The Gatherer

Can I confess something? We're all friends here right?

I am a Gatherer.

I gather things. Things from nature. Seed pods, rocks, moss, shells, feathers, bark, abandoned nests.............you get what I mean, don't you? My hubby gets it and is a Gatherer too. He has gathered an unbelievable collection of Indian Arrowheads, turtle shells and rocks. I tell him all the time that He is "almost done with his training". Anything with an interesting shape or color. Texture and pattern is what excites me. Subtle earthy colors is what I am all about. Yes, those vibrant red colors from my last post although beautiful, that's just not me. Nope.

These are the things that inspire me.........



The wonderful, subtle gifts from Mother Nature..........

my latest painting .

Falls Fleeting Fire

Autumn is ablaze, in all its glory!

Except for the fourth image...all fiery photos were taken today. We still have not had a deep frost and are enjoying warm days. Days to go outside and absorb as much beauty and color as we can, as it will not last much longer. The ephemeral foliage makes me anxious and sad. One season ending, coming to a close. Gardening slowing down which leaves me much more time for my art......

and facing the blank canvas.

for more outdoor fun go to

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Better Late Than Never

I have been reflecting a lot lately about this here blog of mine... and what path I want it to take...



For me, digging in the dirt is the best way to work things out in my body and in in my mind. We still have not had a deep freeze here and the warm sunny days have been absolutely perfect for gardening.

hundreds of bulbs and pansy's have been planted, perennials cut back, notes taken...

and of course there are those LEAVES!!

the clean up has begun and will continue until all have been composted or mulched. We have over thirty mature trees in our yard (I know because I counted). I do love the trees, yes indeedy, but leaf removal...not so much.

So with all of this hard glorious work going on, I have "worked" something out...

it has come to my attention through some dear blogging friend's, that I should add the "Followers Gadget" to my sidebar.

I have been informed I may have missed opportunities to acquire followers by not having this gadget?! Who knew?

When I first started this blog, I had NO earthly idea of what I was doing. No computer or typing skills I just jumped right in and started learning all I could about uploading some nice photos ( I have tons of them to share). I have been focusing on learning all I can about my new DSLR camera. Early on, I saw a short video tip about blogging where this guy said NOT to display the Followers Gadget until you had over twenty friends, or you would appear as a LOSER.

Well,

guess what, I'm a loser...I still have very few. Wwwaaaaa....

but I am coming out!!

So...although this is totally embarrassing AND I am never comfortable asking for anything for myself...

here goes...

gulp.

Will you please be my follower?

Pretty please?

But only if you want to.

I promise I'll always have something pretty for you to look at.

signed,

Better Late Than Never

Old Natchez Trace love...

i heart the Trace ... after a long drive through the Tennessee countryside, in search of fall foliage photo ops...

i find myself taking pictures just down the road from where i live.

Old Natchez Trace has been my favorite country road since i discovered it almost thirty years ago. after living in several areas around Nashville, i feel extremely blessed to find myself living near this historic trail.

the old trees envelope you as you meander through...this is our path home from downtown Franklin and at night this road is especially charming and comforting. the headlights flickering on an ethereal tunnel leading us home...



bordered on one side by the rising and falling of the ever changing Harpeth River ... it is not uncommon to see deer, squirrel, possum and of course many squirrel. even the most careful driver should tread lightly here. i struck a deer one night and like they say, he truly "came out of nowhere". i haven't been the same since...and always mourne old buck when i drive by the scene.




crusty old bridges wear colors that only time can grow.

across from the river stand stately homes and farms and my very favorite plantation called

Old Town.

behind a charming white picket fence sits this historic home. i don't want to name any names, but oh what the heck...Jimmy Buffet used to live here and now it is owned by raspy singing Kim Carnes (think "Betty Davis Eyes" fame). i have never spotted them here, in fact i have never seen anyone here before...it is said to be haunted.

i just know that i love this place...and this Trace.

and that this lucky chic doesn't have to go far at all for

a photo opportunity...

it's right down the road.