring, heavy daunting clouds.

Anxious, alert faces in windows.

Familiar feelings, in fear, in awe.

Lightening calls crisply, streaking, cracking.

Thunder responds rumbling, angry, roaring.

Quickly, indifferent, the assault begins.

As she blasts down her rain in torrents,

The wind comes in waves upon the land.

And the people know they are surrounded.

Out of the depths of her energy,

It is born. The perfect tornado.

So tightly wrapped around, up and down.

Upon reaching the ground, the path is clear.

Running scared to their safety below,

The air tightens as the pressure drops

The sound of its power reach them then.

Deafening, frightening, all hold their breath.

Above the twister moves eagerly.
While tearing up and so crashing down,
Whisking and soaring and speeding past.

To the end of town, an exit is made.

The storm and her danger, quickly pass.

Emerging out into the sunlight,
The people see and the people stare.

The people sink to the ground and they cry.

Text & Image

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This was resubmitted for the current theme 'Calm Before the Storm', at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno. Please go have a visit to see other member's interpretions.

The Lives of Dreams (Art & Writing Challenges, What Dreams May Come)

2011-02-19T22:07:00.002-05:00

The Lives of Dreams

They declare themselves

As nightmares to enchantments,

Living richly, hiding within,

Borrowing bits of reality,

To carry us into another world.

Text & Image

Inspiration: The lives of dreams become visible to us ranging in extremes or blending together lying in wait until we sleep.

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This was done for the current art & writing theme, 'What Dreams May Come', at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno. Please have a visit to see other member's interpretations.

A Gathering (Art & Writing Challenges, Valentine)

2011-02-03T11:36:00.001-05:00

A Gathering

We are born
To begin the gathering
A collection of pieces
For the heart

Love will wait
For us to open ourselves
In giving and receiving
A piece owned

Varied shapes
The pieces that will transform
Always fitting together
Love sustains

At the end, the heart is whole.

©2011 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved
Image & Text

Inspiration:
I think our hearts will always expand to accept and fit all sizes and shaped pieces of love.
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These were done for the recent 'Valentine' themed challenges at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno. Please go have a view and a read at other member's beautiful submissions.

My Canvas (Writing Challenge)

2011-01-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

My Canvas

Rolling round, repeated
Catching, curving, coiling
With my waves
I cover the Earth

Flowing freely, fast
Surging, soaring, swooping
With my waves
I alter the Earth
Surrounding shield, sustained
Caressing, cleansing, composing
With my waves
I love the Earth

*Image in Public Domain

© 2011 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Text
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This was written in response the The Inferno's current mid-theme challenge where we were inspired by The Artist Challenge's, Mary Sonya Conti's painting pictured above entitled, 'Tapestry'. Please visit to read other member's literary interpretations.

The Best of 2010

2011-01-16T01:02:00.004-05:00

“It is an anthology of dreams, poignant thoughts and reflections of our lives. It is the writer’s gift to all that touch the pages.”

The Best of 2010 The Inferno,
A Writer's Challenge is NOW available!

Preface

We are writers from around the world who share in a creative process. These challenges started as a dare between two artists who founded The Artist Challenge.com. It has since grown to encompass our writer’s challenge, The Inferno.

The themes are chosen and defined by the members of Inferno. Written in any style of short story or poetry, the resulting interpretations are as varied in content and rich in imagination as our contributing authors are.

As writers we come together with the single goal of supporting the arts by sharing our ideas, knowledge and growth in our field of literature. Most importantly, we inspire and push each other to be our very best.

We come from the belief that ‘writers are artists and artists are writers’. We simply work in different mediums but our inspirations and ‘challenges’ are found in the same creative spot in our hearts.
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To preview, order ($10) or download ($7.50) our little black book, please visit HERE (link to product page).

Our Golden Sun (Art & Writing Challenge)

2011-01-08T23:50:00.001-05:00

Our Golden Sun

When there was a time

Darkness layered the world

Cold saturated every corner

Night creatures thrived

Mother Nature did wake

And from within her placed

So high into the sky

Our burning Golden Sun

Wrapped around the Earth

Arms of light spread
Her warmth inspired
New life to emerge

Feared and revered

By all those beneath

An essential element

Our burning Golden Sun

Text & Artwork Image

Inpiration:

There are countless mythical stories surrounding the sun that have been embraced and in some cases, defined by, most cultures throughout history.

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This sun was done for the current The Artist Challenge's CBS Sunday Morning Sun Art that will be included in their library. Please visit to see other member's beautiful suns and also a read at The Inferno's accompanying theme, 'Solar Explosion'.

Artfire Curated Collection

2010-12-02T20:13:00.000-05:00

And now I've been very appreciatively added to Madeline's Wardrobe's heart-filled collection...

I heart Christmas

Curated By: MadelinesWard...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

Artfire Curated Collection

2010-11-27T14:50:00.001-05:00

I've been featured in this fun and gingery collection curated by Pea Patch Designs...

Catch Me If You Can Says the Gingerbread...

Curated By: peapatch

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Artfire Curated Collection

2010-11-19T14:18:00.002-05:00

I was also nicely included in this curated Artfire collection by MissPurses :)

Smile! You Just Got A Sale!

Curated By: MissPurses

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

A Winter's Kiss (Writing Challenge)

2010-11-16T11:18:00.011-05:00

A Winter’s Kiss

I have intimate knowledge of your kiss, sir
Your slowly falling and enticing flurries
Your freshly refined and lightly pine-filled scent
Your beautiful billowy blanket of snow

I can still hear your poetic reverie
The serene gaze upon your idyllic scene
The dreamy moonlight’s glistening reflection
The pull that embraced my anticipation

You seduced me so as to open the door
To the feel and shock of your icy first touch
To the sinking collapse of my fragile steps
To the ruthless invasion of your frigid wind

You left me bone-chilled, damp, and disillusioned
Yes, I have intimate knowledge of your kiss, sir
Of which I now reject wholeheartedly
Forever to be found under warming skies

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Text

Inspiration:
A snowfall at night can be one of the most beautiful sights…until you venture outside.
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This was written for the most recent Inferno challenge theme, 'A Winter's Kiss.' Please go have a read at other member's interpretations.

