The weather was not exactly "nice" but the kids and I took a winter hike yesterday in the section of Pennypack park that yields this spectacular view of Glencairn Castle.

My cousins first brought me to this neck of the woods with a hilltop view when we were in high school in the early 90s. 

The fact that Caitlyn has a heart on her hat is just a lucky coincidence. 

I left this yellow leaf heart on a tree stump at Briar Bush Nature Center last week. I made it with a process that I'll call "Leaf Origami." With two leaves that had fallen from the same tree, I folded the halves. Then, to secure it I poked a hole through both layers and wove the stem through. 

The abundance of leaves on the ground has given me some great material and I have a collection of photos to work from. But alas, all good things must come to an end, There are not many leaves left on the trees anymore and freshly fallen leaves work best.

It looks like I'll just have to discover some other process as we head into winter. I'm not worried. Nature yields plenty of materials to play with! 

The story of this painting involves many people. 

First, my cousin Kelly and her family who moved to Collegeville several years ago, invited my family to dinner. We arrived early so that we could take a hike in the woods by her house before the early November sunset.  On the way back to the house I fell behind the group.

I was casually looking for hearts and remembering my heart-finding friend Lisa Kelley's philosophy; she never finds them if she goes looking for them. I guess they find her. Just then I noticed the curve in an oak leaf.

I am a huge fan of the artist Andy Goldsworthy. He manipulates sticks, leaves, rocks, icicles...etc and makes lovely impermanent arrangements that he photographs before nature starts working on them again. With Goldsworthy in mind, I gave myself permission to fold the end of an oak leaf and layer another on top to make a heart. Then I took a picture.

The final trio in this painting's supporting cast is my two children and my mother. My mother took the kids on a meandering path to her house, giving me two hours with my paints.

On this Thanksgiving day, I am deeply grateful for all of the good people in my life. You are all a part of who I am and what I do. Now...I better get going and make the stuffing!