The pleasure of walking away and nasturtiums

Nasturtiums rule
Acrylic ink and marker
on watercolour paper
5.5 x 8.5 inches
Barbara Muir © 2021

When I spoke to you last our street was under construction. Now two weeks
later it is still under construction, and there's a deep trench in front of our house
that's been partially filled with water as we had intermittent rain for a couple of days.
I’ve parked my car one street over, and been reluctant to walk on our street,
or to drive in case I lose my precious parking spot. It's worse this week, because there's
now a post and string barrier in front of our house.

But last week I needed some art supplies, and I went to my printer to pick up some
reference photos. So I braved my rocky street and walked to my car noticing
everything along the way. Away from the construction I was delighted by flowers
and the shapes of leaves on vines over people’s  fences. The visual world captivated me.

I'm very aware that we do not have that much summer left -- that's a powerful
feeling at the end of July. So I wanted to capture our beautiful nasturtiums which
have taken over the garden. The combo of strangely hot and often wet weather has
led to fabulous growth in our garden. And our nasturtiums turned out to be aggressive
climbers that are trying to fill the entire garden. They're amazing.

What I’ve always liked about these flowers is that you have to pick them every day.
And there are so many to pick. When you think about winter that's a bit of a miracle.
So the street is a mess, but the garden is a treat. 

Happy weekend. 

The art of construction

Construction on our street
photos
Barbara Muir ©️ 2021

The biggest news on Cherrywood is that the street is being in polite terms revamped. How
that plays out is that the street is being torn apart and rebuilt by very kind construction
people. From a sound point of view, it’s not that fun. 

It’s summer and on the better days we might like to spend some time outside. But maybe
not right now. I’ve had to tell our cat who loves lying on a chair on the back porch, that
evening seems to be the best time right now. 

 I thought I’d share some pictures with you to give you a better idea of what it’s like.

Wishing you a constructive day.

Spirits in the sky

Goodbye Timbah
Acrylic ink on watercolour paper

5.5 x 8.5 inches

Barbara Muir © 2021

A week ago yesterday we lost our dear cat Timbah. I’m not religious, but I do believe
in spirits -- not ghosts, maybe a better word is presences, or influences. My father
sometimes sends me crows to let me know I’m on the right track, or to be careful. 
Both of us loved crows, and I still do. 

And my mother who died in 2013 is an almost constant presence in my life.
I can hear her in my mind. So when Timbah died, I was moved to do
this little painting of his spirit rising up into the sky. No I don’t believe in heaven,
but I do believe in the powerful force of love.

We love you Timbah. And you will continue to be a loving spirit in our lives. 

Have a loving your family day. 

More on Timbah, making it Timbah week

Timbah (left) with Fiona 
in a box train
Photo
Barbara Muir © 2008

Our cat Timbah died Monday, and I've been so grateful for all of the
kind words people have sent to us.  I have personally declared this
Timbah week.  

We had so much fun with him. Our other cat Fiona on the right in this picture
misses him terribly, even though his last few months have been hard
for all of us.  One of the things the two of them loved was to be pulled 
around the house in a pretend train. This habit stuck.  Plus they both
loved all boxes, and it was always better to have two boxes, to prevent
jealousy.  

Thanks again for all of your kind messages.

Have a loving your animals day. 

Our dear cat Timbah died today

Steven Dancing with the cat
Music by Sister Rosetta Tharpe singing
Didn't it rain,
via my good friend
the wonderful Irish painter
Róisín O'Farrell

Our cat Timbah, who was 16 years old we think, and a beloved member
of our family, died today.  I love this video of Steven dancing with Timbah,
because it says it all.  He always loved us dancing with him.  He was affectionate,

beautiful, and a sweet, strong, caring cat right to the end.

We are so sad that he's gone, and so are our cat Fiona, and dog, Sally.

This lovely cat has been one of the great influences in our lives, and 

 part of our pets' pack.  Thank you to all of our family and friends who called
today to give their condolences. And thank you to everyone who helped
make his life a happy one.  Because I know it was.  We will miss
you sweet Timbah.

Have a loving your family day.