Wednesday, July 24, 2013

What I've Been Looking For


The sun

has cast shadows

via

on my life

as 



When I walk during the day 


past a particular row 

of homes


and my shadow drops

beside me 
 



via



via

 
I see them -



via


I see  

the family members

that once walked with me

during my childhood 

in 

California. 
 
   
via

 
But the light of day


via


and 

the light of night


via

  
wanes with time.


via


Yet the shadows still follow

calling you

to reach out

to them just once more.
 
It's impossible

but this is what 

 art is for:

to bring back

the light

that once fell 

on both of you.

 
via

 
     
 Carol Cook from the blog

Art and Sand

shared a post 

on her husband's art studio.

  
Art and Sand for Steve Cook Fine Art

And since I'll always be

California Girl

viewing Steve's

paintings

gave me back 

What I've Been Looking For.

Thank you Steve and Carol.
 

     


   






113 comments:

Anne said...

How fun, i'm one of the first to tell you how lovely the post is -- esp the music! and that image of the sea and black rocks.

Seawashed said...

This is beautiful. The seashore images are mesmerizing. I too will always be a California girlie girl. Oxoxkerrie

Unknown said...

I have chills Anita. From one California girl to another you captured the essence of life in this gorgeous state of ours and the richness of family, memories and loved ones we cherish. Let the sun shine on us as it did on those we miss from days gone by.
You are an artist through and through lovely Anita.
You touched my soul.
xx,
Heather @Stylemindchic

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Anita,
Your post is beautiful, and has touched my heart..
Keeping you in my thoughts dear friend.
Love, blessings and a big hug!
Penny

Art and Sand said...

As I have said before, you work magic with words, images and music.

Lovely.

Createology said...

Anita I too am a California girl and understand the importance of memories. I read this post and then visited Art and Sand and then came back here to read this post again. We all need visuals to keep our memories close. Blessings Dear...

Sarah said...

Anita, I read Carol's post as well, and though I'm not a California girl, it touched me with beautiful childhood memories of days near the shore. Steve is a talented artist, as are you! This is yet another example of your heartwarming poetry. I'm glad you shared this! ~ Sarah

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I think I'm going to sit here and listen to this beautiful music, read this post again, sip my wine and enjoy. Lovely Anita, my dear gifted friend, you truly know how to stir the soul.
xx

Marfi-topia said...

you carry me away with your lovely words and photos Anita.
such talent you have!!!

Red Rose Alley said...

You know I loved this post, and being a California girl, it speaks to my heart so much.

I am sending you an e-mail.

Love,
~Sheri

Linda said...

The images conjure up my past in California what a nice gift.
Even though I am in Seattle now, California is where my heart will always be.
Tonight this is extra special as I am celebrating my birthday.
What a gift it is that I found your site.
Linda

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Oh so beautiful my dear. I am sure that returning to California has conjured up many memories both happy and a little bittersweet.

I am not from California but I have visited many times and I have seen the beauty of which you speak.

Thank you for sharing your magical words and beautiful images.

xxoo Elizabeth

"Create Beauty" said...

Oh the light and shadows that envelope our lives! The other night I was looking up at the full moon and knew you were also standing under it, so many states away, but there we were, both under the moon.

I enjoyed visiting Art and Sand and reading about the memories that Steve's paintings bring.

~ Violet

Bilancia Designs said...

Lovely, my friend....
xoxo

leon 10 said...

lovely summer post love the music from the movie white oleander
greetings leon10

Unknown said...

Simply beautiful California Girl...I feel this way when looking at photographs...the joy and memories of days gone by...I have a photograph of my much missed lovely Dad on my desk that I kiss every morning and say Hello...as always, Anita a beautiful poetic post, thank you.
xx

Barbara said...

Dear Anita,
Your beautiful post touched my heart and memories of my own came flooding back. Thank you so much! I’ve visited and followed Art and Sand and can’t tell you how much I appreciate the introduction. My world is full of loveliness this morning and its all down to you! Gratitude and hugs dear friend xxx

Martina said...

A wonderful summer post Anita, it brings up memories for me too - bittersweet ones. And my longing for the ocean ... It's very hot here at the moment, so a jump into the water would be perfect. Love lazy, dreamy summer days. This one must be busy ... but still ;) Hope you have a lovely, creative day my dear!

Peeters Liliane said...

My dear frien, it's a long time ago that I visit you but here I'm :)
As always your pictures and your words touch my hart.
Hugs, Liliane

Unknown said...

