Saturday, August 02, 2008

Neighbours Times Two



My Parents house, 'The Farmhouse' painted from my front steps

My parents live across the yard from me to my left and the house to my right was owned by my Uncle but has been vacant for years. He recently sold and I'm happy to say that Ellie will be moving next door with her parents (of course!)

The house is in such poor condition that they will be ripping it down to re-build but I managed to grab a sketch before that happens while we helped them clear some rubbish. It will be wonderful having Ellie so close, watching her grow and spending time with her and her parents. I am looking after Ellie tomorrow while they work on their property some more, just one of the perks of having them close by!

While I am delighted to be blessed with family both sides it's also nice to have the land we have between us, offering us privacy and room to breath. There are not many people that can boast a 360 degree view filled with deep skies anymore. The view to 'Four Winds' from my home is through our field of Christmas Trees, so the house isn't even visible until we step out onto the drove. In fact, my Parents house is the only property in the drove visible from my home, which made it very easy for the children to go back and forth safely when they were little.

I'm so lucky and so looking forward to having a little girl living 'next door'.


View from studio



'Four Winds'

10 comments:

Laura Frankstone said...

You ARE lucky, dear Anita! I'd give anything to have the big sky all around the way you do, and to have had such a history in that beautiful area. Your love of place and family and your dedicating yourself to celebrating these things in your life through your art is so admirable, though,that I'm sure you deserve all the good fortune you have! Thank you for a lovely post and sketches.

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

So pleased for you - its just what you wanted to happen. My wont Ellie be spoiled with her grown up uncles next door to look after her and take her to such glorious things as fishing in the local dykes!!. Cant imagine she'll be anything else but a tomboy - but gloriously feminine with it.

Lisa Adams Reed said...

What wonderful stories and how nice to have a family compound! I just love the way you left "Four Winds" colorless with simple greenery around it. So clever are you!
Lisa

Margaret Ann said...

Ahhh...how simply delightful! Reminds me very much of my husband's family farm back in Illinois...surrounded by wide blue skies, nestled in endless fields of corn, and decorated by generations of family history...a safe, serene, and familiar haven. You treated these sketches with a special tenderness both in your words and in your brushstrokes. What a joyful post!

Ann Buckner said...

I have awarded you the Brillante Weblog award - you can read the info on my blog. You can pass it on or not, your choice. I just wanted to let you know I appreciate your work and enjoy your blogs and thought this would be a good way to do it.

E-J said...

Love, love, love these double-page spreads! I had no idea your parents were so close by.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Beautiful studies of your family's homes, Anita. You paint such a delightful picture of family unity and warmth.

Timaree said...

I've got the 360 degree views but no family for over 300 miles. I'd rather have the family. It must be wonderful to have grandparents so close. You've shared your great picture ofthe old house. Hope you will sketch out and share the new one too.

MD said...

Lovely pics and so nice to be surrounded by family....

Serena Lewis said...

It sounds like you have the perfect family set-up! Lovely sketches, as always ~ :)