Thoughtful Thursday Special Bonds

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I have a delightful story to share with you today. In my backyard, under the oak trees, I have a bird feeder and water dish. One day, I heard a bird sounding off with five short whistles. I found it cute and mimicked the sound. Little did I know, this would be the start of a special relationship.

The bird turned out to be a red cardinal. We began whistling back and forth to each other, creating a unique bond. Whenever I filled the feeder and changed the water, I’d whistle five short notes, and the cardinal quickly learned that this meant it was feeding time.

This routine continued for months, and the cardinal grew increasingly comfortable around me, even coming very close. Then he disappeared for several days, and I worried something had happened. But one day, after I whistled, he returned briefly and then flew off, only to come back with a female cardinal. They started visiting the feeder together every morning and evening. I realized they must have a nest nearby because they eventually took turns coming to the feeder.

The real surprise came when the cardinal returned with his mate and two baby cardinals. Watching the parents feed seeds to their little ones was heartwarming. The babies, were noticeably a bit clumsy at flying but quickly got the hang of it.

Now, the babies are all grown but still visit the feeder. Whenever he’s hungry, the cardinal comes to the feeder, sings me the most beautiful song, and waits for the seeds. This special bond puts a smile on my face every day.

Forming special bonds with nature can be profoundly enriching, whether it’s hearing birds sing, the rustling of leaves, or enjoying a garden in bloom. These connections remind us of the natural world’s beauty and harmony, bringing calm, wonder, and happiness, and inspiring us to protect and cherish our environment.

Hope you enjoyed this post today, thanks for stopping by!!

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Make sure to check out all the slides below:

Shop Update – New Laughing Gulls Photo Available

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Check out this delightful photo of two laughing gulls! Capturing them against the coastal rocks in the Bahamas was such a joy. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun and the refreshing ocean breeze in this photo. These beautiful birds truly brought a smile to my face, and I hope they do the same for you!

This charming snapshot is available in my Etsy Shop in 5×7 or 8×10 inch sizes to add a touch of nature’s joy to your space.

Thanks for your support!!

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Butterfly Art Journaling

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This artwork is for the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram, and this month’s theme is “Don’t label me!” Coming up with this design was quite the journey! I played around with watercolors, pen, stencils, some cool stamps, collage and a bit of glitter. For this theme I added a few empowering phrases that speak volumes:

“STOP comparing”
“labels are limiting”
be YOU-nique!”

I created this design in my 4.5×5″ handmade watercolor journal that was gifted to me by my sister from ArtsiRosi Etsy Shop. I’ve been using this journal for the challenge and it has quickly become one of my favorite journals!

I hope this piece sparks your creativity and inspires you to break out your art supplies for some weekend fun! Wishing you a safe and Happy Memorial Day!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Easy Homegrown Sprouts

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Last week I talked about the Benefits of Growing your own Sprouts and today I’m excited to guide you through the simple process of growing them indoors. You’ll be amazed at how effortless it is! All you need are a few basic supplies all of which are available on Amazon or possibly in your local health food or grocery stores. I’ve included some links in the supply list below but there are many options.

Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Fill your mason jar with 2 cups of water and add 1-1.5 tablespoons of seeds. Gently mix the seeds in the water (sometimes they clump together). Place the sprouting lid on and let them soak overnight for 8-12 hours. Follow the recommendation on the seed packet.
  2. Rinse the seeds 2-3 times until the water is mostly clear.
  3. Invert the jar and let it slant slightly inside a bowl allowing the remaining water to drain from the seeds (see pictures below).
  4. Rinse the seeds 2-3 times per day, and put them back into the bowl inverted. Florida is very humid so I only rinse 2 times per day. If you use too much water, you may grow mold so adjust this based on your environment.
  5. Depending on the seeds you have it will take about 4-5 days to get sprouts. At that point they may be yellow so place them on a sunny windowsill to help turn them green.
  6. Give them a final rinse and remove any of the seed hulls. Put the sprouts back into the jar and store in the fridge. Now they’re ready for you to enjoy!

Through my experimentation, I’ve observed that alfalfa tends to sprout faster than broccoli. However, in the photos you see here, I’ve opted for a salad mix variety, which not only sprouts delightfully but also boasts a delicious blend of organic radish, broccoli, and alfalfa. These sprouts aren’t just nutritious; they’re versatile too! I enjoy incorporating them into salads, blending them into smoothies, and using them as a flavorful garnish on a variety of vegan dishes. They truly elevate any meal!

Growing your own sprouts at home is not only easy and rewarding but also adds a fresh and nutritious touch to your culinary adventures. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast, or a smoothie aficionado these vibrant sprouts are sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body. So why wait? Start sprouting today and embark on a journey of delicious and wholesome eating!

Thanks for stopping by!

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“Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected.” ~T. Collin Campbell

  • Day 1 – Overnight Soak
  • Day 2 – Sprouts
  • Day 2 – Sprouts
  • Day 3 – Sprouts
  • Day 3 – Sprouts
  • Day 4 – Sprouts
  • Day 4 – Sprouts ready to enjoy!

Shop Update

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Peacocks are quite the performers, always in a whirlwind of dancing and twirling to impress their perfect mate! So, capturing these shots took a bit of time and a whole lot of patience, I must admit😅 But, the effort was totally worth it!

