Foxtina's lair

new home . .

2011-09-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

I moved . . .

Please visit me at http://homeofcreativity.co.za/christina

Thank you and kind regards . . .

where to find peace and quiet . . .

2011-08-22T08:50:00.001-07:00

Let go, find peace and quiet where brief but deep moments of joy reside that man have forfeited within the stress and noisy rat race . . .

more detail

Find the inspiration for this painting in John 15 - I am the vine, you are the branches . . .

visit http://homeofcreativity.co.za/christina for more information of this painting

new adverture

2011-08-11T05:12:00.000-07:00

a little arts and crafts shop
opened it's doors in our little town

trinkets (tokkemolletjies)

anneke and i
share a little nook

to show case our hand mades
watercolours and paintings . . .

playing around with . . .

2011-07-24T04:13:00.001-07:00

watercolors and cars . . .

ink and bottles . . .

pink teddie or . . .

2011-07-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

for Mia . . . two years old
to decide . . .
a teddie or a what you want it to be . . .
in pink . . . toddler's favourite play pall

the color orange

2011-07-10T10:58:00.001-07:00

"Orange is a power color.

It is one of the healing colors.

It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity.

Orange means vitality with endurance.

People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere".

(for more orange facts visit http://crystal-cure.com)

winter colour

2011-06-29T02:29:00.000-07:00

winter cold and rain . . .
winter colour . . .
pinned onto paper
delicate and soft
with brush and watercolours
in pointsettia flowers

each morning to school
the pointsettia tree
claims the attention
with colour and dance
in wind and rain or sunshine

thirteen . . .

2011-06-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

girl sitting on her legs . . .
frustrated . . .
soon to be thirteen . . .
independent . . .
but needs mom and dad . . .
to show the way . . .
sometimes under provocation . . .
sometimes under duress . . .
but always carried by careful love.

drawing in charcoal on white watercolour paper

domesticated alley cat

2011-06-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

"He goes on the prowl each night
like an alley cat
Lookin' for some new delight
like an alley cat"
(now he's lying flat)

"She can't trust him out of sight
there's no doubt of that
He just don't know wrong from right
like an alley cat"
(does she smell a rat?)

a crochet cat ?
a purr-fect first - with wool left overs
not sure if it should look like this
but a cute cuddly soft toy
who stole a girl's heart . . .

Workshop - using oils with gesso

2011-06-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

I attended a workshop held by the Drakenstein Art Society
Elsa Spamer (du Plessis) was the artist showing us
how to use gesso and paint on the gesso with thin oils

I decided to try Cape Fynbos with this technique;
the gesso for this protea was done by Else
and I did the painting . . .

At home I decided to explore the skills I've acquired
and painted this pincushion . . .

winter wrist warmers

2011-05-24T12:49:00.001-07:00

a quick knit . . .
to keep the wrists warm . . .

and fingertips traversing text
in search of words' meanings
for a school assignment . . .

time to go to bed . . .

2011-05-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

Passover in the Cedarberg Mountains

2011-05-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

Something we wanted to do for quite a while now
spending a weekend in the Cedarberg Mountains . . .

Through Bainskloof Pass - not too early in the morning though . . .

to our destination at Kromrivier - a working farm . . .
farming with sheep and horses . . .
an annatolic sheepdog as shephard . . .
hoarding the sheep to the kraal each evening as leopards roam the area . . .

our cottage for a few days - with only the bare essentials - and a hot shower . . .

some winter colours in the veld . . .

the mountains - it's like entering a prehistoric world, partly preserved . . .

heading home again . . . the road less traveled . . .

a land of . . . plenty

contrasts and colour . . .

ek is . . . / I am . . .

2011-04-13T01:58:00.000-07:00

An Afrikaans poem by 12 year old Lize.

Ek is gelukkig en kort humeurig
Ek wonder oor hoe hulle op die maan kom
Ek hoor voêls en dennebome wat praat in die wind
Ek sien my as 'n suksesvolle vrou eendag met 5 kinders
Ek wil graag gelukkig wees en vry wees om God te dien
Ek is gelukkig en kort humeurig

Ek verbeel my ek lê op bloekombloeisels en slaap elke nag
Ek voel altyd hartseer as diere seerkry
Ek raak aan die Eifeltoring (Parys)
Ek bekommer my oor aardbewings
Ek huil as ek raas kry
Ek is gelukkig en kort humeurig

Ek verstaan dat alle mense belangrik is
Ek sê dat God almagtig is
Ek droom om 'n professionele tennisspeler te wees
Ek probeer om altyd Net Die Beste te gee
Ek hoop dat rassisme in ons land sal stop
Ek is gelukkig en kort humeurig

Image title : Reflections

knitting for old and young

2011-04-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

she went with me to the yarn shop yesterday afternoon
she was amazed and surprised at a young girl buying yarn
she thought knitting is only for mothers, grannies and old ladies . .
the outcome : she knits . . .
she says it is a scarf . . .
her first project . . .

tealeaves cardigan completed . . .

first top to bottom knit for me

the dying of a season

2011-03-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

Early autumn falling leave-hearts
clinging, falling, crumbling . . .
to be re-invigorated
in spring . . .

our favourite yoghurt

2011-03-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

We recently bought this yoghurt and really enjoy the rich creamy taste.

Every time we read the script on the bucket our hearts warm towards the cows roaming the green grass veld : (I think we envy them their luxury living)

Why our cows are happy healthy "faircape free range" cows?

* they live in super comfort in spacious surroundings

* they can choose between basking in the sun of lazing in the shade

* they eat only natural feeds with no animal by-products

* no artificial hormones added

* the receive daily health check-ups and medical care is always available

* at fair cape we're serious about keeping the environment in tip top shape

By this I do not intend to render my services for the advertising of Fair Cape's finished product's - only to admire their cows' leisurely country life . . .

Turning of the season

2011-03-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Originally March was the first month of the year for the Romans.

