boys and their toys

As little boys grow to manhood they become - well, just big boys. And their little toy cars become BIG toys.

first leaves of Autumn

Don't you love the first leaves of Autumn??? Everything has been so green-green all Summer. Then one morning you notice the slight chill in the air. A few days later you're walking in the back yard and a colorful flutter catches your eye. You look up and there's the first Autumn leaf. A wonderful miracle. The color has been there all the time --- just hidden by the green chlorophyll. It's like the leaves are shedding their green costumes of Summer and we're seeing their "true colors shining through".

walk across the river

This is the James River as it flows near Richmond, VA. You can literally walk across the river on the rocks at this spot.

lunch time already?

Actually I don't have any idea about how to read a sundial. This one is in Colonial Williamsburg, VA. It's so easy just to glance at my watch or Blackberry to see not only the hour and minutes - but the seconds. We have digital chronometers everywhere to give us the most accurate time available. It's hard to imagine that just several generations ago the sundial was the premier timepiece.

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Wilson

Remember the Tom Hanks movie "Castaway"? His companion on the island was Wilson, the soccer ball. Well, I'd like to introduce you to Wilson, the scarecrow who resides in Sandra's garden. He's a quiet type, but he keeps an eye open for birds, squirrels and occasionally Ellie (the dog). It's a treat to stop by Sandra's house. She's always painting in her art studio, puttering in the garden or baking cookies. And she always invites you in with a hospitable smile - and a plate of those fresh baked cookies.

beauty is where you find it

If you wait long enough in this lifetime, a beautiful butterfly will alight on your toe. Believe it.

weeds by the wayside

Yes, they are weeds. Their colors are the same as flowers in our gardens - flowers we've bought, planted, watered, cared for. But these are free to enjoy as we pass them by on our busy way to somewhere else. Enjoy nature's garden as you go from here to there.

Chickamauga Creek

This is another view looking East on Chickamauga Creek in Ringgold, GA. This was taken last year ('07) but it won't be too long before the leaves lose their costumes of green and once again glow in their Autumn finery. I need to get away and visit there again.....

fawn morning

If you look closely just to the right of center, you'll see a mother deer and her fawn. They ate leisurely for several minutes as they made their way across the meadow. This property is the location of the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment.

out of town

I will be out of town October 2nd through October 7th. Please visit earlier posts and my art blog at http://beejw.blogspot.com. Thanks! Be back soon.

Native American dancer

This is another Native American dancer who participated in the Running Water pow-wow in Rome, GA. I wish I could have gotten his name, tribe, and something about his regalia.

Running Water pow-wow

If you've never attended a pow-wow, you have missed an opportunity to learn much about Native American heritage. Google "pow-wow" and you'll be amazed at how many events are available. This photo shows Men's Southern Straight Dancers and Grass Dancers ready to enter the arena at the Running Water pow-wow in Rome, GA. Originally I had listed the dancers as "Fancy Dancers", however I've now learned that Fancy Dancers wear two bussels of feathers on their backs. And a big "Thank You!" to Father RedWolf for bringing this to my attention.

more Southern lights

Late evening Southern lights are a wonderous sight. Catching them requires watching the sky just before sundown. The clouds seem to magically catch those last rays as the sun dips below the horizon. And in just a few moments - they're gone.

North Georgia red clay

North Georgia has red clay soil. This photo was taken just before sundown as the sun's rays hit the embankment behind a small company near Rocky Face, GA. I love the colorful South!

first Fall leaves

Leaves are starting to turn here in North Georgia. The first golden edged leaves are beginning to drop and there's a chill in the early morning air. It's time to trade open toed sandals for socks and sneakers, and grab a light jacket as you head out the door. Christmas is just around the bend.

getting there early

Early on Saturday morning at the Creative Arts Guild's Festival, you can see rows of vendor tents. Within 15 minutes of this photo, jewelers, potters, fiber artists, painters, sculptors, face painters - dozens and dozens of artisans busily set up shop for the day. This same scene will be played out over and over again this Fall at the countless art fairs and festivals sprinkled across the South. Ya'll come by to see us, OK?

cool, long shadows

As early Fall brings a chill, long morning shadows seem to linger just a bit longer.

painted Southern sky

Words can't express the beauty of this Summer Southern sky. Enjoy.

such a lovely day

It was such a lovely day that we just had to paint it......