Cows, Cows, wonderful Cows

It's been a long time since last posting, and I am happy to report that there is no problem - just a busy life keeping me away from this blog (and a third grandchild on the way!) I have been painting, however. In fact, my latest efforts have been mostly cow portraits for fellow cow owning friends of mine.
I have mentioned before that I am a member of a forum that holds on-line conversations regarding the care and feeding of family milk cows (as well as other farm-related critters). We are a diverse, world-wide group that harbors one common trait - we love cows. Like me, there are also many horse lovers and chicken lovers and...you get the idea.
When a member's animal gets hurt or suffers from a cow-related problem, we join forces to help. Member looking for a specific cow to add to their herd?  We help. Got a sick calf?  We help. Topics of interest range from how to help a cow with milk-fever to when is the best age to butcher a steer (and how to do it yourself) to guessing how close a cow is to calving based upon photos of her rear end.
We all also possess the common desire to know where our food comes from and provide the best nutrients possible to our families - by both raising it ourselves or harvesting local wildlife. I have already put a deer into the freezer this year and have several neighbors promising us another pig (the feral pigs around here are multiplying exponentially).
The garden was a rained-out and then a burned-up disappointment this year, but we still harvested sweet potatoes and green beans. Hey, it's boring, but nutritious! There is always next year...
Daily my cows manage to keep me centered and help me remember that our Lord was born in the humblest  of circumstances, yet brought hope and meaning to millions.
May the coming season be blessed for you and bring you joy everlasting.

nodp

Aspen Maximum Color - colorful Colorado landscape by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

16 X 20 Oil on Canvas 

Contact Artist for Availability

I follow a blog from a fellow that lives in Cuchara, Colorado, and he has informed his readers that NOW is maximum color viewing for the area. It's an obsession for those who love the mountains to plan a visit during "Maximum Color" time. I have never been there then, but I can imagine it...perhaps it's not accurate, but, hey...it's called "artistic license"!

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 [Full Chapter]

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Kaydee - Mom's Maltese Poodle doggie portrait

6 X 6 Oil on panel
Not For Sale

My Mom has an adorable little dog that is half Maltese and half Poodle. Yes, Kaydee is a "designer dog" and a model that has been ideal for my mom.  I doubt she weighs 3 pounds, but she truly rules the roost at Mom's house. She briefly came to stay with us on the farm while mom was recuperating from surgery 2 years ago, and she convinced our big German Shepherd that she was in charge. Little dogs rarely know they are little.
Here is a very quick time lapse of the completion of this little painting.

I have come to enjoy painting animal portraits, and many folks think they make the perfect gift for the person who has everything!

2 Corinthians 9:15 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. 

To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Barnyard Buddies 2 - oil painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

6 X 8 Oil on Gessoed MDF Board

$125 includes shipping in U.S.

We are rich in cattle right now - at least by this small farm's standards. Both cows have 2 LARGE calves they are feeding, and it's time for a couple of them to go to other pastures. This is always a difficult time for me. I cannot help but get attached to these animals entrusted to my care. But I am a meat eater, and I raise meat. Therefore I HAVE to look at them in that light. I can, however, give them the best life possible while they are in my care.
This calf came from a local dairy and was reluctantly nursed

by Abbey and Sophie. Neither one liked him much, so he only got to sneak in and nurse when one of the more favored calves were nursing. I consoled him with scratches and attention when I could (and extra feed in the corral), but he has always been the outcast...the one left out for no apparent reason. He has no name. He's just one of the "Jersey Boys". To name them is to make it even harder to send them on to other pastures.  I know there is a sermon in there somewhere.

Luke 1:28  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. 

To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Fly Season - colorful Colorado horse painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

6 X 8 Oil on gessoed MDF board

$100 includes shipping U.S.

I took a number of photos of horses while in Colorado this summer - and we all were constantly assaulted by flies, which seem to be worse than ever this year. Perhaps it's the increased rainfall. With every blessing, I supposed there must be a sacrifice of some kind. With rainfall and lush pastures come increased fly populations...nature continues it's balancing act.

GENESIS 22:2  ² Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE.

