A seat at the coffee shop

We started walking again, the weather being so perfect I can't wait to feel the sun on my face in the mornings. We took the baby with us and as I sipped my coffee and sketched at the coffee shop I saw this poor orange tree trying to make it happen in the sea of cement that surrounds it. I also cannot seem to resist collecting leaves from the Red Oak trees that line the street. The trees have finally started to drop them and so as the wind scatters them along the sidewalks they are easily gathered.

Oranges--Lin Frye

Oranges
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice
Journal

I was still working through some of my photographs from Italy this weekend, and I came across a small orange tree that was growing at LaRomita, Tuscany. I had painted oranges before, and thought I'd try them again. I love the contrast of orange against green, and the work felt very contemplative as I worked on individual leaves.

Though we can't grow oranges where I live in NC, a few folks can grow ornamental oranges on their patios - bringing them indoors or in a greenhouse each winter. I wish we could, though ....

Our weekend walks had four of our six cats following us. As soon as I can dowload some photos I'll post them. We looked like a mini-train or like the opening scene of the TV show - Bonaza - where Paw, Hoss, Adam and Little Joe all ride up the hill together --- makes me giggle every time I turn around and watch the cats behind us!

Another busy week ahead, but with school underway at the college, it shouldn't be so insane -- (fingers crossed)! It's supposed to be somewhat cooler as well ... a good time to be outdoors if possible.

Have a safe week!

Lin Frye
North Carolina