Monday, December 21, 2009

SUNDAY MEANDERING IN THE MIDLANDS

The Elves and the Shoemaker by Peter Hall

Early Sunday morning my daughter and I set off for a girls day out in the countryside. The Midlands Meander is an arts and craft route that we follow at least 4 times a year and we decided to do some much needed christmas shopping while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. First stop was Piggly Wiggly where we sat plotting our route over a cappuccino.


The Elves and the Shoemaker by Peter Hall

We re-visited this enchanting sculpture by local artist Peter Hall. It is situated in the gardens of Ground Cover, a shop selling handcrafted leather footware.
Zulu Lulu, a delightful little shop selling beautifully crafted ceramics, many of which are whimsically wonderful pieces like these "Fisherman" collectables.

"The Fisherman" (Photograph from the Midlands Meander Brochure).
"Meanderers" were out in droves enjoying one of the first sunny days in weeks . Wherever we went there were animals and birds soaking up the sun. I think they sensed it would be raining again before the end of the day.



Here come the clouds!


It warms my heart to see Long Crested Eagles perched near the roadside (See him at the top of the telephone pole?) and on Sunday we saw at least eight at different locations, silently watching the veldt for tiny scurrying movements.

At this point we decided to head for home to beat the storm.




This is my last post for 2009 so have a joyful holiday season ....don't eat too much ..... and I will see you next year. To all my friends who visit my blog ....followers, commenters and silent visitors, Thank You!
at

55 comments:

  1. CathyDecember 22, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    How amazing to be first on your mega popular blog Robyn. Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration over the year and a very merry Christmas to you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
  2. theresa martinDecember 22, 2009 at 10:42 AM

    Lovely photos, thanks for taking us along on the meander.
    Wishing you the very Happiest of New Years.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 22, 2009 at 10:46 AM

    Thanks for the trip. I loved seeing the zebra. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for a happy and creative 2010. Ax

    ReplyDelete
  4. NuminosityDecember 22, 2009 at 11:10 AM

    See you next year, right here. Let's propel into 2010 together with our art.
    I'm so glad I found your blog.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  5. ShaylaDecember 22, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    Enjoy your holidays, Robyn, and thanks for a year of inspiration, imagination, and creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LisaDecember 22, 2009 at 12:18 PM

    Robyn, Thanks for the lovely photos and the scenic tour. Your posts are always the highlight of my creative day! Wishing you and you family a joyful and peaceful holiday season! See you next year,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  7. Blue Sky DreamingDecember 22, 2009 at 12:24 PM

    Robyn, Wonderful country to meander in...did you find a find? I hope you have the Happiest of Holidays and yes, see you in 2010!
    Mary Ann

    ReplyDelete
  8. nancy neva gaglianoDecember 22, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    such a sweet tradition with your daughter!! lucky U2.
    gorgeous countryside, my goodness.
    and the fishermen!! BIG GRIN over them...love those faces.
    LOVED your post for almost all of 2009....if i were a book publisher, i'd insist you put all your posts together in a book, and hire someone to help you.

    meanwhile,,,STAY SAFE eagle, and robyn, and your beloved family...neighbors, the world.
    i know you share the gratitude of our well being, and the wishes for that goodness to spread to others.
    stay in the light, neva

    ReplyDelete
  9. PennyDecember 22, 2009 at 1:17 PM

    I look foreward to visiting next year.
    Have a lovely break and come back to blogging renewed and refreshed.
    Oh and no our mallee doesnt have thorns but the shape can be similar.
    Have a happyand joy filled
    Christmas and New Year.

    I am beach combing with you by proxy!

    ReplyDelete
  10. caroline douglasDecember 22, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    HI Robyn,
    I love the shoemaker and the elves and the fishermen!
    HAve a great holiday and may your year ahead be filled with joy!
    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
  11. MartineDecember 22, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    Thank you for everything you gave this year. You where a joy the whole 2009,
    Happy holidays.
    XXXm

    ReplyDelete
  12. Karin BartimoleDecember 22, 2009 at 5:17 PM

    That first sculpture so captures the playful child filled energy of this time of the year!!
    Piggly Wiggly's are a huge grocery store chain here in the states, so it's funny to think of it as anything else!
    Thanks for taking us on your meanderings - those were beautiful photos.
    Farewell to 2009 and thank you for the fabulous, thoughtful, art filled posts you created for us to learn and explore through. Have a wonderful holiday - may it be a peaceful, loving time! xox Karin

    ReplyDelete
  13. azircaDecember 22, 2009 at 10:58 PM

    Many thanks for all of your inspirational posts over this past year, I have you to thank for introducing me to many new and inspiring artists.
    Have a safe a happy Christmas, see you in the New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Chris GrayDecember 23, 2009 at 2:45 AM

    Have a peaceful Christmas Robyn...


