Man’s Best Friend

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Solmate socks are the bests socks ever. Made from recycled unused cotom remnants so they are planet friendly, warm in Winter, cool in Summer.

 

I always thought that Man’s Best Friend was his dog, but today I am rethinking that assumption.

I had a woman call and re-order three pairs of Soulmate socks this morning.
“Laura,” she said to me. “I cannot believe it, but since I gave one of the pairs of those socks to my husband at Christmas he is always wearing them. In fact, yesterday he went into my daughters room and started looking through her laundry.
“Don’t you have a pair of those socks mom gave us for Christmas?” he asked.
“Yes,” my daughter said.
“Since you are not wearing them, I want them,” he said.
“No!” my daughter said. “It’s summer Dad and I want to keep them so I can wear them when it colder.”
“Come on,” I could hear him pleading. “I really like them and you have two pairs you are not wearing.”
My customer started laughing.
“Laura, I have never known my husband to take interest in the laundry, ever! So send me three pairs of those socks today!”
I asked her to please to send me some pictures! A man and his socks, this is something I gotta see……

Solmate Socks: Knee, Ankle & Crew Socks

 

Welcoming Summer

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The Shades of Blue…

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The Color: Lakeshore Blue

Where to Use It: No matter where you live, nothing is as inviting as a cool body of water on a summer day.

Get the same feeling in your living areas by immersing the room in this cool shade.

For a dramatic effect, use the color on upholstered pieces, drapery panels, and accessories.

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I think that no matter where you place a shade of blue,

it just has a way of bringing out the freshness of the space.

And I love how the blue softens the black too! 

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Playful walls are most inviting!

Blue skies and blue seas–they make us long for summer

and the laughter that most often is included with it!

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A gallery in a child’s room is an amazing way to teach and share

that is not  burdened with digital dings and pings.

Children today need to glance over at art and see that

not everything need have a thumbs up in appreciation.

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Enjoy the Shades of Blue in Our Lakeshore Blue Collection of Limited Edition Prints

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How To Start Collecting Art

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When considering what to hang on your walls, which can be anything from Fiber art, Native American masks, photography, or paintings – the ultimate in wall art – take your time making a decision, and go with your heart.

Establish a relationship with a gallery that understands how to preserve the value and beauty of your art or follow an artist who shares your aesthetic values and understands your unique perspective of the world and allows you emotional connections to the artwork. A gallery owner is an individual who should be someone you feel comfortable with and that you trust understands your need and vision for your home and art collection. They should ask about the rooms and space that you wish to add such works of art so that you can achieve your goal of making a space for you and your family that feels just the way you wish.  Read Full Blog Post

Our Lay-A-Way-Plan

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Sometimes you find a piece of art on our site or in our gallery you just don’t want to miss or do without. We have you covered! Think about our Lay-A-Way plan.

How do I secure the artwork I want to buy ?

The answer is simple. You don’t have to pay for art choices all at once! Choose our Canada Goose Gallery  Lay-A-Way plan. With a down payment,  and regular payments, the art you love will be secured and available when you need it. Put as many art pieces as you like in Lay-A-Way. Throughout the year, you are welcome to have a revolving account; decide on the prints to be purchased, make a down payment, make regular payments going forward and before you know it your artwork will be ready to pick up and take home or we’ll ship.

Thinking ahead…

You may want to consider a Lay-A-Lay plan for gifts as well. Set up the account by calling the gallery, (513-897-4348), make a down payment, choose your art and with regular payments you’ll have your purchases paid for painlessly!

What a great feeling to be ahead of the shopping game for every holiday or occasion! Art makes fabulous gifts! Shop ahead, start your lay-a-way and have more time for entertaining, parties and other planned events with your shopping taken care of. Call us to discuss your needs. (513-897-4348)  We are always ready and willing to help.

P Buckley Moss Black and White Inspiration

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Black and White.  There’s not much in life that’s strictly black or white. However, when talking about art, it really can be black and white and the proportions can be anything the artist wants them to be. The great thing about black and white art is the variety of light and darker shades that are created. No two pieces are alike and the interest and dimension of each work of art make the room feel completely different.

I remember, by chance, seeing one of Pat Moss’s black and white sketches while visiting her home many years ago. I was so taken by the strength and beauty of the art piece that it took my breath away. The lines and shading, simple as they were, made up a beautiful drawing that I have never forgotten. In fact, it is one of my personal favorites.