*Photo in public domain

Artfire Curated Collection

2010-11-09T20:10:00.002-05:00

I was very nicely included in this collection on Artfire curated by fellow member, IowaArtist :)

Southwestern Arrt Influences

Curated By: IowaArtist

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

When Spirits Roam (Writing Challenge)

2010-11-01T23:38:00.001-04:00

When Spirits Roam

In the dark of a night did I wander
To reveal an unknown and cherished place.
Over this hill to a clearing, I saw
A parting of trees at the forest edge.

To which I stepped gladly yet tenderly
Within nature’s dense order, lush flourish
And sharp rawness of newly chilled air.
I inhaled the aroma of dry earth.

A sight caught hold of my eye, a movement
Around in a wide circle formed by trees.
Concealed, clothed in the blackest of my cloaks,
I stayed hidden behind a thick trunk.

Many disguised people celebrated
A festival that had been told to me,
Of summers end and winter to begin,
For life’s cycle of death and renewal.

The veil between here and there is lifted.
Spirits and supernatural beings
Reached beyond their world and roamed into ours.
The good were honored, evil warded off.

Centered was the sacred, blessed bonfire.
The flicker of a thousand flames as one,
A plea and wish for the sun to return.
Built to be shared, each took part with them.

I became lost in my sumptuous view,
That I was abruptly braced with terror
By a cold brush of a touch on my cheek.
There stood before me an apparition.

And I? I turned and fled as if I had never been!

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved

Inspiration:
I was interested in further learning of the origins and historical background of what we now call Halloween. To the Celts, Samhain was the start of their New Year, a time of final harvest before the long winter, and to honor good spirits while warding off evil spirits all believed to pass through to the living on this day.

*Image found to be in the public domain

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This was written for the most recent writer's challenge, 'Hallow's Eve' at The Inferno. Please have a visit to read other member's spooky tales.

My Space (Writing Challenge)

2010-10-25T13:16:00.002-04:00

My Space

I wake to live and wait.

I think to imagine then dream.

I reflect to inspire and plan.

I see the stairs to the hallway and door.

I climb to walk then run.

I open to close and smile.

My space to create.

My space to be passionate.

My space to be alive.

In my space, I am free.

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This was done for the recent mid-theme Coxswain Challenge on The Inferno. Have a visit to read other member's interpretations of The Artist Challenge's, Paul Pinson's painting, 'Workshop of Marc Boussac in Paris Montparnasse France'.

His Secret Window (Art & Writing Challenge)

2010-10-19T23:48:00.006-04:00

His Secret Window

Beside where the willow tree lives at the corner,
Stands a square wooden house with a high wooden porch.
Inside there is a man who could not go outside of it.
How I came to know him is the story I want to tell.

I walk each morning and as I passed by his house
I noticed a front window half covered with vines.
At first, here and there, I saw him warily gazing out.
These were the times our eyes started to meet one another.

He would look down quickly then and soon disappear.
I had found myself walking ever slower past,
As he came to stay longer behind his veil of green vines.
We became more familiar and ready for the moment.

I had thought what I saw was a ghost of a man,
The longing in his eyes kept drawing me to him,
And he, drawn to my comfort in the freedom of outside.
This constancy went on for a time between him and me.

I began to wonder more and more about him.
I began to wonder what I could do to help.
I began to see in his eyes that this is what he wished.
I began to see that his secret window was dirty.

On that special morning instead of passing by,
I thought to stop on the sidewalk across from him.
He was there as had been, but this day looked very startled.
I went to him, to his window where he hid with the vines.

But I smiled and he moved closer into view.
Being so close with the thin glass in the middle,
Still keeping his gaze, I lifted my hand up and towards it.
And slowly, I wiped off the dirt of his fearful vision.

His eyes widened and then he smiled shyly back.
When I walked away, it was behind me I heard,
The knob turned and the door creaked open and there he stood.
I watched happily but he paused and started to close it.

His trust now gained, as I outstretched my hand to him,
He grabbed it and taking one step and then some more,
Until he was able to feel free, under the sun’s warmth.
Breathing it in, his eyes were shining and he was outside.

Though I still pass by his house each and every day,
He now meets me at the same time on the sidewalk.
And from that day to this, he looks forward to his outing.
For from that day to this, my walks are with him beside me.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Text & Image

Inspiration: I was inspired by fellow Inferno writer, Ann Field’s story, Restless Tuesday for the ‘Restless’ theme. Sometimes all it takes is a small gesture of help that can make all the difference in someone else’s life.
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These were both done for the most recent theme, 'The Secret Window'. Please visit other member's work at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

Funny Chocolate Chip Greeting Card

2010-10-13T11:57:00.000-04:00

The Restless Tree (Art & Writing Challenge)

2010-10-04T14:01:00.006-04:00

The Restless Tree

She is still and silent and rooted deep in the earth.
Though a look of tranquility rests on her branches,
Inside and up from her trunk to her limbs,
She is restless as she waits, held at the whim of the wind.

The strong desire to move is a gift from nature.
She was made able to bend and yield to the currents,
Offering a sweeping source of balance.
Biding time to awaken lengthens, her senses sharpen.

When the scent and breath of a breeze reaches from afar,
She hears the welcome light howl of a traveling wind.
Caressing strokes upturn her many leaves,
While a gathering and gentle whirlwind lift her branches.