    ...see you next year..


    x Chris

    ReplyDelete
  15. JackyDecember 23, 2009 at 3:46 AM

    What a lovely day...I do love sharing South Africa with you. Wonderful shops you girls visited and the most amazing scenery and animals.
    Those fishermen are fantastic. I loved their happy faces.
    Sending Christmas Cheer your way.

    See you in 2010

    Jacky xox

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gaby Bee December 23, 2009 at 4:25 AM

    Amazing photos, Robyn!
    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

    Big hugs to you,
    Gaby

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 23, 2009 at 6:03 AM

    What a fun shopping trip. I see lots of inspiraiton here. I would just faint if I saw zebras roaming about. Seeing this photo made me realize that we live in such different worlds. Beautiful scenery. I bet thos eagles are magnificent. I would love to see them. I wish you the Merriest Christmas. I can't wait to see you again here next year. Cheers..

    ReplyDelete
  18. Caterina GiglioDecember 23, 2009 at 6:32 AM

    thank you Robyn, for a year of inspiration! I am in such appreciation to have met up with you in Bloglandia! have a beautiful holiday. Richest blessings to you and yours! Buon Natale!

    ReplyDelete
  19. JudyDecember 23, 2009 at 7:16 AM

    hi Robyn, looks as warm over there as here at the moment, at lest we are not freezing and can stroll in gardens. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a New Year full of good health and enjoyments and many many more of your usual inspiring posts. xo

    ReplyDelete
  20. julie kingDecember 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    thank you for all the inspiration i find in your blog!! have a wonderful holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  21. herhimnbrynDecember 23, 2009 at 12:08 PM

    Happy Christmas to you and yours Robyn.
    Thankyou for all the inspiration posts, your artwork and your wonderful emails.
    Love HHb

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousDecember 23, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    Robyn your post was a lovely read. I enjoyed the photos - that Peter Hall sculpture is amazing. Zebras and their stripes appeal to my imagination and I would love to see them in the wild. Wishing you a special festive season filled with the best life has to offer. Happy holidays Robyn.

    ReplyDelete
  23. SethDecember 23, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    Thank you for taking us along. Gee...I never see zebra when I meander in NYC! A very happy and healthy holiday to you Robyn!

    ReplyDelete
  24. WoodwosecarvingDecember 24, 2009 at 12:51 AM

    I look forward to following you next year. I will be posting a final post for 09 which is a trip taken to collect walking stick material; I certainly didn't bump into Zebra and there was white on the ground. have a great Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  25. LOVE STITCHING REDDecember 24, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    Merry Christmas

    I wish you love, health, peace and lots of nice things for 2010

    Lots of love
    Carolyn xx
    LOVE STITCHING RED

    ReplyDelete
  26. rivergardenstudioDecember 24, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    May your Christmas be joyful Robyn... thank you for the joy you share with your art and your comments... roxanne

    ReplyDelete
  27. kendaleeDecember 24, 2009 at 3:59 PM

    Love those skies!

    Robyn, wishing you and yours all the happiness one can imagine over this holiday time, and always! With thanks for the beauty that is your creative heart, as reflected in this lovely space of yours and in the warmth and kindness you send my way... See you in 2010! K xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. JackieDecember 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    Have a lovely Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Chris DalyDecember 24, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    Beautiful Photos Robyn. Have a very Merry Christmas!

    P.S. Piggly Wiggly is the name of a grocery store chain in the US.

    ReplyDelete
  30. annette emmsDecember 25, 2009 at 12:07 AM

    Wishing you joy and good health, Happy Christmas!x

    ReplyDelete
  31. BLACK AND WHITEDecember 25, 2009 at 3:03 AM

    Thank you for inspiration and sharing! Happy holiday, Robyn!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. caroline douglasDecember 25, 2009 at 12:02 PM

    Thanks again Robyn for all your inspiration! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  33. pDecember 25, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    what a great last post of the year! beautiful scenery and sounds like a great time. hoping you have a great christmas and new years, look forward to your return!
    ps i love your new blog header photo!

    ReplyDelete
  34. mansuetudeDecember 25, 2009 at 8:28 PM

    what can i say..., jubilanni, and Thanda!

    I am s glad you are!

    thanda n peace to you all.

    thanks for teaching me so so much.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousDecember 25, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Sounds like our weather is similar - very tropical.

    Thanks for all the inspiring links, new art faces and delicious books all year.

    See you in the new year

    ReplyDelete
  36. Maya Sara MatthewDecember 26, 2009 at 3:03 AM

    Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010.
    Looking forward to all the wonderful posts in the coming year.