To be near a beach right now......big sigh. A wonderful Summer post Anita. We so long for the sound of waves. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly

Personally selected products said...

My dearest Anita!!

Long time watching your picture, and feeling your music!!

is lovely !! agaim and agaim,,,,

i would love visit you every day, but i am far away my home, and internet conection.
Anyway always is lovely try to find a place just to see you !!!


Lots love

Luisa
from Spain

The enchanted home said...

Gorgeous and your words are so powerful and that coupled with the beautiful images stir up something in each of us. Makes me think back to my own memories and people that are tied to them and funny how smells, sights, colors, can trigger a memory isn't it. The California sun and beach brings back memories of my own carefree childhood in Cali..ahh, good times!

Anonymous said...

Stunning! The energy and expression in your posts always stun me!

Simplement ... said...

La mer

by Charles Trenet

La mer
Qu´on voit danser le long des golfes clairs
A des reflets d´argent
La mer
Des reflets changeants
Sous la pluie

La mer
Au ciel d´été confond
Ses blancs moutons
Avec les anges si purs
La mer bergère d´azur
Infinie

Voyez
Près des étangs
Ces grands roseaux mouillés
Voyez
Ces oiseaux blancs
Et ces maisons rouillées

La mer
Les a bercés
Le long des golfes clairs
Et d´une chanson d´amour
La mer
A bercé mon cœur pour la vie.

Bonnes vacances très chère Anita
Marie-Ange

prince snow farm said...

How beautiful Anita. I walk with shadows of my Grandma often...growing up with her spending all summer with us while my mom worked. She is just an arms length away at all times. Carols site is a favorite. I connected immensely with her art post. Glad to see you did too!

Rattus Scribus said...

Anita,
Yours is a memory that is nothing but blessing to those remembered. I find this not common and I am constantly amazed.
Love
Ruben

Anonymous said...

Soothing.
I first visited Carol at Art and Sand a while back and instantly fell in love with not only Steve's Art but their home. Another favorite in blogland.
Enjoyed this post and the music.
Much love.

Kirsten Steen said...

Gorgeous, Anita! I heard an interview with Mandy Patinkin recently where he said that whenever he walks onto the stage or a film set, he asks for those he loves who have passed over to walk with him! What a beautiful concept. I have a whole new respect for the man. And now I do the same when I feel the need. Thank you for these beautiful photos and of course, your heart!
Bisous, Kirsten

Lynne said...

My friend, Anita you are a morning song...and...an evening lullaby!
Once more you give us "artkeep"!
w/L.

renae said...

Very interesting. The music is PERFECT.

I was just telling my oldest grandie that she is a California girl, yesterday. She has long blonde hair, and easily tanned skin. (she never burns eventho her other sisters do) She has blue eyes. and ...you too are a California girl. Awh ~

THANK YOU for your nice 'applause' on my post.

Oh and Ps. I too have friends named Carol and Steve.

I'm feeling MUCH better today!

Woodside Park said...

Just a marvelous and beautifully penned post, Anita!! Do you still have class? I'm assuming you are teaching the writing class, right?
xo
Loi
PS - Send us some of that sea breeze, will ya?

Tara Dillard said...

Raised Cape Canaveral & Galveston Bay.

The scent of salt water marsh, when I'm back, brings me to tears.

Bought myself a large oil painting for my birthday this year.

After it was on the wall a couple of months I realized it was almost an exact copy of the salt water marsh behind my childhood home.

The artist painted it on the Georgia coast.

Rocks on the beach are the perfect arrangement of trees put into a meadow.

Art doesn't segregate.

Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Hello beautiful Anita!!!!!
I adore this post- looks like your California trip was spectacular!!!!!! I'd love to live in 1970's Laurel Canyon!!!!
I read that Jim Morrison bought his girlfriend Pamela Courson a boutique in LA and she went to Morocco to buy special fabrics and sold really cool clothes!!!!! I guess it was very popular with celebrities & rock stars.....
My parents were here last Thursday through the weekend. We had a wonderful visit despite the 102 temperatures!!!!! It was crazy- now it's the low 80's!!!!
Hope you're having a great day!!!!
Love & Hugs,
Shannon

Willow said...

Thank you Anita for your frequent visits to our humble little farm blog
~I am indeed honored that you enjoy my photos and the animal antics.

