First Robin of the year!  Harbinger of Spring!  We are still in the depths of winter with very chilly temperatures so seeing this little guy this morning drinking from the goldfish pool where I keep a heater, was a real treat.  Yesterday, four Eastern Bluebirds were drinking from the goldfish pool and a lovely sight. 

I went out to paint yesterday and temperatures were bitterly cold.  My fingers were freezing!  I had to keep blowing on them to keep from getting frostbite.  My feet, inside the new Extreme Arctic Sport Boots, were surprisingly comfortable.  Now if I could just find a good set of gloves to wear outside while painting!  The paint was stiff and hard to mix but the quality of the paint going on the panel has a very unique, rich effect only possible when painting outside in the winter. 

I am waiting for the arrival of a new Kelty backpack for my pochade and other plein air equipment.  I got one in about a week ago but it was too small for the pochade.  The backpack I have been using for years is just too big.  The shoulder/arm straps are too long and tilt the pack away from my back putting pressure on various Trigger Points that create a great deal of back pain that has only been getting worse over the years, ever since a sledding accident where I smashed into a tree hitting my back at about fifty miles an hour.  Ouch. 

Spicy Mexican Flax Crackers

Here are the flax cracker recipes I promised.

Spicy Mexican Flax Crackers

All organic, fresh, raw ingredients. 

• One lemon, fresh squeezed
• One lime, fresh squeezed
• 3 T. Nama Shoyou (a raw tamari)
• 1/2 c. red onions, cut small
• Hot peppers (any kind depending upon how hot you like it)from the garden, dehydrated under 105 degrees, ground, to taste
• 3 T. Tomato powder, made from tomatoes from the garden, dehydrated under 105 degrees, ground
• 2 c. dark flax seeds 
• 3 c. spring water

Place in a large bowl in the above order and mix thoroughly before adding the flax seeds.  Soak in approximately 3 cups of spring water for 3-4 hours.  The flax seeds will swell and get gelatinous.  If the mixture is too runny, add more flax seeds.  If  too dry, add more water.  

When the mixture is firm, spoon onto the teflon sheets of a dehydrator. You can make sheets out of wax paper that work pretty well if you don't have enough teflon sheets.  Smooth out the mixture on the sheets.  Don't make it too thin.  1/4" - 3/8" should be good.  

Set the dehydrator at 105 degrees and let it "cook" overnight.  In the morning, peel the one piece cracker off the sheets and flip over for another hour.  If the flax mixture is sticking to the sheet, leave it in the dehydrator longer.  When done, break up into smaller pieces.  

Excellent with dips, guacamole, pates,  "bread" for a sandwich, or snacking by itself.

Italian Crackers:  Same recipe as above but season with basil and oregano and cut back on the hot peppers.
Indian Curry Crackers:  Same recipe as above but substitute the lighter, yellow flax seeds for the dark red flax seeds.  Season with curry and cumin.  Cut out the tomato and onions.

The recipe is very flexible and you can flavor the crackers anyway you want! 

Enjoy!

Cinnamon walnuts on the teflon dehydrator sheet. 

Someone has requested my recipes for the flax crackers and the cinnamon walnuts.  And since I happen to be making a batch of the walnuts this weekend, I'll start with those.  They are easy to make and very addictive!  Notice the missing walnuts at the front of the teflon sheet?  I couldn't even wait until they were done to start nibbling!  I prepare food intuitively and by test and taste so experiment yourself to produce a successful dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of raw, organic walnuts, soaked for a few hours
• raw organic agave nectar
• organic cinnamon

1.  Drain the walnuts.  Place them on a teflon sheet in the dehydrator for about an hour to dry off the water.  The temperature of the dehydrator should not exceed 105 degrees.  You don't have to dry them in the dehydrator first.  You can simply drain the walnuts and proceed to the next step.  I've done it both ways successfully.