At that time, I had only known Pat’s works to be colorful and bold and here hung a sketch of a single cat whose expression and body language contained such a distinct attitude.  I stood gazing at the piece and drifted for a moment into a memory of a family cat many years before. I am always amazed at how an artist can portray such emotions in their subjects, and this one having just simple lines in black and white.  It’s a magical moment so let’s figure out how to display such works in your home too!

How do you decide how to pull together a mixture of subjects and styles when creating a gallery wall?

 

This black and white wall is an interesting mix of etchings combined with Giclee prints and a powerful silkscreen.  I love that all the subjects are different and yet share the black and white theme of its warm corner space.  It is a great opportunity to share with guests over a meal the wide array of art subjects and processes that can be hung on a wall and then appreciated like a gourmet meal!

 

 

The making of an etching is a hands-on process involving the work of an artist and an etching assistant who performs the printing mechanics. There is a craftsmanship that is remarkable and must be looked at up close to fully appreciate. Etching Collection plus for more details on the etching process click here

A Giclee print is an art image produced with the aid of a printer, guided by a digital file and the depositing of millions of tiny dots of ink on watercolor paper. This printing process results in a piece of art with a more brilliant array of colors than would normally be possible.  The Giclee process also produces images that are more stable, more durable, and less affected by light. Even in black and white these Giclee images appear to explode off the paper!

Screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate ( a layer underneath), except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate (layer) momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the underlying layer and then to be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. It sounds technical for sure, but I am sure we all have memories of doing such screen printings on T-shirts as kids.

By combining all three of these processes – Etching, Giclee, and Screen Print– our gallery wall is now filled with texture that makes the observer want to get up and come closer to art.  This is the goal of any gallery wall you create in your home.  Allowing the beauty to embrace the observer in a moment or two of an experience like no other.

Hanging Art: Did you notice the unique hanging technique going on here? Imagining another way to incorporate art that you love in new visual display format.  Who says it all has to be even and eye level? Experiment! Think about introducing a matted image, clutched by a padded skirt hanger and hanging in the midst of your gallery wall. Make your guests get up and really look…”is that a..a.. hanger?”   Take a closer look at our kitchen corner wall!

Yes! Mix unique hanging applications with conventional framed art and see how you like it! It could be really fun and I know for sure it will make your beloved pieces of art more endearing. Let’s break the rules!  

And here is something else to consider: adding your own family photos with your favorite collectible art pieces will make your gallery wall even more enticing and fresh. People buy art that reminds them of family experiences and memories so why not pair them together?  The story unfolds for all to see and enjoy.  Make your home memorable and fun!

Pieces Shared above:

Precious Prayer Etching

Plate Size: 7-13/16 x 3-13/16 ins. Paper Size: 13-7/16 x 10-7/16 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/precious-prayer/

 

Loving Touch Etching

Plate Size: 5-5/8 x 5-7/8 ins. Paper Size: 11 x 11-1/2 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/loving-touch/

 

Flowers II Etching

Plate Size: 4-7/8 x 4 ins. Paper Size: 11 x 10 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/flowers-ii/

 

Sniffing Etching

Plate Size: 5-3/4 x 5-3/4 ins. Paper Size: 11 x 11-3/4 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/sniffing-etching/

 

The Olive Tree

Image Size: 3-7/8 x 4-13/16 ins. Paper Size: 9-3/4 x 11 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/olive-tree/

 

The Lamb Etching

Plate Size: 5-3/4 x 5-7/8 ins. Paper Size: 12-15/16 x 11 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/the-lamb-etching/

 

The Egret

Image Size: 9-3/8 x 6-1/8 ins. Paper Size: 11 x 8-1/2 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/the-egret/

 

Horses Four

Image Size: 14-1/16 x 11-1/2 ins. Paper Size: 20 x 15 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/horses-four-2/

 

Twins Etching

Plate Size: 14-3/4 x 11-13/16 ins. Paper Size: 22-1/8 x 17-3/8 ins

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/twins-etching/

 

Earthly Spirit Giclee

Image Size:11 x 8 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/earthly-spirit/

 

The Silver Sentinel Giclee

IS: 6-3/4 x 4-3/4 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/silver-sentinel/

 

The Priest Etching

Plate Size: 13-15/16 x 9-1/8 ins. Paper Size: 21-1/2 x 15-11/16 ins.

http://canadagoosegallery.com/product/priest/

 

Adding three-dimensional art:

 

 

Adding three-dimensional art to your home décor brings interest and flavor to any room. Reading to my Girls figurine focuses on the values of family and the importance of reading, togetherness and sharing time with children.

