Nature Notes ~ Autumn 2018

Gentle, easy change...

Ahhh...a little cooler weather has finally arrived in Colorado! Overnight and morning temperatures are crisp and enjoyable. Autumn is sooo refreshing after a long, hot summer. I welcome this gorgeous season every year.

Since the beginning of September, I've noticed pops of fall color showing up in the trees and foliage. The end-of-season wildflowers are blooming in all their glory. Asters, goldenrods, and sunflowers are waving and smiling. Wild grasses, like bluestem and blue grama, are going to seed. I sense a softening of the landscape as the deep greens of summer change to a golden, amber hue.

​Autumn inspires me to slow down and really enjoy life. It reminds me to be in the rhythm of nature. No hurry, no worries. The change in seasons happens over time and I adapt easier to more mellow shifts. I can prepare and better align with gentle transitions. Because of my sensitive nature, sudden change can be startling and overwhelming. It usually takes me awhile to process things. Nature's seasonal changes, which happen over weeks and even months, this is more my speed. Slower change gives me a chance to catch my breath, center myself, and feel safe.

​So it is with nature's seasons. We have time to enjoy the moment and notice the quiet subtleties; day by day, week by week. Yes, fall is here.

​​May you have time to slow down and enjoy nature's unlimited beauty...

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Darters Go Home to Little Darby

I was so excited to receive the news! One of my Home for Darters prints was going home! And not only was this print going home to the Midwest, but it was going home to a beautiful place on Little Darby Creek where adorable little fish called Darters still thrive!

I was tickled pink when I read the message that Mary sent with her purchase, "We live on the Little Darby and love the artistic depiction displayed in your painting!"

Mary's new print hanging above her fireplace.

When she received her print, Mary wrote, "Rebecca, the print arrived safely and we love it! Thank you for brightening our home!" After reading her note, I did a little happy dance and was reminded of the biggest reason I paint - to help people connect with nature and feel her joy.

​I love happy endings! Thank you, Mary, for sharing your inspiring words!

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Conservation Corner

A few days ago, I finally tackled my slow draining bathroom sink. It was nothing a little salt and hot water couldn't fix! Bag those nasty drain chemicals. Natural remedies to the rescue! 

In addition to salt and hot water, another natural household product is white vinegar. My mom taught me this little trick. It's super for cleaning windows and mirrors. Plus, did you know that adding a slice of lemon to the kitchen disposal once a week helps keep it clean and fresh? Awesome!

It's great to use natural products whenever we can because this keeps harsh chemicals from entering private septic or public sewer systems which eventually drain into our streams and rivers; places like Cherry Creek where I live or Little Darby Creek in Ohio. So check out these links for some how-to advice and even more inspiration: Green Living and Earth Easy. Let's clean green!

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New Sage Grouse Painting on the Way!

​A new sage grouse painting is coming soon! I joined a group of birders and nature lovers this spring to learn about conservation efforts for the Gunnison sage grouse. Up and ready to go early, we met wildlife biologist extraordinaire, Dr. Patrick Magee at 4:00am. We were on site in the viewing trailer before sunrise. It was a bit chilly, but absolutely amazing. We were able to see one of the most endangered birds in the world!

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Holiday Art Sale Right Around the Corner!

Do you want to freshen up your home or office for the holidays? Do you have nature lovers on your list this year? In early November, I'll be sending details about my first ever holiday sale so stay tuned!

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What's your favorite sign of fall?

What inspires your love of fall?​ Please leave a comment below! I'd love to hear from YOU!!