Doing one of my favorite things . . . riding my bike in Cades Cove!

It was our first bike ride of the season around the loop road in Cades Cove, when it’s closed to vehicles on Wednesday mornings until 10 AM. It’s a beautiful time to be in the cove, as it’s so amazingly quiet and peaceful without the sounds of motors running! Most of the time, all that can be heard is the distant gobble of a turkey or a snort of a deer, with the early morning breeze rustling the leaves on the trees above. There is however, the occasional sound of bike brakes being applied, which temporarily interrupt the natural symphony, and usually comes from my own obnoxious brakes. While riding along, we saw several White-tailed Deer and turkey wandering about the open, grassy fields. Although they had been seen in the cove the day before, unfortunately, we didn’t see any Black Bear. Oh well, hopefully next time! Being early in the season, there wasn’t that many riders, so most of the time it seemed as if we had the entire cove to ourselves, which was wonderful indeed! We stopped a few times to just admire the vast landscape bathed in the early morning sunlight, and I must admit a couple of times to just catch our breath! Having not visited the Black Gum Swamp in many years, we decided it was the perfect opportunity, and so we stopped to saunter down to it and take some photos. It is encircled with hog proof fencing and has a step-over built out of 4x4s and 2x6s which you climb to get over the fence. The still, dark water of the swamp was beautiful, as it reflected the entire scene, which lay overhead! It was like seeing double of everything! From there we continued riding along the curvy, and at times, steep road, until we came to Sparks Lane, which is a gravel road that cuts across through the open fields to the other side of the cove. Halfway across, the river crosses over the road, and I must say I had a ball riding back and forth through it a couple of times on my bike! I would ride at a good rate of speed and send the water flying into the air each time I crossed it, exclaiming how much my nephew Tyler and niece Haydyn would absolutely love doing this with me! Instead of trying it himself, Wes decided to just go with my thoughts on the experience, and so we headed back to the main loop road to continue our way around. Soon we had made it the entire way and were back to the van, where we loaded our bikes and made our way home.

A beautiful setting in Cades Cove

Wes on the cross over for the hog fencing

The beautiful Black Gum Swamp located inside Cades Cove

Weeeeeee . . . I’m having a blast!!!

A Crow perches on the split rail fence in Cades Cove

Nice weather has made it very pleasant for dining on our back porch this past week, so we’ve enjoyed most meals out there. The food seems to taste even better being eaten outside, and you can’t beat the entertainment, with all of our little feathered and furry friends joining us while eating their treats and sometimes interacting in funny or strange ways. We have a pair of doves, and the male seems to think he is a major Casanova, and so he stands up tall, puffs up his salmon colored chest feathers, and approaches the female while singing “Who-Who” over and over to her. Well, she is usually just wanting to eat and when he gets close enough, all of a sudden she raises a wing and you hear this “Whap . . .whap-whap . . . whap . . . whap”, and we look over and this timid female has become a she-Rambo and is beating the mess out of this poor male! Although you can’t help but feel a bit sorry for the poor fellow, it is indeed a hilarious thing to watch! Now for the complete other side of the spectrum.  We observed a gorgeous pair of Cedar Waxwings sitting sweetly close together in the Mulberry Tree by our back porch. Well, the one flew down and got a berry off of our Pyracantha bush and flew back up to the limb, with it in its beak. At this point it passed it to the other one and they passed this bright red berry back and forth several times, while appearing to toss and catch it. I told Wes that it looked as if they were playing a game of “Hot potato!” The things critters do is always amazing and so many times quite entertaining I must say!

One of our Carolina Wren’s precious babies

A few of our lovely Wisteria blossoms up close and personal

A couple of my prized Peonies

Much of the past week has been spent with us painting during the day, while also enjoying our daily walks. We had neighbor friends over to watch old movies one evening this past week, and on another evening, met several others at our local Pizza Hut for dinner before spending the remainder of the evening talking and relaxing at their beautiful home. We’re also looking forward to our artist friend Kit, coming to join us for dinner tomorrow evening. Wes has spent several hours this past week working in the garden and watching things start to grow. I’ve added a few more flowers to my collections in our gardens as well. I’ll share some photos of what’s blooming in our yard currently with you next week, as I want to share a few more photos of our great weekend spent with friends last weekend. So sit back and enjoy . . .

The happy campers from L to R ~ Woody holding Sophie, Donna, Stephen, Vicki, Niek, Sharon, John, Susan, Me and Wes . . . Thanks to Niek for sharing his great photo!

