Leaves Down
We know it’s coming; sooner or later, the brilliant colors of autumn leaves will go from trees to ground. After slowly letting go little by little, a strong gust of wind came along last week and blew everything but the oaks down all at once. Suffice it to say, we have a lot of trees surrounding our house and we were blanketed overnight. Which explains this page and why I didn’t post it last weekend.
Tips, Techniques, and a Note…
After working most of the day last Sunday, I wandered around looking for a subject to sketch before sitting on the porch and realizing it was right under my feet in the pile of leaves that I’d swept off the roof earlier. It was a good reminder that starting where you are, as honest and as humble as that may be, is often the best way to begin.
I also wanted to note that I may not post as regularly in the coming weeks. I recently learned that one of my siblings has been diagnosed with a progressive and fatal lung condition and his health seems to be deteriorating quickly. It’s one of the heaviest and most difficult things my family and I have ever faced. I’d like to think that my sketchbook may be a place of solace, but we’ll see. I appreciate your support and understanding.
Drawn In 
Deep love to you and your family
So sorry to hear of your news. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Thank you Teresa. You’ve been such a faithful blog follower. I appreciate your note of support.
❤️❤️
I pray for strength for you all.
My heart aches for you Jean and I am so sorry. Your leaves tell a beautiful story. Michele
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Thanks Michele– I appreciate your note.
Dear Jean,I am sorry to hear about your family’s difficulties. We are going through a challenging time too. I will be thinking of you in the months ahead. I waited too long to sign up for your workshop at the Botanical Gardens and was waitlisted. I hope another opportunity comes along. It would be lovely to see you in person. Meanwhile, I will take refuge in my nature journal. With gratitude,Starr
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Hi Starr- Sorry to miss you at BBG! I hope to be back in the spring– it’s such a lovely place. Best wishes to you, too. Take care.
How beautiful, humorous and sad this post is. Every so sorry for your sib, Jean. And ah! the mighty oak who holds on when almost everyone else gives up. Ours is more beautiful this year than ever.
I don’t know who the heck valiantly is and why this keeps happening. I must be doing something silly. I’m Dawn, your neighbor.
Thanks Dawn. November has its own beauty because of the oaks. I’m looking at those leaves and hoping they teach us thing or two about hanging on…and letting go.
So sorry to hear your news. Sending love ❤️
Thanks Ellen. This is a tough one for all of us.
So sorry about your sibling. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you navigate through this illness. I hope you find some solace in your sketchbook and family and friends.
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
Jean, So sorry to hear your family news. I have lost 2 special family members this year. Please know you are
I’m sorry for your loss Rhoda. I know we’re not alone. Thanks for your note, and take care.
Sending prayers to you and your family 🙏🙏
Will keep you & your loved one in our thoughts and prayers.
Much appreciated. Thank you.
What an excellent variety of hardwood trees out your way. Beautiful work always, Jean! Our oaks always begin turning first, but not all drop their leaves, and some of the larger shruby oaks have leaves that over winter in greens, casting off in spring as new leaf buds emerge. It’s the cottonwoods that make a splash ….. fully golden and almost so brilliant in the sun, they are blinding. I sincerely hope your sketchbook does bring you solace in the distressing time to come. I’m so sorry to hear of your sibling’s health, and send hugs across the miles.
Dear JeanWh
Sorry you’re having trouble with your comments Barb. I appreciate your support.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sibling.Wishing your family much strength and peace. Your sketches bring so much joy to others.Sending a hug from NYCSent from my iPad
Thank you!
Jean,
Sorry to hear of your sibling’s health struggles.
So many of your sketchbook posts have touched me. I hope they bring you some comfort.
Thinking of you and your family ♥️
Peggy
Thanks Peggy. I appreciate it.
Oh, Jean, I’m so sorry to hear the hard news about your brother. Your family will be in my prayers.
Thank you Mary.
I absolutely love this Jean! My husband was laughing at me just last week as I picked up all different leaves on our walk, with this exact sketchbook idea in mind. What I hadn’t thought of was your clever notes on how to be rid of them – ‘rake’, ‘sweep’, etc. Perfect!!
That wasn’t my first idea, but after I got going, it seemed liked the most honest and fun way to finish the page.
Jean, I’m sending positive energy to you and your family. We just lost our sister-in-law in September and have another SIL going through chemo/radiation. It’s a heavy burden to only be able to watch and not be able to fix. Prayers to you.
Thanks Linda and best wishes to you and your family, too. I’m so heavy hearted and your note is much appreciated.
I am sorry about your brother, Jean. Sometimes it’s hard to sketch or paint or do much of anything during a time like this. And that’s okay. Just be there for your brother and cherish the time you have together.
Thanks Peggy. I don’t know what the weeks or months ahead will bring. It helps to have the space to do whatever makes sense…which mostly is trying to breathe and treasure the moments we have.
So sorry to hear about your brother. Being close to nature always helps in difficult times.
I’ve been painting leaves separately but am inspired by your beautiful page to do a page of leaves in my journal. It makes raking leaves worthwhile.
Big hugs
Lucille
Thanks for your support Lucille. The pleasure of drawing after raking helps with the chore.
Sorry to hear about your brother. Prayers for you and your family. Donna Rich
Thanks for your kind thoughts, Donna.