All you share here on your beautiful blog is so lovely and uplifting .
It always brings me peaceful thoughts to visit here.
I do adore the array of words and wonders !
Willow

Down by the sea said...

I so enjoyed eating Carol posts yesterday about all the memories Steve's pictures evoked. This post is a lovely continuation of that theme. I love those images of the sea and sand too.
Sarah x

Madelief said...

Dear Anita,

Your post brings tears to my eyes. It's full of longing for old times, but happy memories as well. I spent part of my childhood at the seaside too. My grandparents lived close to it. We used to go there in the weekends and during the holidays. My grandma and grandpa are long gone, but I can still see them sitting in their chairs enjoying the view :-)

Let's dream on :-) To Happy Memories!

Madelief x

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

Dear Anita...what a glorious virtual trip to the California coast and down memory lane with my own seaside memories! I could use a few simple, old style beach days right now. As always, you took me away for a few minutes today and made me smile...thank you, my friend! xoxo

Marilyn Leslie said...

Beautiful. Thank you.

Palomasea said...

Sorry, my dear one! I got sidetracked between visiting Steve and Carol, and reading your poetry blog...heee (as well as cooking for the girls!!) What magnificent artists and people they are..

And this post is so very beautiful! I never want your posts to end....yes indeed, that is one of the greatest and loftiest goals of an artist....light, light, and more light..this goes right along with the Sand quote...
Bless you, chere amie!
Love you so!!!

Leslie said...

Anita this is beautiful and I am so happy you have found this artist that has captured your sweet memories. You are a true artist in every sense of the word. Being a California girl myself;) I totally understand what you are saying here. I believe we are also about the same age.. and have probably experienced similar peaks and valleys as we watch are aging parents and the memories of the past wane. When I go to visit, I ALWAYS visit my old stomping grounds. It feels so good doesn't it? You can take me out of CA but you can't take CA out of me. I still have bits and pieces in my home decor, style of dress, etc.. and that's okay:)

xxleslie

helen tilston said...

Hello Anita

Beautiful, I love all he images and memories contained in this brilliant post. The paintings by Steve Cook are also wonderful

Helenxx

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Hi Anita!!!!!
I wish I lived closer to CA because I adore the style and the vintage vibe of that era in the 70's.
My friends & I were just talking about Sharon Tate and we loved her style and how tragic it was about what happened in August 1969. I wasn't born yet but we all know what Manson did and how horrific it all was.
I found this cool photo of Sharon wearing this amazing jacket that I'd wear right now!!!!
Did you live near that area by Cielo Dr. where Sharon Tate & Roman Polanski lived? That house was actually so quaint and the land around was beautiful. I just learned recently the house was demolished in 1994 and a huge 15,000 sq. foot home was erected over the land where the Cielo Dr. home once stood. There is so much history in these places.
I hope you're having a great evening!!!!
Talk to you soon!!!!
Love & Hugs,
Shannon

A Magical Whimsy said...

What hauntingly beautiful music. Thomas Newman is an incredible composer. A musician after my own taste and heart. This music is perfection for this very deep post you have exquisitely defined. We all have that childhood connection to the Light...we all have that opportunity to 'go toward the Light' and follow it. And we want it so badly for those whom we love so that they too will have the same vibrancy and freedom of spirit within themselves which connects us and completes us to God and to His universe and fellow journeymen and kindred spirits. But we cannot force it upon them, but only have a deep HOPE that somehow they will want what we have and can perceive they are missing something that will complete and make them a WHOLE being. Sometimes, I weep for the world, for mankind, as I want them to have what I have.
love and hugs,
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

Jade said...

Hello, sweet California girl.....what a wonderful summer post full of magic and sweet memories and how I loooooooooove the light!!! And your lovely cottage and I also enjoy the music..........thank you so much for all this freshness!!! Here in Bavaria it is soooooo hot, so I love to walk trough your great post to enjoy the sea! Have a wonderful weekend, dear Anita,

hugs Jade and Sheila (she is swimming every day ;)

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Good Afternoon dear Anita....oh what a post full of sumer, that most delicious time....the music is perfect for this.....

As I sit here on Pearl our fireplace is being installled...YAY.....you in the Sun and us in the Cool....how different the world is!

Oh yes the Melodrama....what absolute fun, fun, fun this is....I am loving the singing in it as part of the chorus and also my little duet in Daddy wouldn't Buy me a Bow Wow! And all to sellout houses.....just fabulous!