2.  Place a small amount, approximately 1/4 cup, of agave nectar in a bowl and add cinnamon to taste.  Start with a teaspoon and add more if it needs it.  Mix the cinnamon and agave until the cinnamon dissolves.

3.  Stir in the walnuts and keep stirring until the nuts are covered.  You can adjust by adding more agave and/or cinnamon as needed.

4.  Spread on the teflon sheet and dehydrate at 105 degrees overnight.

Enjoy!

The weather reports did not look good at all!  A wintry mix of ice, snow, rain, and fog was predicted for Saturday, December 14, 2014, the day of my Christmas Open House.  Nevertheless, I prepared as if the day would be sunny and seventy.  

I had already set up the diminutive Christmas decorations that I have collected just for the gallery space.  Some I just picked up in August at the Brown County Humane Society Barn Sale fundraiser and some at a neighbor's Moving Sale.  Others, I have had for years, some since childhood.  

Since I like deer, despite the fact they eat my garden produce and flowers, I have taken to collecting decorations of deer.  A sparkly gold deer hangs in the window.  Small wooden deer are set on the ledges of other windows.  A ceramic deer arches to the sun on another ledge.  

A couple small, golden Christmas trees are strategically placed and a small table top tree is the centerpiece on the food table.  A string of tiny lights wind around the bowls and platters of yummy, organic, "living foods".  A couple of small nativity scenes are tucked on ledges and tabletops.  The big nativity scene with porcelain figurines, made for me by my sister, is in the house and too large for the gallery space.  I had made a large wreath with fresh cut pine boughs and blue ornaments for the outside of the building and set out the lighted wicker reindeer on a stump out front. A beautiful, bright red poinsettia sat on the floor.

I love the Open Houses because I get a chance to prepare foods I don't normally eat as part of my daily diet.  Being a raw foodist now for over ten years, I eat a pretty simple diet of organic, fresh fruits and greens.  The dehydrator is the raw foodists "oven" cooking the food at temperatures under 105  degrees and used to create those more exotic dishes.  I usually don't eat many dehydrated foods because, well, they make me feel dehydrated. 

But the Open Houses give me an excuse to try new and fun recipes as well as tried and true ones.  So, I whipped up a batch of the ever popular, spicy, Mexican flax crackers that are always a favorite.  I have other flavors I can make like an Italian cracker and a curry, Indian cracker but the Spicy Mexican one is my favorite.  I also made a batch of addictive, candied, cinnamon walnuts.  Got everything going in the dehydrator by early Friday afternoon to "cook" overnight and be ready Saturday morning.  Then I made a big bowl of guacamole that is great with the flax crackers.  And cut a variety of fresh veggies and fruits. 

I also made a cranberry relish using my Grandmother Marsh's recipe of cranberries, apples, and oranges run through a Greenstar juicer with the blank plate on.  She sweetened with sugar but I steer clear of refined sugars and used Agave Nectar.  YUMMY!  I have noticed that fresh cranberries are only available in the produce section during the Christmas season so it is nice to take advantage and enjoy them while we can.

So all was set and ready.  I even turned the heater on the night before to make sure the gallery would be nice and toasty.  The temps have been so cold the past week, dipping as low as zero one night!  Luckily, Saturday was downright balmy with temps well above freezing.  

My neighbor, Tim, drove over with his snowplow to clear the driveway a little bit after noon.  Normally, I don't bother plowing as I can get in and out just fine and wear good boots coming and going but I like to have it cleared when expecting guests.  He wasn't sure he would be able to make it so I was totally surprised when he pulled in. 

And, yes, several groups of people did come!  I am so gratified that people came out in the weather to attend my Christmas Open House.  One gentleman called in the morning to make sure it was still a "go" and then drove up with a friend from Madison, Indiana!  He said the drive up was stunningly gorgeous.  I have often noted that the most challenging weather yields the most magnificent scenery.  