Dear Jean,I am very sorry to learn about your sibling. I know how painful this can be and my heart is with you. I hope that you will have beautiful moments together during the coming days. With warm thoughts for the both of you,Janice
Thank you Janice. I am savoring the moments we have. –Jean
Hi Jean, was wondering who was sick? I will be praying for you and your family, love, Cousin David….. Florida
Wishing you some ease as you face into the wind of family grief.
Thank you for you beautiful art and teachings, always.
It is a joy to receive your posts, to admire your sketchbook pages and read your tips each week. Today’s joy is tempered with sadness. Thinking of you and your family.
I appreciate your note Lisa.
So sorry! I hope you and your family can support each other as you journey through this terrible time.
Thanks Henrietta– I’m fortunate to have a very supportive and large family. And you’re right…this will be a journey for all of us.
Oh. Jean. My heart aches for you. Please know that as I watch winter overtake fall that I will be thinking of you and your family and all that you have taught me about seeing and being in the World. I hope that you will find peace and solace in the embrace of your family and in knowing that you are also being held in the hearts of your artistic family — all of whom will be waiting here for you when you are able to return. Kris
Kris- Thank you for your very thoughtful note. I really appreciate my artistic family and the support they’ve shared. It’s quite extraordinary. I won’t be absent entirely, just in and out. Thanks for your support.
All ny thoughts and prayers are with you.
First, this page made me laugh. I’ve lived that page so often!
Second, I’m so sorry to hear that your sibling has this diagnosis. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Laughter and tears; joy and sorrow. Thank you for your kind thoughts and support.
Hi Jean, I’m sorry to hear about your brother, an illness close is a big worry. Hopefully your wonderful nature at your door will bring you some relief. I’ve given up on the raking and mulch instead to see if that is an answer for the relentless weeds that enjoy our rain and mud! In spite of the mud, the leaves are beautiful and plentiful! I have some mushrooms that have come up in my greenhouse and i haven’t been able to identify them I’ll send you a picture and see if you have any idea. They seem to last a long time and I wonder if they are something that loves the trees and rotting wood! They seem to be hardy and longer lasting. Take care and we are all thinking of you and miss you.
Thanks Georgia. I won’t be entirely absent, just taking space as needed for awhile. Send along your mushrooms– the ones on rotting wood do often hang on for a long time.
So very sorry about your news. Art and creativity (and music) got my mum and me through her descent through Alzheimers’, and then helped me through the grief at finally losing her. I think there is an ever-growing understanding of and appreciation for the arts’ enormous contribution to all aspects of healing…besides which it takes you right out of yourself and gives your brain a rest!!! Hang in there, both of you! PS – we still have some glorious colors down here on the coast of Buzzards Bay!
Thanks for your note, Carol. The oaks always hang in on the Cape and hold their glory into November. I appreciate your thoughts on the Arts. Poetry, music, painting…all very helpful. And my brain certainly needs the quieting that comes with sketching. I appreciate your kindness.
Heartbreaking news. Much love and many prayers. 🙏🙏
It is, Susan. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Sad news, hang in there and take solace from your wonderful art.
Thanks– I will!
I’m so sorry to hear about your sibling. May God be with you and your family.
Thank you Bettye. I am so appreciative and moved by the support of this community.
Holding you and your family in my heart.
And thank you for all you do. You make a difference.
Ann
Ann- I appreciate that. It means a lot. –Jean
I’m so sorry Jean. I lost a brother a year ago. It’s a tough one. My heart and my prayers will be with you.Love,Sue CurtisSent from my iPad
Hi Sue- I’m sorry for your loss. Losing a sibling is so unimaginable. I appreciate your kind words and thoughts. — Jean
Dear Jean,
I’m sorry to hear of your brother’s declining health. I always look forward to your posts, but taking care of yourself and your family should always come first. ❤️
Martha Konantz, Smithers, BC
Yes, I’m glad to make room to care for and support my family at this difficult time.
Dear Jean,
Just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My sister died last April so I know some of what you are going through. I found that yes, my sketchbook was a place of solace. And I hope it will be for you too.
Take care,
Dory
Thank you Dory. I’m sorry for your loss and appreciate you reaching out.
I enjoy each of your post. They inspire me and expand my painting.
I’m sorry for this painful time for your family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I appreciate hearing that, Leigh Ann. I means a lot to me.
Many prayers for you and your family.MaryBethSent from my iPad
Thank you.
Jean, I’m so sorry your family is experiencing this heartbreak. Saying prayers for you all.
Thank you Elaine.
Care of self and family is very important. I so enjoy seeing your art and reading “Drawn In”, but taking time off to be with family is a necessary act. Sending you good thoughts.
Much appreciated.
Dear Jean,
I’m so sorry to hear of your brother’s illness. It’s a heavy and sad burden to carry. Please cherish the time you have with him and your family during this challenging time. Autumn winds can, sadly, blow in more than just decaying leaves.
Thank you for sharing your lovely leaves and well done on getting them cleaned up. Ours are still waiting my efforts with the rake.
Take care and I look forward to your next posting, whenever the time is right.
Kindest regards.
Sheila Roote
Thank you so much, Sheila. I’m grateful for the time we have together. — Jean
I so admire your sketchbook pages and the leaves are just wonderful… I can almost smell autumn looking at them.
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Prayers for him, you and those you hold dear. Cherish this time together.
Amazing work!