Sending a cool ocean breeze for you this weekend and of course a Cheers...much Love, Dzintra xo

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

Ethereal. Timeless. Beautiful. Much as I imagine you are, Anita.

Peeters Liliane said...

My dear friend,
It's always a plessure when you visited me. How is your summer? Yes still one month to go and school is starting again. It's a hectic time this month, my daughter need surgery and like all mom's I'm concerned.
Have a nice summer, hugs, Liliane

VM Creation Atelier said...

Anita,dear................:)*

HOW do you do it,my dear virtual girlfriend?!...
I mean: bringing ALL things together,feelings,music and beautiful speces!!!

Devine post,
Thank you so much:)*

Sending to you my smmer hugs,
***Violetta***

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Such beautiful photos and amazing art. The tranquility washes over me and makes me yearn for the beach. Thank you for the loveliness.

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Good afternoon Anita!...Lovely California girl....I could just jump into that lovely frothy sea right now...It's been so warm and humid here in recent days! Such a wonderful, inspiring post..your creativity is always so uplifting Anita and the final painting is beautiful!
Happy Weekend!
Susan x

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Hey California girl....we are toasty warm here and yes I will share pics on my blog in the next few days....we are loving the warmth as we have a 2 storey home which is harder to heat! Have fun Dearest with Irina....Hugs to you both....love Dzintra xo

renae said...

There is a bunch of turquoise in this post, lady. Awesome! Your banner is cool with turquoise and orange (drink) together.

Yes, I already feel like I have had a weekend with our state holiday in the middle of the week and it spilled over to yesterday, too. My grandgirls stayed over night (not last night) the night before. They are so fun to have around and my Lil' Girl doggie loves when they are here.

Now hopefully I can get some rest today and tomorrow. hahhahaha

marielle said...

Encore un très beau billet qui m'incite à pratiquer mon anglais encore et encore, me donne envie de marcher sur le sable à l'ombre d'une ombrelle... J'ai longuement visité ton blog aujourd'hui et tu trouveras sur le mien, un hommage à ton talent.
Je t'embrasse et te souhaite un bel été

Tamera Beardsley said...

Such beauty... I have no words... other than thank you for such a gift to the soul.

XOX
Tamera

Willow said...

Hello lovely Anita ,

Thank you once again for your most recent visit .

Small note, kind heart, our farm is in " New England " countryside... closer to Cape Cod USA .

I do adore the english countryside and lived in the magical United Kingdom several years as a child ~ perhaps that is where you got slightly confused.

In several posts you mentioned you love our " english countryside " but thought you may wish to know our farm is actually in the cranberry growing countryside of New England , USA :)

None the less, I just love that you visit us at our little New England farm !

It was beautiful to read your blog post at your site once more ... smiling I am.

Be well and wonderful.
Willow

Burlap Luxe said...

Your beauty Anita. Is everlasting and you touch us so sweetly with it.

I just watched the movie white oleander the other night, i just lové the music in it and the depths of the message.

You my dear have a message équilibre to none other.

Thank you

Bisous
Xx
Doré

1 said...

Oh I am so happy to have internet access this evening! What a lovely post to have pop up on my feed reader. The countryside of France is wonderful, but boy do I miss my blogs when I am away!!!!
Bisous,
Simone

Lady of the Woods said...

For a moment I panicked as I dont remember having my picture taken on a swing on the beach! then I realized it wasn't me, but it sure could be! I will be the 59th to say this is so very lovely, the music, colors, everything. the poetry is exquisite.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

Beautiful post you have shared and memories can leave such a long lasting part of our lives.
The seaside is such a beautiful thing and always so uplifting been there.
Every school holidays we would travel a long way to my Grandparents and one of the precious memories I have was walking with Grandma and collecting shells on the beach with her.
Hope all is well dear friend and you are enjoying a lovely weekend
hugs
Carolyn

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you Anita, for your grey day visit.
I am here and would find no other place I'd rather be then reading your words that whisper softness.

I am looking forward to winter, and would love to skip August, September and move right into fall. It's then I begin to come alive, I dread the heat and find no comfort in it along with very little inspiration other then the full bloom of colour but, the winter shrubs are my favorite and to cuddle up and read your blog postings along with so many others its just so inspiring to have that cast of grey visit from outside.

I know you get tons of snow and its hard to manage it at times but, is there anything more inspiring.
Enjoy your days while I wait for the season to change.

