Showing category "Living by the Brook" (Show all posts)
I walk to work every day. Rain or shine, blizzard or black flies, you will find me trekking up the lane to my studio. Every day, every season has it's own particular beauty. There is a short stretch of time, though where the walk is positively intoxicating. And that time is now. The honeysuckle and lilac trees are in full bloom, filling my nostrils with their heady scent, and my ears with the droning of bee and hummingbird wings. My eyes are overwhelmed with the multitude of colours. Drunk... Continue reading ...
The blizzard has moved on, leaving bitter cold and lots of snow in it's wake. The view from my front porch is considerably different this morning, compared to two days ago. From inside it looks to be a beautiful and sunny winter wonderland. Step outside, however, and Jack Frost immediately nips bites freezes solid any exposed flesh. The -39 celsius temperature doesn't stop my hardy, outdoor loving dog Heart from enjoying the sun and snow. She's taking a break from digging tunnels in the ... Continue reading ...
Was planning on heading out to my studio today, but after looking out my front window, I decided to stay in and work on the website instead. These little finches just happened to fly into the shot. They are more intrepid than I! This is the worst storm we've experienced so far this winter. I have a date with my studio assistant, Miss Allie, tomorrow to do a much needed studio cleanup. I wonder if we will still be snowed in? Continue reading ...
So often I seem to run through my days, focused totally on the task on hand and what needs to be done next. I do try to take time to rest, often reading a book, or playing scrabble on my phone while sitting in my garden. But even though I take little breaks, I rarely feel rested and rejuvinated. I am exhausted by the end of the day, and often by lunch time. Then I happened upon a post by Havi Brooks of The Fluent Self which gave me a real "Aha!" moment. Over on her Facebook (aka the "Fro... Continue reading ...
I managed to sneak away from my studio for a bit to do some gardening. I had planned to dig up the asparagus bed, because the last time I checked nothing was coming up. Imagine my surprise when I approached the bed, trowel in hand, and saw this:I've not had much luck growing asparagus, so I was very happy to see these new shoots. So happy, that I was dancing around the garden! A little happy dance of gratitude. I think I might cut a very few of these precious shoots and cook them up for s... Continue reading ...
It's hard for me to believe that almost a month has gone by since my last post! Things have gotten a bit crazy here at the Brook, and I'm finding it hard to keep up. Spring has finally arrived. I noticed this lone crocus in my garden while I was hanging out the laundry. Crocuses are one of my favourite spring flowers. Such hardy little things. I have a lot of news to tell you, but it will have to wait for another day. I'm going out to play in sun! Continue reading ...
I know I must seem obsessed by spring. After several months of being house and studio bound due to a cold-related health challenge, being able to go outside for more than two minutes makes me a bit giddy. I feel like a caged bird that's been set free! One of my favourite things to do as the warmer spring weather melts the blanket of snow is to walk around and see what is uncovered. The other day while out exploring with the dogs, we found the long lost Dora the Explorer ball. We hadn't be... Continue reading ...
It was finally warm enough that I could get out for a short walk yesterday. A sure sign of spring! I took my camera with me, on the hunt for other, more subtle signs that spring is well and truly creeping in. Some things I found:Leaf buds on trees Paw prints in mud The huge snowdrift at the top of the hill is shrinking so that the road is just over one lane wide instead of the less than one lane it usually is all winter. We are supposed to have a week of temperatures above freezing, which h... Continue reading ...
We were fortunate to have a clear evening for viewing the "Super" moon last Saturday. My husband set up his camera and tripod on our front porch and captured these unusual photos of the moon as it rose behind a hawthorn thicket. Doesn't it look like a great ball of fire? Like some magical, mystical sorcery is brewing.....
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The grass has not riz, and I know where the birdies is - they are chowing down at our feeders, trying to keep warm on this snowy first day of spring. Winter is not yet letting go in my neck of the woods, and will still be hanging around for another month or more. I do love the cold beauty of winter, even though by this time of year I am looking forward to seeing some green. The ground is covered in a soft white blanket, but other things we don't see the rest of the year are exposed. One of m... Continue reading ...
And why wouldn't they? They are a thing of beauty. I love wellington boots the way some women love their Jimmy Choo's or Ferragamo's.
 And these Hunter wellies are so red. And shiny. And sexy.  My old wellies (wellie wanna be's) are pink plaid. I loved them, too. We had some good, down and dirty times together, but after only two years, they are worn out. Faded and full of holes, they are finished. I've been wearing them anyway, because I could not find replacements in my small town, a...
We had our first great winter kick-off blizzard over the past three days. Snow, howling winds and -30 Celsius windchill. We will have worse storms throughout the winter, but this first one of the season always seems to hit hard.
 The view from my front door in a brief moment when I could actually see beyond the porch!
 The chickadees were hanging on for dear life! I am amazed that they could even fly in the face of the gale.  My wreath looks lovely with a bit of snow on top, don't you think? ... Continue reading ...
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A Bit About Julie
| Julie A. Brown, Wabi Brook Studio |
| A Farm Near New Liskeard, Temiskaming Shores |
I'm a full-time artist and metalsmith following my own path. I live a creative life inspired by nature, and fueled by tea and dark chocolate. When I'm not in my studio slapping paint around or pounding metal, or collaborating with my Spirit of the Arts partners, you will find me in my garden under my favourite tree, lost in a good book.
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2014 Winter Workshop Schedule:
Wednesday, January 26: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. - Ring Making
Friday, January 31: PD Day Art Adventure Camp: 9:00 a.m to noon - Exploring Texture and Colour
Tuesday, February 4: 10:00 to Noon - Earring Making Thursday, February 13: 10:00 to Noon - Chain Making Tuesday, February 18: 10:00 to Noon - Introduction to Metal Stamped Jewellery
Tuesday, February 25: 10:00 to Noon - Metal Stamped Jewellery Part 2
Tuesday, March 4: 10:00 to Noon - Metal Stamped Jewellery Part 3
All workshops and classes are held in the studio at Spirit of the Arts on Lakeshore Road in New Liskeard, ON
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