Hello folks

Swearing Shadow.

I didn't know that shadows could swear, did you? How shocking! Anyway; this is a my sentiment to the winter weather. Grey grey grey, or as the Americans say: gray, gray, gray. Why can't they spell? Ooh, I'll be in trouble now: I get a lot of bloggers reading from America  and China and Croatia, too. They must speak good English! Very impressive, I bet they didn't take FOUR YEARS to learn French, like me.

Can't believe we're on the rocky approach to Christmas now, too! Where have the months gone? You can tell how cold and windy it is now, because you can hear the cow bells jangling in the winter wind. It's kind of like a new Beaufort Wind-Scale, but more accurate! If it's very windy, they're mighty jangly; if it's a slight breeze there's just a little ding-a-ling. Did you remember me telling you cows are our new neighbours? PAY ATTENTION! Anyway; one day, they quite suddenly appeared next door ( though probably a farmer brought them) They can walk miles, you know! Here in Switzerland, when the cows come down from the mountains in winter, there is a cow ceremony. They circle the cow's horns in a flower garland, then the cows can walk up to 37 miles down the mountain. What a shocker! I never knew cows could walk to far, did you?

There was once a big cow just outside the shopping mall here in Fribourg, Switzerland; in a small enclosure. She had a large garland of flowers around her head, she didn't look very impressed (especially when the mopeds went past) We did wonder why she was there? Now I think we know! I guess they can't leave their cows to the mercy of the elements. So, just like the cows, we too, will soon be cooped up indoors, banging our heads against the television sets. Nice image that, isn't it?

Dog Fun In The Garden.

"Where's all that lovely green stuff gone mum?"

I'm sorry Axle, it's all just stopped growing. It does that, when it's cold. Can't blame it really.

Actually our dog Axle has got a limp at the moment. My husband has food allergies, my son has hurt his hand and my hand is still recovering. I think we're all falling apart at the moment!  Nice to have a bit of time off together though, to go and EAT. It's a new hobby that my husband has really taught me. I didn't used to be particularly bothered. But try and keep me away from a Swiss pumkin soup now, you just try it!!

It was funny, returning from one such pleasant lunch because we passed one of those mirrors in the road, you know the kind, that help you see at junctions. Anyway; there was this giant crow perched at the mirror, attacking its own reflection. "It's you!" I shouted at the silly bird. He looked very funny bashing his beak at himself.

Don't bash your beak at your reflection while I'm gone, will you?

Hey, I always forget I'm meant to advertise my artwork! So here we go: Christmas is coming doggy lovers. What a lovely pressie this original print would make for you, or your dog?? Under $35! Was that any good? Marks out of ten? Admittedly, I don't spend as many millions on my advertising as some companies do, to re-brand their silly product. Could you tell?

Christmas Dog Painting Print (Axle our dog) by Laurel Moore. Exclusive to www.MooreThanArt.com

I've just had a thought: you could call it the Moo-fort wind scale, couldn't you?  ps. sorry my site download still can sound like it's churning cheese. It's just the amount of pictures I have. Still, you can't beat a nice bit of Cheddar, can you?

www.boundlessgallery.com or www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime

Hello!

 I'm presenting all my loyal blog readers with some lovely pink roses, fresh from my garden, as a thankyou for sharing in my artistic exploits these past months.  And a big HELLO, to all my new blog readers, you are very welcome: as long as you wipe your feet, before coming in, it's a bit muddy out there now.... 

Pink roses.

Aren't they lovely? Perfect for your living room. With just a hint of scent. Did I tell you about all those rose seeds, I planted myself last year? Well, they've become quite sturdy little buggers now, and this september gone, I planted them out in the soil. The fun is, I have no idea, what they will become.......

I've now reached the 3,000 hits mark on this blog each month. What fun! Good to know so many people are interested in cows too! But it's so nice to speak a bit of English with you. I haven't really spoken English for FOUR years now: since living here in Switzerland.  I think I must miss it  I certainly miss the wicked English sense of humour.

Anyway; I've made some more progress on my latest oil painting this week. Still working on that illusive blue water of Blausse. I'm sure, no place so resembled heaven as this. I still can't get its beauty out of my head, it's stuck there. Added to the fact that we had the most spectacular Swiss sunshine on the day. The kind of light that only September grants us: deep blue skies and crisp air. I can't wait until it's finished so I can watch IT, instead of the television

So, are you happy with my progress?  I must admit the camera flash wasn't actually my work, but it added very well to the translucency. It's a big bugger, isn't it?