She is impassioned with the rush of life.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved Image & Text

Inspiration: I think trees are happier and most beautiful when moving.
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These were both done for the current challenge theme, 'Restless'. Please go have a visit at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno for other member's varying interpretations.

Sandhill Cranes

2010-09-30T12:16:00.013-04:00

These cranes were next to our driveway today. You can get real close to them. It is a common practice around here to feed them bread crumbs, they love it, but I think you can get fined for doing so! It is also not uncommon to see them pecking at the lovebugs stuck on people's cars!

These Wild Things (Art & Writing Challenge)

2010-09-22T10:20:00.006-04:00

These Wild Things

I am drawn to them. I am struck and at once, arrested by them. I have stopped to watch them. I have many times. They are Black Vultures and they are wild. Here, now, in the middle of this sparse field, a group of dead trees. Sitting on the dead branches, the wild things exist.

They can’t belong to this world. Theirs is a dark world. A stormy world. Amidst the background of a brightly lit scene, they are outstanding. Yet, I feel they are here for me only.

They occupy a space that possesses them. Outlines them. Travels with them. Their tangible energy, potent and powerful holds me still. The intensity in their eyes, untamed. I am unnerved.

These are the wild things. And I see them.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Image & Text

Inspiration:
There is a group of Black Vultures that lives and cleans up our town. I see them frequently when out and about in different places. When I first saw them, they were so striking to me that ever since I am oddly excited when I catch sight of them. I have not met anyone who shares this fascination, hence the big question marks above those heads who happen to be with me at the time.
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These were both done for the current challenge theme, 'Where The Wild Things Are'. Please go have a visit at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno for other member's varying interpretations.

The Proposal (Writing Challenge)

2010-09-17T11:14:00.005-04:00

The Proposal

When up on high,
Looking down and down,
My knees are weak , my head is spinning.
I’m shaking, I’m shivering.

Where are you?
I’m searching around and around.
The edge is near, the fall is long.
I’m nervous, I’m breathless.

But here you are!
Holding my hand with yours.
In your eyes, my eyes.
I’m elated, I’m smiling.

What is this?
Slipping a ring on my finger.
I see the world, I see our world.
I’m hopeful, I’m loved.

And I say, yes.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved

Inspiration:
Double feelings of vertigo, a marriage proposal on top of Ray’s building ;)

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This was written for the recent mid-theme writer's challenge for The Inferno inspired by artist Ray Shuell's painting, 'Vertigo', previously painted for The Artist Challenge. Please have a read at all member's wonderful interpretations.

Lost and Found (Writing Challenge)

2010-09-06T00:49:00.022-04:00

Lost and Found

In a faraway place, there lived a forest.

In the forest, there was a girl.

A little girl with a red dress.

And in her hair, two red ribbons.

Towering trees so dense, bright light forbidden.

Underneath them along she skipped.

A full basket hung on her arm.

To her grandmother’s house she went.

She followed on the worn path she knew so well.

She sang a song of happiness.

She smiled at the tiny, blue bird.

She laughed at her drifting shadow.

Her favorite tree found, on her log, she rested.

A shape nearby, caught quick her eye.

More shadows flew out and around,

Awed by the sight, cheered with delight.

They seemed familiar except they never met.

Outstretched hands, gestured to come with.

They danced, chatted all the while,

Until the forest’s end was reached.

The little girl turned and waved to her new friends.

She looked down at her arm, “Oh no!”

The basket for her grandmother,

It had been left and was now missed!

The shadows pointed and crossed towards a new path.

She waited and shrugged and joined them.

Swiftly through the forest they moved,

Her red dress swinging as she ran.

Suddenly, they stopped, she knew it was her tree.

“How can this be, where is my log?”

She felt unsettled and unsure,

But the shadows nodded to her.

“Please, where is my basket?” she asked politely.

They turned, flew in a different way.

Confused, the little girl did, too,

An eerie feeling trailing her.

This path looked the same, though she knew it was not.

She saw her log and not her tree.

Whispered mocking met her small ears.

The shadows grinned, beckoned still.

“You’re playing a game with me,” she was bothered.

They had gone to another path.

She was scared, they had to be lost,

Yet two red ribbons rushed behind.

Again on this new but copied path, she saw

Joyous sight at her tree and log.

And on that log was a basket

To take to her grandmother’s house.

“I think you tricked me, you shadows!” she shouted.

They shrugged and then glided away.

She shook the uneasiness off.

Her red dress swinging, she ran home.

Inspiration:

I always wondered what other adventures Little Red Riding Hood could have in that forest, as if meeting a clever and dastardly wolf wasn’t enough! And in this case, she was smart and went back home instead! ‘Eerily and disagreeably familiar’ is the concept from déjà vu that I was thinking of here.

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This was written for The Inferno's most recent literary challenge, 'Deja Vu.' Please go have a read at other member's amazing interpretations.

The Voices (Art Challenge)

2010-08-30T13:37:00.003-04:00

The Voices

I saw a documentary about children with schizophrenia. They are possessed by the voices in their heads that are very real to them and a constant torment without medication. Truly heartbreaking to witness even just a little of the struggles they and their families go through.

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This was done for the current challenge, 'Belief That Possesses The Mind'. Please view other member's beautiful artworks at The Artist Challenge.

The Affectionate Anarchist (Writing Challenge)

2010-08-16T14:01:00.005-04:00

The Affectionate Anarchist

He is loyal.
He is steadfast.
He is passionate, he is
The Affectionate Anarchist.

Cases, endless.
Defects, revealed.
He fights nonsensical laws.
He stands for all fallen victims.

Like a magnet,
Inspires thought,
Sparks brisk action near and far,
Opposing, protesting, striking.

Gaining notice,
Affecting change,
Challenging the usual,
Delighting in each victory.

For now we can
Juggle freely,
Play dominoes on Sundays,
Buy our peanuts after sunset.