We are well away in the third month - the year literally marching on . . .
We enjoy the most delicious fruit in the season
Mangos, peaches, grapes . . . even the local cultivar from own home-grown vine on the pergola

We had a spree of hot waves for two / three weeks
Everyone finding the most confortable coolest place to lie down and chill

And last night a fresh cool breez at last . . .
Today we feel the season is changing . . .
Autumn is on its way . . .
Wooly knits / crochet items are taken out of the cupboards . . .
Winter wear is being aired out . . .

the flute player

2011-02-17T04:12:00.000-08:00

music is to the soul . . .
what food is to the body . . .

12 years old and a lover of music

and she wants white towels with crochet flowers to dry herself . . .

The month of February is on the move . . .

2011-02-12T06:21:00.001-08:00

February is named after a feast of religious purification (Februa) in ancient Rome.

The following photo is that of the Colosseum, the place of many festivities during that time.

(photo retrieved from the internet)

February to me is the month

of learning new skills

- like crochet

can you pick it up at the top of the window?

and painting a green pear . . .

where has january gone ? ? ?

2011-01-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

January is named after the two faced Roman god Janus.

Janus is the god of beginning and end (alpha and omega).

He looks back on the passed year and he looks forward to the new year.

We look back with memories and melancholy and happiness at the past year

We look forward to 2011 with hope and expectations . . .

Our school holidays are over

Visitors have gone home

We are busing trying to earn a living

Bathroom water pipes are / were leaking

- a new bathroom is in the making

In between knitting is done

(an Astor for anticipated winter warming)

and a pear becomes a painting

(could it be the fruit of paradise?)

Afrikaans Language Monument

2010-12-26T03:25:00.001-08:00

We visited the Afrikaans monument in Paarl and thought of the following poem by ID du Plessis. I think it was written during the 1940's - the time when Afrikaans was the language of poor white people and it was spoken of as a "kombuistaal" (kitchen dialect).

The English translation by hubby following the Afrikaans :

Soet is die stryd - Struggle is sweet

Jy sê die stryd is verlore, - You say the struggle is lost,

Ons nasie te arm en klein, - Our nation too poor, too petite,

Ons taal uit 'n drang gebore, - Our language spurn from an urge

Wat een van die dae verdwyn? - that one of these days will seise/dissipate?

Ag vriend, dit mag heeltemal waar wees; - My friend, yes it may be quite true

Wie weet wat die toekoms gaan baar? - Who knows what the future will ensue?

Miskien moet ons oormore klaar wees - Maybe we ought to be finished tomorrow

Om weer hierdie droom te laat vaar. - to give this dream over to sorrow.

Maar as ons net altyd m0et strewe - However, if we must continually strive

Na wat tot oorwinning gaan lei, - to that which will help us survive,

Wat help dan die stryd van die lewe - What help is the struggle for life

Waarin ons onseker moet bly? - in which our uncertainty relive?

Solank jou bedoelings maar goed is, - as long as your intentions were good,

Gaan jy jou oor neerlae kwel? - will you tarry on your failures?

Solank jy volhard en vol moed is - as long as you persevere and keep faith -

Dis mos die probeerslag wat tel! - have endeavored is what matters!

Nee, soet is die stryd vir die stryer, - Nay, sweet is the struggle for him who dare,

Al moet hy uiteind'lik verloor - even if he eventually despair -

Maar die man wat sy deelname weier, - but the man who forsake his share

Is die man wat sy nasie vermoor. - is the one who kills his kin.

Joy Art / Pretkuns

2010-12-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

While paging through a book by Kelly Rae Roberts, I was inspired to try other styles and the following two paintings came to light. I work only in oils, although Kelly's art is done in mixed media.

Stretch your wings . . . (I prefer the mouth of the girls by Pieter van der Westhuizen and therefore tried it in this painting; and the eyes of the girls done by Kelly have touched my heart.)

'n oomblik om te onthou / a moment to remember . . . (I enjoy the innocence of this painting)

These following two paintings was done with a boy's room in mind. Both are framed with distressed frames made from old painted wood.

They are both sold. I am happy!

Painting is pure enjoyment . . .

If I had my life to live over . . .

2010-11-21T02:32:00.001-08:00

"If I had my life to live over,

I would start barefoot earlier in the

spring and stay that way later in the fall.

I would go to more dances.

I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies."

-- Nadine Stair --

I think most of us have this feeling of doing and living more if only . . .

Father in law passed away Septerber 2009 on the brink of 95 years of age.

While sorting his possessions presently, I came upon this piece of embroidery. I remembered him showing it to us a few times. He told us of how his mother made their clothes, taught them and fed them during the most appalling life conditions of the 1930 ressesion. He was very young when she passed away, and told us how he had to look after his sisters.

He cherished this piece of work done by his mother. This embroidery must be about 80 years old, if not more. It will now claim a prominent place in our house and in our hearts.

Weekends are for . . .

2010-11-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

. . . trying out something new

painting on old pieces of wood lying around . . .

. . . watching what the neighbours are up to . . .
or rather their canine specimens . . .

Slow dance

2010-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,

or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,

or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,

when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,

with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow,

and in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,

'cause you never had time to call and say hi?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,

you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

it's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn't a race, so take it slower,

hear the music before your song is over.

(a poem by a young lady diagnosed with cancer)

toe the ribbon -- ballet

2010-11-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

"Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end.

Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next."

~ Gilda Radner ~

The painting is done after a photo by Jeanette. Please visit Jeanette's blog to view her photos. Her photos portrays a very thoughtful, sensitive and stylish approach. I changed the background colour for more contrast.

The painting is in oil on stretched canvass.

a story on eagles

2010-10-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

a lovely fabel with the permission of Johan Potgieter of Gecko Homeloans. Find him at www.geckohomeloans.co.za/blog

It is said that before eagles mate the female eagle will pick up a rock or large object in her claws , then flying very high, she will drop the object. The male eagle will then have to swoop down and catch the object before it hits the ground. This ritual is continued until she is assured that he can catch – only then do they mate.

