Book Drawing Results

The winning numbers from the random number generator are 11 and 36; winners are Lorie, comment #11, and Edie, comment #36. Please email me with your mailing address and I will send you out your books.

This is how it looks out my front door today but the camera isn't picking up the crusty layer of ice on top of everything. Yesterday we had a Snow Storm Warning and today it's an Ice Storm Warning and the governor declared a State of Emergency for the whole state of WA. Half way through this post we lost power but it's back on now,  we are grateful as thousands are without power or heat.

It's definitely soup weather, I made a tasty pot of it and thought I'd share it with you. Ingredients are approximate - add more or less according to your preference.

Split Pea Soup 

a pound of green split peas

2  1/2 quarts of water

4 bay leaves

1 cup white wine + 1 cup vegie stock

2 cups onion

2 large cloves garlic

1 1/2 T dried thyme

1 t dried rosemary

freshly ground pepper

3 cups chopped carrots

2 cups chopped celery

2 cups chopped red bell pepper

fresh chopped parsley

2 tsp Italian Seasoning or basil

dash cayenne pepper

sea salt to taste

Cook the split peas in water with bay leaves. While peas are cooking, saute onions and garlic in wine until transparent. Add the broth, spices, carrots, and celery and continue cooking until vegies almost tender then add peppers and cook a few more minutes. When the split peas are done, add the veggie mixture to the pot. Laddle out about half the mixture and puree in blender or food processer. Add it back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.

I spent three days and nights on the Oregon coast with dear friends (made it home just in the nick or time too, before the big storm hit here). There were sunbreaks to play in the sand or walk along the beach.

 

One morning we woke up to the beach covered with snow (a precursor of things to come); this was the amazing view from our deck.

 

We shared tea and a delicious lunch in town one of those days - the menu had gourmet vegan options which made Judy and I jump for joy!

We played with paint, did some collaborating, but in the end we mostly worked on individual projects.

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love". -- Rumi

I feel like I broke through some painting inhibitions and insecurities that had been haunting me of late. The magic circulating in the field of kindred artists, whether drinking tea and talking, or creating art, cannot be underestimated - I highly recommend it!

I brought that inspiration home and have a 36" x 36" canvas prepped and textured with linen and molding paste, ready...waiting. I love beginnings.

Namaste.

 

 

Comments

[Judy Wise]

Beautiful photos and can't wait to try that soup. All the way to heaven ...

[gina armfield]

lovely painting - truly and what a wonderful sisterhood retreat! Must say I am green with envy ;)

[Jeanne Levy]

Wonderful painting, Katie. Envy your beachtime sister gathering. It does sound like you gained a lot from your breakthrough. Can't wait to read your book! Are you at Art & Soul this year?

[katie]

Thank you Gina! You already have the perfect location to meet with a couple beloved art friends for a sisterhood retreat - love your area so much!

And thank you, Jeanne! It really does seem more essential than frivalous, the long weekends with art friends. I hope to encourage all of my readers to grab a couple friends and gift yourself with that time together. It's magic! No, I won't be teaching at Art and Soul; I've decided that my offerings are best suited to smaller more intimate venues and online classes. I will be offering another online class in the spring.

[Lisa Graham]

What a fun get together. Love your painting...some great color peeking through the whites. Like melting snow.

[katie]

Thanks Lisa,

I think I was influenced by the melting snow and ice.

[katie]

Beautiful painting! I'm really drawn to it. And your get-together looks so fun!

[Www]

This painting is just amazing... I ordered your book last night and can't wait to see what's inside!

[lalyblue]

This painting is just amazing... I ordered your book last night and can't wait to see what's inside!

[Ceceliagreen]

This is really cool ! Welcome to my site: http://www.oilpaintingsstore.com/

[Jane Wang]

Nice Post! Thank you very much. This really helped me with my work. I appreciate your help. Thanks a lot. You need to know: http://www.oilpaintingsstore.com/discount.html/- Decorate your space with art; Sign up to get $5!!!