We look to him with endearment.

He is loyal.
He is steadfast.
He is passionate, he is
The Affectionate Anarchist.

And we thank him.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
Inspiration:
I was thinking about people who seem to always have a cause they are fighting for and that these causes are not always major or noble, but still important. I thought of all those inane and out-of-date laws that are still a part of so many country's and state’s laws, and does anyone work to get those changed?

For example and your amusement:
In Alabama dominoes can’t be played on Sundays. Bear wrestling matches are prohibited. Putting salt on a railroad track can be punishable by death. It is illegal to sell peanuts in Lee County after sunset on Wednesdays.

In Connecticut you can be stopped by the police for biking over 65 miles per hour. You aren’t allowed to cross the street while walking on your hands.

In Oregon juggling is strictly prohibited without a license. It’s illegal to walk down a sidewalk and knock a snake’s head off with your cane.
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This was done for the current writing challenge, Affectionate Anarchy. Please go have a read at other member's amazing interpretations at The Inferno.

Broken Perfection (Artist Challenge)

2010-08-16T12:38:00.006-04:00

Broken Perfection

This was done for the current artist challenge, Imperfect. Please go have a view at other member's beautiful works at The Artist Challenge.

A Lucky Charm (Art and Writing Challenges)

2010-08-02T10:25:00.011-04:00

A Lucky Charm

Travel to a place tucked into where
Space and time will bend.
A place beyond and a place apart,
The sun waits for the moon to ascend.

Soaring across a growing landscape,
Whipping wind, a blur.
While all and across this green isle,
Cloaked in white mist and of pure Nature.

Landing in the heart of a meadow,
Of a faerie ring,
A storybook world lays before you,
Where mystical creatures breathe and sing.

Look deep within the thickened forest,
To an oak who hides,
Carved out of her trunk, a green door where
The luckiest leprechaun resides.

Quick now, hide yourself, for there he sits.
A coat red and plain,
On a thick stump, in front of his door,
Shoes to make, shoes to mend, coins to gain.

Struck by a glimmer of a shimmer,
A coin of bright gold
Has been taken out of his pocket,
And in one hand, it is flipped and rolled.

A leprechaun with a lucky charm!
What wonder is this?
Please, if you lend your ear thataway,
Shhh…listen clearly, a song persists…

“My lucky charm,
My chance charm,
My first to behold,
My coin of gold!”

Good reason to hold tight to his charm,
Have luck there to see,
For no leprechaun wants to be caught,
Dear freedom for granted wishes, three.

But by man he has never been caught.
First wish forever,
Is for the gold treasure, the whole pot.
Kept hidden then, glimpsed nearly never.

Will the luckiest of leprechauns,
A coat red and plain,
Escape a shamed capture always?
Lessons learned, story’s moral to gain.

*Lucky charms are only as lucky as your luck holds out.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
Inspiration: Origins of leprechaun folklore and I wondered what is a leprechaun’s lucky charm if not a four leaf clover?

-------------------------------------------------------------

This was written as a literary challenge, 'Good Luck Charm.' Please go have a read at other member's works at The Inferno. And at The Artist Challenge view a different perspective of the pictured sculpture for their theme, 'Gone With the Wind,' and of course, the other artist's amazing interpretations.

2010-07-27T20:22:00.004-04:00

Also from an old greeting card...

Writer's Challenge

2010-07-17T18:20:00.007-04:00

Blinders On

“Time to put our very own blinders on!
Time to see nothing but what’s in front of us!
Since we must keep our minds and our hearts closed.
Since we must keep ourselves safe, pain avoided.”

Within my wandering days into years,
A curious place I came to find myself,
Where this was the message sent out to all
From those in command and in a stern manner.

And as I went into the town, I saw.
I saw the people and their blinders were on.
Standing guard were watchers, to make certain
They only looked ahead, not at each other.

I was out of place, I did not fit in,
Everywhere void of vibrancy, of color.
The people went where they went, no smiles,
Walking in the known, the mundane, the constant.

I searched for an answer, to find out why.
Someone who would want to help me understand.
There he was then, standing right beside me.
I asked him, “Why? Why don’t you want to see more?”

He talked of a time before the blinders.
The people saw their differences and they judged.
They saw and then that is all that they saw.
They began to fear themselves and each other.

I stood and I shouted to the people,
“Please, take off your very own blinders and see!
See those around you, beautiful and flawed.
See life as it is, exquisite and scary.”

Blank faces turned toward me, all eyes so wide.
Out of the gathered crowd, one person did speak,
“Our very own blinders is what freed us,
Root of our cautious, limited existence.”

“But wait, we want to see!” a few called out.
And those were the some who followed me away.
“Are you sad the rest did not come?” they asked.
“No, because they are content just as they are.”

So, in the distance behind us we heard,

“Time to put our very own blinders on!
Time to see nothing but what’s in front of us!
Since we must keep our minds and our hearts closed.
Since we must keep ourselves safe, pain avoided.”

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan

This was written for the current literary challenge, 'Blind' for The Inferno. Please go have a read at other member's interpretations and also a view at The Artist Challenge for the current theme, 'The Still Life'.

I am the Sun, I am a Star (Writing Challenge)

2010-07-13T12:52:00.007-04:00

I am the Sun, I am a Star

I am larger than you can imagine.
I am brighter than you can see.
I am hotter than you can feel.

I am depicted in images.
I am personified in mythologies.
I am worshipped in groups.

I am the source of energy.
I am the anchor of gravity.
I am the center of the galaxy.

I am the reason you survive.
I am the Sun, I am a Star.
I am your star.

And I am dying.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan

I wrote this as a literary challenge, "SUN OF A GUN," for The Inferno. Please go have a read at other member's interpretations.