Thankfully, my finger is no longer such a gross distraction. It looks quite cute now. Thanks for asking. Maybe I'll show you a before and after (when it after looks a little better) But my healing powers have pleasantly surprised me. Isn't the human body miraculous? How does it now which lump and bump to heal to which bit? Who tells it? ANSWER ME!

Watched one of those Billy Connelly world tours on telly the other day. He had his portrait painted by the artist Robert Lenkiewicz, a fascinating artist who used to create local housing for vagrants. Many of whom, appeared in his paintings. His paintings are amazing. I especially like the perfect skin-tone colours he managed to replicate. I haven't really tackled portraits yet. Another challenge lurking around the corner, no doubt.

Anyway; I was really interested in the fact that he never really looked at his paintings as it progressed - except with a mirror. And when he showed the sitter his work, he passed Billy Connelly a mirror. That's interesting to me, because I find I can never seem to be satisfied with my paintings if I look with my normal eyes (yes, I prefer to use the eyes I keep in my handbag....hee hee) But, it's almost as if your eyes have different settings, and one of them is critical (as in negative) So, if I view my paintings objectively, I always feel disatisfied. Yet; when I take its photograph, and only view it through the lense, I always go: WOW, how did I manage to do that ( I would put a question mark there, but this is a french keyboard, and Ive just done something funny to shift it)  Anyway, I think that must explain why artist always cover up their works, in between sittings (you know, you often see the painting on which the artist is working covered in some canvas)

Its so easy to be critical. So much harder to be positive. Personally, I think negativity is like gravity, it is a natural force, that is all around us. To take flight with positivity, is always an act of will. I cover my canvas too, and my face and body and all my family too now  (just kidding)

Hmmmmm. Interesting. I might try the mirror technique. The artist died at 60 in 2002, sadly now all his works are now fetching even higher prices. Sad, that many artists have to die, before people want to really buy their work. Soooooo...........it makes it in your interest to `DO ME IN THEN  Seems a bit  drastic, and I thought we were friends  Well, Iàm going to to have to go now, because my keyboard has gone nuts  Its doing lots of accents and foreign stuff. I think iàve sent it round the bend at last. I suppose it was only a matter of time........

 chow for now www.moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.

Hellooooo

Here I am. Over here! My goodness we've had cold winds whipping us in Fribourg, Switzerland. These gales feel like they have come fresh from the Jura Mountains. Brrrrrrrr  Nothing seems to fight off a strong wind, doesn it? I mean, in clothing terms.

Last night our dog ran out to have the quickest pee and poo you've ever seen. I didn't know dogs could do that, until last night. He did his business, then literally RAN FOR OUR DOOR!

It was funny, too, because in our haste we got attacked by a mouse!! Honestly, we both jumped back in fright!! At a mouse! Well, it came charging out at us from it's hidy-hole - obviously very dismayed to be so startled! Its tiny little body kept darting at us, making the most deafening squeaking noises! You had to be there, it was very funny.

Well, I've called this blog 'yoga for birds' because, while I've been doing my morning Yoga, the new season of sparrows have been sat on our blinds, watching me intently! Why? I don't know. They are very inquisitive, and start bashing our blinds at this time of year. Maybe they are looking for some shelter. They are very nosy. Or maybe its Jamie Cullum, they like. Can't blame them for that - he is a great singer, really sings from the soul. I love that. There's something that really gets right deep inside you, about his singing. I hope my singing will one day do that, too. Maybe it does already. I wouldn't know, since I practise on my own at the moment.  I do know that it affects my husband in one of two ways: either he falls into a deep sleep!! Or.....well, the other is a bit rude.....so I'll just leave it to your imagination. It's not the best compliment, though, when I sing: watching his eyes begin to glaze over. Sometimes, when I practise upstairs with the microphone, I find him snoring on the sofa!!

Look how this cheeky little sparrow has managed to sneak into this photo.

Two ducks and a sparrow.

Can you spot him, or her? Trust me, he's there. He's got a really cheeky expression on his face too! I just can't believe how quickly the sparrows eat a half-loaf of bread now, if I leave one out. It has completely disappeared in a couple of hours! Not a crumb remains. I sing to them to let them know there's a fresh bread, it's a wonder they don't fall asleep, isn't it??