To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Barnyard Buddies 1

6 X 8 Oil on gessoed MDF Board

$125 includes shipping U.S

Rain was promised today, so Mike and I rushed to get 200 pounds of Rye Grass seed scattered in the pasture. This required changing out tractor implements: removing the plow and attaching the seed spreader. One healthy, young person can accomplish this chore, and so can two old, achy people...usually. We were successful getting the implements changed, but one of the sway bar lift arms broke as I was taking the tractor to the garage to grease the PTO. Mike thinks the pressure from the plow going through our sticky, hard soil weakened it, and it chose to break at that moment.  Of course the John Deer dealer doesn't keep those replacement parts in stock, so we put the pasture seeding chore on hold. I don't remember starting many activities needing the tractor that didn't begin with a repair or delay due to something being broken, dead or missing. Life on the farm...Oh, and it only rained 1/10".
The day wasn't a total loss - I did get to be in the studio all afternoon which resulted in this little painting of a horse and a hen with her chicks.  I am thinking I might enjoy painting a series of "barnyard buddies"...

I have both gold and black frames available for an additional $30 (shipping included). Black really seems to make the colors "pop"!

Ecclesiastes 5:4

⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. 

To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Old Split Ear's Challenge - Mule deer buck painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

12 X 12 Oil on MDF Board

SOLD to a Texas Collector

On our way back to the Thirty Mile Campground, we were surprised by an enormous Mule Deer that made his appearance as we rounded a blind turn. Mike braked the truck, knowing I would attempt a photo, and the buck hid behind a scrubby patch of firs as I fumbled for my camera. I was very lucky to get several terrific images. The White Tail deer in Texas is no match for the Mulies in Colorado size-wise (although I'm assuming the meat from both is quite tasty). It's like comparing a donkey to a draft horse. And in Texas we are overrun with does, because so many hunters want trophy bucks. Since we hunt strictly for the freezer, we prefer the does and usually leave the bucks alone (unless they are eating the peas. Then it's every man for himself...). This fellow had a notch in his ear, and I have no idea if he lost an earring or damaged it in a fight. I have a feeling he was tagged sometime in the past, though, and I do hope it means he'll be spared during hunting season. His spread was impressive, to be sure.

Luke 5:36

He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to

patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and

the patch from the new will not match the old.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE.
To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Kiss My...mule painting by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

6 X 8 oil on MDF Board
SOLD

Mules are interesting to me from all angles, and for some reason I really like their rumps. The mules we encountered in Colorado recently were more than willing to show me theirs once they realized I was not bringing them goodies.
Mike has gotten used to me saying "PULL OVER!" when I spot a pasture full of potential subjects for my paintings. Both horses and mules frequently come over to the fence to check us out but quickly return to grazing when they discover I have nothing more to offer them than my admiration of their backsides, which they gladly show me...

Ezekiel 34:14

I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their

 grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they

will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE.
To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Calf With an Attitude

5 X 7 oil on MDF board

$125 includes shipping U.S.

This is one of the foster calves (we call them the "Jersey Boys") that Miss Sophie raised this summer. He came from a local dairy that markets fresh milk and the best cheese in the world! Veldhuizen is their name, and quality dairy products is their game. I get my milk from them when I can't get it from one of my own cows. Their cows are all top notch producers, and I am tempted to keep this little fellow intact so he can breed my cows next year...but then I have to care for (and watch out for) a bull for the next 12 months...albeit a "little" bull right now, but not for long.
A couple weeks before we left for Colorado last month, I froze several gallons of milk from Abbey to take on our trip with us. I managed to ration 4 gallons of milk over 3 weeks. Fresh milk is not available to purchase in Colorado, so one of the good things about being back in Texas is my personal supply right outside the front door.  Milk - it does this body good...

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us 

may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether 

good or bad.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE.
To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Loading up the Pack Mule

6 X 8 Oil on MDF Board

$125 includes shipping in US

We have just returned from out annual Colorado trip and despite going later than usual, the timing was still good. We missed three weeks of typical August Texas heat that extended into September. In addition, we caught the beginning of school, so the campgrounds were relatively empty toward the end of our trip. AND THE FISHING WAS GREAT!
Our first two weeks were at Thirty Mile near Creede. Hunting season was fixin' to begin, and nearly every day hunting guides were hauling camping equipment up the mountain - setting up campsites for the hunters.
The first guide I watched pack up was Greg Pearson of Lost Ute Outfitters, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to get some great images of him and his animals.

He was readying 3 mules and an Arabian gelding to haul camp equipment up the Weminuche Trail. This painting is of "Ace", one of the pack mules.
Greg had a set of scales in his trailer that he used to weigh the packs before he balanced them on the pack saddles. I was impressed by how well the load was distributed on the mules as I know what can happen when weight shifts on the back of an animal. It can be scary - especially on the narrow trail up the mountain.
Exodus 23:5  If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. 

To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Adjusted Attitudes - 4 part calf painting(s) by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

4 paintings 12X12 each

Contact Artist for Availability

It has been a long time since my last post. A number of things have kept us busy, the least of which was all the storms that have kept much of the US wet and stirred up. 