For Cat Lovers

2010-07-05T10:05:00.004-04:00

This is from an old greeting card:

Artist & Writer's Challenges

2010-06-28T16:34:00.013-04:00

Embrace
Embrace the universe, expansive.
Our sun, stars and our moon,
Planets that join the Earth,
Embrace the space in between, uniting.

Embrace the atmosphere, surrounding.
Our skies, oceans and our land,
Mountains viewing the valleys,
Embrace natural environments, breathtaking.

Embrace the weather, traveling.
Our clouds, wind and our showers,
Storms meet the serene,
Embrace her patterns, balanced.

Embrace the cultural landscapes, shaping.
Our cities, towns and our farms,
Visible human imprints,
Embrace the texture, varied.

Embrace the animals, wild.
Our sea life, mammals and our insects,
A natural symbiotic cycle,
Embrace all alive with us, surviving.

Embrace the people, everywhere.
Our exalted, common and our unique,
Strangers gaze upon friends,
Embrace the whole of humanity, smile.

Embrace all that exists within.
Our good, bad and our well-meaning,
Eyes mirrored back at us,
Embrace the present, here and now.

First… embrace yourself.

The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

This is for the current art and writing challenge theme 'Embrace'. Please have a look and read at other member's beautiful work at

2010-06-23T21:19:00.004-04:00

This is one of the funniest cartoons I have ever seen. It is from 2001 and I have kept it all this time because it still makes me laugh :)

The Artist Challenge - A Midsummer Night's Dream

2010-06-13T17:38:00.018-04:00

Intoxicating Moon

Under the moon where we find ourselves suddenly,

With the night darkness wrapping around all of us,

Hypnotizing, we're captured, held by her bright glow.

Lightheaded, dizzy, thereby uninhibited.

Waxing and waning, we are intoxicated.

Watching from above over all cast by her spell,

Uniting mortals with those of a fantasy,

Powerfully impelling bizarre behavior,

According to the nature of your character.

Waxing and waning, we are intoxicated.

Like the moon gracefully passing through her phases,

So too, are we transformed by the love and the lust

In ways uninspired by outside of this world,

This magical place and seemingly timeless space.

Waxing and waning, we are intoxicated.

Daylight leisurely creeps in, her hold unfolding.

Mortals start to waken, fairies begin to dim.

Whether were a dream or no, we vow to return.

For now and until next our meeting together...

Waxing and waning, we are freed.

These were done for the most recent Artist and Writing Challenge based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Please have a view and read at other member's amazing works The Artist Challenge, and The Inferno.

The Art of the Smile

2010-05-17T10:50:00.007-04:00

A smile can be very powerful.
A smile can warm a heart, cheer a spirit, encourage an action.
A smile can be from a loved one or
A simple exchange between strangers.

I have a special fondness for a smile between strangers. For me, it can be a genuine and momentary reminder of how we are all universally connected.

The Artist Challenge - The Floral

2010-05-12T19:29:00.024-04:00

Dear Admirer,

Each and early morning,
I opened my door of red.
For there on the step lay,
A new array of flowers.

Flowers of many kinds.
Flowers of many colors.
And so with care I set
Them within my special place.

Although unknown from who ,
On each and early morning,
To my source of bright joy,
I left a note of thank you.

Such a time this went on.
Lasted smiles for the day.
A gift of peaceful calm,
Symbols of simple kindness.

Then it came upon me
A single early morning,
Awakened with knowing.
I opened my door of red

For there on the steps stood…you.

These were both done for the most recent art and writing challenge, The Floral. Please have a look at other member's work The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

Turtle Magnets

2010-05-04T20:54:00.017-04:00

Turtles are symbolic in many different cultures and have roots far back into history. The Chinese view the tortoise as a supporter of the world, with it's four feet as the four corners of the earth. In Hindu tradition the world rests on the back of an elephant which then rests upon a tortoise. The Iroquois of North America believe that from a turtle they are descended, ridding itself of his shell and on the back of this Great Turtle the earth sits on.

One of my very favorite stories is The Tortoise and The Hare :)

(For sale in my Artfire shop, this set of two turtle magnets are made of durable polymer clay, painted, and sealed several times for surface protection)

Yin Yang Magnets

2010-04-30T11:49:00.017-04:00

Denoted in Chinese philosophy, two principles,

one negative, dark and feminine (yin) and one positive, bright and masculine (yang), are used to describe how their interaction influences the destinies of creatures and things.

(This set of magnets, listed in my Artfire shop, are made of durable polymer clay, hand-drawn, painted and sealed several times for surface protection with strong magnets attached. Handled with care they should last indefinitely.)

Sandhill Cranes

2010-04-23T12:00:00.010-04:00

More Sandhill Crane pictures from around my neighborhood. I've noticed there seems to be more cranes than there have been within the past four years. This is good news because they are often found hanging out along the sides of roads where cars drive too dangerously fast past them. They move very...S L O W L Y :) And they stop traffic as they make their way across the street. I'm not exactly sure why I love them so much...I just do!

2010-03-23T20:40:00.011-04:00

The Oblivion

Quick! The oblivion, let's go!
Oblivion is where we'll claim.
We're off to be forgotten,
Forgotten is what we aim.

Slip from memories that might care.
We'll disappear without a trace,
More soundless than the silence,
More weightless than out in space.

Plunge fearless toward the emptiness.
Allow the black void to deepen.
Courage to be unknown and free.
Ah, the pure oblivion!

We are gladly obliterated...

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan

Please visit The Inferno to see other member's wonderful poems and stories based on the theme 'Into Oblivion'.

Our Singing Sun

2010-03-21T19:46:00.020-04:00

This was done for the Sun Art Challenge at The Artist Challenge and is now part of the CBS Sunday Morning library.

The Artist Challenge - Silence

2010-02-28T14:49:00.015-05:00

My Mime

The green park in the city.