No, my painting of Blausse, hasn't been coming on so well, thanks for asking. I tried using a different mixing oil. I saw 'Walnut Oil' online, and thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, it really affected my throat, making it sore, very sore. So, I've been coughing and spluttering. Back to the clean, Linseed Oil again then. My husband said the Walnut Oil had a funny smell, but I couldn't seem to smell it. I love trees, particularly walnut trees, so I thought it would be nice to try it. It had a nice colour for mixing, too. But no go. I do try and keep away from any chemicals. I do recommend it. We certainly don't know the long-term affects of using them in our homes, do we? I think it could be a big-fat-time-bomb, personally. We have a steam-cleaner, it's great. No nasty smells, or sore throats, and you know that your house is clean, since steam naturally kills anything. Anyway, how did I get from sparrows to steam-cleaners? No idea. Hope you haven't fallen asleep toooooooooo

www.moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.

Hello everyone  Hope you are all well and not suffering from any pre-winter snuffles. Or a big spot on the end of your nose, like me

Cute dog.

"I don't like this white stuff everywalk. Sometimes I can't see the smells very well. It makes my eyes water and my nose drip. Where's that big round hot thing gone? Also, those great big dogs sure do make a big jangling noise, especially at night. What are they doing? Are they itching themselves, like me?"

So many questions Axle! I can't answer all those questions, and what are the great big dogs anyway? Besides I'm stuck in a yoga position. I've been stuck in it for two days, without being rescued. Well, my husband is away on business, so no one would know, would they? No; I'm not really stuck in the 'Camel' position (sounds nasty doesn't it) What is the camel position? Well; you kind of bend over backwards, until you  can grab onto your ankles. All the while, breathing deeply with relaxation 'mooooooo'. Actually, I don't think camels moo, what do they do? I really can't tell you whether or not I resembled a camel, either.

Then I tried the 'bow'. This was a nasty one. You spring one leg back and to the side, hooking each big toe with your hand; then you spring one leg back, looking like a large human bow (don't try this at home, like me) Well, I will be buying a book on all the yoga postures soon. I've been doing yoga for quite a few years now and would like to progress. I find it cures all my ills: if I have a headache it goes, backache, too; it even seems to clear up a cold. It's a fabulous miracle cure. I'd love to do more of the difficult postures, too. Anyway, if it goes quiet here, for a while; you can probably guess that I'm stuck in a yoga pose again. Help me!!!!!!!!

Yes, fog, fog, fogging fog. Sooooooo depressssssing  Axle looks so bored on his daily walk at the moment. He loves the sunshine.

I did drive him down to the lake the other day though. To his favourite place. If I say: " let's go down the steps Axle", and he knows exactly what I mean and runs to his favourite set of steps. They are very steep and wind their way down to the lake. Although his bum is wagging with anticipation, he always waits for me to catch up at every twist in the stair. When I catch up, he bombs ahead again. When we are on the flat - in the woody scrubland - he waits at the end of the path, again until I catch up. Then, he's off again sniffing towards his favourite lake-spot. I know when he's reached it, because I can hear a splashing noise. There, I find him trying to be interested in sticks (for my sake) whilst really eyeing-up the lake-stones. These, he's loves to dig up to the surface (it's a game of his) He digs them up towards him with his paws, then carries (sometimes large boulders!) back to the shore. Well; we've had to ban this game, since it has begun to wear down his incisor teeth! He always stops this game, when he sees me round the corner: where he pretends to be having fun with sticks. Funny boy.

I always take him home, before he begins to get too tired (like a child who's having too much fun to stop) On the slow walk back, he always stops at one set of overly-steep metal stairs. Here, he waits for me to say: " ready, steady, go!" and push on his bum to propell him up the steep steps. Then, when he reaches the top of this flight, he turns and gives me a thankyou kiss!! (that's a big lick)

He's a very polite dog. Honestly, though: I've done this walk many times now, and it always follows this exact same pattern, including the thankyou kiss. Sweet, isn't it?

Dog lake swimming.

It is a beautiful lake though. Isn't it lovely? Can't resist swimming in it myself sometimes, when the water beckons me, with it's dreamy-sparkly hand. Unfortunately, it does only reach my belly if I wade out for miles: that's my husband's ankles then! This makes it a little difficult to swim, too, cos you tend to grate your arms on the bottom, as you swim.

Don't forget to visit my www.moorethanart.com art site if you love boats and water and lakes and all things wet. Here's my favourite boat, yacht painting I did

How dreamy that would look on your wall ! With those subtle reflections.  And what a reasonably-priced print that is, Laurel : at just over $30 !! Thankyou. Nothing like commending yourself, is there!  Ahaaa, the lonely life of the artist, eh! I give myself some awesome complements, you know, it's great; well rather that, that cut my ear off, eh? Or my finger........oh, whoops

www.boundlessgallery.com or www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.

Hello all,  from Switzerland

Swiss Cow With Bell.