 

 

 

Wearable Black and White art!  

 

 

 

Just had to add this into the mix!

Tie your casual dinner party together with this hostess touch; Solmate Socks!

An Artist Gets Her Wings: Who is P Buckley Moss?

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From humble Staten Island beginnings, Patricia Buckley Moss was born to Italian immigrants who absolutely had no interest to be discussing with teachers their daughter’s inability to sit still in class. Had it been the 1990’s and not the early 1940’s, Pat would have been diagnosed with dyslexia (which she later was) and put into a different class. But Italian practicality from her mother demanded that they give her something to do worthy of her imagination. So the head of the school sent her to the art teacher and that was the day that an artist got her wings!

Artist, P. Buckley Moss; Painting an original floral; at Cooper Union Fine Arts, New York

Fortunately for Pat, the art teacher helped her find success and a scholarship to a fine arts high school and then admissions into the prestigious Cooper Union School of Fine Arts in New York City.  At a time when women were not recognized or respected for their artistic talents, Pat had to become P. Buckley Moss to get the recognition and scholarships she deserved.

Taking the City Out of the Artist

When Pat married soon after school, her husband moved their growing family to the Shenandoah Valley. It was the perfect match for this no-nonsense mother of six.  Breathtaking views of mountains and trees, streams, horses, stone barns, and the beloved simplicity of the Quaker culture that surrounded them.  Her paintings of horses and the life in the valley brought her out of the street art fairs and into the White House as a beloved American Artist.  By 1985 she was so well known that people began to criticize her growing art business and fame, but Pat didn’t care less about what people said or thought.  She loved to paint and paint she did.  Growing her audiences were easy as Pat began to expand, not only her view of the world but her own style of painting as well.

Most creative people see the world in a different way, but for Pat, living in the country gave her a whole series of breathtaking new perspectives. Her colors were bright or muted. Lines are drawn delicately or loose and impressionistic. The world around us has no particular style or pattern, so the art of P. Buckley Moss reflects the wonders of the world as it exists around us–ever changing. Over the years, Pat continued to paint the Amish and Mennonite community that surrounded her family. The love of this simple community began to spread and the public began to embrace her “plain people” who valued modesty and family values. These signature and iconic images were sold around the world as a piece of country life that was still strong and valued. For Pat, they were just a wonderful part of the scenery that was part of her American life.

“They thanked me for depicting them in a way that is wholesome,” Pat said of the Amish community. Today there is a new generation that thinks of these works as “vintage” since Google doesn’t often search for such perspectives of life. But things are beginning to change quite rapidly. Today, new, young homeowners will come into the gallery and ask to see those “Boho” people dressed in black.  “There is something pleasing about having a piece of simplicity in your home,” said one young lady. In the digital age, where attention spans are six whole seconds…it is refreshing to know that a new generation is finding new ways to embrace art and culture in their homes.

Titles: Society Friends Children Art Collection, Amish Man, Pair, & Woman in a collector home Boho Collection,  Autumn Glow Fall Collection

Diversity in Art

Over the years Pat’s work has become popular because of the broad number of subjects she embraces –landscapes, horses, architecture, even an impressionistic flower or two.  Her style is what makes her collectible not to mention you cannot get it everywhere.  Through a hand-selected limited number of art dealers, P. Buckley Moss has been able to maintain her collectors and the value of her work.

Canada Goose Gallery in Waynesville, Ohio has the largest selection of Pat’s work with rare items, original pieces of art, and valuable favorites that are no longer in print. Collectors come from several states to see her vast collection and the artist comes every October to meet people and sign her work.  People are looking for something that they can relate to in their art and decor and Pat paints the people (and some really incredible horses) with an eye for detail and color. This beauty in her work adds a richness to people’s lives and homes.

 Title: The Matriarch, Giclee  Horses Collection

Although the artist began her rise with the simplicity of the Shenandoah Valley, over the years collectors have found that all of the subjects in Pat’s work speak to something that is missing in our world today.  It is amazing the number of pieces that some collectors have hanging in their homes.  And today, a younger audience is opening its eyes to her work for an entirely new reason.  Her story as a woman American artist really resonates with millennials.  Pat is the real deal and her celebrity has not changed the way she lives or paints.  Almost every year she paints a special piece for National Public Television in their annual fundraising campaigns. This charity perspective is important for young people today.  They like to support businesses and artists who give back to the community and Pat has been doing that since she first picked up her brush.