A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended.  I loved seeing everyone and sharing some Holiday Cheer!  And to everyone who could not make it (and I am one who would stay tucked in at home by the wood stove when the "weather outside is frightful"!), I want to extend an invitation to please come for a visit at your convenience.  And to those who live too far away to visit, please check out the new paintings on my website at www.CharleneMarsh.com

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Merry Winter Solstice!  Have a blessed holiday season and safe travels.

Deep Snow in Yellowwood Forest, December 7, 2013, oil on panel, 16" x 12", c. Charlene Marsh

Hard to believe almost a month has gone by since I last blogged.  Time sure flies!

We got slammed with 8" - 10" of snow last Thursday evening through Friday evening and I've been digging out ever since.  I worked on digging out the cargo van this morning.  Saturday, the sun came out and I desperately wanted to go out in the woods to paint.  I just love those sunny, snowy paintings!  The snow and shadows reflect the blue sky and I love the opportunity to work with all the shades of blue, turquoise, teals, periwinkles, and shale blues and greens.  

BUT, I had a big problem.  My good hiking boots that cost $250 fell apart this fall after only a couple years of use.  I have been looking locally for another pair and finding nothing.  Seems no one carries waterproof women's hiking boots and, if they do, they don't have my size 6.  I really didn't want to order another $250 pair of boots if they are only going to last two years.  

So....Saturday morning, with knee high snow on the ground, all I had were my rubber barn muck boots that I had worn out into the woods the evening before and nearly froze my feet off.  I had to crawl up the hills on all fours to keep from sliding back down with every step.  I also had a pair of low top waterproof hikers I wear in my booth at shows when it is rainy out but they would do nothing to protect from the snow. 

After the local highway trucks came through and plowed and sanded on Saturday, I went into Nashville to the local hardware store, Bears, which I absolutely love.  They always have 3-4-5 "good 'ole boys" waiting to help you and solve any problem you may have.  They taught me how to install an electric fence and have found hardware to solve problems from chicken scratch drawings I bring them.  I knew they had a section of outdoor clothing and since a woman is part (maybe full) owner of the store, they actually carry OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR WOMEN!  I have found other outdoor gear there when I couldn't find it anywhere else.  

Indeed, they had a full selection of boots for both men and women.  Scanning the selections, my eyes fell on a pair of royal blue(my favorite color) and black boots described as "Arctic Extreme Conditions Sport Boot" by Muck Boots in my size six!  They are knee high, insulated boots with a very thick sole made for walking and working in the snow.  I took them to the check out counter and asked the young lady at the register if they had gotten good reviews and she said, "Everyone around here wears them".  So I bought them, took them home and immediately put them to the test.

The afternoon was already getting later than I would have liked but I was determined to get out to paint.  I must say, I am absolutely thrilled with these boots!  In the past, I would use toe warmers in my hiking boots and my feet would still be freezing cold while I worked on the paintings.  Not just my toes but my nose and fingers were absolutely freezing.  I couldn't wait to pack up and get moving.  But with these boots(and the toe warmers), my feet were perfectly comfortable the entire time!  And I noticed I was comfortable over all.  Even my nose and fingers.  The boots seem to keep the body core warmer.  

 So I am looking forward to a very creative and productive season this winter painting the lovely snow and creek in the forest!  I have posted the painting I did on Saturday at the top of this post.

"First Snow, November 12, 2013", oil on panel, 16" x 12", c. Charlene Marsh

First measurable snow of the year!

Okay, we didn't get much but enough to cover the ground.  I had the farrier coming at 1:30 p.m. so I rushed out into the forest in the morning to get a painting done before the snow melted.  The sun was out so it was quick work before the snow melted.  This fall, the colors went from green to gold to rust, with no reds.  A few trees still had green/gold leaves!  One tree lost all it's green/gold leaves after the snow fell so there was a blanket of these leaves on top of the snow!  Very surreal. The snow painting has a hint of fall underneath the snow.