The beautiful old lodge with delicate Bluets blooming in the foreground

This has to be the best grilling spot I’ve ever seen!

I absolutely loved this old tree full of character and sporting a posted sign which moss was growing all over . . . I guess moss has no respect for private property!

Currently On Our Easels:  I just finished my still life painting of chocolate!  It was so hard to try and photograph it without eating it!!!  But alas I somehow managed and thus was able to paint my miniature of it, while drooling . . . hee hee!  Wes also finished his painting of this precious little Anna’s Hummingbird which he photographed during our recent trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Mmmm … Chocolate! by Rachelle

 

“Anna’s Hummingbird” by Wes

~ This week’s featured show ~

EXQUISITE MINIATURES Tour Produced by David J. Wagner

Until June 2 at the Museum Of The Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, TX

“Exquisite Miniatures” on display at the Museum of the Gulf Coast

~ To view all our upcoming exhibits: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html 

 

 Have a loved one or a beloved pet you would like captured in miniature? Contact and commission us!

Don’t forget to “Sign Up” to receive an email each time I update the blog!

Until next time ~ Rachelle

 

 

The beautiful old lodge built in 1928

The anticipation has been building for weeks, and the time finally arrived for us to leave early this past Friday morning, for our exciting invitation to spend the weekend at the private Cane River Club! As usual, the drive through the Smoky Mountain National Park was beautiful, and several turkeys were spotted along the way, as we drove the winding roads. We arrived at Cane River in time for lunch, and were greeted by smiling faces and warm hugs from friends! We were treated to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato and rice soup, and homemade brownies, fresh and warm from the oven! Needless to say, it was all simply delicious and the resident cook, Mary Lou, had won us all over with that first totally yummy meal! We all caught up on our latest happenings over the meal, and then headed out in different directions to enjoy the afternoon. Wes and I watched friend, Niek, get his first lesson in fly fishing for awhile, before enjoying a nice and relaxing walk with our dear collector friend, John, who told us some of the history of this amazing place and how it all got started. After walking about a mile and a half, up the beautiful trail, which follows alongside the river, we reached what is known as Blue Sea Falls. With the recent rain, it was running with great force and created a thunderous roar as it descended over the rock face to the emerald green pool below! The road back was lined on both sides with lush collections consisting of various species of wildflowers, and mounds of thick green moss.

Wes and John walking the road to the falls

A lovely Painted Trillium along the walk

A gorgeous fungus decked out in water droplets

We returned back to the lodge in time to enjoy just sitting on the inviting and spacious front porch, and visit for awhile. Soon, amidst lots of conversation and laughter, a delicious selection of appetizers was brought onto the porch, for everyone to enjoy, which we all did right away! In no time the tasty cheese dip was a thing of the past! Dinnertime soon arrived, and we all migrated indoors to fill our plates with the flavorful salmon, topped with a scrumptious almond sauce, as well as several other delicious treats. We found our places at the large wooden dining room table and enjoyed great conversation and an abundance of laughter as we savored every bite of this delectable meal! To top it all off, the dessert consisted of heavenly strawberry shortcake! However, the evening’s entertainment and enjoyment were far from over, as the dance tunes were cranked up and most of us hit the great room floor at one time or the other, to join in with others and show off our amazing, and sometimes not so amazing, dance moves! If laughter is as they say, the best medicine, we should’ve all went to bed extremely healthy that night! And, if nothing else, we burned up quite a few of the few calories consumed during the evening meal! It was close to midnight, when we all finally turned in, and Wes and I were thrilled to be lulled to sleep, by the peaceful and relaxing sounds of the nearby river drifting in through our open bedroom window!

The gang enjoys relaxing and eating appetizers on the porch . . . notice who has the bowl!