I watch from behind the tree.

He is a mime among the crowd.

I can see him, he can't see me.

As he tells them their stories,

With graceful and moving hands,

Gestures, dances of expression,

They fall silent and mesmerized.

His is a listening world

Of the ancient pantomime,

To inspire rich imagery,

Creating illusions unseen.

Though in his eyes, a sadness,

That I alone am aware.

How could he know that I so care?

For now it has become the time.

The people have gone away.

I step from behind the tree,

And then slowly he turns toward me.

Smiling shyly, I walk to him.

"I have been waiting to ask,

Why are you also so sad?"

"Since I have been waiting for you."

Hands touch and we sit quietly.

He is a mime among the crowd.

...He is my mime.

These were done for the 'Silence' theme this month. Please have a look at other member's amazing artwork and writings at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

The Artist Challenge - Valentine

2010-02-14T23:23:00.030-05:00

My Black Heart

There upon the rock lay a black heart.

The black heart that belonged to me.

And there is the knife, plunged deep inside.

Inside to where I cannot see.

For in time there was of a moment

A moment love found us, bound us.

While we held each other's tender hearts,

On Earth, brief was our love joyous.

From Death a red heart was left for him.

Left not for me, though I did plead.

Love stolen, my heart blackened with grief,

That I did seek revenge with greed.

Quick to me it came, I choose my fate.

Fate not in sadness, but freedom.

With my love in the everafter,

Where safe from you in our sanctum.

So, dear Death, I leave my Valentine for you
...Laid here on this rock.

Please see other member's amazing work at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

Butterfly Circus (The Artist Challenge)

2010-01-30T23:35:00.027-05:00

In Dreams

In the dreams we hold, hope is born.
Small and light, gentle and calm,
Embrace her hand, trusting.
Search for possibilities.

Working for dreams, hope is grown.
Grand and generous, certain and alive,
Let her support, courageous.
Strive for endurance.

With persistence, hope is transformed.
Immense and abundant, strong and capable,
Accept her freedom, exhilarating.
Dream anew, hope is born again.
© 2010 Sarah Donnellan

This art challenge, 'A Burst of Hope', and literary challenge, is based on the following inspiring short film tinyurl.com/kqpve7. Please watch its beautiful message and see and read other member's submissions at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

The Artist Challenge - Turbulence

2010-01-19T10:56:00.031-05:00

Turbulence

Destruction was on a new journey.

To a small town, to a quiet town,

To those with big dreams and little means.

To those who hold tight to one another.

And in their bones they could feel it.

And with their skilled eyes they could see it.

The dense gray sky as she came alive.

Brewing, conjuring, heavy daunting clouds.

Anxious, alert faces in windows.

Familiar feelings, in fear, in awe.

Lightening calls crisply, streaking, cracking.

Thunder responds rumbling, angry, roaring.

Quickly, indifferent, the assault begins.

As she blasts down her rain in torrents,

The wind comes in waves upon the land.

And the people know they are surrounded.

Out of the depths of her energy,

It is born. The perfect tornado.

So tightly wrapped around, up and down.

Upon reaching the ground, the path is clear.

Running scared to their safety below,

The air tightens as the pressure drops

The sound of its power reach them then.

Deafening, frightening, all hold their breath.

Above the twister moves eagerly.
While tearing up and so crashing down,
Whisking and soaring and speeding past.
To the end of town, an exit is made.

The storm and her danger, quickly pass.
Emerging out into the sunlight,
The people see and the people stare.
The people sink to the ground and they cry.

I wrote this as a literary challenge and the art piece is for the artist's challenge of the same theme. Please see other member's amazing artwork, poems and stories at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

The Artist Challenge - The Reveal

2009-11-20T11:33:00.011-05:00

What do you think the curtains can reveal?

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at The Artist Challenge.

The Artist Challenge - Shifting Shadows

2009-10-30T21:54:00.038-04:00

Shifting Shadows Here and There

Shifting shadows here and there,
Here and there they shift.
Claiming shapes of those they meet.
Of those they meet they claim.

Tied to the sun and the moon,
Reflected by earth.
Found in places near and far,
Cruising winds and currents.

Meeting your dark silhouette
Look deep into it.
Lose yourself for a moment,
There may be no escape.

They lurk inside your attics.
In basements they hunt.
At the top of staircases,
They are in your closets.

When darkness is descended,
Around city blocks,
From street signs to shop windows,
A shadow masquerade.

Abounding in the forests,
Under the sparse light.
Trickery and illusions,
Thickly veiled by large trees.

Plunging through ocean's waves
Chasing, pursuing,
Imitating and mocking,
Life in such abundance.

With the rise and fall of the sun,
Dancing upon clouds,
Bouncing off the moon and back,
Amongst the boundless sky.

Shifting shadows here and there.
Here and there, they shift.
Claiming shapes of those they meet,
Of those they meet they claim.

© 2009 Sarah Donnellan

I wrote this as a literary challenge, 'Shifting Shadows', and to accompany The Artist Challenge of the same with the piece pictured. Please go view other member's amazing artwork at The Artist Challenge and read wonderful stories and poems at The Inferno.

Tree Series

2009-10-24T14:08:00.010-04:00

This is the second and third in my Tree series. It is interesting to see how the shapes of them can be interpreted differently, like finding objects in the clouds :)

Dancing Tree

2009-10-19T14:00:00.007-04:00

Trees dancing in the breeze are mesmerizing to watch. This is the first in my Dancing Trees series..

The Artist Challenge - The Hidden Treasure

2009-10-11T13:45:00.014-04:00

A Hiding Treasure

I wonder who hid this treasure and why?

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at

The Artist Challenge..

2009-10-04T16:29:00.012-04:00

A Guilty Conscience

Climbing into his bed,
A deep breath, eyes close.
Relaxing, releasing,
He sinks into slumber.