Here's a special moo for you. Isn't it getting cold now? Especially at night and early morning. Every time I put half a loaf of bread out for the birds in the morning, when I next look in the afternoon, it has completely disappeared! Well, I assume it's the birds.

So, yesterday, when we looked out of our window there were cows in our garden! Well, I'm exaggerating: actually they were in the next field. But it's very close! Close enough to hear them mooing and the delightful tinkle of their cow bells. We don't know when they arrived. Did they walk, or were they bused in?

Neither my son, or my husband were so enthused. One said they would smell, the other that the bells would be really noisy. Moooooooooooooo to them  (Let's hope they're really noisy, eh; but not smelly!)  It was very funny to hear my husband explaining a cow to our dog though. I heard him saying to our dog ' a cow is just a very big dog, a very big dog with big udders'! That did make me laugh.......

Lots of fogs now, very autumnal. Fogs are a bit depressing really, though of course they often clear in the afternoon in favour of sunshine.  Mind you not many people are lucky enough to have cows in their garden, are they?

Hurray! Got my stitches taken out yesterday. What a relief! I love it when you know you don't have to go back to hospital again. Such a sense of relief, isn't it? It doesn't look too bad now. I'll still have to buy a pretty ring for my finger, I think: to apologize for hurting it.  Also to divert my attention from my finger I think.

Next pmt's I will be wearing a protective suit, glasses and a crash helmet I think, just in case.

www.Moorethanart.com and www.boundlessgallery.com  questions@moorethanart.com

Did you miss me?? I have a sick note, honest!

Well; I missed you all too. You know those wonderful gadgets which slice vegetables? Those ads are so believable aren't they? But it is true they will slice almost anything; unfortunately!  So; managed to lose my concentration for a few seconds and when I looked back I'd sliced an inch of my finger, like a juicy carrot (ouch!) So; yes, I've been to hospital and had stitches. So guess which finger it was? Yes, my priceless blog finger! Perhaps I should've insured it?

 More importantly, it's also my painting finger!!  Which bugger said artists have to suffer? Let me at him!!  Anyway, I'd already done the suffering bit of my life, so it can't apply to me now  Anyway, I told the doctor that I was an artist and that it was my painting finger, so I think she kindly gave me a few extra stitches (very thoughtful)

It will be fine in a couple of weeks though, thanks for asking. It's just long after the wound has healed, I keep hearing the final slice. I'm sure my brain has memorized that sound. I wish it would go away.

We have a saying in England: 'maybe you have bitten off more than you can chew'. And perhaps I have. Because, since I bought this giant canvas to do a painting of the lovely blue water at Blausse (see previous blog), I suddenly began painting it yesterday, with a different finger!  "Ha ha world, you can't get rid of me that easily, can you?"

Actually, it's coming on surprisingly well, for someone so digitally challenged. It's the biggest one I will  have done so far. No idea how long it will take, so don't ask me. But it will sit above the television, so that I can drift back there whenever I want. How lovely.........

Blue Lake Water At Blausse, Switzerland.

Big, isn't it? This is just the underpainting, after about an hour's work. I'm going to have to use lots of glazes to try and get that magnificent colour, that will be a real challenge. I'll take a photo for you, when it's finished if you like. Then you can tell me if you like it on my wall.

I'm hoping, I have a magic finger, when all the stitches have been removed. You know how some people can predict the weather, when their scars start to itch.......or is that Harry Potter? Anyway, maybe I'll start pointing at a murderer, or have second second sight! Of course I will, so just watch your back!! Must just tell you of another pmt incident (yes, of course I had pmt's when I hurt my finger) My husband and I went to our favourite restaurant last night. He had what turned out to be wild boar (I nearly put wild boat, I wonder what a wild boat would taste like?) Stop distracting me at this time of the month! Anyway; the food was delicious, as were the flowers and the candles. So; we're both concentration on choosing from our menus, when all of a sudden I felt a little dazzled and looked up abruptly: to find I had managed to set light to my menu, which was burning away quite merrily Honestly! I couldn't believe it! It was like something you see in a comedy sketch show, which doesn't really happen. Unfortunately, it was plastic, too; so it managed to burn quite ferociously and quickly. I had to apologize to the french waiter, who was very understanding.

Actually, I was relieved I didn't set the dressings on my hand alight, that could have been so much worse.....

My poor husband has been so worried about squishing my hand in the night, that we haven't slept together. So he hasn't been sleeping that well. I know this, because I can hear him downstairs munching crisps

Look after yourselves. And don't make me start pointing at you

www.boundlessgallery.com and www.moorethanart.com or questions@moorethanart anytime.