Delights and creations

Seagull Flight by Alex Mendez.

The days have passed and somehow I’ve managed to keep busy with many projects at home and with a business endeavor in the works. Some of these projects involve the kitchen and delicious food concoctions, others involve sitting at a desk with canvas and paint. One project in particular is an online boutique that I am close to launching. This last project has captured most of my time and heart. It’s been something I’ve talked and dreamed about having for years and soon I’ll have the opportunity to share with you. Meanwhile here is a visual snippet of those other projects, the  sweet delights and imaginary creations that have enraptured me. Plus an outing to relish the day. This was a little escape to a dock, to enjoy the Northwest Sound.

The Vista on the Sound by Alex Mendez, Des Moines, WA.

I find Ina Garten’s recipes delicious and easy to make at home.  This Summer Fruit Crostata was fun to bake and eat. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Summer Fruit Crostata, part one, by Alex Mendez.

Summer Fruit Crostata, Part two by Alex Mendez

You can find her recipe in this book that I own and love, Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You’ll Make Over and Over Again or http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/summer-fruit-crostata-recipe/index.html.

Trees Pink Background, by Alex Mendez

And lastly some of my time has been invested in painting and creating. This painting has soft subtle hues of metallic pink tones in the background. Using mixed media, collage and India ink, I’ve been experimenting, enjoying the process and outcome and finding more balance to my compositions.

The beauty of routine.

The year, for me, started with many personal ups and downs. As we are almost entering the third month of 2013, I finally feel the dust settling at my heels and find myself looking forward to routine.

The simplicity of a walk in my neighborhood.

Bright red berries contrasting against blue skies, Woodinville, Washington.

The joy of spending time in the kitchen pouring over new recipes and concoctions.

Baking a blueberry crumb cake.

The thrill of exploring my home city and rediscovering hidden and the not so hidden corners.

Pike Place Market, the alley, gum and creativity, Seattle, Washington.

Or taking a moment for lounging by the fireplace.

Reflection of a lazy day.

Winter memories

The cold has crept in. Yet certain everyday events  distract and keep my spirit warm. Watching the last leaves flutter off the trees mesmerize my view. Gearing up for the holiday festivities expand my imagination of shimmering celebration nights. Stopping to indulge at good eateries soothes my core. These are what the crisp cooler days of winter offer to warm my heart. What fond memories has this season brought you thus far?

Stunning bright tones of the last leaves shedding off this tree.

Festive decoration and ideas for the holidays sprout out and fill the days.

Le Grand Bistro Americain, in Kirkland, Washington filled my belly with savory food and fueled my soul. http://www.bistrolegrand.com/

Time to paint; always a must.

These are my favorite, four little paintings to make the whole.

The Passenger

Last year around this date I found myself, along with my husband, discovering the treasures of France. We took a trip that started in the coastal city of Nice, its people welcomed us and set the pace to our fantastic journey. We then rode the train along the coast heading south, stopping in historic beauties such as Arles, Avignon  and Carcassonne.

In this post I hope to share, at least a glimpse, of this wonderful getaway.

In Nice, the beaches were quiet and peaceful, and the sun was golden. The breeze felt cool and promising.

Many times along this trip I found cities filled with narrow streets revealing a story of the past intertwined with our present.

I became enamored with doors and windows. The contrast between stone, wood and paint, standing strong through the many years and lives that they have witnessed.

Finding a vast variety of markets, ranging from vegetables and cured meats to antiques and rolls of fabric.

I enjoyed being a part of and observing how history meets the present day. It is so evident in these sites and places in France. I like knowing that we are all passengers along history’s path, making our own little mark along our way.

The colors in this painting {in progress} brought me back to the warm hues of that trip to France.

Embracing Autumn

I fully enjoy this time of year, Autumn. It brings a renewed palette to our eyes as well as many other changes around us. Our daily menu becomes heartier with root vegetables, soups and other nourishing meals. We change our wardrobe to cozier more snugly attire and we find ways to celebrate and be with friends and family.

Here are some of my experiences and vistas from this fall. I’d like to also see your posts on your Autumn adventures or scenery.

The view from my work-space onto the valley of Woodinville, WA framed by the Cascade mountains.

On cold mornings I’m inspired to make my family a plentiful breakfast. One of the local culinary destinations has a delicious French Bakery {ww.atthevineyard.com}. Here we found the perfect bread for making Banana Walnut French Toast.

One of my closest friends had a “Día de los Muertos” celebration. We shared music, tamales and dance.