Xoxo
Doré

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Bonjour mon amie!!

As always your posts always make me pause and reflect who I am and what am I doing with my fleeting life. This summer I am playing caregiver to my SIL who is overcoming pancreatic cancer... God is sooo good! We never know what life will bring. This is not how I expected to spend my summer but God's plans were different. We must be flexible so that God's will can be done in us.

Hope you are well and loving what God is doing in your life!

Bisous, Sherry

nélinha said...

such beautiful photos...tu es californienne si j'ai bien compris tes racines sont joliment illustrées
j'aime beaucoup...Je suis aussi retournée dans le pays qui m'a vu naître(Portugal) et bientôt je partagerais quelques photos avec vous....
Merci beaucoup pour ce magnifique partage
french kiss
nélinha

renae said...

Oh thank you sweet Anita! Yes, since our holiday concluded, I've been able to sleep longer. Yay!

Coral and Turquoise are yours yet mine was Blue and Green. I loved them together. Our twinkle lights on the Christmas tree would pair up green and blue together and it excited me to see that blend. Awh.

My Mom always said that ANYONE can wear turquoise and look great. I agree. Turquoise and Coral are marvelous and so are you!!! (hug)

Attic Clutter said...

just beautiful post (:)

Sylvia said...

Poignant!
My soulful friend, I love your aesthetic sense-your sensibility to love beauty, to seek harmony in people and in yourself, to be faithful to your roots and live awe-inspiring life...
Thomas Newman is one of my favorite contemporary composers and this piece of work is perfect for your beautiful, poetic post. Thank you!

Martina said...

Dearest Anita, thanks for your sweet visit! It really is VERY hot here this weekend! I>'ve nothing plannes exept working on some paintings and taking things slowly. I actually enjoy the heat. It's strenuous, but i need some days like this, to get that summer feeling ... Hope your sunday will be lovely and special - am sending you hugs! xx

Anonymous said...

So lovely as usual sweet Anita!!!!!
Missed you and your Castle!!!!!
Kisses from Brazil!!!!
Bela

francis said...

Just this week I had a good friend over for coffee and she told me a simular story about how she is thinking about the past a lot these days and she wondered why that was happening .
Would n't it be wonderful when distance could vanish and we could meet and exchange .....
But ...HEY ......
There are other ways , now a-days
You wrote about this on Carol's blog too I read that too .
About artists !
You are an artist with language
Carol's husband is a painter .
and you share with others !
So a lot of people can have their own experience ......
I guess it's all about sharing ....
You are important to a lot of people A LOT
I hope you find answers about your family and you The past and the future together in harmony .
It will come to you .
Happy summer Anita

Deana Sidney said...

Isn't it amazing the way light has different personalities in different places? California has a very definite light the way Maine does. Your friend's art captures it beautifully in a way that resonates. Lovely that she inspired you.

Nella Miller said...

Very, very insightful and meaningful for me right now, Anita...thank you. Your friend's art work is magnificent and I love the sunny yellow door and plantings...I needed this sunshine right now.....With affection....N.xo

The Dutchess said...

And thank you Nita...for this post will always wander through my head. Amidst all the other beautiful shadows of memory..xoxo

Lady of the Woods said...

Hi Anita :D
I'm so sorry. When I read that you would not be having comments anymore I thought you were going into a writers hibernation as you mentioned....and didn't realize you were still blogging, so I've missed a few. But often I don't get onto blogland at all due to my own work and need time off the PC vibes etc, so lots of new posts get buried in the blog roll and I don't get to see my beloved bloggers every post. But thanks for visiting me too. I'm going to try to make a post once a week, I think I can handle that.
The Kimchee by the Koreans is VERY HOT but I do not make it that way as I mentioned in the post. Anyone can make it without any heat at all, I like a little bit hot and truly it is not detected once it is fermented with the amount I use, not hot at all. You can leave it out entirely and still make it in any way you want with a variety of veggies, some use beets and carrots too along with cabbage, I just came up with my own personal loves and I adore it!
But that woman on the swing looks like me from behind is what I meant, I got a bit nervous not remember being there for that photo LOLOL.....but yes, every woman can see herself in that repose.
blessings, lady

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

oh you SO wrote these words for me too Anita! I will also always be a California girl! The memories brought tears as I read this. Those were precious years, and they are woven into the people we are today.

Hugs sweet friend! I loved this.

Denise said...

