Candles and Art

Hi!

The Winter season has begun in the norther hemisphere, even if the calendar may not agree. The sun is low and the dark nights are longer. A perfect time to light a candle.

I love candles all year long but especially during the Winter. Candles offer a soft light, warm glow and fragrance to make any room cozy.

I started making candles in 2020 after my Mom passed. It was a way to handle grief while being busy. A needed distraction, so the journey began.

When I began creating my soy candles, I wanted to make a safe candle that connected to aroma and sight. So I decided to add my artwork to each candle. There were paintings already completed that matched perfectly and then also created new artwork. This worked so well since my subjects are about Nature, Maine Wilderness and the Seasons. My favorite subjects to paint.

I love the connection my paintings have with each candle. It makes the fragrances and the paintings more unique and brings the paintings to life. Imagine you are watching a Fox while breathing in the fragrance of the woods.

Have a wonderful day! And Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

Links:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyCrowCandles

First Snow and Bald Eagles

There is a very special feeling when you wake up to the first snow of the season. As I ventured outside to feed the birds, a sense of tranquility swept over me. The snow was lightly falling and the air was cold. I'm sure the birds appreciated the seeds.

After coffee and a nice breakfast, admiring the snow while washing dishes, a huge bird was perched on a tree outback. What was it!? I ran and got binoculars, a juvenile Bald Eagle. No way!

Then I saw another one further back perched on a large pine. A few moments later they were both on the same tree. Time to get the camera! I have seen Bald Eagles fly over before and they mesmerize you by their size and beauty. But this was an extraordinary moment!

A few minutes later an adult Bald Eagle swooped by and the youngsters followed. I am

so happy that I was able to witness such beauty. I was wondering what subject I wanted to paint on birch next - Yeup - Bald Eagle!

I never tire of the wonders that our backyard provides us.

Have a wonderful day! And Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

When to say When

It's a very dreary morning here in Maine. A perfect day that I should be painting and creating but the heart is just not into it. There has been so much tragedy and loss in the past 5 days that I am swirling in grief. These events involve those who I did not know directly but the empath in me is on overload.

So even though I felt this way I pushed myself to paint a few simple paintings. Then the paint, the brush and my mind were completely working against each other. Yea...the frustration took it's toll.

I cleaned the brush, put the paint away and turned the light off. I put my sneakers on and went to the treadmill, a healthy option and decided to do some light yoga as well. I do feel better, more centered and the mind is a little bit clearer, my heart still has a while to go...

This morning reminded me how important it is to take care of ourselves all the time, when it is time to say "when", enough, stop. I consistently put work before my needs and that is not healthy. I always push to the limit.

Please make the time for yourself during difficult moments or when you just need a break. Take a nap, eat junk food, wear baggy clothes, cry, watch happy movies, go connect with nature by taking a walk, escape with a good book and detach from the internet.

Always take care of you and find your center!

Christine