The big garden was prepped in February, and when March presented us early with some mild weather, I took a chance and planted everything. March left us like a freezing lion and April blew in with floods and cold weather and more floods. Everything ended up either washed away or rotting in the cold earth. We managed to roto-till everything up again and re-planted while dodging tornadoes. The little plants did come up and struggled valiantly despite repeated beating by hail and wind gusts throughout all of May. I just about gave up on getting a crop big enough to put up - maybe a few pickings of green beans and an errant ear of corn?

Mother Nature surprised us again - and this time with good news. The rains finally quit, and in the 50% of the garden that didn't wash away, the corn stood up and produced a lovely crop, the green beans are on their second round of flowering and are STILL without spidermites, and I did manage to dig a respectable potato crop out of the mud. With warm weather finally here, the black eyed peas are reaching for the sky as well.  I know there's a sermon in this story...

Throughout all this turmoil, we managed to escape with only a few trees blown over - and they will provide us with wood for the fireplace. The cows are raising healthy calves, and are on their second set of foster calves. All the hay farmers are delighted with the prospect of three hay cuttings this year, and we have already got our order in and filled for the winter.

These paintings are "exercises". Two of them are oil and 2 are magazine mosaic collages. I am considering adhering them all to a 24 X 24 panel for one large display. The model was Sophie's calf, Bille, who fast became a favored fellow soon after he was born. He's curious and friendly and forever poking his nose into stuff. He's over 6 months old, though, and getting a little big for his britches now.

Mike's folks and my Mom are doing well - just a bit soggier than usual - and none of us have grown gills yet.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, everyone!!!

Ecclesiastes 11:4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;

whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Bad Mood - oil painting of a grackle by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

8 X 10 Oil on Panel $150

Shipping included U.S.

You have all seen these birds. They are in every WalMart and McDonald's parking lot in the world - opportunists looking for food bits and anything useful for nest building. The males are a sleek blue/black/violet, and the females are a boring brown. This one was in an eating area at the Zoo and was waiting for us to toss him our scraps. Addison attempted to feed him some bird seed we had left over from the parakeet aviary, but he wanted something more substantial, and the displeasure on his face shows it! Despite his apparent sour attitude, I couldn't help but admire his plumage and confidence.
Perhaps what I see as a bad mood, is in reality intense concentration...
Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Gorilla My Dreams - by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

12 X 12 Oil on MDF board 

$125 includes shipping in U.S.

We are experiencing a wet Spring here in this little corner of Texas and it's keeping me inside to paint. I am, however, a little tired of cows at the moment, so I searched my photo files and found this charming gorilla image that I took at the zoo recently.

My grandchildren visited over Spring Break and we took advantage of one day without rain to visit the zoo - it was wonderful and kept both girls entranced and enthused for 4 hours. I could have spent the whole day there, and I vowed to come back on a warmer day, and slowly take it all in by myself. I love exploring the opportunity to paint other animals, and the zoo provided ample opportunity to acquire hundreds of images - like this gorilla lady. She was evidently not impressed by my effort to get her attention however!
Luke 6:41  “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Family Portrait - bison family group by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

8 X 14 Oil on Panel

SOLD

Spring has brought quite a bit of work with it this year - along with some much needed and appreciated rain. In between "moisture events", we have managed to get 95% of the garden plowed and planted. Warm weather seeds like corn and beans are already up and reaching for the sky. If we get half the sweet corn as we harvested last year, I will be very happy (and so will the cows).
Speaking of cows, both Abbey and Sophie have been more than earning their keep supplying us with milk and feeding 4 calves. Three of the 4 are already 5 1/2 months old and ready to wean. Today is their first day separated, and the bawling and hollering through the fences is deafening.
We have already purchased 2 additional calves (from my favorite local dairy and cheese shop Veldhuizen) to put on Abbey, so she can raise 2 more before I dry her up in September. She bred back in February so is expecting a November calf. The circle of life continues.
We had the nicest visit from Beth and Casey Willis last weekend, and I kept them busy with farm chores, riding lessons and eating barbeque. They promised a return visit, so I guess I didn't work them too hard!  The above painting was inspired by Beth and is her birthday present for this year...
Revelation 14:16  So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
If you are interested in a painting like this one, click here to send me an email. I do commissions and I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Pretty in Pink