Images of his day
Pass peacefully by.
Slightly strange or mundane,
Dreams of the usual fare.

But dreams can be naive,
Subtle and stubborn,
So shielding and shallow,
Layer upon layer.

Rooted into his core,
The deepest layer,
His dreams kept a secret,
They mask a wicked truth.

Like a grave infection,
His guilty conscience
Tied to a past event,
Hidden but not quite lost.

Skilled dancers nightmares are
Lay resolved in wait,
Determined to reveal
What dreams may choose not to.

Slowly, assuredly
Lightness fades to gray.
In nocturnal repose,
Senses he’s not alone.

The air feels dense and raw,
Deafening silence.
Then stunned, through the darkness
Sudden, familiar screams.

Abruptly, panic grips.
Shame and guilt are bared,
For the nightmares, they know,
And the nightmares, they creep.

Fitful, heart fluttering.
He tosses, he turns.
The shivers and tremors,
His whole body quivers.

Flying at him swiftly,
Faces from his past,
Disembodied, grotesque,
Surround and invade him.

Repulsed and terrified,
Waving arms, vision blurred.
Ahead of him, a path.
Instinctively, he runs.

Flying, fleeing, reaching,
Sweet escape is his.
The path under his feet.
Around his neck, a hand.

Wrenched carelessly downward
He fights to resist.
The screaming, the faces,
Caught by his own nightmares.

Struggling, he calls for help.
Hardly a whisper.
There is no one to come.
There is no one at all.

Harsh, cold wind rushes by
Again and once more.
And in his ear a voice,
"We know you are guilty."

The truth will set him free,
"Yes, I admit it!"
To the nightmares, he shouts.
He will confess his sins.

The light returns to him,
Armed with a resolve,
His eyes open anew.
He sits up, feet on ground.

As he walks toward the door,
A feeling, looks back
On the bed, he still lies.
How can this be? Unless...

Realizing in horror,
Burying a sin
For too long a time can
Absolutely kill you.

Where mercy has been shown
To friends of the truth,
This is not so for all.
For him...it is too late.

© 2009 Sarah Donnellan

I wrote this as a literary challenge 'nightmares dance' inspired by Alfred Hitchcock for The Inferno, where you can read amazing stories by other artists and writers.

The Gift (Art Challenge)

2009-10-02T13:00:00.010-04:00

Reaching

Never stop reaching for what will make you happy. Who says your dreams can’t come in a box tied with a red ribbon?

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at The Artist Challenge..

2009-09-19T10:14:00.019-04:00

The Black Cat

Movement in black
Reflected by moonlight,
Quietly watching and
Patiently waiting.

Keen green eyes rest
On rigid tombstones marked
Carved names of those below
Patiently waiting.

Darkness then sinks
Touching the dusty earth.
Shadows curl here and there,
Whispers breezy sighs.

Midnight descends,
Ominous calm settles.
The black cat spies the
Spirits awaken.

Grim and ghastly,
Chilly cold and lonely.
The souls rise in stark haze,
Above, among trees.

Gently hissing
And cleverly hidden,
Tempted but hesitates.
Instinct tells her stay.

As ghosts of old,
Relishing their escape,
Sense another presence
Do call the black cat.

Ears shoot forward,
Silken body tenses.
Bony fingers beckon,
Entrancing, enticing.

Movement in black
In tune with the shadows.
Stealthily, cautiously
Skilled steps advance.

A haunting song
As one the spirits sing,
Luring the velvet being
To join their frail flight.

Journeying towards,
Slowly and utterly,
Til densely surrounded
By those being sought.

Movement in white
Swirling, encircling,
Around, around hurried,
Eagerly reach out.

She is embraced!
Green eyes ignite in fear.
Feeling the end is near,
Cries imploringly.

Next night indeed
The spirits new member,
Melancholy delights,
Did the black cat join.

The lesson here,
To listen to instincts.
For what killed the black cat?
CURIOSITY!

© Sarah Donnellan 2009

I wrote this as a literary challenge 'curiosity killed the cat' inspired by Edgar Allen Poe for The Inferno, where you can read amazing stories by other artists and writers.

The Artist Challenge - Anonymous

2009-08-29T22:15:00.017-04:00

A Secret Admirer

Has someone ever left their heart for you at your doorstep?

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at The Artist Challenge.

2009-08-18T22:52:00.025-04:00

Where The Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends

And before the street begins,

And there the grass grows soft and white,

And there the sun burns crimson bright,

And there the moon-bird rests from his flight

To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black

And the dark street winds and bends.

Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow

We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And watch where the chalk-white arrows go

To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,

For the children, they mark, and the children, they know

The place where the sidewalk ends.

~Where the Sidewalk Ends~

the poems and drawings of Shel Silverstein

1974 Harper & Row

Do you know how a certain combination of words can make you feel? These have always touched me from start to finish, everytime :)

The Art of the Smile

2009-06-27T11:37:00.015-04:00

The Art of Traveling Through Time

2009-06-22T13:20:00.008-04:00

As long as I can remember I have wished I could. Would you, if you could? Would you like to go back to moments in your own life and make different decisions? Would you rather travel back to a historical time period that interests you? This is what I would choose, to immerse myself in a particular time for a while and then move on to the next. To take someone along with you to experience this would be ideal, don't you think?

The Artist Challenge - Spring Fever

2009-06-08T15:11:00.008-04:00

Awakening

As the dark, heaviness of winter gives way to the light, airiness of spring, flowers reawaken.

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at The Artist Challenge..

The Artist Challenge - Sun Art

2009-06-08T14:53:00.011-04:00

Watching Over Us

Submitted through The Artist Challenge for the CBS Sunday Morning Show to use as part of their segments.

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at The Artist Challenge...

