… tulips, by Czech art nouveau artist, Alphonse Mucha.
Mucha was a prolific artist who is best known for his beautiful advertisements, posters, postcards and book illustrations.
Girl with Loose Hair and Tulips, 1920, Alphonse Mucha. Image from Wikiart.
… kittens, by British landscape artist William Collins
Collins was often praised for his ability to capture light, and this painting is full of subtle and nuanced light, but it’s that wee, timid kitten that makes it wonderful.
The Stray Kitten, 1835, William Collins. Image from Wikiart.
The Stray Kitten, 1835, William Collins. Image from Wikiart.
… flowers, by Joshua Reynolds
A herm is a square pillared statue topped by a bust, and Hymen is the Roman god of fertility and marriage who sits atop this particular herm. The ladies are Barbara, Elizabeth and Anne Montgomery, daughters of Sir William Montgomery, who were known as the Irish graces.
Three Ladies Adorning a Herm of Hymen, 1773, Joshua Reynolds. Image from Wikiart.
©voyager, all rights reserved.
It’s been a while since I’ve been around, but I thought I’d pop in to say hello and let you know what’s up. Several weeks ago, Mr. V had a health crisis that’s kept me busier than usual. A lot busier, and I admit that I’ve been feeling stressed, exhausted and depressed. We’ve come through the worst of it, for now, but it’s left me feeling behind in just about everything, with worry nibbling at the edges of my days. Add to that the lingering grief of losing Jack, the fact that my best friend has moved to Nova Scotia and the continuing isolation of Covid, and it becomes a recipe for getting stuck in a not-so-good place.
It’s always been my vision to provide a positive type of blogging. This channel is full of serious writers who provide important content that I value, but what I have to offer is simpler. I want to share my vision of the beautiful, simple things in life that nurture us and give us reason to continue the fight for equality, justice and a livable planet. I think that has value, and I hope you do too. So, today I am kicking myself in the ass and saying enough of the feeling sorry for myself. It’s time to stop and lookup.
It’s Springtime, and tender green plants are being born. Colour is creeping into the grey landscape left behind by winter, and leaves are painting in the spaces between bare branches scratching at the sky. There’s a riot of green trailing streamers of red and yellow tulips, blue forget-me-nots, purple violets and pale blossoms of apple and plum. I’ve thrown open my windows, and the passing breezes bring in the sweet earthy scent of spring.
I’ve taken stock, and now it’s time to take a deep breath, count my blessings and with intention, begin again.
… Springtime, by Alfred Sisley.
Springtime, 1889, Alfred Sisley. Image from Wikiart.
… Spring, by French Impressionist, Gustav Caillebotte
It’s raining here today, but that’s alright because April showers are sure to bring May Flowers.
The Yerres, Rain. 1875, Gustav Caillebotte. Image from Wikiart.
… Spring, by Edvard Munch
Munch is best known for his painting The Scream.
Spring Plowing, 1916, Edvard Munch. Image from Wikiart.
Spring, by French impressionist, Camille Pissaro
Potager, Arbres en Fleurs, Printemps (The Vegetable Garden with Trees in Blossom, Spring, Pontoise,) 1877, Camille Pissarro. Image from Wikiart
ssaro.
It’s a fabulous shot from the camera of Avalus, who says
PZ’s post (Pharyngula) https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2021/04/07/spider-deaths/ reminded me of a photo I took last weekend.
Tiny spider eats really big spider, somehow this really surprised me. I wonder how she was caught. The photo does not really give the bulk of the prey justice.
©Avalus, All rights reserved
That’s a great capture, Avalus. I apologize for the delay in posting it.
Not my window, but rather a window belonging to Avalus, who says,
Now I can finally make a tit-joke posting.
The pair just would not want to get close enough to each other. Cute little critters they are.
Also, a blackbird got in on the action.
©Avalus, All rights reserved.
©Avalus, All rights reserved.
©Avalus, All rights reserved.
©Avalus, All rights reserved.
… impressionism, by Camille Pissarro
The Tuilleries Gardens Morning, Spring, Sunshine, Camille Pissarro. Image from Wikiart.
… the dog, by Mary Cassatt
Elsie Cassatt Holding a Big Dog, 1880. Mary Cassatt. Image from wiki art.
… Landscape in Spring, by Vincent van Gogh
Fishing in the Spring, 1887, Vincent van Gogh. Image from Wikiart.