Mostly this time of year I love the contrast from the colorful hues of leaves against the shadowy backdrop that a cooler overcast day brings.

And of course the spectrum of warm tones all round us has inspired my paintings.

Invisible links

While working on a composition I take a great effort in finding a flow and a connection to create a balanced image.

It’s curious that this is reflected in our daily lives with the people around us. That when taking the time to nurture relationships, I, for one, feel more balanced and happier.  These invisible links with our friends, our family and those around us, that are so essential because they in return, influence us and help create the composition and flow of our own lives.

So no matter where we find ourselves, whether by a lake or on a bridge in distant city, let’s remember to cultivate our connections in order to paint the canvas of our lives into what we want.

Padlocks on the Puente Isabelle II (Trianan Bridge) in Seville, Spain. A tradition where lovers fasten locks and then throw the key into the Guadalquivir river.

There are times we have those unique connections right in front of us. Like a shared moment on a lake. (Green Lake, Washington)

And other times those connections can be found in the most peculiar of places.

Metallics

India Ink and Metallics.

Perhaps because of the cooler weather and upcoming festivities such as Halloween and those that follow it, I find myself submerged (warmly indoors) in hours of painting and once more playing with a  kaleidoscope of colors in my art, including metallic tones.

This lead my mind to the Experience Music Project.  A building designed by Frank Gehry and often referred to as a mashed up guitar. Although the beauty of this building is at times questioned in the media; I, on the other hand, found myself lost in a sea of metallic fascination.  My eyes and camera danced in delight scanning its many curves and psychedelic reflections.  Very appropriate for a building that pays homage to Jimi Hendrix and other Rock ‘n’ Roll icons plus houses the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame.

There are times for cool and muted and there are times for bright and metallic. During these days, with the chilling climate outside, let yourself be warm and bright on the inside.

Swells of reflecting structure.

Copper and gold waves undulate at the Experience Music Project.

With one line or one strum, just like the stroking of a brush, create part of a whole sinuous composition.

What Encircles

Part of the charm of living in the Pacific Northwest is the amazing scenic views that surround us. Just drive a few hours away and you will find yourself exploring majestic mountains, arid deserts or the humid Puget Sound. I propose we rediscover our surroundings and let ourselves enjoy what encircles us. Sometimes the allure stems from looking close up, other times the wonder is discovered by taking a step back.

Driving through the Cascade mountains many times the view will surprise me. Here I see the forest echoed in the sky.

Close observation of a dandelion in metamorphosis.

A sunset that brought peace and calmness to me {And I couldn’t stop taking photos of it}. This was taken on a ferry ride from Kingston to Edmonds.

The warm hues of the sun played wonderfully with this rusty air vent.

I’m taking an online art workshop. Now I find myself submerged in exploring and learning new art techniques.  
www.squamartworkshops.com/alena-hennessy–abundant-wild-life

Goodbye September

Phew…just before the month ends, a farewell to September with a new post. This month was full of living and experiencing it. A month of reorganizing, along with a bit of business and finished off with a dash of travel.

I got to visit The Filoli House and drool over their beautiful library, not to mention the rest of the historic house and famous garden. {That Baron Munchausen book is dated 1896!!}. If you ever find yourself in Woodside, California, just 30 minutes outside San Francisco, I highly recommend taking time to visit this grand country house. http://www.filoli.org/

During this month, although busy, I found it important to make time to create and listen to life’s little messages.

Every once in a while pausing to try little sweet indulgences. 

Yet always finding beauty in unexpected places. 

Opening my eyes to the window of what tomorrow will offer. So for now goodbye September and hello tomorrow!

Seasons

Summer in Woodinville has been filled with the splendor of the world blooming into its magnificence. Of birds busily fluttering and insects devotedly working. For me this has been a period of soaking on a beach, of walking in a field of flowers and of tasting summers harvest.

It also has been a time of growth. Of looking at the cycle of life and its curvy road.  Of seeing these upcoming undulations and looking forward to these future changes. Fall will be beautiful, with its crisp air and warm hues. Winter will bring time to rest and to gather with loved ones. Spring will splash upon us with a rebirth of color into the world and nature.  And summer will burst upon us and then cradled us with its warmth. I eagerly await tomorrow’s seasons knowing that they will bring new inspiration with varied palettes and flavors.

A Sunflower blooms in a field.

A refreshing soak in the river makes me feel alive.

Flower #1 is from a series of four paintings, when put together they make a vine that is connected and is one growing entity.