Even though I haven't moved far from Whittier the home of My youth,I still at times miss those days.I too will always be a Caif.girl.Glad You were so close for a visit.Beautiful post Anita.

victorian parlor II said...

Beautiful!!!

Blessings,

Kim

Suz said...

How simply wonderful-a beautiful post dedicated to your memories of your California life.I enjoyed this very much. So many beautiful photos-I wish I could have taken.

Maria said...

~ A beautiful summer post, Anita..Wrote so sweetly from your heart...The beautiful art work is amazing and the colours so lovely...you have a wonderful gift my friend for telling the most amazing stories in words and pictures....Anita I wish you well for your forth coming work in the autumn....What a wonderful teacher you truly are...Big hugs from my corner to your ...Maria x

Kerri said...

Oh Anita, I love that picture of Seventh Heaven!!! I love coming to your blog to see all your new photos and inspirations!

My mom & I just got home from a road trip & dog show -- we did great and had alot of fun! I just updated my blog.

Best wishes for a blessed week!

xoxo
Kerri

Anonymous said...

Anita! Thank you for stopping by, lovely friend. Saved you a slice of watermelon cake. ;) Isn't it amazing? I love your take on it. :)
Hope you're having a wonderful day.
xoxo's

Rhissanna said...

Lovely words, Anita. Without Art I think we'd all wither and fade. It helps us hold onto the things that are wonderful, but ephemeral and it makes the fleeting memory into something fixed and real.

hi-d said...

Hi Anita!

Beautiful post...bittersweet. What a lovely piece of art by Steve!

I can't believe how fast this summer is going. Will you be teaching full time in the fall? Things have been really busy...the clock is ticking...only 3 weeks or less to go! I'm getting excited and nervous... :)

Love to you!
Heidi

La Petite Gallery said...

Came back to look at this post again. I wish I had a Tree strong enough to get a swing like that. Thanks for all the work and time. yvonne

renae said...

Oh dear, your class is hard? I think you will be up to the challenge, I have a hunch, anyway.

I'm commenting now and hope to be able to stay with it to get everyone that has been kind and said their nice words to me, anyway.

See you later and thanks for being my friend! ♥

Christie Jones Ray said...

This could be my childhood home in Florida...Thank you for always sharing such beauty !

Much much love to you, dearest,
Christie

Maria said...

Good morning, Anita!
California does leave an indelible memory for so many people. My daughter's husband, Nick lived in CA for six years. Amanda visited him for two summers... They both love it there (mostly for geographic reasons)
... And the Alta Vista coffee Amanda says too ;-)
Wishing you sweet memories and joy in finding them!
Blessings always,
- Maria

jerilanders said...

Anita . Don't know how I missed this, it is truly touching. Last year, when I visited my family in Colo., I felt this way... memories casting shadows. I hadn't been back there in 15 years and as I walked the old haunts and visited places I had played as a child, it all came back to me in a beautiful way. You are really good.. my friend, the poet.

Martina said...

Sweet Anita, thank you for coming to see my post today! I'm really struck by those paintings ... for i try to find a balance between nature and abstract in my work as well. Dis i tell you, how much i like these ocean pictures here in my post - awwwww, i close my eyes and run into that blue! Cheers to a happy evening!

It's me said...

Here i am darling......i miss this post !!!...i do not understand......hahahaah...it is so quiet in blogland......enjoy summer darling....it is so hot in Holland ..love it....you can find me outsite...if you looking for me....love you....x !!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Anita, art moves you like nothing else can. Whether it's a painting, music, or the spoken word, it is a gift that says, "I'm always here". It's when a soul speaks that the beauty is created, and open hearts can receive it.
Big hugs to you!
Patti

Tammie Lee said...

thank you for the stroll
back in time
i am also a calif. girl, until ten years ago
the music is perfect with your strolling words and beautiful images.

lovely night and beyond to you~

vicki archer said...

Beautiful Anita and for me, a touch of melancholy...This piece spoke volumes to me... Thank you... xv

YONKS said...

Hello sweet one, How did I miss this! Tempus fugit. So many reminders. I recently purchased 2 tiny little cobalt blue trinket pots because they reminded me of my mother. She had the same pair on her bedside table. Smells do it for me. This post did it for me, made me stop and think back. Thank you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Much love.
Di
xxxxx

Vintage Jane said...

Beautiful words ... making me think. M x

Deborah said...

How lovely Anita!
The power of love and our dear memories.
I love the music and what you are capturing here.
All my love to you sweet Anita!

