The Paper Star, A Watercolor Painting

This is another Christmas picture done in watercolor.  I had previously done this picture in colored pencil, but never really cared for it.  So, I decided I would change a few things and try it in bright watercolors, and I must say, it does makes a difference.

This is a design I created that is dear to my heart.  It’s about Christmas and the excitement and wonder it brings about, especially in a child.  I remember to this day creating tissue paper and styrofoam trees for Christmas in school.  Remember cutting paper snowflakes?  Just doing these projects in school made you all the more excited for Christmas to arrive!

School wasn’t even hard work about two weeks before you got out for that “long” vacation. There were movies and christmas music in class. There were also parties with cut out cookies, candy canes and card-giving.  It was constant chatter and laughing. I can still remember the big foil covered box in front of the classroom.  It was for holding all the cards that everyone made out to the kids in the classroom. And the special card just for the teacher.

The little girl here is proud as ever just to place that simple star on her tree.  It’s not a special glittery, plastic one from Target or Wal-mart.  She made it herself and that’s all that matters. It was in the creating of it that made it special.  Anything homemade or handmade for that matter, usually is.  It’s from the heart.

So here’s to all those paper stars and tissue paper trees, and even the hand-cut, glitter-sprinkled, paper snowflakes. Hope we see more of you this holiday season than ever before.  We need you! 

The Paper Star

Baby Fairy Picture Completed

Well, it took me longer than I thought, but here is the completed picture of the baby fairy.  This stage was just completing all the grass and flowers that surround the baby and also, the colorful sky.  I think it is just enough.  I feel like I should have something more in the background, but I  wanted to leave space for wording/text.

Hope you like the finished picture.

I am already working on another picture.  This is  a little different from what I am used to drawing though.  This picture has a little more meaning to it as it is of a homeless woman and a little girl at Christmas.  I will show you when I am done.

In the meantime, thanks for checking in!

BABY FAIRY 1ST STEP

 

BABY FAIRY 2ND STEP

 

BABY FAIRY COMPLETED

The Beauty Of The Hours (Reblog)

This is a quote I illustrated awhile back which I really love.  It’s how I really feel about living and enjoying every minute of every day.  Time goes by so quickly.  My kids are now 17, 19 and 20 years of age.  I was a stay- at- home mom, and I loved it.  I wouldn’t  have changed any of it.

The Beauty Of The Hours

Today, as I was folding clothes on my bed, I put on an old CD I used to play for the kids when they were small and read their books.  It was music from the Beatrix Potter animated series that was on PBS (see below).  I love this CD as it helps me focus and think like a child when I have to be creative, drawing,etc.  When I started listening, I almost wanted to cry.  I could picture the three of them sitting on the couch, curled up reading their books.  Their stuffed animals cuddled under their arms while having a snack.  I remember this as clearly as it happened yesterday.  Times were so laid back then.  No homework, studying for SAT’s, driver’s ed and dating problems.  It was excitement, playfulness and innocence.  Hugs and kisses.  I’d take it all back in a second.

Anyway, before I get too emotional, this is what made me want to illustrate this quote.  This is what I picture when I read the words.  It makes me feel serene looking at the girl on the beach, just enjoying something as simple as listening to a seashell.  Can’t you hear it?  Enjoy!

Cheryl

Days Of Innocence (My Kids Patrick, Caitlin and Kelsey about 12 yrs. ago)

My kids reading their books before bedtime.

Little Red Sneakers (A Poem and reblog)

I am posting this yet again, as I see people still look this one up now and again. Enjoy!!!

Here is a poem from my journal that was written 6/21/93.  It is about my children and wanting never to forget all the special memories of their childhood. The red sneakers were Patrick’s, and they were little  canvas high tops-so cute!  (He had several different pairs, and I even saved a pair of velcro cuties!)

This poem is titled:

LITTLE RED SNEAKERS

I want to remember,

Little red sneakers, sandboxes and swings,

and all the little childhood things.

Little Red Sneakers (Yes, I saved them)

Joyful laughter-wiping tears, I want to remember through the years.

Ice cream, lollipops and licorice,too,

Wagons and bicycles-a stroller for two.