A view of our wonderful dinner group from above

The delicious salmon with almond sauce

The next morning found us all up and at it and ready for the adventures that lay ahead that day. Breakfast was another delicious meal of fluffy scrambled eggs, creamy grits and amazing homemade biscuits! With tummies filled, we were ready to head out. I had really hoped to learn to fly fish while we were there, so Wes and I decided to try our hand at it. After being suited up with appropriate waders and boots, and feeling quite professional, we headed up to the river, with Forrest, their wonderful fishing guide, leading the way. Upon Wes’ gracious insistence, I was the first to give it a go, so following behind Forrest, I waded out into the swift moving water and watched and listened carefully as he began teaching me how to go about this sport. Soon the rod was in my hands and I was casting out into the pools and hoping for a taker. In what seemed like no time, I caught a small one, and was thrilled! We slowly made our way upstream, stopping to cast several times in each tempting pool. By this time I had caught a tree and a rock, which Forrest patiently freed my fly from, and after casting into a really nice looking pool, there was a tug on the line. At first I wasn’t sure if it was a trout or another rock, but quickly realized that it was indeed a trout and began trying to bring it in. Unfortunately I learned the heartbreaking way to not “choke the line” and after He, Wes and I all three got a good look at the fish, it got away. They figured it was over a two pound Brown Trout, and my heart was pounding by this time, and so very sad at the same time, as the big one had got away! We continued our way up the swift moving river, stopping to tempt the possible trout in each inviting pool. After several casts, and no takers, Forrest would say “Well, nobody’s home” and we would make our way to the next spot. It was in one of these spots that “It” happened. I felt a tug and set the hook just right, and within a few minutes I had pulled in a 17 inch . . . or more I thought . . . two-pound Rainbow Trout, which Forrest now had safely in his net! I was thrilled and was as proud as could be, as I held up my BIG trout so Wes could take our photo! As you can imagine after this, Forrest was now one of my newest best friends, and we spent the next couple of hours with me catching . . . and missing . . . trout, with Wes cheering me on! Unfortunately my “Just one more cast” turned into several more, and Wes only got to fish for a short time, in which he caught at least two.

Our wonderful guide, Forrest, with me proudly holding my prized catch of the day!

My very BIG Rainbow Trout . . . I’m still sure it was very close to the 18 inch trophy size if stretched just a wee bit!

Wes preparing to cast in another perfect pool

All suited up and ready to go catch fish!

We had worked up an appetite that morning and returned in time for lunch, which was once again delicious, complete with fresh cookies from the oven! The ladies soon returned from their shopping excursion, and graciously listened to my stories recounting the fish I caught, especially my BIG fish, and the one that got away, which was growing larger by the hour! That afternoon Wes and I enjoyed taking a hike back up to the beautiful Blue Sea Falls, and this time went all the way to the bottom of the falls. It was breathtakingly beautiful as, as it roared and thundered its way to the deep blue pool of water below, creating a spectacular view! We were blessed to have the sun make an appearance for a few minutes, while we photographed the falls, and then it disappeared once again for the remainder of the day. After soaking in the mesmerizing scene for a bit, we started our hike back, which led us along a small path clinging to the edge of the mountain through a thicket of Rhododendrons, which opened up at the river’s edge, where an old ancient-looking wooden bridge led the way back across the one stream, to the main trail. It was indeed a relaxing and peaceful walk as we went along taking in the lovely view of the surrounding lush forest and enjoying the sounds of the Cane River flowing in the background.

Wes and I in front of the Blue Sea Falls that is on the property, along with six other waterfalls!

What a great old bridge!

Standing in front of the falls

Later that afternoon we returned back to the lodge, and after a failed attempt to find John and Forrest fishing, we enjoyed sitting on the porch and talking with our dear friend Stephen, from the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center. It was a great way to ring in the evening, just sitting and relaxing while enjoying the ever-changing view of the mountains in the distance, as the clouds swirled and drifted above, at times dipping down into them, creating one breathtaking landscape scene after another. Before long, dinnertime had arrived once again, and Mary Lou didn’t have to call any of us twice! We were treated to delicious appetizers consisting of Forrest’s freshly picked and sauteed Morel Mushrooms and Ramps, Niek’s yummy homemade guacamole, as well as Mary Lou’s Salmon dip and deviled eggs. Then came another delicious and memorable meal, and for dessert we were treated to a piece of scrumptious lemon cheesecake, which was so silky it seemed to just melt away in your mouth! For the remainder of the evening, we enjoyed playing a game called Password, in which we formed two teams with the girls playing against the guys. And you can probably guess who won . . . the girls! What a great way to end the evening, so at least the girls thought, and then it was time to turn in for the night.

The gorgeous view from the front porch of the lodge

Dancing the night away . . . Niek is up videoing the amazing moves!