Title: Egret Romance Birds Art Collection; Collectors in Canada Goose Gallery; P.Buckley Moss on Blue Ridge Public TV

Virginia Tech has adopted Pat as their patron hometown artist.  Opening the Moss Center for the Arts on campus, the community has embraced her and the wonderfully diverse works of art in Pat’s collection.

At an age when she should be sitting in her studio painting away the hours, Pat Moss is traveling around the country visiting collectors, talking with children, and helping to raise money where she can.  “Art saved me,” she once said when asked about her school struggles.  The Moss Foundation was created to serve children who learn differently and Pat enjoys moments with children who often reflect her more carefree philosophy of life.  “You should do the thing that suits you,” she is fond of saying.  Even if that that “thing” is painting a kitchen cabinet with a prancing horse (which is in her home] or painting a center swatch for a charity auction,  or even something more elaborate–like painting a bedroom wall over a summer holiday!

Christmas show at the P. Buckley Moss Barn; Artist, Pat Moss signing art in front of a hand painted quilt square for charity; Mural painting

P. Buckley Moss has certainly earned her artist credentials.  She still thinks that is tough being a woman artist, but she is encouraged as more and more of this new young audience discovers her artwork and finds new and creative ways to share it.

Artist P. Buckley Moss lives in Blacksburg, Virginia and still travels around the country meeting collectors and finding new inspiration to paint.  See her work exclusively at Canada Goose Gallery, 97 South Main Street, Waynesville, Ohio 45068. (937) 631-4444  www.canadagoosegallery.com

Article was written by M. Bereket

Black Cat (Drolleries) by P Buckley Moss

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DROLLERY \drol-e-re\ pl -eries (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary). Fanciful designs of a playful character… historically used in the margins of medieval manuscripts: whimsical humor. Also French spelling: “DROLERIES” (Handbook of Art History, key to Janson).

 

People frequently notice and are curious about the crisply drawn, stylized, images of black cats included by Pat Moss in many of her recent paintings and prints. Usually, these images are so imaginatively integrated into a work that they don’t disturb either its aesthetic rhythm or its color impact. They’re apparently meant to be subtle presences rather than primary subjects. So subtle, in fact, that to many casual viewers their visual existence becomes apparent only upon close examination.

Cats in the history of art are ambivalent, usually female, animals who at different times have symbolized both good and evil. Ancient Egyptians associated cats with the protection of homes, mothers, and children. Painted and carved cats along with their mummified remains have been found in numerous tombs. During the Middle Ages, cats were taken as signs of the devil and his evil ways and were believed to be witches’ animals. Luckily for the species, its reputation was redeemed when it was noticed that in towns or homes with cats residents were less likely to suffer the consequences of the Black Death, a disease carried by flea- infested rats. Religious art of the time, with its many cat-like drolleries, likely reflects the notion that the presence of cats – rat-killers – was a good omen.

In the art of P. Buckley Moss, these black cats are intended to be positive manifestations. Perhaps their presence was inspired by the Medieval cat images that Pat saw cavorting through and along the margins of old manuscripts that she may have studied at the Cooper Union. It was through such manuscripts that she became familiar with Romanesque calligraphy (fancy writing), Scholastic ideas, and vivid religious illuminations (pictures).

Perhaps Moss was familiar with the early Christian legend about the “cat of the Madonna”. It tells the story of a mother cat who gave birth to kittens in the same stable at the same time as Christ was born. In this popular tale, a feline symbol is used to represent a presence observing a memorable event.

Naturally, there’s always the possibility that cats in Moss paintings simply mean that there were lots of cats around when Pat was painting, especially in a household with six growing children. This scenario is suggested as a comfort to those who are hesitant to look for meaning in art beyond whatever is obvious. A cat, after all, can be just a cat.

But if one looks carefully and thoughtfully, Moss’ curious black-cat-drolleries can hardly be considered to represent fesh and blood animals. They’re just too stylized. Notice how their eyes are always staring out of the plain of the picture, looking at the looker. These are not portraits based on living cat models, either past or present. They’re drolleries: “…fanciful …playful …whimsical humorous..” – symbols of a presence. But whose?

 

A reasonable conclusion is that these highly stylized animals represent the spirit of the artist herself. Perhaps it’s of Moss’ way of not intruding into her art, but still being therefor time immemorial… to observe, to enjoy, and to be a part of the action that she created? I believe that her spirit is the drollery – cat-like – presence. It’s Pat Moss watching those who are watching the art of P. Buckley Moss!