A nest is then built on a very high ledge of a steep cliff, with thorny branches which is then covered with soft down from the mother’s chest features – onto which the egg is laid.

When junior hatches – you can imagine the wonderful life he lives for the first couple of months. He has great view over the valley, nestled in a warm nest and Mom & Dad stuffing food down his throat at every squawk.

But, eagles are clever – at some point, the mom will start removing the soft features in the nest, thus exposing the thorny branches. At this point, junior becomes very uncomfortable and climbs out of the nest – only to find himself on a very precarious, cold and slippery ledge. It is at this point where the mother eagle offers him her wing.

As he eagerly climbs the wing, she kicks herself from the ledge and soars the sky – with junior on the wing – and then suddenly, she’ll collapse the wing, dropping junior to the valley below. It is here where Dad shows off his catching abilities again, grabbing junior & dropping him into the nest. This ritual continues until finally during one drop, junior, out of desperation – opens his wings and finds out he can fly.

a hug for you . . . girls

2010-10-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail from our bookkeeper this morning and thought to share it . . .

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says,
"OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!

Dear God:
this is my friend, whom I love
and this is my prayer for her :

Help her live her life to the fullest.
Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.
Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.
Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most,
and let her know when she walks with you,
She will always be safe.

After thought :
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet.

the days pass swift and silent . . .

2010-09-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

. . . if busy and enjoy what's on hand . . .

We had a full and enjoyable weekend . . .

Lize went on a camping adventure at the sea (Betty's Bay) for three days

Meanwhile we visited the African Penguin Colony at Betty's Bay . . .

Penguin chicks basking in the sun

From hatching to about 90 days of age the chicks loose their fluff and gain blue feathers

Some interesting facts on African Penguins :

* Penguins have an average height of 1/10th of the average human's height. Penguins weigh between 2 and 4 kilograms

* Plumage and facial markings can be used to distinguish between adults and juveniles. Juveniles are entirely blue-grey colour and lack the white facial markings and black breastband of the adults

*The Penguins can reach a speed of up to 2 km/h when swimming and can dive as deep as 130 meters. A dive last for up to 5 minutes while feeding

And we visited friends living at the sea side village Sandbaai (Sand Bay)

While there I helped Annet to create a blog and Claude kept Norbert company

the past week : a photo a day . . .

2010-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today (Sunday) - sandals for a sunny day

Saturday . . . pooh(f)-reading the grass

Friday - cock a doodle doo . . . follow my leader . . .

Thursday - brick a brag in the grass . .

Wednesday - where flowers flourish in the face of danger

Tuesday - a picture against the wall drawn by the stem of a plant

Monday - favoured clothes for a day's work . . .

spring sprint . . .

2010-09-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

After weeks of indoors and trying to survive the rat race, we took the dog for a walk yesterday afternoon (or rather Jessie took us for a walk . . . ).

We were thrilled at the fields rejoicing in springtime. Spring slipped unnoticed and silently into our world. Besides being aware of spring, the little girl (not so little) in the picture above turned twelve. We rejoice in her enthusiasm for life . . . by the dozen.

The most lovely and colourful vistas met our eyes. The grace of God is amazing and touching . . .

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant . . .

sliced orange and girl . . .

2010-08-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

The doctor's room closes at 18:00 on a Friday afternoon.

Just before closing time Lize and I stumble in. Lize needs some stiches. She loves oranges and eats it in two ways. (1) She squeezes and rolls the orange without breaking the peel until it is softend. She cuts a hole in the top and sucks out the juice, whereafter she breaks open the peel to eat the flesh or (2) she cuts it in half, drink the juice and eats the flesh. She never peels it.

This was one of those times that she did cut the orange into halves, but . . . the knive slipped and her middle finger was in the way. She pierced her skin and sliced it nearly to the bone beneath the web.

Luckily nothing worse . . . only three stitches and a few tears later we're home and on our way to dinner at one of our neighbours.

One of my first paintings a few years ago - oil on stretched canvass (framed). I never was quite happy with it and gave attention to the colour and shading this afternoon and are now more fond of my oranges - one of which are neatly sliced.

winter haven for pampered feet

2010-08-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

french press knits slippers attempted

pattern . . .

yarn and needles . . .

time . . .

and feet to wear them . . .

. . . a present to a friend . . .

never felted before, but now a fascination

see above, the red ones, my first try

felted by hand

maybe the felting process was a bit short - see the toes

But look at the next pair

much better

recon I have the hang of it now

this is smaller - will fit a childs feet (size 1 - 2)

the colour is called Africa

the yarn is Elle Merino Solids

why not . . . a give-away?

anyone interested?

just leave a comment

and I will pick the lucky feet . . .

florigraphy - the language of flowers

2010-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

A gift of a single rose, most of us know, is a message of love.

But how many know that the ivy stands for fidelity, the peony for bashfulness, the orange blossom for such a giddy turn of phrase as "your purity equals your loveliness," and that the peach blossom proclaims "I am your captive"?

(The Illuminated Language of Flowers, text by Jean Marsh and illustrations by Kate Greenaway)

Can you guess what message a bouquet of poppies conveys . . . ?

Or what about arms full of pure calla lillies growing wild in the valleys around us?

cold and wet and blue

2010-07-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

While enjoying the cosyness of a fire, I knitted this beret the past weekend. It is a pattern by designer Kim Hargraves. The yarn is Elle Elite - 50% cotton and 50% wool. The colour is denim.

pink words . . .

2010-07-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

"Almost all words do have color and nothing is more pleasant than to utter a pink word and see someone's eyes light up and know it is a pink word for him or her too" -- Gladys Taber quotes

collage of a pink palette in our home and garden . . .