Wes looks on as Forrest shows us how to fix a real mountain dish of Morels and Ramps

Soon afterwards, Wes and I found ourselves snug in bed, being lulled to sleep once again by the peaceful sound of the river. This morning was to be our last, so we quickly packed our things before breakfast, which featured a delicious asparagus quiche, homemade fluffy pancakes, filled with big plump fresh blueberries, and fresh fruit. Sitting around the large table once more, we talked about the highlights from the weekend and upcoming plans, as we enjoyed eating this last meal together, and I exclaimed to everyone about how very, very sore my right arm was this morning after pulling in that BIG trout yesterday . . . ha ha! Our last laughs were enjoyed, and thanks were given to Mary Lou for her delicious meals and to very enjoyable and hard working manager, Travis, for all of his efforts helping to make it a terrific weekend for all! Goodbyes were said and hugs were given as we loaded into our vehicles and started the lovely drive out and eventually made our way home. Wes and I cannot thank our dear collector friends, John and Donna enough, for blessing us with this amazing and memorable opportunity, which I’m sure Wes and I will be talking about for years to come!!!

A gorgeous Woodland Salamander which Wes spotted for me!

This past week we also enjoyed having our new artist friend living here in Townsend, Kit Gentry, over to enjoy an Italian dinner on the porch, and to talk about art, among other interesting topics.  Kit does beautiful landscape paintings, many of which feature Hawaii, not surprising since he enjoyed living in that amazing place for many years!  We so enjoyed our visit with him and are looking to many more! We were also very pleased to learn upon returning home and to our computer, that we’ve sold several miniature paintings this past week at various miniature shows! If you’re looking for a great fishing guide in the TN-NC area, I highly recommend Forrest and you can contact him through www.hunterbanks.com

Currently On Our Easels: I finished my painting of  a mother and calf cow for Trailside Galleries Invitational Miniature Show and Wes finished painting a swan. Now  I’m excited to return to my still life painting of chocolate this next week!

“An Affectionate Nuzzle” by Rachelle

“That Golden Glow” by Wes

Come See Our Paintings This Week:

21^st Annual International Juried Miniature Show

Until June 2, 2013: Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA

 

22^nd International Miniature Show

Until June 1, 2013: Seaside Art Gallery, Nags Head, NC

 

The Art of the Miniature XXI

Until – June 16, 2013: The Snow Goose Gallery, Bethlehem, PA

 

Painting America Invitational Art Show

Until June 22, 2013: Artistic Designs Gallery, Brownsburg, IN

 

EXQUISITE MINIATURES Tour Produced by David J. Wagner

Until June 2 at the Museum Of The Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, TX

The Sea of Cortez Produced by David J. Wagner

Until June 2^nd at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ

To view all our upcoming exhibits: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html

 

 Have a loved one or a beloved pet you would like captured in miniature? Contact and commission us!

Don’t forget to “Sign Up” to receive an email each time I update the blog!

Until next time ~ Rachelle

 

 

Me with my precious little Tinymouse friend on my head!

The past week has proved to be quite interesting! Tinymouse, one of our little resident Tufted Titmice, which surprisingly landed on my head one evening last week, has done so numerous times again, mainly when I’m sitting on the backporch eating breakfast or supper, and even while I have been walking around in the backyard, and working on my flowers! She obviously wants to add a bit of my curls to her nest, and works diligently at times trying to gather a beak full, while at other times, she simply sits on my shoulder. Needless to say, I definitely have a new hairstylist! Such delight she brings me each time we have this amazing encounter! One evening this past week, at one point during a meal, while Tinymouse was sitting atop my head, Peedeepeeps, my Carolina Wren friend, had sauntered up to my dinner plate to check out my pasta noodles, and looked up at me as if to say . . . “Is this all you have to offer me?” I felt like I was Snow White, and as if I were living in a fairytale at that moment!

At times she sits on my shoulder

She’s trying her best to take a beak full of hairs with her!

Almost daily I have been able to scrounge up enough mealworms to give Peedeepeeps, to feed his precious babies. One evening, I sat on the steps leading from the back deck, while Peedeepeeps came and got two at a time from my hand and flew nearby to where his babies were and would feed them. Each time I could hear the tweets of delight as he stuffed the little hungry beaks with the worms! Then he would quickly fly back and sit by me as he patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, waited for me to sift through the cornmeal and find more worms. This went on for quite sometime, until the worm population had greatly decreased! Other evenings he even brought them up onto the back porch, and we would carry out this same activity, with me finding worms and giving them to him, then with him flying directly over to feed the hungry little ones. What a great experience and treat for me to help be able to feed these little ones!