Now you can bring home a piece of that majestic dance! Both of these stunning photos are available in my Etsy Shop as 5×7 and 8×10 inch prints. Whether you prefer to showcase them individually or as a captivating set, I now offer special rates for purchasing them together.

So, don’t miss out on adding a touch of nature’s elegance to your space! Make sure to stop by my Etsy Shop today and bring home these mesmerizing peacock prints to adorn your walls with beauty and grace.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

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“Be like a peacock and dance with all your beauty.” ~Debasish Mridha

Inchie Challenge 2024 (Days 9-12)

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Whoo hooo!! I’ve completed all 12 days of Amy Maricle’s Inchie Challenge at Mindful Art Studio, and it’s been an absolute delight every step of the way. Creating these tiny works of art has been a source of pure joy for me. Now, I’m excitedly planning to assemble them into a brand-new journal, giving each inchie its well-deserved place of honor.

I decided to add a touch of glitter onto the Day 11 tile (Expansive) for some extra sparkle. But as I attempted to move it aside to dry, I accidentally stuck my fingers right into the wet glitter! Well, I suppose that’s just how the cookie crumbles! 😂😂

Here are the prompts that inspired this final set of inchies:

  • Day 9 – Shell
  • Day 10 – Buds
  • Day 11 – Expansive
  • Day 12 – Landscape

Thanks for joining me on this artistic adventure! Have a wonderful weekend!!

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“Creativity is experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun.” ~Unknown

  • Day 9 – Shell
  • Day 10 – Buds
  • Day 11 – Expansive
  • Day 12 – Landscape

Thoughtful Thursday Benefits of Sprouts

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Growing your own sprouts isn’t just about adding a fresh touch to your salads or sandwiches – it’s also a gateway to a treasure trove of health benefits. Here’s why cultivating these tiny powerhouses at home might just be one of the best things you can do for your well-being.

  1. Nutrient Powerhouse: Sprouts are bursting with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. As they germinate, their nutritional content skyrockets, making them a concentrated source of goodness for your body.
  2. Digestive Health: Sprouts are packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, helps prevent constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to overall well-being.
  3. Boosted Immunity: Rich in vitamins C and A, sprouts can give your immune system a much-needed boost. These vitamins are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping your body fend off infections and illnesses.
  4. Antioxidant Support: Sprouts contain an abundance of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support longevity.
  5. Weight Management: With their low-calorie content and high nutritional value, sprouts can be a valuable addition to a weight management plan. They provide satiety without adding excess calories, making them a smart choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
  6. Heart Health: Sprouts are a good source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, their fiber content can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  7. Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness: Growing your own sprouts at home is not only easy and fun but also cost-effective. With just a few simple tools and minimal space, you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh, nutritious sprouts without breaking the bank.

Growing your own sprouts is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to boost your immunity, support digestive health, or simply add more nutrient-rich foods to your diet, sprouts are a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed in countless ways. So why not start sprouting today and reap the countless benefits for yourself? Your body will thank you!

Stay tuned… next week I’ll show you how easy it is to grow your own sprouts at home. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Your diet is your bank account. Good food choices are a good investment.” ~Bethanny Frankel

Shop Update – Crimson Bloom Watercolor Abstract

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I’m so excited to introduce you to my latest creation: “Crimson Bloom”! I pour my heart and soul into each one of my creations and this one is no exception.

There’s something truly magical about the process of creating these organic abstracts. It’s where my love for color and my passion for small designs come together to form something truly special—a larger piece that speaks volumes.

Crafted on 9×12 inch, 140lb watercolor paper, “Crimson Bloom” is a vibrant symphony of reds, pinks, and purples that will instantly breathe new life into any space. Plus delicate touches of shimmering gold sprinkle just the right amount of enchantment and contemporary flair that effortlessly elevates the ambiance of any room.

“Crimson Bloom” is available in my Etsy Shop (if interested)✨

May this painting brighten your day and spark your creativity. Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further.” ~Keith Haring

Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels.com

Happy Mother’s Day💐✨

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here’s to the ones who make every day brighter, every moment sweeter, and who sprinkle magic in everything they do. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! Your love knows no bounds, and today, we celebrate you 💐✨

Happy Mothers Day!!

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“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” ~Unknown

Inchie Challenge 2024 (Days 4 – 8)

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I found myself busy working on multiple projects in the studio so I’ve been a little slow at finishing these inchies for the Challenge that was hosted by Amy Maricle at Mindful Art Studio.

The tile above was one of my favorites especially for the prompt involving circles on Day 6. It emerged beautifully on a watercolor tile I had tucked away, patiently awaiting a surge of creative inspiration. The way the colors blended together on this piece was truly captivating. Now, with new prompts in hand, I’m eager to dive into the next phase of creativity.

  • Day 4 – Mountain
  • Day 5 – Bristles
  • Day 6 – Circles
  • Day 7 – Stone
  • Day 8 – Inky

I mulled over several ideas for Day 8, ‘Inky,’ before deciding. I opted to dust off my calligraphy pen and sepia ink to craft an intriguing weave tile, adorned with a heart motif (as depicted below).”

I hope these inchies inspire you in some way, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Imagination is more important that knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ~Albert Einstein

  • Day 4 – Mountain
  • Day 5 – Bristles
  • Day 6 – Circles
  • Day 7 – Stone
  • Day 8 – Inky