Christmases and birthdays, when everyone’s over,

Ernie and Bert, Oscar and Grover.

Bathing suits and summer fun, a kiss and hug for everyone.

Carousels and pony rides, cookouts and climbing slides.

A wading pool, chock-full of toys,

Climbing trees is for little boys!

Scampering feet on wooden floors,

Singing kid songs behind closed doors.

Christopher Robin and Winnie The Pooh,

Owl, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo.

Reading books on Mommy’s lap,

Patrick

“Come on now kids, it’s time for your nap!”

Cookies and milk before going to bed.

Stroking blonde hair on a tired boys head.

The kiss and the hug,  the ” I  Love You!” before sleeping,

Lies deep within my heart, worth keeping.

These things I want to remember with pleasure.

Worth more than gold,

It’s a mother’s treasure!

The End

The Goblins Will Get Ya If Ya Don’t Watch Out! A Poem For Halloween!

Hello all!

I decided I’d post something fun.  Here is another poem my mother would read to us when we were small, and we loved it!  I can still hear her voice as she raised and lowered her voice to fit the parts.  It was funny,but scary.  And of course, I would read it to my children, with much enthusiasm.  It’s the only way.  You’ll see what I mean when you read it.  So Enjoy and share this one.  But remember…be good!

This is by James Whitcomb Riley:

To all the little children: — The happy ones; and sad ones;The sober and the silent ones; the boisterous and glad ones; The good ones — Yes, the good ones, too; and all the lovely bad ones.

Little Orphant Annie
by
James Whitcomb Riley

Little Orphan Annie’s come to my house to stay.
To wash the cups and saucers up and brush the crumbs away.

To shoo the chickens from the porch and dust the hearth and sweep,

and make the fire and bake the bread to earn her board and keep.

While all us other children, when the supper things is done,

we sit around the kitchen fire and has the mostest fun,

a listening to the witch tales that Annie tells about

and the goblins will get ya if ya don’t watch out!

Once there was a little boy who wouldn’t say his prayers,

and when he went to bed at night away up stairs,

his mammy heard him holler and his daddy heard him bawl,

and when they turned the covers down, he wasn’t there at all!

They searched him in the attic room and cubby hole and press

and even up the chimney flu and every wheres, I guess,

but all they ever found of him was just his pants and round-abouts

and the goblins will get ya if ya don’t watch out!!Once there was a little girl who always laughed and grinned

and made fun of everyone, of all her blood and kin,

and once when there was company and old folks was there,

she mocked them and she shocked them and said, she didn’t care.

And just as she turned on her heels to go and run and hide,

there was two great big black things a standing by her side.

They snatched her through the ceiling fore she knew what shes about,

and the goblins will get ya if ya don’t watch out!!

When the night is dark and scary, and the moon is full

and creatures are a flying and the wind goes Whoooooooooo,

you better mind your parents and your teachers fond and dear,

and cherish them that loves ya, and dry the orphans tears

and help the poor and needy ones that cluster all about,

or the goblins will get ya if ya don’t watch out!!!

This Scares Me, Too!

Little Red Sneakers (via Cherylmcnulty’s Blog)

I know I’ve reblogged this before, but I think it is a great poem and many people enjoyed this last time. Here’s one for all the moms that “want to remember” and know that special times with little ones never really last for very long. Thank God for memories! Enjoy!

    Here is a poem from my journal that was written 6/21/93.  It is about my children and wanting never to forget all the special memories of their childhood. The … Read More

via Cherylmcnulty’s Blog

For The Laughter Of Children

I know…I’m sorry.  It has been some time since I wrote my last blog. It has been crazy and I can’t seem to straighten out my new schedule and find time to do everything I want to do.  but I figured I’d just throw something out there and go with it.

This illustration I did awhile ago and it brings back such memories for me as a child.  I remember going outside early in the morning and not going back in, except for bathroom breaks and lunch.  I’d come back to the house when the street lights would come on.  Wow, how things change.

We played hopscotch, softball, statue, red light green light, tag…you name it.  it was great.  Now today, there is not one kid I know that is not looking down at their Blackberry, phone or otherwise.  They don’t even look up.  ”Hellllooo!  I’m over here!!!”  Whatever happened to conversing , for God’s sake!