One of our lovely Azaleas in full bloom

A lovely cluster of white Azalea blossoms

A bright and cheery section of blooming Azaleas in our front yard

There has been a force of destruction slowly making its way around Townsend the past two months, and unfortunately it came up into our neighborhood this past week. I call it “The East Tennessee Chainsaw Massacre!” . . . compliments of our local power companies! Many of our neighbors spent hours pleading and arguing their cases to try and save their beloved trees, or at least part of them! We were able to save at least one small lower limb on our beautiful Ornamental Cherry Tree, although every limb from that point up was taken off to the trunk on the one side. However, I’m afraid our poor neighbors across the street fared the worst out of the neighborhood, as I believe the man in the bucket, with the saw, had a fit of rage there and sawed everything in sight way back from the power line, including a three-foot tall native Dogwood Tree, which the power company had given them two years prior to plant there! The uncanny thing is that that very morning, Wes hung my new garden flag which features Winnie-the-pooh and Tigger on it and reads “Trees are my friends!” Now I’m searching for another flag which reads “Most of my friends are now gone or maimed!” I do believe the saddest loss, was a neighbor’s three-foot native Mountain Laurel, at which we all enjoyed admiring its dainty blooms each spring, which they cut to the ground! Oh well . . . something’s are just out of our hands I suppose.

With them being able to go that high, no tree or limb is safe!

A gorgeous Bleeding Heart blossom

Two very pretty Tulips!

This past Friday evening, Wes and I enjoyed attending a concert by the Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra at the beautiful Theater in the Park, along the Maryville Greenbelt. It was a lovely and chilly evening as we sat under blankets while enjoying the beautiful and soothing melodious tunes pouring from the amphitheater. The evening concert started off with the lovely sounds of Giachini Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladra Overture”. Baby Starlings were in a nest, which was located in the top of the amphitheater, and each time a parent would return with a tasty morsel with which to fill their open beaks, they would sing out in excited tweets, which the sound system then picked up and played loudly along with the music! The best part was that they almost seemed to time it as if adding their own musical touch to the performance! A couple of songs later, one of my favorites, the upbeat tempo of Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” was played. The fun and delightful tune of Leory Anderson’s “Syncopated Clock’ and “Home Stretch” were then enjoyed and brought the crowd to life! In the second part, a melody form “Les Miserables” as well as selection from “Titanic” filled the night air, and seemed to slowly melt there before completely drifting away. At this point, the Chimney Swifts came out and filled the late evening sky above as they swirled around and around, performing a most graceful aeronautical ballet, while catching insects and filling the air with their own beautiful tunes! It was a most beautiful evening and another great memory!

The Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra

Currently On Our Easels: I am working on a mother and calf cow for Trailside Galleries Invitational Miniature Show and Wes is painting a swan.

We were delighted this morning to receive the news that we each had a painting juried into the 53rd Annual Art & the Animal Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists! My “Birds And Art” and Wes’ “Going, Going … Gone!” will join the rest of the world-class wildlife art to premiere at the Bennington Center for the Arts in Bennington, VT. We’re very much looking forward to being back in Vermont in the fall to enjoy the stunning fall colors!

“Inca Dove” by Wes ~ 3½ x 2½ inches

Watch the one-minute demonstration video for how Wes painted this painting!

“American Bison” by Rachelle ~ 2 x 4 inches
Drawing for Western Visions Miniatures & More Exhibition

“In The Shallow Surf” by Wes
~ 2 x 3 inches

Come See Our Paintings This Week:

21^st Annual International Juried Miniature Show

Until June 2, 2013: Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA

 

22^nd International Miniature Show

Until June 1, 2013: Seaside Art Gallery, Nags Head, NC

 

The Art of the Miniature XXI

Until – June 16, 2013: The Snow Goose Gallery, Bethlehem, PA

 

Painting America Invitational Art Show

Until June 22, 2013: Artistic Designs Gallery, Brownsburg, IN

 

EXQUISITE MINIATURES Tour Produced by David J. Wagner

Until June 2 at the Museum Of The Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, TX

The Sea of Cortez Produced by David J. Wagner

Until June 2^nd at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ

To view all our upcoming exhibits: http://www.artofwildlife.com/exhibitschedule.html

 

 Have a loved one or a beloved pet you would like captured in miniature? Contact and commission us!

Don’t forget to “Sign Up” to receive an email each time I update the blog!

Until next time ~ Rachelle