2.0.1.4

one of my favorite things about january 

is the clearing and the cleaning that 

takes place both physically and mentally. 

the holiday decor is stored.

the shopping is finished.

and the festivities give way 

to quietness, reflection, and new beginnings.  

in this quietness my thoughts begin 

to shape feelings into words

intentions for the new year are formed

SERVE  .  NOURISH  .  COLLABORATE

SERVE

breathing in, serving out

NOURISH

fruitful, bearing fruit

life giving

(*see photos below of my new herb garden)

COLLABORATE

alternate art forms

art in unexpected places

((*exciting  things in the works, stay tuned!!!))

(thanks Kyle for the best gift!)

(my new herb garden)

(flat leaf parsley, sweet basil, oregano, onion chives, cilantro,

cherry tomatoes, and a poblano pepper)

star spangled strawberries!

after celebrating 

a wonderful July 4th with 

FRIENDS and FAMILY, 

homemade ice-cream,

and strawberry tart,

there are still plenty of 

juicy strawberries left....to make a 

super-strawberry-smoothie,

cheers!

( strawberry-banana-yogurt-flax smoothie)

( Fraises à la crème, 24"x48", 2013, M.ELLIOTT)

-M.ELLIOTT

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!

raw treats and canvas-

(Spice, acrylic on linen, 2012 M.ELLIOTT)

this is the second "face" i have done on linen canvas

....did i mention i LOVE the raw look of linen.  

it is the perfect warm neutral background to complement my color palette.

and,

speaking of raw, i have been trying some new raw goodies 

in my kitchen. taking a cue from the season's spices and flavors, 

this week i made "carrot cake" truffles with organic raw
almond meal, dates, carrots, pecans, and spices....YUM!