Tag: New Blog

Italian Seasoning with Thyme and Rosemary filled the air around my house while I walked our dog. I drifted back to childhood memories of my Grandfather and all of his stories blanketed me under the stars. As we walked the third lap and it was nearing 9pm, I smiled with the mere thought that the smell was coming from my home. My husband carved one of the Gilcrease Pumpkins tonight and I boiled the flesh of the squash. The red pumpkin ended up being really soft and when blended into a purée, it turned more into a soup, so I decided to make soup. While it simmered I was thinking about the sales of the recent “Pumpkins 2024 Series Number 2” and “Number 8,” and feeling overjoyed at this time of year. A time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and share hearth and home. I also thought of those who feel alone at this time of year, and hoped if they saw these colorful paintings that the artwork may bring a smile to their faces. A warm hug, an outstretched hand possibly, to know they are not alone. I hope this series brings whimsy and color into people’s homes and hearts.

Here are a few more of these pumpkins to view. October is becoming one of my favorite months and the Fall season is as well. Thanksgiving truly was not really a great time of year for me until I met my husband and his joy of cooking inspired my own. Even around many people, I still felt alone and misunderstood at times. Growing up as an artist can create a lot of different emotions at once, and I felt all over the place with many thoughts. Usually what I wanted to create next, yet did not know how to express these ideas. My recent series on the Redwoods touch on Togetherness especially for this time of year. I was fortunate to keep my wonderment from childhood alive and well as I grew and evolved. This “Pumpkins 2024 Series” reaches out with color and liveliness. These pumpkins are meant to spread jovial energy and happiness this time of year. I hope this post finds you well and if you feel lost, please reach out to someone, you are not alone. If you know someone who feels lonely this time of year, please reach out to them as well. Every time my Grandpa called me on the phone I would say, thanks for calling. He always replied, “Thank you for picking up. If you didn’t there would be no conversation.” Thank you for reading and have a wonderful Wednesday!

-Karen Hilliard

“A true selfless act always sparks another.”

~Klaus

Walking along the coastline of Ireland on the road through Dingle, was one of my fondest memories. The bus ride from Dublin to Dingle was a lovely experience filled with many stops and Cadbury Chocolates. Each bus stop had a vending machine inside and multiple selections of this delicious treat. The chocolate in Ireland is different than here in America due to varying pasteurization laws and their chocolate seems way more decadent as well as creamy. After many hours on the bus, I arrived in Dingle. This is a quaint little town in the southern region of Ireland. The Dingle Peninsula was home to a bottlenose dolphin that resided in the sea. Personally, I did not get the chance to see this wonderful being, yet, I love the idea that it was there. What a peaceful place Dingle is and this dolphin knew it. I traveled to Ireland in the year 2001 and the dolphin stayed for decades since the 1980s. Thinking back to walking on the road down to the peninsula brings many happy memories into my mind. For example, the cool air and then of course, a rainstorm. I ended up in a tiny pub listening to amazing conversations between the regulars there. How nice it would have been to have tried a hot cup of tea on that rainy day in Ireland.

Today I will be reviewing Sheffield Spice and Tea Company’s “Irish Morning” Black Tea. The ingredients of this tea are: Black Tea, Coconut Chips, Strawberry Leaves, Flavoring, and Safflower. When I bought the tea I was told there was a hint of Rum in it. Reading the label, it also says “With Cream.” After the tea steeped for seven minutes, I put some whole milk in it to cool it a bit so I could drink it. From the first sip, I was back in Ireland. The aroma of the tea is strong and pleasant. I can really taste the Strawberry Leaves and they linger for a nice aftertaste. The Rum flavoring stays on the taste buds as well and I can smell a hint of it before each sip. Irish Coffee has that nice flavor of Irish Whiskey so this was a delicious difference for me. Another delectable treat to add to my palette if you will. This tea just may be traveling with me back to Ireland if I get the chance to go again. The caffeine level is Medium so it will be excellent to keep me awake on a journey or late at night when I need to complete a project. There is an allergy warning on the label for Coconut Chips so be warned if you need this information. I do not want anyone suffering just to try this wonderful tea. If you would like to purchase their tea, click the link. I hope this review was helpful and thank you for reading! Have a Wonderful Weekend.

-Karen Hilliard

I have always loved Highland Cows or Scottish Coos. This particular animal was photographed by my friend on her trip to Scotland. While writing this blog, my mind drifted to conversations I had with her during her trip to Ireland and Scotland. I remembered this lovely picture of the coo named Torin. My friend stayed at a lovely Air Bnb called Quila Cridhe and they actually have a tea service daily so this all fits together. We are all connected! If you would like to know more about Torin, she says he likes being in the spotlight. You can find more information about Quila Cridhe and their coos here. Just click on their name and the link will take you to their Instagram page. After talking with my friend, I want to travel back to Scotland just to stay there!

Lighthouses guided sailors through storms and became a beacon of hope through the darkness. As fear or uncertainty set in, light illuminated their path home to reach the shore and embrace their loved ones. The sun has the same aspect of hope for me as the light from a lighthouse. The sun warms us through cold winters, helps plants grow with photosynthesis, and lights the way for every living thing while walking in a dark forest. This painting, “Redwoods-Lighting the Way,” speaks to me on so many levels. I see beauty all around me in every situation but am also aware of others hurting or feeling lost. This Redwood Series is about spreading hope and giving the gift of strength to everyone who views these paintings. The world has always been going through uncertainty or chaos. Even a forest can be cut down and take years to regrow if given the chance. I am forever grateful to the stewards of the Grove of Old Trees in Occidental, California. Protecting these peaceful giants. They are a true wonder and marvel. Beacons of hope.

“Redwoods-Lighting the Way,” was titled by my mother and holds a special connection between the two of us. I am thankful this painting was purchased by a dear friend who loves Redwood Forests as much as I do. This painting is now hanging in a home where it is spreading light to a person who “Lights the Way” for so many around them. Through all my years of painting, I feel blessed with the memories of knowing where all my paintings reside. The person who owns this painting spends her days guiding others to help people around them. She protects people who need it and lifts up others who are uncertain or overwhelmed, all the while putting herself last and “lighting the way” for them. I am honored she chose this painting to bring her joy forever because she is the true essence of the word joy. Even on our darkest days, I hope everyone remembers we are all connected in some beautiful way. This series is meant to reach out and have people feel the warmth of looking toward the light. Thank you all for reading this and I hope your Thursday was terrific and your Friday is fantastic!

-Karen Hilliard