Visit Anneke for more pink . . .

minimalist cardigan

2010-06-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

mid winter . . .

looking forward to spring / early summer . . .

wearing this knit . . .

in moss stitch . . .

winter overhang like the clouds on the mountains . . .

red = rooi

2010-06-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

Ek en Anneke kleur hierdie wintersweek, waar die berge rondom ons oortrek is met wit sneeu, rooi in. Anneke and I decided to colour this week red while the mountains surrounding our little town is covered with snow caps.

Ek vind groot plesier in my pot rooi malvas. I really enjoys this pot of red pelargoniums (?)

the pic-riddle . . .

2010-06-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

a picture taken . . .
does any one have an idea what this is . . .

leave a comment whether you know or just want to take a guess . .

and tell what fires your creativeness . . .

the lucky one could receive a surprise in the mail . . .

pure pleasure cape

2010-05-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled with the outcome of this knitting . . .

To photograph the model was pure pleasure . . .

I ordered Knit, issue 7 from Jo Sharp about two months ago. This is my second project from the publication.

Note that I did not follow the pattern throughout - I crocheted a scallop edge around the front and neck to finish it off. I thought it would be more suitable for a 11 year old. I also knitted it slightly longer.

Unfortunately I cannot afford the prescribed yarn (it is not available here) and had to compromise. The yarn I used is Elle Tweed Aran, colour Mulberry, Sublime kid mohair, shade 024 and a very thin handspun cotton (which I bought about 7 years ago) of which I used two strands together.

This is quite satisfying to view my pleasurable hand work on such a colourful sun drenched late autumn day with a nip in the air.

Mother and daugter evening

2010-05-21T02:58:00.000-07:00

One of our school's fundraising campaigns entails a Mother and Daugter evening for the grades 6 and 7 girls. The grade 6 girls were the hosts for the evening while the grade 7 girls entertained the guests / mothers. The girls staged a fashion parade of home made hats, using only recycled materials (a pity no photo of the hat creations is available). Some of the girls amazed the guests with their creative talents.

surprise . . .

2010-05-16T01:46:00.000-07:00

If you go down to the woods today

You're in for a big surprise . . .
The teddy bears have taken leave; the dolls have their day in the woods . . . today.

Yesterday we spent the day in the garden after a week of cloudy weather, rain, wind and staying indoors. The sun was grinning warmly. We decided to toil a bit in the garden, mow the grass, weeding and give the garden a pre-winter face lift.

Early morning I strolled through a bushy patch of the garden. Behind the garage, close to the doll house I stumbled upon . . . these two picnicking, sharing secrets and gulping up the sunlight.

a love story . . .

2010-05-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

This little face tells a story . . . a love story . . . love for late autumn, early winter, rain, colour, running around outside, getting wet, warming up in front of the fire, filling herself with hot food, just enjoying the change of the season . . .

Her love finds an echo in our hearts . . .

At this moment it's raining . . . no it's pouring . . .

I took the following photo a hour ago through the window, after remembering two poems by N P van Wyk Louw. The first excerpt comes from "Vroegherfs" (Early Autumn) and the second from "Winter" (Winter) (free translation in English reads alongside in brackets) :
Die jaar word ryp in goue akkerblare (the year ripens through golden oak leaves)

in wingerd wat verbruin . . . (in the browning vinyards . . . )

Nou lê die aarde nagtelang en week (All night long the earth lies saturated)

in die donker stil genade van die reën, (drinking in the quiet, graceful rain,)

en skemer huise en takke daeliks bleek (daily twilight-homes and branches peek)

deur die wit mistigheid en suising heen. (through white wisps of mist and wispers of wind.)

long weekend and school projects

2010-04-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our school going children have a long weekend with Freedom day on Tuesday. Lize is one of the productive ones who has some projects to do.

She has to make a globe with paper mache and position the different continents on it specifying the north and south pole, as well as the equator.

When she started the neighbour's girl in grade 7 (Lize is grade 6) decided to join in and also create a globe. It seemed like fun, but alass she did not finish hers . . .

Lize's globe is done and the earth is turning on a string. Just here and there a little correction is needed . . .

The second project was Lize's own choice . . . as she said - if she does it now, she can relax and enjoy the oral by her class mates on different topics.

Lize chose to talk about the flora of the desert and how it survive in dry land. It is certainly not a dry topic. She scavenged through our garden and nursery to find specimens of plants that are able to survive on dry land.
Roald Dahl's story is not part of the subject, but just to add colour to the desert objects . . .

A cactus, as a specimen . . .

She created a poster with the help of keywords and pictures to delineate the subject.

sunday painter

2010-04-11T04:12:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I want to do, but as always, time acts like the wind - presently here and then gone. Therefore I am a week-day worker, a Sunday painter and try to be a full-time creator, even in the kitchen - although I am not the best of cooks.

From our bedroom window we have a view on a hibiscus tree, which also acts as a curtain that screens our cozy coven from the outside. The flowers are extremely pale pink (more a whitish colour) with a dark pink/red centre - although I'm not sure, I think it is named "apple blossom". Daily, during the summer, we watch the hummingbirds enjoy the flowers' nectar-diet. This little painting was inspired by that hibiscus tree - but I needed to add some colour, and this is the end result.

a little yellow milk jug . . .

2010-03-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

This creation was inspired by a little yellow milk jug I received as a birthday present about 14 years ago.

I am always amazed at how things just develop with paint and brush and colour. This was entirely done with a palette knife (or is it a paint knife?)

more detail

raku firing

2010-03-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

The fire dancers . . . Desiree Malan of the Drakenstein Art Society gave a demonstration on raku firing on the evening of 25th March.

Raku figurines performing like fenikses (mythological bird renewed through fire) rising from the ashes.

Collage of the evening

my midnight cardigan

2010-03-25T04:18:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this knit - it is a Jo Sharp pattern, Issue 7 - Pure Pleasure

I am very happy with the colour - midnight

Just right for our weather now - not too warm and not too cold . . .

cooler evenings . . .

