New Designs for a New Year...

As this year nears it's 365th day, I realize that we are about to start Chapter 2008. What opportunities and challenges will I face, and what creative projects will I start and hopefully finish? This nearing new year holds the answers, and I am hopeful that it will again be a year of abundance, inspiration and exciting possibilities.

Unlike this year, I hope to make more time for my illustration passion in the months to come. I spent so many of my days sculpting and painting my folk art in 2007 that I barely made space to draw. Fortunately, I was able to illustrate a small, but fresh collection of notepads for the new Primitives by Kathy '08 catalog. With little time to spare, I centered my designs around my love of nature and animals (of course!). So, I'll post a few of these latest drawings below. My fingers are crossed that I can spend more creative time developing my illustration portfolio and perhaps someday be able to offer you a line of greeting cards, party ware, children's books, etc etc etc.......

Happy New Year to all, and may this next chapter be filled with joy, imagination and many blessings!

~ Johanna


* Hmmm, birds perching and fluttering around feeders certainly do look familiar... I guess my bird-watching hobby inspires my art!
© 2007 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.
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A White Colorado Christmas...

We woke up to a winter wonderland today... Reminiscent of a nostalgic scene from a child's storybook, the snow was falling and forming fluffy piles on the rooftops and across the frosty landscape. We bundled up in layers and went outside. I filled the feeders and took some photos while JP shoveled snow, creating little foot paths for us to find our way. I think we have about 5 inches and counting as it continues to fall in significant amounts.... I'll post a few pics below. Merry Christmas to all!

~ Johanna


* JP stands with shovel in hand, clearing a path to the front door...


* Small birds (I believe they are Juncos...?) peck through a layer of snow to find their seed...


* I made a covered feeding station for my squirrel friends... Now sheltered under an old chair, their food will stay dry....


* JP shovels a path up to our unfinished potting shed....

A Magical Christmas Party...

Last night, JP and I were invited to a festive party here in town. Our new collector friends, Dave & Yvonne have a true passion for decorating all things Christmas! Like something out of a winter's fairytale, their home's interior was aglow with magical lights, a forest of over 40 glowing trees, holiday collections and shimmering ornaments from every angle. I was drawn to their towering Christmas tree, twinkling with vintage bubble lights and an eye-catching display of colorful glass baubles. I'll share a couple of photos from the evening, but of course, they do not do their decorated home justice, so you'll have to use your imagination :) Happy Holidays!

~ Johanna


* Me, in my heels, yet dwarfed next to this spectacular tree....


* JP, sipping sangria and taking in the festive view from the upstairs balcony...

Bird Watching...

First of all, I want to thank all of you who kindly offered me headache remedies and advice via my blog and private email.... It seems I am not alone when it comes to migraines. Luckily, mine are fewer and farther between than they used to be, but they still can sneak up when least expected. Fortunately, I have been pain-free for a couple days and counting...

Here, in Colorado it's been quite frigid, and the snow that fell over a week ago remains in shady spots, painting the landscape in sparkling white. I sit in awe as I look out my sun room window, watching the tiny birds eat their daily seed. How do they survive sub-zero nights with their wee little bodies and stick-thin legs?! Yet, each morning, they are out singing their little bird songs, tidying their feathers and fighting over the best spot at one of our many feeders. They truly fascinate and inspire me, and I have become addicted to watching their daily patterns and behavior through the glass and sometimes even up close, nose to beak...

Here are a few recent photos looking out at their little world...

~ Johanna


* A male finch, dressed in holiday red looks up from his breakfast seed...


* A pair of sparrows perch on twisted bittersweet vines while the last of the berries wave in the wind...


* A Northern Flicker props himself on a feeder full of sunflower seeds... I love his ruby red cheeks and coral orange under-feathers!

Help My Head.....

Well, now that I've captured your attention with that most bizarre photo, (courtesy Apple Photo Booth on my Mac) I am looking for headache remedies.... For the last 3 days, I've awoken to a pounding migraine that seems to be on the move. It's as if the little characters of whimsy that live in my mind are parading around my head and getting a bit too rowdy... OUCH! I've noticed that if I tiptoe about the house, the pounding is less severe, but don't ask me to bend down, as standing up can be a real stinger, not to mention sneezing or any other pressure related activities......

I just tried dunking my feet in hot water while putting an ice pack on my head, but my impatience got the better of me, so I took a shower instead..... I did get a chuckle when Jack my cat walked in and saw my odd-looking head gear... he he.....

So, if you have a home remedy, I'm all ears. I have so much to do, but this on-going migraine is getting in my way, and I need relief...... HELP if you pleeeeeeeeease....

~ Johanna