The Artist Challenge - The Fool

2009-06-08T14:10:00.012-04:00

A Fool's Mask

We are all capable of wearing many different masks to hide behind, but what is the fool left with? For a fool has but one mask, I believe..

Please have a look at other member's beautiful artwork at The Artist Challenge..

Somebody's Watching

2009-04-06T15:27:00.013-04:00

"I always feel like somebody's watching me

Who's playin' tricks on me?

I don't know anymore

Are the neighbors watching me?

Well is the mailman watching me?

And I don't feel safe anymore, oh what a mess

I wonder who's watching me now? Who? The IRS?..."

~Rockwell 'Somebody's Watching Me'

Remember this song? ;)

Tree Uprooted

2009-04-06T15:23:00.008-04:00

Some trees have roots that grow out to its sides above the ground for greater stability before reaching down into it's earth.

Boxes

2009-04-06T15:17:00.007-04:00

I have always had fun with optical illusions. They have a way of defying the logical hard wiring of our brains by presenting images that deprive our visualization of enough information to keep it from processing the image correctly.

Butterfly Love

2009-04-06T15:01:00.007-04:00

Butterfly love is brief

and beautiful.

7 Ghosts

2009-03-29T00:18:00.010-04:00

"At whose approach, ghosts, wandering here and there,

Troop home to churchyards."

~William Shakespeare (1564-1616, A Midsummer Night's Dream)

Tunnels

2009-03-29T00:14:00.016-04:00

Where are these tunnels
coming from and where are they

going?

Connected

2009-03-28T23:54:00.006-04:00

Who is connected to you and who are you connected with?

2009-03-23T16:40:00.014-04:00

Happiness

Peace

Energy

Circles

2009-03-20T12:15:00.007-04:00

The circle is an ancient and universal

symbol of unity, wholeness, and infinity

that is deeply rooted in nature.

Small

2009-03-16T13:32:00.008-04:00

Hanging Heart

2009-02-15T14:27:00.008-05:00

"It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart."

~Anonymous

Two Hearts

2009-02-15T14:23:00.008-05:00

"But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart."

~Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944 The Little Prince)

Yourself

2009-02-02T09:55:00.009-05:00

"Know the Tao

Without leaving your doorstep.

See its face reflected in the window.

To seek it outside

Is to leave it behind."

Tao 47

This is one of my favorite passages in the Tao Te Ching. I made a mirror instead of a window in this piece.

Another Crane

2009-01-16T21:46:00.011-05:00

This was taken at a lake in our neighborhood.

Welcome Home

2009-01-12T22:06:00.011-05:00

Welcome home. These two words together can evoke some of the warmest feelings, and a home can come in many different forms. This ACEO is made from watercolor paper that has been stamped, painted, secured with polymer clay letters, and sealed on both sides.

2009-01-06T14:00:00.007-05:00

Where The Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and binds.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

~Where the Sidewalk Ends~
the poems and drawings of Shel Silverstein
1974 Harper & Row

Do you know how a certain combination of words can make you feel? These have always touched me from start to finish, everytime :)

Sandhill Cranes

2009-01-01T15:37:00.008-05:00

Sandhill Cranes are found, usually in pairs, all over where we live. In neighborhoods, school and shopping areas. This is the third place in Florida I've lived and had never seen them before. I LOVE them and have taken a lot of pictures. These two were in our front yard! They have a wonderful and loud trumpet-like call that we hear mostly in the evenings as they fly low nearby. I read that they mate for life :)

Gingerbread Men

2008-12-31T23:34:00.019-05:00

They are both very sorry to have missed the holidays AGAIN...as they actually began to be in December of 2007!! Ah well, another year to go :)

The Little Gingerbread Boy

2008-12-31T13:56:00.007-05:00

"Run! Run! Run!

Catch me if you can!

You can't catch me!

I'm the Gingerbread Boy,

I am, I am!..."

The Gingerbread Boy

by, Paul Galdone

Three Flowers

2008-12-12T18:26:00.030-05:00

"Earth laughs in flowers."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson (American poet, 1803-1882)

Flowers

2008-12-04T11:21:00.014-05:00

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul."

~Luther Burbank (American botonist, horticulturist and a pioneer in agricultural science 1849-1926)

Smile

2008-12-01T21:48:00.018-05:00

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

~Thich Nhat Hanh (b.1926, Vietnamese Zen Buddhist teacher)

Luck

2008-12-01T19:14:00.009-05:00

The story of the four leaf clover dates back to traditional Celtic times when they were used as lucky charms to ward off evil spirits. It has been estimated that the chances of finding a four leaf clover is one for every 10,000 three leaf clovers!

Dream

2008-11-29T10:34:00.009-05:00

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)

What is Your Perspective?

2008-11-20T10:59:00.008-05:00

Point of View

Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless
Christmas dinner's dark and blue
When you stop and try to see it
From the turkey's point of view.

Sunday dinner isn't sunny
Easter feasts are just bad luck
When you see it from the viewpoint
Of a chicken or a duck.

Oh how I once loved tuna salad
Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too
Till I stopped and looked at dinner
From the dinner's point of view.

~Shel Silverstein (Where The Sidewalk Ends, 1974)

Subtle...

2008-11-01T19:28:00.013-04:00

Subtle can be defined as delicate or faint and mysterious.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love this definition over the more negative ones. To me, this one implies a need to look more closely to see, to look beneath the surface. Isn't there usually more to something than meets the eye? If you choose to spend the time searching who knows what can be discovered ;)

On Being Open-Minded

2008-10-27T20:00:00.023-04:00

"An open-mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it."
~Anonymous

Because..."Where there is an open mind there will always be a frontier."
~Charles F. Kettering (American engineer and inventor 1876-1958)

However,"I try to keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out."
~Harold T. Stone (American actor 1913-2005)

How open is your mind? :)