Studio | Squash, Chives, Oregano

Just finished several pages of botanicals for The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener. 

This week I'm working on pollinators. Lots of bees and insects!

Happy Monday all!

A Closer Look | Baby Cardinals

Hatched! Baby Cardinals. 

We found this nest while walking through a woodland path at Blandy - the Virginia Arboretum. 

So precious and delicate. Nary a single feather on them. 

Just the finest fuzz.

Studio | My Cozy Workroom

 Cowboy and his toy stick.

 Sprawl on my painting table. Birdie stalking.

Drawings on my painting table.

A view of my cozy workroom upstairs.

Birdie in her window seat.

A Closer Look | Lodgers

 This little trio of pheobes were nesting above the lantern at my studio door. 

These lodgers did not stay long. One week later and the fledglings are off and flying! 

I just love their little mossy nest and their feathers are darling!

Studio | first floor

Cowboy resting in the doorway.

Plently of shelves for books and storage.

Some of my favorite books.

My pine work table, antique book press, and the giant fireplace.

Birdie sitting in the firepleace.

We're settling into our new space. 

Birdie and Cowboy especially love the stairs! 

A New Studio!

After almost two wonderful year in my current studio, 

shared with my dear friends, Wanda and Kevin, 

I'm moving my studio into this tiny little cottage just down the road. 

The cottage belongs to our church and sits on the edge of the campus, 

just behind the Upperville Library and the house that is now the thrift shop. 

It was probably a summer kitchen for the larger house, for as tiny as it is, 

it has the most enormous fireplace, most certainly used for cooking at one time. 

It is truly a little doll house with two rooms, a tiny kitchenette under the stairs and 

a proper loo too, though there is a privy behind the cottage, 

which has thankfully been replaced by modern plumbing. 

Moving day is tomorrow. I can't wait! 

Happy Friday all!

A Closer Look | Magicicada

The seventeen year old magicicadas are emerging in our area! 

I spotted this one in my garden a few days ago. 

You can read more about them here. It's quite fascinating!