The Beauty Of The Hours (Reposted)

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 15, 17 and 19 years of age.  I was a stay- at- home mom, and I loved it.  I wouldn’t  have changed any of it.

Today, as I was folding clothes on my bed, I put on an old CD I used to play for the kids (posted in post above) when they were small and read their books.  It was music from the Beatrix Potter animated series that was on PBS .

The Beauty Of The Hours

 

  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

A Little Pixie

Here is an illustration of a little pixie roaming about the flowers.  It must surely be after a summer shower, just look at that rainbow!

This is most probably one of those illustrations influenced by Johnny Gruelle!

Enjoy! 🙂

Flower Pixie

Ernest H. Shepard

When I was a little girl, my mom would read to my sister and I before bed and it was usually from A.A. Milne’s, “Winnie The Pooh” or “Now We Are Six”.  I simply loved the stories and assorted poems.  For me, Shepard’s simple black, ink drawings were perfect, and I couldn’t wait for my mother to turn each page to reveal the next one!  I truly believe these drawings influenced the way I draw today.

Shepard  seemed to draw children so simply, yet the form and actions of the children he drew were so life-like. Whether it’s Christopher Robin kicking up leaves in his high boots as he walks along with his nanny, marching to the pond with his fishing pole, skipping rope or just sitting up in his bed with the “sneezles”, it’s so innocent  and real.  He’s captured everything perfectly in a tiny black sketch, that I try to capture in an illustration that’s completely colored.  Sometimes, it’s more perfect in it’s simpleness.

When I want to be inspired creatively, I sometimes just go through these books by Milne. I want to try to capture the same feeling I had when my mother read to me from these books long ago -a combination of innocence, playfulness and comfort. 

The two, Milne and Shepard, were perfect together for these books and I’m sure they will be favorites for years to come.:)

Shepard's drawing from poem "Buttercup Days". My favorite.

Little Red Sneakers

 

Patrick (about 1992) with sock puppet on hand, in his little red sneakers

 

My kids- Kelsey, Patrick and Caitlin (about 1998)

 

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!

This poem is titled:  Little Red Sneakers

*I want to remember,

Little red sneakers, sandboxes and swings,

and all the little childhood things.

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,

“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 Day of Shells

This is a picture of my 3  children when my youngest, Kelsey, was about 5 years old.  Caitlin would be about 7 and Patrick, 8.  They were so adorable, and fun.  They still are but , you know, it’s different.  Look how happy they are here-and it’s just shells!  I don’t remember the last time we all made a trip together somewhere, much less the beach.  How sad.  I still try once in awhile, when their friends don’t take them away from me for a day (very rare).  I guess I just have to smile, remember, and move on.

This is what makes me draw though.  These feelings are so strong in me that I have to express them in pictures and quotes, and then for a little while, it’s released.  I don’t feel like I’m so heavy with this feeling-it’s expressed where I can now view it on paper.  What this feeling means to me.

Thank God for memories. Cheryl

The Day of Shells

The Beauty Of The Hours

 

The Beauty Of The Hours

 

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 15, 17 and 19 years of age.  I was a stay- at- home mom, and I loved it.  I wouldn’t  have changed any of it.

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 post above).  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