Remembering Ms. Guinea

Guinea Fowl are strange birds, and I had only seen them in pictures when I decided to buy 45 newly hatched chicks.  A third of them were promised as soon as they arrived.  When they were older, I gifted them until I had six remaining.  A half a dozen guinea happily grazing the yard sounded just right.

And then they were discovered by a Great Horned Owl, and within two weeks I was down to one guinea -- Ms. Guinea.  She continued to out-smart the Owl for several months.  Each morning she was outside to greet me and would often sit on my home office window looking in.  Guineas can be loud, and no one came to the house without her alarm sounding.

Last week the Owl won.  Such is nature.  My Texture Tuesday project is a tribute to Ms. Guinea.

This is Kim Klassen's texture "Felicity".  One layer at normal 19% and one layer at soft light 100%.

Love of Art Blog Party

Our Fly Tribe is hosting a Love of Art Blog Party.  It's February, so it has to be "love".  And it's tax season, so I'm a bit short on time.  But yes, I believe in love -- love of art, that is.

It was just a little over a year ago that I with tiny steps began this creative journey, and it has truly been a blessing.  I have had so much fun trying out different techniques, viewing all of the fantastic art out there, getting to know some absolutely wonderful artists, and just piddling.  It has truly been good for my soul, and I don't want to ever abandon my need for the creative again.

These ATCs are ones that I made for our Fly Tribe February ATC swap.  I did a series using a photograph of my maternal grandmother. 

She died at the age of thirty from cervical cancer, and I have always been drawn to this haunting photograph.  I don't know if it's unhappiness or sickness or maybe just the pose of the times.  But it felt good to put her on my ATCs knowing that she could be traveling as far as Australia. 

There is a lot of Love of Art sharing this week.  The link at the top right takes you to more posts.  Enjoy and do your soul good.