gathering bits and pieces-

(red bird, 5x7, acrylic on board, M.ELLIOTT)

i marvel at the birds outside my studio as the temperature

begins to drop; they continue hunting and gathering
bits and pieces for nourishment and for nest building
materials, with seemingly no regard for the colder air!
meanwhile, in my cozy little studio, i enjoy the opportunity
to watch these little creatures from inside fortified with
 wooly socks, a hot mug of green tea,

and,

sweet coconut curry granola bars

made with bits and pieces of 5 different types of nuts and SEEDS.

MMMMM, wouldn't those birds be envious if they knew how much better these treats tasted!