2010-03-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

Slowly, very slowly and quietly fall is approaching. We feel it in the evening and early morning air.

I feel like knitting - a loose, lacy, 3/4 sleeve, easy to wear cardigan for fall.

monoprinting

2010-03-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

my first attempt at monoprinting . . . . workshop by Nanette Ranger

the pictures speak for themselves . . .

crocodile smile

2010-03-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

The highest temperature recorded on Sunday was 44°C in Paarl.

While people in the town complained of the "stifling heat", scores of crocodiles on a farm in the Paarl area were in their element in the scorching weather."These are normal conditions for the crocs," said Maryna Moss, the co-owner of the Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm. "While we're sweating out here, they are absolutely loving it. The crocodiles are in seventh heaven." (excerpt from the Online Independent, Sunday 8 March 2010)

garden surprises . . .

2010-03-07T04:55:00.001-08:00

We are experiencing one of the hottest weekends this summer - surely around 44 (if not more) degrees Celsius in daytime while even the nights do not cool down.

But despite the hot sun the garden keeps on offering surprises . . . such as this robin. I took the photo through the window, not to scare the little fellow away. While watching the robin, it reminded me of the film "A secret garden". The robin in the film urged the little girl to follow him to a secluded shriveled garden which she then lovingly cared for with the help of a friend until it was a vivid and colourful garden again, offering peace and beauty to everyone who enters . . .

And another big surprise was the discovery of this tortoise in our garden while watering the plants the other day, and now we have seen it a few times wandering through our garden. Naturally we are very curious about where it emerged from . . . but that is and will remain a secret. It just happened to be in our garden . . . and we love the feeling of sharing our Eden with mystical creatures . . .

It seemed to me he sensed when I was finished taking photos, because he then turned him back on me and wandered off . . .

my favourite cup . . .

2010-02-23T03:28:00.000-08:00

is filled with fresh home ground coffee early in the morning and sipped while watching dawn turns to day . . .

"But tomorrow, dawn will come the way I picture her, barefoot and disheveled, standing outside my window in one of the fragile cotton dresses of the poor. She will look in at me with het thin arms extended, offering a handful of birdsong and a small cup of light" ~ William Collins

. . . to be silent, alone, by oneself . . .

2010-02-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

excerpt form Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse :

For now she need not think about anybody. She could be herself, by herself. And that was what now she often felt the need of - to think; well, not even to think. To be silent; to be alone. All the being and the doing, expansive, glittering, vocal, evaporated; and one shrunk, with a sense of solemnity, to being oneself, a wedge-shaped core of darkness, something invisible to others. Although she continued to knit (and paint), and sat upright, it was thus that she felt herself'; and this self having shed its attachments was free for the strangest adventures. When life sank down for a moment, the range of experience seemed limitless.

KNIT

Thank you to Natalie for sharing her pattern

AND PAINT

and to Hanne for her generosity and kind permission

to use her photograph for this figure study

happy valentine's day

2010-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Have a lovely Sunday!

We enjoyed a warm sunny day, having lunch outside under the wild olive tree.

february?

2010-02-12T00:35:00.000-08:00

We have the most strange weather for February . . .

. . . thunder . . . raindrops . . . wind . . . cold . . . melancholy . . .

Normally February is the hottest (38/40 degrees celcius and sometimes more) month around here. But the last two days we had thunder and raindrops. Today it is cloudy and windy and cold . . .

peculiar ?

art evening

2010-01-29T01:39:00.000-08:00

A calendar project was initiated by The Drakenstein Art Society. Members and new comers could spend the evening at the Breytenbach Centre drawing, painting, doing mosaic, etc or just socializing. All art material was supplied by the art society. The art works will be used for a calendar.

The outcome of the evening

My contribution was a "drawing" done with a plastic knife as paint brush and acrylic paint, titled Distorted face

my own space . . .

2010-01-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

at last I have my own little space - quite tiny, but nevertheless mine -

After an art class by Dalene Buckle which I attended, I asked Lize to do the following :

distorted face 1, done by Lize
distorted face 2, done by Lize
She did it by looking into an aluminium mug from different angles. It is based on the mirrors one find at carnivals or circusses, when you stand in front of it your image is distorted -corpulent, shrinked, elongated, shortened, out of size . . .

january excitements

2010-01-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

the days are passing in serene stillness . . .
without us noticing, too busy to survive . . .
one feels a bit overwhelmed . . .
although january started off with a few excitements . . .

- Cinderella on Ice at Artscape

- moving on from the recorder to the transverse/german flute, quite eager to learn

new year and new doings . . .

2010-01-03T00:18:00.000-08:00

A very peaceful and joyous 2010 to you all .

I ended 2009 by doing some sewing for sister in law. She wanted a caftan type dress. I volunteered to make something. Using a pattern from the Japanese book Happy Homemade vol 1 as basis I made a small alteration in the front to suit her taste. But otherwise I followed the pictures and this is what came to light.

I started the new year playing around with

water colours. I am not customed to water colours seeing that I normally use oils.

This is done after a picture I saw in a magazine and wanted to try with water colours. If I remember correctly, the picture was by Marina Louw?

The following blue bottle of an unusual shape attracted my attention one evening at a meeting of the Drakenstein Art Society. I wanted to remember it and this is the outcome :

(Acrylic paints, charcoal and oil pastels on paper)

a blessed Christmas . . .

2009-12-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

. . . from our home . . .

. . . to your home . . . may you be the Lord's gift to one another . . .

cherries and picnic

2009-12-22T05:27:00.000-08:00

It's summer holiday season . . .

last Wednesday we went cherry picking

and picnicking

at the feet of age old pine trees

on dry brown cracking pine needles

under a warm yellow sun with a soft breeze of wind

we took home a small harvest of sweet cherries to savour piece meal

. . . an unusual display . . .

