The Wood's Secret Garden

We have been so busy with Michael's ministry and my artwork that we have had little time to spend exploring the "Secret Garden". We decided that we needed to get out! Unfortunately, we have both put on weight and spend most of our time inside our little apartment' with Michael reading and studying in preparation for his sermon and his ministry visits. I basically sit in the studio and do art. So, we decided it was time to get fit! Latin Dance lessons was the answer! So, taking a slight diversion from my artwork and in preparation for the Christmas season, and knowing that every year we create a unique Christmas Card - this year we decided that we wanted the card to bring a grin to peoples faces. Michael and I have been married for 3 1/2 years and Michael comes from North Carolina. So in order to put to mind all of his North Carolina family and friends (in regard to the negative influence living in California might have on him and with a desire to put their...

Update on the previous sighting.  BEARPAWS writes the following: FEBRUARY 22, 2013 BEARPAW Launches Project Home Grown When you’re an up-and-coming artist, you’re always looking for collaborations and opportunities to increase your visibility in the community. BEARPAW has always seen itself as a lifestyle brand that not only supports local efforts, but also dares to go where most brands won’t. Randy McKinley, VP of Global Marketing for BEARPAW explains, “our brand has taken on its own life and now we’re just steering it in the right direction…it’s more about being stewards of the environment and allowing our creative side to shine through these artists.” He added, “we seldom see collaborations between emerging artists and global brands such as ours…we wanted to give these amazing artists a chance to stand out.” ARTIST DIANNA WOOD FOR BEARPAW PROJECT HOME GROWN I love this idea. Living art that you can wear. It starts a conversation. It’s one of a kind. And it g...

I have spent the last seven days with four sets of bear paws and since most of the posts on this blog have to do with the creatures we find while exploring the creek area that runs behind our balcony, I will need to clarify. A most wonderful discovery was found indeed; but it wasn't in the garden.  Instead it was at the corner of Sylvan and Auburn (Sylvan's Corner) in Citrus Heights, CA.  A small little store front called "The Summit" which sales Bearpaw boots.  While waiting on a couple of friends who were to meet me at Starbucks during my lunch break, I decided to drive across the street and check out the shop.  I was really looking for a pair of boots that I could illustrate for Tatum (Michael's 5 year old grand daughter).  While in the store, I struck up a conversation with the onsite manager and shared my "Theology Art" business card which includes a picture of the "Coat of Many Colors" - a suede jacket that I hand illustrated a couple y...

Around this time each year, the oak trees are filled with galls.  (See previous posts for background on galls).  This was an exciting day in the Woods Secret Garden.  We found a new species.  The bonus was that it was right next to a very rare species similiar to the one my husband found in 2010. More later--here's a few picks

We have been keeping our eye on the wild blackberry bushes which grow profusely along the banks of the creek.  They should be ready to harvest in early to mid July. However, when I got home from work tonight, my husband Michael informed me that he had decided to take the long route home from his trip to the dumpster at lunch today.  He took the path along the creek that runs through the Secret Garden with the intent to check on the wild plums which ripen much earlier than the berries.  Intertwined in one of the plum trees were the largest berries he had ever seen; and, they were ripe!   Most of them were growing out of reach on the other side of the creek; however, there were a few vines that had climbed over a tree branch and he was able to pluck a few off and bring them home. He first told me about them and then he showed them to me.  WOW!  He was right they were really big berries! We decided that although it was probabl...

It is frustrating to have no time to write.  However, (as they say) a picture paints a thousand words.  So, I will rely on the pictures to do most of the talking.  Last year we planted a wild flower garden.  We watered it everyday and yet it really didn't produce much of a garden.  Once the flowers would die we would pull them out and toss them into the wilderness area nearer the creek.  Well, this year, we got wildflowers, with no tending whatsoever on our part!  Now that's what I;m talkin' bout"   So many illustrations that could be written about this wonderful discovery of my husbands.  We discussed in length the applications; but, alas, no time to write: New birth from scattered seeds! And, we are still finding amazing creatures in the Wood's Secret Garden--even after 2 years.  This guy decided to come to our front door one morning and take a rest. Look at the artwork on his body!  He was approximately 4" long wit...

It was two years ago today, that Michael and I were married.  Neither one of us exchange store bought gifts for any special occasions.  We actually view each day as a special occasion.  However, when I arrived home last night, he presented me with a priceless, precious anniversary gift--a poem that he had written to celebrate the day. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY "Wifey" (May 18, 2012) Two years now and growing strong, And yet to know Him more we long Whose gift to us in marriage bliss Is that effect of His Sweet Kiss. And none of this is what we earn But all of grace is how we learn, While led by Him the Paraclete To humbly sit at Jesus feet And worship Him, the Lord of all Who for His purpose did us call To honor Him whose praise is due Who made us one who once were two. So by His gift we celebrate Not us but Him our Potentate Whose love and loyalty has won Our hearts to Him who made us one.