FREE download - Gathering the Sparks

I am offering a PDF download of my chapbook free on my web site until the end of July. The chapbook is 42 pages long and has some of my artwork on it as well.  I posted a review of the book in the description area.  The poetry is inspirational and easy to read, nothing long hair about it! Poems about people, places, dogs, hiking, Jewish holidays, love, family etc. I've had lots of positive comments about it over the years, but few people actually buy poetry books, so I'm offering a free copy for a while. Get inspired, take a look: Linda's Store

I hope I have posted the download correctly, so if you find out that it doesn't work, please let me know ASAP and I'll try to fix it.  Also, I have 2 copies left of my older book "red poppies and green clover" but that is a long book and I don't know if I will try to do that one later on as a download. Happy weekend.

Drawing of Seth

My attempt at another portrait. This one is my son Seth, done in pencil and graphite in my sketch book. The actual photo I used as a model is one he e-mailed me from a concert he did with his band. It is up on his Facebook page (Seth Freedman). When I learn more about painting, I would like to attempt this one in color.  Right now I'm still working on flowers, though. They seem easier than faces.

California poppies

These are the poppies that we saw at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve in Lancaster while on vacation. Eschscholtzia californica for the scientists out there. There were acres and acres of the poppies plus walking trails, some uphill. We had a good time.

More photos at: Mojave photos - horses, grandchildren, poppy preserve and this one that I found amusing, 52nd Street sign in the desert.

Drawing of Jake

This is a drawing of my son Jake that I started quite a few months ago. I think it is finally finished. It is graphite & pencil, done in my sketchbook, not on any kind of special paper, just a practice piece. I did the drawing from an old photo of Jake playing the keyboard. He was concentrating on his playing (which is wonderful, mostly jazz, you can listen at Deely Stan website). He no longer has the beard and keeps his hair very short now.  I can see some smears from my fingers at the bottom, I'll have to be more careful with the next drawing. Graphite is messy and smears easily.

I hope to work on a sketch of my son Seth next. He sent me a good photo of him performing with his guitar on stage. That will be a challenge too, not just a face, but the torso, arms, microphone etc. Should be interesting.

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon is a National Conservation Area just outside of Las Vegas.  It is a short drive to the visitor's center.  If you don't like hiking or walking, you can just drive around 13 miles on a one way road and stop at various parking areas to take pictures.  We walked about 1 hour, taking lots of pictures of the rocks and the wildflowers. Then we did the drive around. Beautiful area. More photos at: Red Rock Canyon photos

I think the bottom photo might be Yucca. I wasn't sure of the names of the flowers and plants. Joe likes the first photo and might use it on his western. That book will be available in the fall.

Gregory and his harem

Gregory is a gelding (not a stallion), but he loves his mares and they love him too. It looks like he is guarding them in this picture.  It was very windy the first few days we were in Mojave (California) on vacation and I saw him in the corral many times standing over the mares. They are all Missouri Fox Trotters and belong to Joe (my husband) and Sharon (our daughter). They are used for trail rides for the family.  We had a wonderful time with the grandkids on vacation last week and I will post some more pictures when I get a chance.

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