In the Middle

Sun Dogs here at Prairie Hill Farm

(click on image for a larger view)

We're in the middle of many things here at the studio and Prairie Hill Farm - winter for one!  A couple days ago our digital thermometer went offline...it stops at 19 below zero fahrenheit.  It popped back on again at 19 below a little after 8 a.m.  I'd been out in the yard filling feeders for the birds and squirrels...it can get a little oppressive for them, out in the open in this weather.

I stopped before going into the studio and took just a quick shot of the sun dogs across the valley...nothing elaborate, just using my small camera.  I've often wished I could find the perfect landscape "nearby" to photograph sun dogs!  

We've also been in the middle of a lot of snow removal lately...that happens at this time of year!  I remember a neighbor speaking to me about the winter snow issues in the valley here a few years back.  He eluded to the fact that since we moved here, we hadn't had a bad winter...I took all the credit with a grin!  :)  Well, that ended last year and we've since gotten pretty good at moving snow on our own.

 Winter Goldfinch at the studio

(click on image for a larger view)

I'm hoping that this is the break in our winter weather for the duration ahead, a nice weekend appears to be a reality!  Any day in the 20's or 30's (faherenheit) is great winter weather!  (I know the birds would appreciate it too!)

I've been in the middle of painting and drawing projects as well.  Some have been extremely taxing...I hate to move onto something else when a piece is unfinished but that is a reality at times.  Sometimes a fresh "face" can help recover from painters block.  Oh ya...it happens.  :P

I've also been in the middle of marketing and business planning.  This is not something I relish but a necessity for any artist that is working out there as a freelancer - a full-time studio.  I am planning on beginning a newsletter in the near future...this is for my collectors and other clients that have purchased work here at the studio or other galleries I sell through.  If you are someone that would be interested in being included as a studio newsletter subscriber, watch for future news about this.

"In the Middle" is a time of transition or just a place you find yourself often as you move through life.  Here's hoping you're in the middle of something very good!