10 X 10 Oil on board

Check with artist for availability

I frequently spot photographs with images I would love to paint, but I have a commitment to paint from my own photos 99% of the time so I rarely paint other's (unless it is a commission). This is not easy for me, because I am NOT a good photographer.
I spotted this photo of a Facebook friend a couple years ago, though, and immediately thought I would like to paint it...with no changes, only more closely cropped.  Judy graciously granted permission, and I took advantage of a rainy day and worked all day yesterday.
Judy competes in competitive trail rides on her gorgeous paint horse, Picasso and does quite well; in fact earning ACTHA's first ever Ambassador award. She has my admiration!
Today we had a brief break in the cold, rainy weather, and despite the fact that I have a dreadful head cold, I got into the barn to straighten up a bit...chickens in tow and cows gazing longingly at the hay stacks inside. As I pulled down a bale of hay on top of the stack, a cascade of eggs plummeted to the ground. Yesterday the same thing happened, and I thought that was the only nest. I was wrong. All total, there were over 2 dozen eggs stashed in the hay. I had been wondering why the chicken coop was yielding a sorry return. Now I know.
I gathered the unbroken eggs and returned to the house with the intention of giving the dogs a treat for the next couple days. The farm shares its bounty even in the harshest of weather. Back down to the low 20's tomorrow.
Matthew 16:2   He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’


If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Buckaroo Cowboy

9 X 12 Oil on canvas panel

$100 includes shipping and insurance U.S.

Did you know that the I-Phone 6 will make time-lapse movies? Three years ago I looked high and low for a camera that would do that, and I found my little Canon G9 on Ebay for $100. Best buy I ever made - the camera is indestructible, has a bunch of features and is small enough to tote without getting in the way. And now the I-Phone 6 does the same AND MORE! And the image quality is not-to-believe. Sigh.
This is my first, very amateurish attempt using the phone. I didn't paint the background on camera, but I filmed enough of it for you to get the idea. This is only 23 seconds long - the actual painting took about 30 minutes - a REAL quickie. I used a lot of paint, too. Fun fun fun!



Ezra 5:11  This is the answer they gave us: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished."

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Haitian Man of Steel - Haiti Portrait by Debbie Grayson Lincoln

9 X 12 Oil on gessoed board $125

Includes shipping and insurance U.S.

Mike came into the studio this afternoon, viewed this painting and commented, "You're thinking about Haiti again." He is right. I am.
Haiti not only needs me, I feel the need to see it again. A number of things have changed since I was there last -  most notably a new administration - and I am curious if the promises have been kept and progress has been made. I do know I have seen more evidence of Haitian exports - especially art. Haiti is poor geologically speaking, but very rich in "people resources". Not only are Haitians hard working and crazily optimistic, but they also possess phenomenal artistic souls. Additionally they are spectacularly beautiful and healthy people, and the children are delights. What's not to love?
This gentleman worked tirelessly laying brick on the first project I attended, with very few breaks and in sun that would scorch a horned lizard. He also took communion with us the last day and gave himself to Christ. It was awesome.
And, yes, I want to go back.
2 Corithians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Quaking Child of Haiti

12 X 16 oil on canvas board 

$150 includes shipping U.S.

I have been to Haiti twice, post earthquake, on mission trips to rebuild churches. It's been two years since my last effort, and I am feeling the tugs on my heart to hug the children again.
My own grandchildren are brilliant and beautiful and cared for and loved and SAFE. They have every chance for educated, enlightened and productive lives.  Not so the children of Haiti, and it hurts my heart to know that. Especially when they desire so much and are so willing to work for for it. I must go back.
Matthew 19:14   Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Bison Stroll - colorful little buffalo painting

5 X 7 oil on canvas panel $50

Includes shipping and insurance U.S.

Today the thermometer climbed to over 70 degrees F. At the same time the North East part of the U.S. is getting covered in a huge blanket of snow - possibly a record breaker. Our warm weather is following 2 straight weeks of colder-than-average temperatures: unusual for Texas during any winter.  We had been keeping both wood stoves burning non-stop during that time. If I didn't have 2 momma cows and 4 calves to tend to twice a day, I wouldn't have stepped a foot outside.
Sophie is producing quite a bit of milk, but I cannot seem to convince her to willingly accept either one of the 2 foster calves. Abbey continues to care for all three, and I retrieve all the extra milk from Sophie to drink and make butter and yoghurt. I also give some of it back to the smaller of the 2 fosters - the one that Abbey doesn't like.

Numbers 14:8  If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Spooky Spotted Cow - new angle

6 X 6 Oil on board  

Available through the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas

My neighbors next door have had the worst luck these past few months. Phyllis hurt herself stepping off a ladder while decorating their Christmas tree, and Ron slipped and fell on his shoulder outside the Post Office. They also have cows, and this time of year, they must be fed daily. So Mike (and sometimes I) have helped out by feeding the cows for them.
I never go anywhere without my camera, and a couple days ago I had a chance to get some more images of the Spooky Spotted Cow that I love to paint. Her horns are getting quite impressive - I always marvel at how they can manage with such ornaments on their noggins.

