Category Archives: DIY

The Girls

Posted on May 31, 2013 by joanienaz

When I get into an artistic frame of mind, I tend to obsess on a certain theme. I was drawing and painting fruit, mostly pears, for a long time. Some of them decorate our dining room. Now, since I have … Continue reading →

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A Wildflower Tapestry

Posted on May 9, 2013 by joanienaz

There are countless talented fiber artists in the world, and I have always admired those who create art in the form of tapestries and quilts. It takes inner vision to see a work of art, and great patience to make … Continue reading →

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Bigfoot

Posted on April 30, 2013 by joanienaz

During a stroll around the pond on our usual Nevada County, California walk yesterday, we came across a string of goslings across the path. There were four adults hanging around, including a goose of a different type than the Canada … Continue reading →

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Woodpecker Heaven

Posted on April 22, 2013 by joanienaz

The foothill country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California is woodpecker Heaven. The oaks and conifers are the big attraction here. We have been inundated by Acorn woodpeckers since our arrival last fall. They spent weeks pounding on the … Continue reading →

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Ant Beauty

Posted on April 11, 2013 by joanienaz

Ants tend to show up in an army, with flags unfurled. They invade every crevice and surface of your kitchen, or any other place they feel at home. Sometimes they appear out of nowhere. You walk away from a sinkful … Continue reading →

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A Poppy Paradise

Posted on March 30, 2013 by joanienaz

The poppy is the state flower of California, and a symbol of the good life. We have an ideal climate here. There is a lot to be thankful for in the way of natural resources and mild weather, not to mention beautiful scenery. … Continue reading →

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The Not-so-plain Oak Titmouse

Posted on March 20, 2013 by joanienaz

In honor of the first day of spring, I sketched an Oak Titmouse, formerly know as the Plain Titmouse, from a photo I took last week here in the Sierra Nevada foothills, when the weather was warm and clear. Today it is … Continue reading →

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What’s So Great About Egrets

Posted on March 11, 2013 by joanienaz

The Great Egret is one of my all-time favorite birds. It is both primitive and elegant. Like a giant raptor of ancient times, it rises over its aquatic habitat with majestic dignity and expansive wings. It stands guard at the water’s edge, a … Continue reading →

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North Coast Music

Posted on March 6, 2013 by joanienaz

It’s a blustery day here in Northern California as a cold storm with the promise of snow blasts through the area. So curl up with something warm wherever you are, and check out this indie band from Humboldt County. The banjo … Continue reading →

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A Snow Day in the California Foothills

Posted on February 19, 2013 by joanienaz

After spending the long weekend on the coast enjoying a false spring, we returned to the Sierra foothills in time for a day-long snow frenzy. After a rainy fall it’s been a dry winter, so the precipitation was welcome. I was … Continue reading →

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