I don’t get it.

But anyway, I know when I am sitting in a park by myself, or even in my backyard on my deck…and I hear children in the distance at recess at the nearby school, and I hear laughter, It brings it all back.  The innocence and  feeling  of ultimate freedom that a child possesses, I’d take it back in a minute.

Yes, thank God for the laughter of children.  It’s like music for the tired soul.  :)

For The Laughter Of Children

In Praise Of The Violin

Patrick, Caitlin and Kelsey playing at church

3 Violins…Waiting

Caitlin Plays

An old newspaper clipping

What can I say…I love the violin.  To me, it can on the one hand, sound joyous and happy, and all at once, sound like it’s crying.  I love the sound in country,folk songs and in irish jigs.

My son, Patrick always loved music.  He was only small when he first saw “Riverdance” on television.  He couldn’t take his eyes off the screen.  The violin was very prevalent in a lot of the music in that show.  Then one Sunday at church, he  heard the violin as it was being  being played by a woman there, who was also accompanied by the piano.  They were playing songs for church, but the music sounded so sweet.  Patrick was only about 5 or 6, but he wanted to play the violin from that  moment.  After church, I talked with the woman and asked if she would teach Patrick, which she did.  he loved it and took to it rather quickly.  Then  Caitlin followed, and then Kelsey followed soon after.  All 3 were playing and they all started playing at church.  It was nice and it was neat seeing them up there  together.

To make a long story short though, they soon started fighting when they should have been practicing.  The love had gone from it and they weren’t really growing anymore.  The newness had worn off and they wanted to try new things.  Patrick still seemed interested, but had found the guitar and was playing that more than the violin.  I was rather sad to think all that time and practice and talent, was just disappearing.

i figured I would try to find someone new to teach them.  Someone young and exciting.  And I found him on Craigslist.  It was a young man who had just graduated from Brown University and had music in his soul.  He lived it.  His name was Jonathan and I was excited that the new teacher was a young man, because it made Patrick realize it wasn’t just women who played the violin. He came to the house for lessons and he was very good.  The kids totally enjoyed their lessons and they were playing new and exciting things.  It only lasted a year or so and then Jonathan had to go.  I was devastated.  The kids missed him and then the violins laid silent once more.  The kids did a few things here and there, playing for small functions and weddings, but without guidance and new lessons, there was nothing.

That time was so precious and it was neat when the 3 would play together. They were always right on key and playing together didn’t even seem like an effort.  I will remember those times fondly and my husband says they are still going to play…somehow.  He doesn’t want them to give it up, not after all that time and money.  He says they will regret it some day.  They don’t see that now, of course, but I’m sure it will always be a part of them.  Patrick is still playing in college, but at home…the guitar is picked up more than the violin.  He doesn’t realize what he’s missing. Kelsey will be playing still at an ensemble at high school, but caitlin has nothing right  now.  My husband wants me to find someone for her to keep up with the others.  We’ll see.

But I will always remember those times fondly and wish they would have never had ended.

Here are some video clips of Jonathan playing with Patrick, Caitlin and  Kelsey at their recital with him.

<iframe src=”http://player.vimeo.com/video/4741802&#8243; width=”400″ height=”300″ frameborder=”0″>violin recital from Cheryl McNulty on Vimeo.

For The Laughter Of Children

Here is a quote that I illustrated awhile back.  I really liked the quote, but wasn’t sure how I was going to illustrate it.  I finally decided drawing several children tumbling about and climbing trees and such.  After all, that’s what being a kid is all about.

 I think in the end it served the quote rather well.  And the quote rings true, for whenever I see children at play and being so free, it always makes me smile…and also remember.  Enjoy!

For The Laughter of Children

Landslide By Stevie Nicks (music video)

Here is a song that I think will touch your heart, especially if you are older.  There is just something about this song that gets you right in the heart.  The line in the song that says “children get older, and I’m getting older, too”,  I can picture snapshots of my life and my kids getting older, and the years flying by…and it gets me.  Listen and see if it does something to your heart.  It will definitely move you somehow.  Enjoy.