 

Black Cats (Drolleries) by Moss, Peter Rippe, Author, published originally in 1993 or 1994 and in The Consolidated Moss Museum Messenger III

P. Buckley Moss is an American and Virginia artist, whose art expresses her interest in strong family values and cultural heritage in her own distinctive style, giving us a collection of art that is filled with a lifetime of experiences. She is known as America’s most celebrated living artist. She currently lives in Radford, Virginia and travels around the country to attend shows with galleries and meet her collectors and sign her work.

 

 

 

13 REASONS WHY ART IN YOUR HOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BED

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13 REASONS WHY ART IN YOUR HOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BED

Having original and limited edition art in the home is vital to your well-being. Art is a key piece of furniture for many reasons and yet it is sometimes put on the back burner in comparison to other home décor items. This list is dedicated to the understanding of importance of art from perspectives of interior design, well-being, social atmosphere, creating a mood in the home, and more. One quote that stands out about the importance of original art is the following,

“You would never put fake books on your bookshelf, so why would you put fake art on your walls?”

For all of the following reasons, you can find the perfect work for your home or office on our online here.

1. Art Creates Mood

Brain scans have revealed that looking at works of art trigger a surge of dopamine into the same area of the brain that registers desire, pleasure, and romantic love (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/201109/love-desire-and-art). Romantic, sublime landscapes provoke contemplation of nature and purity. Such works then create a mood of peace and are good for relaxation rooms such as the bedroom.

2. Art Adds Personal Character to the Home

Image: Our Strength and Beauty

We all love to express ourselves, be it through clothing, accessories, social media – the list goes on! Art in the home is a perfect way to express your artistic and aesthetic interests in a way different from most, since original and limited edition artwork is unique and handcrafted.

3. Art Makes Memories

Buying real art is an experience. For whatever reason, you were drawn to a specific piece (or multiple). You may have seen it at a show opening, had a nice trip to the ice cream shop beforehand. Whatever happened leading up to/during/after the purchase of a meaningful original work will be remembered every time you see it. This will not happen with a poster from Ikea.

4. Art Provides a Color Palette

When rooms have a lot of colors, or many shades of the same color, it can be hard to figure out how to tie everything together. A work of art is a beautiful, meaningful way to tie everything together and create a general focal point.

5. Art Makes a Room Feel Finished

Image: Reflections of the Soul (Large)

When walls are empty, a room does not necessarily look bad, but by no means does it look finished. Rooms with empty walls are functional rooms in a house. Rooms with art work are the most comfortable rooms in a home.

 6. Art Inspires and Fosters Creativity

This one is simple – in rooms with no art, artistic expression is lacking and therefore the need and want for creativity is not very prominent. On the opposite end of the spectrum, handcrafted art fosters creativity, expression, artistic inspiration. This is particularly important in homes with children as being surrounded by artwork will allow creative thinking. This idea is expanded on in reason 11.

7. Art Is a Conversation Starter

Image: Suncatcher (Medium)

As mentioned in reason 2, hanging art in your home is a way of expressing oneself. That being said, guests will always be curious about the choice of artwork, the story, have questions about the artist, etc. It is a way to show off your art collection while having passionate conversations with house guests no matter what room in the house you happen to be in!

8. Buying Art Supports Art Education

One of the most important things about buying original and limited edition artwork is that you are supporting art education in a world that has forgotten how important it is to our lives. Each time you have a look at a work in your home, it provides a feel-good emotion that filters in all areas of your life. Supporting art and art education is just another wonderful way of expressing our values.

9. Original and Limited Edition Art is an Investment

Building off of reason 8, not only does owning valuable artwork in the home allow you to support arts education, but when purchasing original or limited edition art from a known artist there is an investment value. These artworks can be passed down through family and friends, be shared with loved ones for many years all while increasing in worth. This is never something that will be achieved with a mass produced “Made in Taiwan” piece bought from the furniture store.

10. Art Creates a Livable Environment

Inviting European-style kitchen illuminated by a wall of windows. Room is comfortably cluttered with papers stacked on a side table and several bottles and packages on the table. Fashionably distressed brick walls, painted white, give the room a rough, rustic feel.   Image: Shimmering in the Depths

Art can make rooms that are not necessarily “home-y” to become comfortable working and living environments. A kitchen, for example, can transform from a place of hurried preparation to one of relaxation and productivity all the with addition of a valuable art piece. Attached is an article explaining how artwork in office spaces improves employee productivity.  Art in the office

11. Art Keeps the Brain Active

Art is very conceptual, artists use it as a medium to express personal thought, political or social issues, and to make us as viewers think. Some people do quizzes or crossword puzzles to keep their brain active, but another way to do so is to own original artwork in the home, to just sit, look, and think. For more benefits of art read this.

