Buddha Full Night

The first full moon in Taurus, known as the Wesak Moon, is considered sacred by many who believe the veil between Heaven and Earth becomes thinner at this time, bringing light, love and healing for all of humanity.  

So, when the pull of last night’s moon brought me to the window in morning’s wee hours -- immersed in the beauty of those potent rays -- I quietly gave thanks for blessings from all dimensions, known and unknown, believed and un-believed. 

It’s all a grand mystery; and, I can stay open to the possibility and joyously hold space for light, love and healing for all. 

“Buddha Full Night”, © 2011 Cathy Gazda. ♥

Mule Deer (Ink Study)

Various deer and elk, who are indigenous to the area, regularly drop by. 

This petite mule deer was very shy and tried to hide behind the trunk of the cottonwood tree, while munching on some broom snakeweed (also known as rabbitbush) outside the studio window. 

Her black-tipped tail and over-sized ears (which some think resemble those of a mule) distinguished her from her cousins, the white-tailed deer, who sometimes grace us with a visit. 

She was quite interested in our cat, Frida, who watched quietly from the open window. 

Mule deer ‘chew their cud’ much like a cow, and this doe had an exaggerated ‘chew’, which I tried to capture. 

“Mule Deer (Ink Study)”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 4” x 4”, Pen and ink. ♥

White-Crowned Sparrow (Ink Study)

The White-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is very prevalent in our area, particularly at this time of year. 

This afternoon we had close to 100 of them pecking the ground for millet and sunflower seeds that had been bypassed by the quails.  

Flitting in and out of the large manzanita bush, their sweet songs filled the air with fanciful and beautiful trills.  

Their tolerance towards other birds who joined them in search of food was quite impressive. Perhaps we, humans, could take a few lessons from them?  

“White-Crowned Sparrow (Ink Study)”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 4” x 4”, Pen and ink. ♥

Toad Sketch

We’ve had a Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) living on our property for at least 15 years.  They can live to 20 years, or more, in the wild…possibly longer. 

The size of my palm, with wrinkly brown/grey skin and looking somewhat prehistoric, s/he is very beneficial at keeping insect populations in check. 

Planning for a larger painting in this toad’s honor, I’ve been doing some sketches to work out the details. 

“Toad Sketch”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 4” x 8”, Graphite. ♥

Light One Candle

I awoke with the song ‘Light One Candle’ (written by Peter Yarrow, of Peter Paul & Mary fame) playing in my head – in particular this verse:

“Light one candle for the strength that we need
To never become our own foe
And light one candle for those who are suffering
Pain we learned so long ago
Light one candle for all we believe in
That anger not tear us apart
And light one candle to find us together
With peace as the song in our hearts…”

After yesterday’s tragedy at the Boston Marathon, music has (once again) brought comfort and inspired today’s painting. 

“Light One Candle”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 5”, Pastel. ♥

Dulcimer Of My Dreams

I love dulcimers – the sound, look, everything. 

I awoke this morning thinking about one I’d met back in the early 70s. 

On a trip through Kentucky, while stopping at a remote shop for directions, I encountered the most beautiful dulcimer I’d ever seen. 

Handmade by a woman (whose name I can’t remember) in a traditional Appalachian style, with a bird carved at the top/head, it was a true work of art. As she strummed, using the quill of a large feather, the pristine voice of this exquisite instrument resonated within every cell of my body.

The $80 price tag was an incredible deal (at a time when monthly rent for an entire farmhouse was that amount); however, sadly, out of my budget…yet, the spirit of the dulcimer stayed in my heart. 

Even now, this dulcimer visits me in dreams from time to time.

“Dulcimer of My Dreams”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, Watercolor (left) and Pencil Sketch Detail (right)…neither of which do justice to this artisan’s creation. ♥

Can I Trust You?

Eight years ago, Frida chose (with the temptation of food) to enter our home and give up her freedom as a feral cat.

For the longest time, she wouldn’t make eye contact and I accepted our relationship on her terms. 

One morning, as I made my way to the kitchen to prepare her food, she greeted me with hesitant eye contact, tilting her head slightly, wrapping her tail protectively around her front paws…non-verbally asking ‘can I trust you?’ 

Years went by before she would allow me to touch her.  Now, she regularly cuddles with Paul and me, and sometimes sleeps curled up under my chin. 

Estimated to be 10 years old, we consider the day she entered our home to be her birthday…so ‘Happy Birthday, Frida!’  

Of all the gifts you’ve given me, the greatest is the lesson in trust. 

“Can I Trust You?”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 12” x 5.5”, Acrylic on wood. ♥

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

With the surrounding desert in full bloom, we spent yesterday at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix…absolutely fascinating, and we only scratched the surface! 

Every instrument and genre of music from countries all over the world are represented in this extraordinary museum.  There’s even a small clay drum dated 1500 BC! 

We stood in front of the Steinway piano upon which John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’, while listening to (and watching) a video of him singing the song. 

There were so many highlights, neither one of us could pick a favorite moment. I can’t wait to go back!  ♥

Purr-fect Fit

A pair of Birkenstocks on the bedroom floor triggered memories of Jasper, when he was a kitten. 

Often he’d curl up in a single sandal – sometimes ready to play; other times, just for a nap. 

The memory still brings a smile, so I reached for pencil and paper to capture that dreamlike moment with a quick sketch. 

“Purr-fect Fit”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Graphite Pencil.  ♥

Shadow Self

Spent part of the morning walking in our yard with a young raven who stopped by. 

S/he seemed interested in checking out the locale (and, while she didn’t come right out and say it, I got the impression the pros & cons of making a nest were seriously being considered).  She  casually strolled across the front yard, and made her way around the entire perimeter of the property, before coming into the backyard.  Raven led the way…I merely followed. 

When our neighbor, Chuck, came over to say ‘hello’, she hopped onto a tree branch and waited patiently until we’d finished our conversation. 

At that point, she and I resumed our walk – enjoying the sunshine on our backs, and reflecting on the shadows we cast upon the ground, amongst other deep subjects. 

Old friends, we parted with a promise to catch up again soon. 

“Shadow Self”, © 2013 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on stretched canvas.  ♥

Just Another Bozo

April Fool’s Day – getting in touch with my inner bozo (like I need a special day for that, right?). 

Another (ahem!) artistic entry for my ‘Just Another Bozo’ series (inspiration from Firesign Theatre’s ‘I Think We’re All Bozos On This Bus’ album from 1971). 

Continuous line drawing, with color added afterward…the only intention, to kick back and have fun!   

“Just Another Bozo,”  © 2013 Cathy Gazda, Pencil and Metallic Acrylic Paint.  ♥