Deborah xoxooxox

Jade said...

Thank you sooooooooooo much for all your lovely comments, my sweet friend - you make my heart sing!!! And I smiled about "the flowers" ;)) - it is field with red cabbage! At the first moment when I saw it, I also said to my husband: "Look at those wonderful blue flowers." Than I saw that it was red cabbage ;). Have a wonderful summer weekend, dear Anita,

with love, Jade

Tamera Beardsley said...

I came back for another transporting soulful getaway... it truly becomes richer with each visit.

I will be thinking of you and your artist soul when I am attend the Laguna Art Walk tonight... thank you again for the art you put out... for all of us to experience.

Leslie Harris said...

Yes. I am and always will be a California girl, and I loved listening to the music while I gazed at your images. I always feel transported by your posts Anita and this one brought back the experience of memory. Recalling little moments with my grandma and papa and thinking how wonderful it would be to see them again. Just one more time.
I felt the same way when I read Carol's post and looked at Steve's artwork. I think this is the true gift of an artist, it's touching something deep inside of another person. Helping them remember the beauty in their lives...thank you for doing that here on your blog with your words and images. Right now I'm loving Emerson's line, "drink the wild air," and I will do that today.
xoxo
Leslie

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Hello dearest Anita!!!!!
I got your other comment about the Cielo Dr. murders....
A few years ago Sharon Tate's sister Debra allowed Sharon's clothing to be modeled- it was so cool!!! There was a gorgeous black lace YSL dress, Pucci separates, and a mink cropped coat with Sharon's name embroidered on the inside. If you go to You Tube and search Sharon Tate fashion- you should see it there. It's really cool!!!!
Can you believe it's August 1st?!!!!! That seems impossible!!!!!
Love & Hugs,
Shannon

renae said...

Oh Sweet friend! Thank you for saying my placement of my pics are like poetry. That is such a sweet thing to say, especially from you, a new, now student of poetry and a lover of the written word. Oh, sweet hug to you (hug)!

Have a tremendous day even if it is cloudy. But I hope it isn't.

Tamera Beardsley said...

I forgot to ask... are you on instagram by any chance?

Stacey said...

I could break out into song with how much I adore this post! Beautiful! I've never. Even to Cali, but I know I would fit right in. Love this post! XX

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Anita,
Not to worry about it dear friend.
Such sweet words you leave for me.. You too, are a treasured friend.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging thoughts.
I am so happy Spencer gave you a smile!
bisous!

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Exquisite images of the ocean Anita and gorgeous artwork! Such beautiful thoughts of family and times past evoking beautiful memories! Have a wonderful weekend and I am always thinking of you!
best wishes
Frances
xx

Palomasea said...

Thinking of you, dear one!!

Bagna Cauda....mmmm....warmed olive oil with garlic, anchovies, and butter...Italian "hot dip"...soooo good!!
I don't remember whether you like les anchois! :)
And I would be happy to make some of those pb cups for the Mr.! :)

LOVE YOU!

ivana said...

beatiful paintings, the light is really special. I wish I have a gift to embody such a beaty, as you have with words, composer with the notes and as the paintors have with scenes

renae said...

Oh Anita! Thank you. I get a huge smile on my face when I read your sweet comments to me!

You have a great weekend too and write to your hearts content! I can even see a change in your writings in this post. The best is yet to be!

(hug)

YONKS said...

I knew you would love those horses Anita. I love everything about the, their aura, their smell, their motion, everything! Soul mates in our love for the horse :-)
I found an easy GIF maker for you: http://gickr.com/
Will make a great gif from a series of stills, I used 5 for the jockey mounting.
Have a great weekend precious!
Di
xxxxxx

Pura Vida said...

You are so correct gorgeous lady..the music really does enhance the most glorious photos and gift in words...lovely as ever

Kalyan Panja said...

simply beautifully captured shots...lovely!

La Petite Gallery said...

Anita, Thanks for the comment.
Every time I see your Post I see something I'd like to paint. At the moment we are clearing the shore line of underbrush. I hope they stop that 3-D gun.. Have a beautiful weekend. yvonne

Santi said...

beautiful pictures :)
Check out my blog too!

Santi

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Chère Anita!! What an incredible post with a message to be remembered. The words are brought to life by the images.

gros bisous,
Genie

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

This post was hauntingly beautiful and your words just resonated with me!

Thank you!
Mary