12. Art is Relaxing

In a busy, fast-paced world that demands speed and productivity, home should be a place of relaxation. Coming home from a busy dat at work to sit on your couch and stare at a TV or a blank wall is not as recharging or relaxing as enjoying an artwork purchased with the means to create a positive mood. Not to mention how we feel when caring for little children. Art offers a way for them to see the world and for us to be inspired.  Image: Alone in Thought (Large)  

13. Curating Your Own Art Gallery is Fun!

Last but certainly not least, curating a gallery is fun! Attending show openings, going to galleries, chatting with artists’ even, it is a fun experience! After a while you will start to notice a theme, in subject matter, color, concept, etc. Playing with moods, composition, placement in the home, of all these reasons why to have art in the home, let’s not forget the fact that it is simply something fun to do. So go ahead, fill your life (and home with art!)

Nursery Rhyme

Who Is American Artist, P Buckley Moss

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The Artist P. Buckley Moss has a unique perspective of the world.  One of the things most fascinating about her (and there are many things) is her remarkable memory for details. If you ask her what inspires her to paint she will tell you that the world is rich with details. I have been to her studios through out the years and have seen first hand the sketches on paper, tissues, napkins, envelopes….tiny pieces of visual notes to be expanded upon when she finds herself alone with only brush and canvas.

On my first visit to one of Pat’s painting studios, I was in aw of just how much artwork I saw there. There was artwork everywhere! I saw stacks of paintings piled high on her tables and cabinets in no particular order, several paintings at the ready on her drawing table and I gasped when I saw how many were just laying on the floor. The day I visited, she even had a large painting under a see-through mat on the floor. I was considering each drawing or watercolor a treasured piece of artwork to be protected while Pat seemed to have to spread them all out to get a feel for what would inspire her next. Propped against the windows were paintings in upright position in different stages of completion; large pieces and small pieces positioned so she could glance their way and envision how to finish what she had started.  When asked, “Which piece do you work on next?”, she answered, “I rarely know when I walk in my studio each morning what I will work on. I look around me at all the unfinished paintings and I know when one calls me, that will be the painting I work on that day”.

The Earth at Rest print by P Buckley Moss

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“The Earth at Rest” takes me back to my younger years, as I loved to be able to visit my grandparents farm.  It seems that my grandfather always included me in whatever he was doing.

Erith Shoup, my grandfather, loved to farm, and would take us little ones with him while he was out doing what he did best and even along with him while he was hunting for our Thanksgiving meal.

The most memorial time for “The Earth of Rest” was after the winter months where he planned for his spring planting.  He not only planned for his fields, but also his many garden beds, which would be full of flowers and vegetables in the spring and summer.  He loved to be out in his God’s world, working with the land, but also bringing joy to the people who would stop at his “The Gardens” to purchase flower plants, fresh flowers bouquets, along with the many vegetables he also grew.

Fall was the time to ready the earth for its rest.  Grandfather taught me that we must take time to rest after working, but to also reflect on the care of mother earth, and to enjoy what God’s hands have provided for each of us.

As I grew, my grandfather always shared what he was doing and the why, and this alone has helped me love the farm and its life.  I loved by grandfather and am so thankful for his love and his love for the earth and what he taught me.

Farming of yesterday was, and farming of today is still the mainstay of life as we knew it.  The farmers today, may have ease of larger equipment to use,  but the work and the hours are still the same. Up early each morning, and to bed late many nights as it takes many famers to grow not only the food for our country but also the world.

My husband and I have many farm families as friends, and they,  in turn are passing their love of Mother Earth to their children for the future generations, just as my grandfather did for me.

I have been extremely blessed to live on my husbands farm, and to have worked beside him, with the sheep, cattle and hogs that we raised in the past, along with working beside him with the various crops that were raised.  We still enjoy the fruits of our labors as we still grow a small plot of vegetables each spring to enjoy during the summer and into fall.  While, “The Earth is at Rest”, we rest, waiting for the spring to again bring the seasons of life to life again.  Earth at Rest (Small)  The Earth at Rest (Medium)