. . . by the grace of God . . .

2009-12-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

I love who I am

I am grounded in my own power

I am secure on all levels.

I deserve to enjoy life

I ask for what I want and

I accept with joy and pleasure.

I trust the process of life

All I need is taken care of always

I am safe. (author unknown - I found this script written on a piece of paper in a library book)

(this photos of her enjoying life and laughing without holding back were taken without her knowledge)

autumn oak leaf or gecko ?

2009-12-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

I like to think it is an autumn oak leaf as the pattern title indicates. My 11 year old daughter says it is a yellow gecko. What do you think?

I am not sure where I got the page with this pattern - maybe from the internet? I think it is a design from Nicky Epstein? I'm not sure - if some one can help, I will be very pleased.

musical scattering . . .

2009-12-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

a few loose pictures

were organised into this (oil on maisonite)

crossing over carefully

2009-12-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

. . . humans can learn a lot from the animal world . . . looking after and caring for little ones . . .

Christmas market . . .

2009-12-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Our church support a christmas market or rather a craft market, where preferable handmade items are for sale. A small amount of the income goes to the church for charity.

The community support a project for street children (abandoned children who live off the street ). The project is named Arendsnes, translated in English as Eagle's Nest. There the children are provided with a good meal per day, they are taught reading and writing, they can bath, and are skilled through different lessons. One of the ministers, Fanie Marais, teaches art classes. Some of these childrens' paintings made into cards, are sold at this market. Each painting bears the child's name on it. I bought the following painting of Heinrich K :

baby blanket or table cloth ?

2009-11-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

At last I finished this baby blanket (started in July), pattern from Brooklyn Tweed. I intend to give it to a lady working with me. She expects her first born in about two weeks time - that's if the little girl decides to make her appearence on time.

I am not an experienced knitter and struggled quite a bit. But it was also a great learning process, especially to interperate such a pattern. Now, afterwards I discovered one or two tiny mistakes. ( I have an urge to knit this again sometime in future).

This could also do as table cloth - I have a vague memory of a grandmother having a knitted or crochet table cloth adorning their table - oooh . . . that was more than 40 years ago.

designer wear and white roses . . .

2009-11-14T04:44:00.000-08:00

My version of the Mariniére pattern that Julija e-mailed me a while ago. I knitted the pattern but left out the palet in front and added a little bead to bind the two pieces. The garment is knitted in a 100% cotton yarn, namely Vinnis colours – Nikkim. According to the label the yarn is hand dyed and balled by women from an economically "depressed" rural area of South Africa. The colour is Lavender. It is double knit and knitted with 4mm needles.

It wears very comfortable and because of the hand dye the garment has a marbled effect (the second photo's tone seems more accurate than that of the first one).

By the way . . . it is mid November, the sun is supposed to shine and it is supposed to be hot here south of the Sahara. But the opposite is true - its raining, its cold and snow is forcast for the Southern Drakensberg.

The weather seems to affect even the roses - have a look at this iceberg - under normal circumstances it would be pure white . . .

splatterings of colour . . .

2009-11-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Beauty of the pelargonium - photo taken early morning through the window while raining, complements of unusually late winter rains in early summer.

sewing weekend . . .

2009-11-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in a long long time I spent time just sewing, preparing some easy meals and sewing again.

Trousers for myself in white linen - easy sewing, it fits nicely, wears comfortably.

A apron splattered top to wear with the trousers, but unfortunately not my style. It does not suit my frame - to bulky (the top!). I would need something more tailored, I presume.

A nearby shot of the print Lize assisted me to stencil the splatters on the fabric. I thought it would look better on me, but oh no, not quite - the style seems to remain the main problem.

And lastly Lize liked this fabric. I made a flair skirt to reach just above the ankles, but she wanted it shortened. She prefers it above the knee to wear with her ballet leotard. A very happy colour coded girl . . .

. . . the colour lavender . . .

2009-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

a new project . . . in the colour shade lavender, knitted in cotton for our sunny summer . . .
. . . our gardens are filled with lavender blooming . . .
. . . all around lavender aroma fills the garden, even our dog reeks of lavender (sometimes) . . .

. . . while waiting . . .

2009-10-16T22:39:00.001-07:00

Time spend well while I wait for Lize at the ballet and music lessons or any waiting session with time on my hands.

This is the Claude pattern by Anna Bell which I knitted in Sublime cashmere merino silk dk. It feels soft and warm on the skin. I particularly enjoy the swing in the shape and the loose fit - it gives a relaxed feeling. The twin buttons at the top are not part of the original pattern, but feature as cosmetic camouflage for an "out of line" buttonhole.

An old Celtic song . . .

2009-10-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

We saw a stranger yesterday.

We put food in the eating place.

Drink in the drinking place.

Music in the listening place.

And with the sacred name of the triune God

He blessed our house,

our cattle and our dear ones.

And the lark says in her song:

Often, often, often goes the Christ

in the stranger's guise.

-- author unknown --

. . . joy and sorrow . . .

2009-10-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

Joy and sorrow . . .

. . . are inseparable . . .

together they come and when

one sits alone with you . . .

remember that the other is

asleep upon your bed . . . - (author unknown) -

Father in law passed away on 26 September. He was a healthy 94 years, going on 95 on 10 October. He lived with us for 10 years. And now we experience a lingering emptiness in our hearts and in our home that never could be filled it seems.

He was very fond of a particular poem that Goethe wrote early in his life and revisited when he was an old man (roughly translated in English, it reads alongside) :

Ein gleiches -- The same old story

Über allen Gipfeln -- Over each mountain top

ist Ruh, -- a calm ranges,

in allen Wipfeln -- over every treetop

spürest du -- one is merely aware

kaum einen Hauch; -- of a breath of wind;

die Vögelein schweigen im Walde. -- in the wood the birds fall silent.

