silent dance

the silent dance of breakfast

sleepily waltzing around each other

in our small kitchen

real coffee for you

decaf or tea for me 

we sit quietly with our cereal

and watch the trees in back

gray squirrels climb up on the railing

and eat the seeds you set out for them

a flash of red as a cardinal

sneaks a seed when they leave

in spring the door is open

and we hear them singing

but each morning I love

our quiet time together

before our hectic day starts

no words are needed

after 25 years together

just a glance, a smile

and the day begins

©2010 Linda H Feinberg

author's note: it may be spring today, but I saw snowflakes and had to put on the heat to take the chill off the house!

Alton Home Show

Joe & I did the Alton Home Show this weekend, sponsored by the Rotary.  It was in their beautiful high school and there were over 100 vendors.  Interesting, but tiring.  I sold two prints and quite a few cards.  Joe sold some books and had his new book on display http://www.tovabook.com/  He's ordered the books and they should be here in a couple of weeks. The books look beautiful and I'm proud of him.  Some of my photos, one sketch and a few poems are also in the book.

Arts Award

I entered one work in this art show and was pleasantly surprised to get an award.  There were over 60 entries and four prizes.  The piece I entered was posted on the blog in May 09, Autumn Leaves on Belmont Street.  I had matted and framed it with a barnboard frame.  Received many compliments :)

This is the second time I received an award on this piece. My original posting was in May of last year: Autumn Leaves Painting

I received the first award in September 2009 from Manchester Artist Association for this piece. I rarely submit my work for voting. Usually I just make cards, but I have the original of this one for sale on my web site and hope to sell it eventually. Linda's Store

Pulpit Rock, Bedford, NH

We had an easy hike last weekend in nearby Bedford. We hadn't been there in many years and we were surprised at all the development, lots of big houses where there used to be woods. I guess people still have money for mansions.

More photos at: Pulpit Rock photos

Self-Portrait/Pencil

I have been working on this pencil self-portrait on and off for a few weeks, just a few minutes at a time. I started from a photo to get the angle and shape of the face, but then I bought a mirror to put up on my easel.  I think it looks like me but I certainly need more practice at this. When I started taking art classes 10 years ago, I never imagined I would be drawing at this level, so I am pleased but still see room for improvement. My next class starts in a few weeks, botanical illustration. I'm looking forward to it. For those of you who think I should have done a smiley face, I preferred my half smile expression. It's a better reflection of my inner self. Of course, one of the problems with drawing in pencil (grayscale) is that I couldn't figure out how to portray my white hair.  Maybe someday I'll do a color portrait.

We are having a beautiful day today, so now I'm going out to play in the dirt and do some more yard cleanup.  I can actually plant my onion sets today. I have some coming up from last year, so I know it's safe to put them in.  It's too early here to plant anything else.