    ReplyDelete
  37. HeatherDecember 26, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    Merry Christmas Robyn!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. ShellyDecember 26, 2009 at 9:00 PM

    Hi Robyn !!
    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday !!
    Thanks for sharing all your amazing talents and inspiring finds with us this past year.
    All the best for 2010 !!
    Shelly

    ReplyDelete
  39. Zabeth B et Y BDecember 27, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    Magnifique the Elves and the shoemaker! Merci de partager de telles trouvailles and happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
  40. ArtPropelledDecember 28, 2009 at 7:39 AM

    Thanks everyone! I will try to get over to your blogs to say hi in the next few days...... if my gigs hold out!

    ReplyDelete
  41. DebrinaDecember 28, 2009 at 12:02 PM

    Hi Robyn! So glad you enjoyed my little write up about the three Ls! They're all quite wonderful ladies and so talented. I love seeing zebras just out grazing like that (re: your photos). I think how strange and unnnatural it would be to see them here in NZ, just hanging out and grazing like our sheep. Of course, your way it's the most natural thing in the world! About as strange as we get here are farmed emu, llamas and alpacas. They still take me by surprise when we go out and do a country road trip!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Harnett-HargroveDecember 29, 2009 at 3:43 AM

    Beautiful works, beautiful blog. Beautiful place you live! Thanks for the trip! -Jayne

    ReplyDelete
  43. india flintDecember 29, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    i'm a little behind...but still in time to wish you a Happy New Year
    all the best
    India

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tess KincaidDecember 31, 2009 at 8:57 AM

    Warmest, woolly wishes for a wonderful 2010, dear Robyn! ~xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. CrayonsDecember 31, 2009 at 1:26 PM

    Wow! How exciting. This is my first visit. The pictures from your outing stirred my imagination and sense of wonder. Thank you for these. Also, I like what you say in your auto-portait, "When I'm not doing art I'm thinking about it."

    ReplyDelete
  46. Karin BartimoleDecember 31, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    jut popping by to wish you a healthy and happy new year Robyn!! I'm so grateful for this year of wonder you've shared, by showcasing so many creative and inspiring artists along with your own amazing work/ thank you, and love, Karin

    ReplyDelete
  47. femminismoJanuary 1, 2010 at 2:45 PM

    Best wishes for a joyful, creative 2010. Your posts and pictures take me to wonderful places and I always enjoy visiting! - Jeanne in Oregon

    ReplyDelete
  48. Lucky Dip LisaJanuary 2, 2010 at 12:08 AM

    Happy NY! I hope 2010 has gotten off to a great start and that it evolves into a year of love and great art!

    Please drop by my blog (Dec 31st post) when you are back in computer land:)

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownJanuary 2, 2010 at 12:18 AM

    Lovely images. Here's wishing you a wonderful year 2010...Thomas

    ReplyDelete
  50. JasmineJanuary 2, 2010 at 10:44 AM

    The elves and the shoe maker is wonderful.

    I wish you all the best for 2010.

    ReplyDelete
  51. ooglebloopsJanuary 2, 2010 at 3:50 PM

    Spectacular scenery on your meander!! And zebras!!!!!!!!Happy New Year - and for the coming year, wishing you an abundance of creativity flowing from within and the peace that will come as a result.............

    ReplyDelete
  52. binduJanuary 4, 2010 at 8:31 AM

    Beautiful pictures, and how amazing to have zebras roaming around near you! We saw that on safari in Tanzania, but it to live there must be lovely. Have a wonderful year.

    ReplyDelete
  53. soraya nulliahJanuary 27, 2010 at 6:06 PM

    I was born in South Africa! I absolutely LOVE your work-so amazing! I was born in Durban, South Africa-reminds me of my childhood!-Soraya

    ReplyDelete
  54. soraya nulliahJanuary 28, 2010 at 4:15 PM

    Dear Robyn-I just LOVE visiting your blog-the colors, images, graphics all evoke my childhood. They say that once Mother Africa gets in your blood-it changes you. I feel that it is true. Yes, writing about the craetive process is essential for me-all of my ideas come from lots of writing things through-ideas, artist statements...everything. What is new to me is writing about it so publicly as I am a private person but since I turned 40 and had a baby-I am changing and ready for it! Thanks for your comments on my painting-a few years ago, I would of re-worked it to daeth but I like a vulnerable, unfinished look now. Thanks for your thoughtful comments and visiting my blog. I will visit yours often so I can immerse my senses! Thanks!-Soraya

    ReplyDelete
  55. essay writingSeptember 19, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    cool photos!

    ReplyDelete