We’re in the long hot days now– summer is here. Although not as brutally as last year and the year before, and I’m thankful for that! Waiting for the tomatoes to ripen and the sunflowers to open. But mostly? I’m thinking of my favorite season, Autumn, and cool nights, grinning pumpkins, spooky tales and Halloween art.
These days I’m reading up on some ghost stories and also got a book about Grandma Moses. I’ve known about Grandma Moses forever it seems, but I didnt really know any specifics about her or her paintings. This book came used from Amazon and I’ve been paging through it at the dining room table when I get little moments. How amazing that she started painting at 78! Why, I’ve got lots of time, don’t I?
Other big news around here is that it seems our little baby is going to be a boy! And knowing this has got me suddenly motivated to start really looking at baby things, and looking at boy stuff which is a foreign concept for me! I’ve spent the last 6 years immersed in pink. I’ve got a lot to learn about this boy business. I just hope he’s sweet and kind like his daddy. I’ve already made one just like me 😉
Since it’s getting so hot, I haven’t really been spending much time outside except for in the mornings. Then I look after the plants and check on the vegetables. The pretty rose on the shed is blooming again, and it’s the star of the yard. I’m hoping after a season or two, the hydrangeas I’ve planted under the old Cedar tree will start to fill out and blossom. The garden now, with all its tiny not-yet-ripe veggies, is all about patience. If a curious little girl doesn’t pick the egg plant before its mature, and if the dogs dont trample my last pepper plant, I might get a modest harvest, even with this late start. I’ll at least have tomatoes, which have gone crazy and brambly.
Planting this little garden makes me think of my great-grandma’s huge garden that she grew at her house just down the street. Or maybe it was huge because I saw it with a three year old’s eyes? It’s hard to know. But what I do know is, this time next year, there will be a new little one here….who will probably inspire more boys in my paintings, and who I’m sure will grow to love Halloween as much as me and his big sister.
Well, time to sign off and get the garden watered while its still shady back there, and then hopefully– more painting!~
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
Congratulations on having a little gentleman grace your family! What a perfect little addition he will be. Since you're staying in a lot this summer (and I don't blame you, I do the same thing when it gets above 90), I've got a book recommendation for you. It's called These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy Turner and it constantly makes me think of you. It's all about a strong woman in the pioneer world and I simply cannot put it down. Have a lovely weekend!
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Heather, congratulations again on the wonderful news of your soon-to-be baby boy! 🙂 I'm so excited for you, and can't wait to see how adorable he'll be. Of course, he'll love Halloween- who couldn't, surrounded by all your lovely spooky paintings?I need to check out Grandma Moses- I, too, have heard of her but never looked into it. Now you've given me the inspiration to do so! ♥
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Congratulations on your little boy! I'm thinking about Autumn as well, thanks to an Autumny Witch's Garden. 🙂 Not to mention all the pumpkin plants I planted in my garden this year. Lots of blooms on those.have a wonderful weekend!blessings~*~
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You're going to have such fun with your boy! There really is something about boys and their mamas. Can't wait to explore New England with you this autumn! By this time in the summer, my focus has already shifted to fall. I'm getting pumped up!
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So excited for you guys!
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Grandma Moses is the best! I've loved her art for a long time too. I have been to her exhibit at the Bennington Museum, and though it's quite small, it's wonderful. My favorite painting of hers is one with ghosts running all over a little village creating mischief! She had a wonderful way of capturing small town New England life. Congratulations on your little boy!! I will need to find a tiny little Prince William style smocked romper for him. :)Looking forward to seeing you in New England this October!!!! 🙂
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Grandma Moses is a favorite of mine and it is fascinating that she started so very late in her life. She is the artist that first made me love primitive folk art style. There is something so captivating about her simplicity that always draws my attention. May I also join in with all the others who are done with the long hot summer and already dreaming about the cool autumn and the beauty and excitement that the season always ushers in!!Congratulations on your news about having a boy! He will bring a whole new dimension to the family dynamics. Move over pink, blue is moving in too!!
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dearest Heather,Congratulations to you and your little family!!oh my goodness! However did I miss this news?!!I am so very pleased for you all~sending love,Christe'
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You are having a boy. That is so sweet. I have a little boy, really there is cute stuff for boys too. You have to look a bit harder for it.That book in the picture: Prominent American Ghosts. Looks like a good read.
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congratulations!those climbing roses are beautiful 🙂
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A boy!!!!!!!! FUN!!!!!!!!!! Oh what fun. So happy for you! Boys who have big sisters grow up to be the best guys!
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You will adore having a boy … I have two boys and two girls and there is something very special about the bond between mother and son :)Hope it's still not too hot there x
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Congratulations!!! What a lovely news!I also love Halloween, even though we do not celebrate it in my country.
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Congratulations, Heather. That is awesome news – and looks like you are already creating lovely goodies for your baby boy! I love Grandma Moses, as I've mentioned. If you ever venture to Vermont – as PattiAnne mentioned – the Bennington Museum is home to a great number of her works. It was simply amazing to see all the little details of her art in person. And so charming!
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