Warte nur, balde -- Just you wait, soon

ruhest du auch -- you too will come to rest

spring (and love) . . .

2009-09-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

. . . is in the air . . .

. . . for this peacock . . .

September already . . .?

2009-09-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks and days flowed into each other without us recognising the difference between each following day. We were just reaching forward to the end of the tunnel. We were in and out of the hospital with Father-in-law, and in-laws visiting, trying to help and make things easier for us. At last we could slow down somewhat although everything is not quite what it should be.

On a more arty note : I am participating in The Drakenstein Art Exibition starting on Tuesday in the Breytenbach Centre with these two paintings.

Oil on bord. This painting was done after Henry O. Tanner, The Banjo Lesson, in 1893. I was touched by the feeling (atmosphere) in the copy of the original painting in an art book - Mississippi blues ???

This one I titled : "First light", in Afrikaans "Eerste lig". Oil on bord. (Not a very good photograph). It was painted 2008, black and white.

winter . . .

2009-08-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

rain, snow, wind . . .

lavender blooming . . .
fields of arum lilies . . .
green green grass . . .
foggy mountains . . .

warm clothes . . .
black and grey
with spots of colour

healthy appetites
children playing
laughter . . .

life is good

Women's day Flowers

2009-08-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night,
and said a lot of cruel things
that really hurt me.
I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things
he said, because he sent me
flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall
and started to choke me,
it seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn’t believe it was real.
I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.
I know he was sorry because he sent me
flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day.
Last night, he beat me up again,
and it was much worse than all the other times.
If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my kids?
I’m afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry because he sent me
flowers today.

I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night he finally killed me.
He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough courage
and strength to leave him, I would not have
gotten flowers today.

- Author unknown - (exerpt from a book soon to be published by Griffel Media)

Today, being Women's day in our country, I was touched by this poem ripped from the heart of a woman speaking for others of her kind. In a sense I find it apt to share this poem on this day.

book and garden winter wonders

2009-08-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Bed time is reading time. We have just finished Alice in Wonderland. During this numeral reading adventures Lize and I take turns in turning the pages, reading in turn. Through this reading pleasure around bed time Lize's English reading skills are being honed without her even noticing it. Next on the menu is Ann Frank's Diary from not quite such a wonderland.

From a winter's garden springs delightful surprises such as this orchid supreme. Just the stuff to warm a winter heart!

my aestlight delight

2009-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

I am extremely delighted with my aestlight shawl. Pattern from http://shetlandtrader.blogspot.com

The yarn I used is Sublime (kid mohair blend) - the only fingering weight yarn I could find in our neighbouring town. I am quite pleased with the outcome, it has a lacy effect.

My thanks to The Shetlandtrader for designing and sharing this lovely pattern.

rain and birds' nests

2009-07-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

These two photos were taken Monday, 13 July around 10 o'clock South African time.

This is an open field near our home. Normally dry land, now a small dam.

The Berg River on Monday morning.

Only a few days before we watched this Cape Weaver bird built its nest in our garden. His wife was sitting a branch or two away keeping an eye on the nest building process.

An amazing home for a bird pair to raise their little ones. And he only uses his beak to tear the leaves of the palm tree into strips and weave the nest.

serene sunny sundays . . .

2009-06-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

are for being together with family . . .

be with yourself . . . lost in thought, knit, listen to your child(ren) play and laugh, listen to the sounds of the neighbourhood, birds . . . and other animals . . .

and meditating on autum and winter.

The leafless tree reminds one that winter's eventually passing.

Our weeping mulberry tree adorned with its green cloak merely a month ago; now a sceletal figure welcomes patches of winter sunlight with swaying naked branches holding onto hope of summer to come.

welcome sunshine

2009-06-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

After a week of rain and wind and snow caps on the highest mountain tops, we had the most lovely sunshine day. One just have the feeling of vibrance and energy in the bones and the urge to be outside, not wanting the day to pass.

I took Lize to feed the animals at our local farm stall cum nursery. Father in law and I walked through the nursery, enjoying the freshness after the rain. I bought a few plants for our garden while Claude watched the rugby at home without disturbance.

school project

2009-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

What a long weekend, what a long day of collecting data for Lize's school project on her home town, Wellington. The morning started with a town spree to interview "innocent" bystander-targets. The gist of the questioning was how locals experience their home town. Lize with her fast assembled questionare was accompanied by mom with her delicately assembled digital camera. Five unsuspecting locals were "accosted" and five photographs were taken for Lize's mini journal on the ways and whereabouts of Wellington. In our journey scrounging around town, we visited the library, arts and culture centre (Breytenbach centre) and the tourism buro. Unfortunately the museum was closed.

We spend the rest of the afternoon organizing the collected data into a blue print for a journal befitting a grade five learner's school project.

a string of wool and violin . . .

2009-06-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

I knit this triangle neck warmer / scarf while waiting for Lize at the ballet classes. It is done in gartner stitch. The yarn is Elle Elite - 50% wool and 50% cotton. I'm genuinely fascinated by its practical decorative use. It looks cozy and fits neatly underneath your state of the art winter jacket. Claude took the photo and nearly decapitated me.

Everyday I drive to and fro from the office in Paarl and this is what keeps me company and sooth my emotions, especially when I'm running late in the rat race. With our little rodent, Lize, not exactly being Speedy Conzalis, some motherly stress is incurred on the way between school and office - after dropping off our learner-dreamer semi-late for school for the umpteenth time.

winter wonder lounge

2009-05-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

We saluted the first winter cold (and rain and icing on the nearest mountain peaks) with crackling flames in the hearth. While the warmth of the fire spread through our home, everybody flocks to the cosy lounge - including our extended family. Ready to greet you with an extended paw is Asjas, youngest of our pets with family status, luxuring in our indoors winter wonder lounge.

unusual visitor

2009-05-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

We had an unusual visitor last night that caused quite an excitement. A little frog dr(hopped) in unexpectedly - how this little fellow came into the bathroom is anyone's guess. At last Lize caught the little critter, accompanied by her girlish screetches and set him free in the furtherst part of the garden where the cats could not drop in for a froggie-meal (or rather ordeal).

please meet . . .

