Nature Notes ~ Autumn 2021

Whispers of Fall

In September, I'm always so thankful for the promise of fall and cooler weather. Even though most of the trees and bushes are still green, there are splashes of autumn colors here and there. A few yellow goldenrods, a crimson red leaf, a cluster of purple asters, all smiling in their pretty hues as if they're whispering, ​"Hang in there, friends. Fall will be here soon..."

Then in October, nature celebrates the new season with a blaze of bright gorgeous colors, almost iridescent in the sunlight. I love walking through the woods in the fall, leaves scattered on the ground making a soft rustling sound with a slight breeze in the air. Crisp mornings and evenings. Cool, damp rain showers. It's just heavenly to me.

Home for Mother Forest

The painting, Home for Mother Forest, was inspired by the forest at Highlands Nature Sanctuary, a preserve in southern Ohio where trees are honored and protected. If you want a gorgeous place to visit this fall, the trails are simply magical here and there are cozy cabins along the creek and lovely cottages where you can stay to enjoy a few days of peaceful quietude. Visit the link in green above to explore this very special place.

Like the inspiring founders of the Highlands, the cupped hands holding the forest in this painting remind us to take care of our forests and the natural world. Autumn...what a wonderful time for reflection, and a beautiful time to be outside!

​With happiness and appreciation for nature,

"Let us be gentle with everything on the Earth.
Let us count as friends the land and sky,
the flowers, the waters, 
and all the creatures that live."
​~ Indian Proverb

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Art Sale to Celebrate Fall!

Do you have a wall or a room that looks a little tired? A space that needs brightening up? Then it's time to add a little sparkle...a little love for nature! To celebrate the pretty fall season, please enjoy 25% off all images from studio d'une! Yeppers, not only prints, but originals too!

The sale starts now and lasts until November 1, 2021. All you need to do is enter ​LoveFall21 as the coupon code at checkout and the discount will be automatically applied to your total. Click here to see all the prints and paintings available.

​Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to nature! Sharing my work with kindred spirits makes my heart sing! 

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Conservation Corner

​What a cool conservation message! I saw this image in a Jefferson County trail brochure and it's right on. Some hikers will walk around a wet area to avoid the mud. But when enough people do this, the result is a harmful impact to the natural areas we love and enjoy. Surrounding plants are trampled, the soil becomes compacted, and the trail gets wider.

So instead of walking around a wet area, we can appreciate the lovely wildflowers that frame the trail and decide to walk more gently on the Earth, even if it's a little muddy.

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Hike at Castlewood Canyon

There's a pretty hike not far from from where I live in Parker. It's a Colorado State Park called Castlewood Canyon. A few weeks ago, I caught up with a dear friend to restore our spirits in this enchanting place.  

​​I always feel like a kid in a candy store when I'm out in nature! I just can't help myself! As I walk along, I want to touch all the beautiful trees and bushes, the rocks and moss to show my appreciation for their aliveness. I say hello to the chickadees, the goldfinch, and all our sweet feathered friends who are singing a happy tune. I like to dip my toes in the cool, clean water. It's all so much unbridled fun!

Here at Castlewood Canyon, it's no exception. With all the big boulders lining parts of the trail, it feels like we're tiny dwarfs alongside these big giants. And around every bend is a new delightful surprise!

​​Surprises like the crystal clear water of Cherry Creek sparkling in the sun! When the trail drops down into the canyon, the creek meanders through the willows, sunflowers and rocks. There are small waterfalls that tumble and play comforting, peaceful music.

When we were hiking there, families were cooling off in the creek. Children were playing and squealing with joy! Everyone seemed to be having a great time on this bright Saturday morning, including Heather and I. It was so good to get out in nature and re-balance with the nurturing, grounding energy of the Earth.

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To all my friends of nature, enjoy the whispers of fall...

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