Jeremiah 2:32  Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Tomorrow is my Momma's 86th birthday, and she is AMAZING!!!! 

The summer of 2013 was not fun. She and I spent most of it in Doctor's offices, examining rooms and hospitals. She was diagnosed with both colon and lung cancer and has been totally cured with surgery and gamma radiation. To see her now you would never suspect the trauma she endured. And her latest checkup revealed everything in perfect order...the Energizer Bunny keeps on running!

When I talked to her today she told me about her morning spent visiting the "old" folks in a local nursing home! Faces light up when she appears, simply because she does not allow sadness or despair to follow her. Instead she brings hope and a positive attitude and the pure and simple joy of living. This has been her mission in life (that, and COOKING for EVERYONE!)  

Mom, I hope to continue following in your footsteps - thank you for paving the way (and sharing your recipes!)

On to farm news...

This evening Miss Sophie is 3 days post-calving which means THE MILK IS MINE! Some people drink colostrum, and there's really no reason not to consume it. It is, however, a bit thicker than regular milk and has quite a bit of cream in it, too. I also suspect that it has a bit of a laxative effect, which I would rather avoid!

Therefor, for the first three days after my cows give birth, all the extra milk (and there is GALLONS) goes to animals - the dogs and cats and chickens and foster calves all get a huge treat.  At that 72 hour mark, though, the milk comes into the house for ME...to make cheese or yoghurt or ice cream - whatever - until the calves all get big enough to consume what the lovely Miss Sophie produces.

Fuzzy Kitty is my milking companion. Any time I head for the barn, she is right on my heels - even if I'm not carrying my milk bucket. She is absolutely fearless around the cows, and she knows she gets to lick the milk cup when I'm done.

Proverbs 13:20   Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

We Have a baby! Sophie had her calf.

Welcome to the world, Bronco Billy!

Yesterday evening around 9:45, Mike returned from watching the Ohio State game with a friend, and he commented to me, "What's the calf?" I thought he was teasing me, as I had just checked Sophie a couple hours earlier, so I scoffed at him. "No, really, you haven't seen it?"  I can get into my cold-weather-coveralls pretty fast, and I did it in record time last night. As I approached Sophie in her pen, I could see a wet, red glob next to her and I realized she had fooled me again and I had missed the birth by minutes. 

A quick check revealed it's a HE, and within 15 minutes he was up and finding supper. I spent another 30 minutes just reveling in the miracle of yet another healthy calf and then returned inside.

I named him Bronco Billy because he was the buckingest calf inside a cow and again this morning on the outside. I was rather hoping for a heifer baby, but I'll take unassisted birthed baby bull calves all day long if they turn out like this one.

Sister Puddin' stood watching on the outside, hoping for a quick snack herself, no doubt!

 

Psalm 105:5  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced

nodp

Dave's Place - landscape commission of home

16 X 32 Oil on Canvas Panel

SOLD

My friend Dave is the historian/archivist of his family, and his home is a veritable museum devoted to the preservation of his family's colorful and proud history. Dave saves everything, and everything he has saved has a story to tell, and he remembers them all. Dave appreciates art and the people who make it. Dave appreciates me.
I began this project with a trip to Dave's farm, camera ready. It was late Spring and already hot - even for Texas. The earliest wildflowers (like bluebonnets) were gone and the warmer season ones (like the Mexican Hats) were in full show. The Zinnias were yet to show. But Dave said it would be OK to paint them all together. I also was given permission to use "artistic license" and place architecture and yard ornaments anywhere I wanted - with the object being to please the eye, rather than reproduce reality. Dave let me know which images needed to be included and which to eliminate, and turned me lose.
The painting is nearly complete, with one more approval from its designer. Then on to new projects!
In the meantime, we are still on "Sophie Watch" with a still swelling udder, but no sign of labor yet. Yesterday was her due date, but the weather was not dreadful enough yet...we are expecting worse within a few days. Meantime, she happily munches hay and treats and enjoys the brushes and scratches she is getting from me. I will be setting my clock (again) for a 2:00 a.m. check....

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

If you are interested in this painting, click here to send me an email. I accept checks and Paypal. I can also arrange LAYAWAY. To view my latest paintings on Daily Painters go HERE. To view larger paintings, go to my Website HERE. To view a wealth of OTHER Texas Artists, enjoy THIS site!