I got back in time to meet the farrier only to learn he was running late.  Darin and Allie, his assistant, arrived shortly and trimmed both horses quickly.  The ponies stand perfectly in their stalls and don't even need a halter!   My mare, Missy, Meegy's mother, is 31+ years old and blind in one eye.  Darin commented that POAs (Ponies of America) and Appaloosa's(that are bred into POAs) are notorious for going blind.  Missy and Meegy are both POAs.  I am going to have to keep a close eye on her to make sure her other eye is good.  I've had Missy for eighteen years now and, along with her son, I am hoping she can continue to do well in her familiar surroundings.  

I have never used a blanket on her but am thinking it may be time.  Tonight temperatures are due to drop to 18 degrees and I am worried about her.  I spent much of yesterday winterizing the property putting away glass sculptures, birdbaths, garden fountains, hoses and digging up a new iris bed.  Also had to bury a dead possum I found next to one of the gardens.  I also put out the heaters in the horse water trough and goldfish pool.  But I forgot about covering the two windows in the barn where the horses come and go and eat.  I'll have to do that tomorrow. 

Anyway, I'll be posting all the new paintings soon.  I have worked really hard to capture the changing fall colors and hope to post a progression of the change.  The snow painting caps the end of fall.                                                                                      

Treasures from the Forest

Today, my chimney man came to clean the wood stove and stove pipe.  He measured how dry is my wood and declared it the best he had ever seen measuring 14-16% moisture.  He said it doesn't get better than that.  I try to stay a year ahead of the wood so it has time to "season" and dry.  Burns much more efficiently!  He also installed a screen to the cap to keep out birds.  I had two bluebirds fly into the stove pipe and die in the fire box last spring and I didn't want that to happen again!  

I have been painting en plein air like a madwoman every day.  Backpacking a heavy pack into the forest, up and down the hills, can be a real challenge.  Especially given a sledding accident back in 2007 where I slammed into a tree at about fifty miles per hour, smashing my back.  For a few moments, with my face in the snow unable to catch my breath, I honestly thought that was the end of the trail, literally!  But I was finally able to get a breath and lift up out of the snow.  Everything, while in extreme pain, seemed to be working.  Working enough to walk a mile home through the snow.  

Anywho, I have been backpacking out into the forest every day to paint the fall colors.  We are having a very late fall this year.  Normally, the colors are over and done by the end of October and, certainly, no later than November 4.  Usually, my last plein air fall painting is done on the 28th and then a storm comes through to knock down all the leaves and the trees are bare.  There will still be lots of beautiful rusts and purple colors but the bright, fall colors are over.  This year, the colors weren't even starting to change until mid-0ctober and not peaking until the end of the month!  This year, golds and rusts dominate and there are not so many reds.  But I love painting all the shades of gold!  

Since the fall colors are only here for about three weeks, I cannot miss a single day of painting!  Hence, painting like crazy every day!  But, today, the afternoon got later and the shadows grew longer by the time the chimney man finished and left.  My back was sore and I was generally tired all over from going out every day of the past two weeks with a heavy pack.  I decided to just hike my trail and scout out painting locations and enjoy just being in the forest, sans pack and paint.  

Along the way, I found a nest fallen from a tree along the ridge top and then an old deer skull along the creek.  When I got back to my property, I used the apple picker with it's ten foot long handle to pick a hat full of apples.  The tree has been most productive this year.  I stop nearly every day to pick a handful of apples to enjoy, fresh and cold.  Sometimes I pick a bag full to save for later.  They may not be pretty but they are organic, bug free, and very tasty!  The hawk feather I found a couple days ago along the trail.  That'll look great tucked in the band of a hat.  The geodes and crinoids are from earlier expeditions.  

Walking and painting in the forest is my passion and my addiction.  I feel so much peace in the forest.  A day is simply not complete until I have spent time in the woods, along the creek, amongst the hills and cradled in the hollers.