2009-05-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

our Labrador, Jessie. She is seven years old. When she was younger she slept outside, now (these last twelve months) she decided it's about time for her to sleep inside. Seeing that it's quiet colder this late fall, the soft chair seems the most comfortable and warm spot for a good nights rest in k9-heaven. One has to understand the problem of scale - the full sized labrador on your run of the mill sitting room chair. She does'nt lie her down to sleep but creeps up the chair in several dog-limb installments. Our camera caught Jessie just awaking from a well earned beauty sleep.

Softly dozing away, with no care in the world - actually turning her backside on life's hard reality.

bedsocks and lemons

2009-05-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

We have a lemon tree and every autumn the tree provides us with lemons for cooking, syrup and a remedy for flu throughout winter. A lemon tree is a multi-purpose asset to any household and gives a certain tinge of late autumn to a garden.

I knitted the bedsocks for Lize to keep her feet warm this winter, but after the gift of flowers from the cleaning lady at school we decided to give it to her. She was warmly pleased.

Mother's day surprises . . .

2009-05-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Friday when I picked up Lize after school she surprised me with this tiny bunch of flowers. Where did she get the flowers when she's in school, I asked? The school has a meeting every Friday and afterwards she asked the cleaning lady what becomes of the flowers. Well, the cleaning lady gave it to Lize for a "Mother's day present beforehand".

And on Saturday Lize spend her pocket money of R 18-00 (she gets R 20-00 per month) to buy her mother a small present and she gave me this handmade card :

A happy Mother's Day to all mothers and mothers to be!

weekend doings . . .

2009-05-03T06:43:00.001-07:00

In 1991 I bought a book by Alma Schwabe : Geskenke vir die huis. The pattern for this long leg doll in the book tickled me. Friday afternoon I decided to make the doll from scraps of fabric I have. And this is the outcome.

She keeps the cold from creeping inside.

She's wondering where everybody is, leaving her all to herself.

I like the look on her face and the torn fabric hair. Well, it took the whole Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon and evening to make her. I am happy with her - my first handmade doll.

This was a weekend well spend - I also finished off this little painting.

winter rain . . .

2009-04-29T03:31:00.000-07:00

The view from my desk in the office - cold and wet ...

For the past few days we've been trapped inside the house or the office. Our first winter rain is falling with wind softly blowing while some of us is still trying to find signs of autumn / fall. Winter sliped quietly past fall and suprised most of us. But I love the winter rain and cosyness of home and making some wholesome soup and stew, and reading, knitting, sewing . . . in front of the fire. And my 10 year old does not want to wear shoes in the wet. She loves the feeling of water under her feet, a feeling of being free.

quiet easter weekend . . .

2009-04-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had a quiet easter weekend at home, enjoying each others company and the grace of God. One of our ten year's old house-wifely chores is to set the table on weekends. Sunday lunch was no exception. She was very excited because as she stated, Jesus is alive, and it is also her table theme. This is what she came up with. And candle light.

still in the pink . . .

2009-04-11T09:14:00.001-07:00

We have been living next to the same neighbours for about 15 years now. And for all those years my neighbour plants cosmos every year - cosmos and sweatpeas. I tried a close up of a cosmos (oil on canvas board). Does this look like a cosmos? What do you think?

I am also working on the following painting - it still needs a lot of work.

a time to knit and a time to paint and a time to . . .

2009-04-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

There is so many things I want to do - knit, paint, sew, read, gardening, go for a walk . . . But always first things first : house cleaning, washing, cooking, homework . . . (I hate making beds).

At last I have finished the Libby, pattern from "a friend to knit with". I still have a lot to learn about knitting but slowly I'm getting there.

And we had a search for big buttons, at first we could not find buttons here or in Paarl. At last we found these buttons in a tiny hide-away shop here in Wellington.

I love the swing in this cardigan, maybe a bit to big for Lize but she says she loves it, specially the colour and the roominess, and the long sleeves - it covers her hands. Her slender body looks good in this style.

And now to the paint brushes . . .

Drakenstein Art

2009-04-09T03:29:00.000-07:00

The April Newsletter can be read here.

Please make a BIG note in your diary to attend our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on Thursday, 16 April 2009 at 19h00 in the Breytenbach Centre, WELLINGTON. We need as many members as possible to attend this very important meeting. This is the meeting where you will have your say as we need to choose our new committee.

We have invited Mr Craig Carbutt, the Rural Outreach Officer of the Cape Craft and Design Institute to our AGM. He will speak on the use of recycled material in the making of craft products and will give a Powerpoint presentation on the workings of the CCDI. This is an opportunity for all artists, crafters and craft designers to find out more about the CCDI and how they can assist you. In the meantime, please visit their website http://www.ccdi.org.za/ – there are loads of information on the site which can be valuable to you.

sewing for a change ...

2009-04-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

My 10 year old knows exactly what she wants - no trousers with elastic.
I used a Burda pattern for the pants. And she loves it.

I changed the legs to this.

The zip is in the left side. The pants fit very neat on her little body, maybe one or two millimeters too wide, but this is the way she wants it - not too tight.

watercolour workshop

2009-03-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Saterday, 21 March, I attended a demonstration on watercolours by the well-known artist Wallace Hulley. It was unbelievable how comfortable he used only three paintbrushes (each one a different size) and only four colours (ochre yellow, french ultramarine, burnt sienna, cadmium red). We were amazed to see how well defined subjects, like figures, donkeys and trees taking shape in a very short space of time.

The birth of a painting . . .

What is it going to be?

An African scene (African woman with her donkey)

I am priviledged to be the owner of this beautiful watercolour painting.