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Monday, October 08, 2012

Gentle October


Don't you love October? Golden autumn days, lazy summer coming to an end with crisp evenings and warm afternoons. On Sunday we borrowed our neighbor's apple press and made over 6 gallons of juice from our Spitzenberg and Northern Spy apples. If you know apples you know what a treasure those varieties are.


My man comes from a long line of orchardists. His grandpappy had a big spread of orchards down in Ashland, Oregon. We have a picture of grandpappy up in the tree just like John is in this photo.


Our daughter and son-in-law came over to help us with the pressing. Shellie took over the squeezing operation while John picked and Rich and I cut and culled. It was a wonderful family day.


At the end of the day we were all tired and hungry and settled in for a big taco feed. And apple juice. (grin)


We had the perfect day. Such a gift it was.


Then this morning I picked up my new iPhone and shot this arty photo through the dining room window.


I'm still swimming in memories of my time in North Carolina. Dear Kim sent me some of the moon shells that I fell in love with and even made me a necklace with a moon shell set in a bezel on a chain with pearls. I feel like a real mermaid when I wear it. (thank you again, Kim)  We're cooking up future fun on her coast for 2013. I LOVE North Carolina.


I stopped by my friend Marla's Atelier to discuss the last minute necessities for the cold wax class I'm teaching there next month. There are 3 openings so you still have time to join us. I'm more in love with cold wax than ever. It is so malleable. And if you already paint or do encaustic it is a great medium to add to expand your repetoire.


Here is my most recent painting; "Orange Crush"- 24x30" on wood panel. You really have to click on the image to see the detail, it's subtle. My new quiet style. 

Color. 

Joyful color.

I could eat it. xo

19 comments:

Indigene said...

I love your blog posts and art! Decided to stop being a lurker and comment.

Ro Bruhn said...

What a lovely way to pass a day with the family. October means spring to us, daylight savings kicked in last weekend, longer lazy days, (I wish). We also have the moon shells at our beaches, I didn't know that was their name. I wonder if they travel from your coasts to ours.

Michele R. Unger said...

Orange crush! What a joyous painting, Judy! It glows, just like you glow.

XOXO

Kathy said...

What a lovely way to spend a day. Love the "artsy" picture!

Clare Wassermann said...

And I could eat and drink your whole post. I just wish I was your daughter! I love the whole energy of your family.

dorylyn said...

How blessed you are! Food, family, fun!

Carol said...

The essence of October shines in this post. Love the subtle beauty of your painting.

Caterina Giglio said...

we live all year for fall in michigan... what a lovely post, and thanks for sharing your life with us, it is truly, La Dolce Vita.. bella!

Soozi H said...

I love your I phone picture. My dad made an apple press and we used to made juice together in fall from trees in my yard. I love those golden memories. Happy Fall Judy!

Gigi said...

Love that you share with us (in words and pictures) the bounty of your and John's harvests. Orange Crush does indeed glow, as another commenter said.

Lorri Scott said...

You have a beautiful place to live! Love that you post such lovely photos and stories.

Guy said...

I love the painting. You have one of our house colors about 3/4 down from the top. you will see.

Guy said...

I love the painting. You have one of our house colors about 3/4 down from the top. you will see.

Anonymous said...

Yum for the apple juice and yum on Orange Crush! NC loves you too .... you should have been born here, you fit in so well. Looking forward to next year so very much.

Amanda said...

Your latest painting is so beautiful Judy - such richness and vibrancy, yet still a gentle touch. The colour at the bottom makes my heart sing!

big strong girl designs said...

judy~ it all looks so yummy. what a great way to have family time! miss you so and can't wait to see you again on the east coast. xo
kim

Unknown said...

The orange crush painting is awesome. You and your family all look gorgeous. No doubt about it. Keep up the good work.

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Parabolic Muse said...

I love that apple harvesting and juicing round-up. It makes me happy! I wouldn't do it, of course, because it involves lifting things and cooperating with others. Oh, and pulp.

That canvas is good enough to eat! It's got to be better than brown crayons, which I must be the last to have tried. I won't be doing that again, probably.

Unknown said...

Can't help but smile when I visit here Judy♥

Sending love to you,

Jenny