Four things – Thanksgiving edition!  I hope you’re enjoying friends, family, good food, and a grateful heart today.  I decided to take a few minutes before we’re off-to-the-races on the festivities to share my weekly four things.  Revisiting watercolor, learning more about one of the great polymaths, a quote that makes you thankful for the people who have lighted the flame within you, and the most adorable knitted houses.

what I’m reading

In my usual way, I’m reading several books simultaneously, so I had to give some thought to which one I wanted to share today.  I’m partway through a couple of books, so I want to reserve sharing them until I’m further in.  So, today I’ll share a book I’ve had for years and I’m returning to.  I want to improve my skills and knowledge with watercolors since they are such a great medium for travel and sketchbooks, so I’m revisiting John Singer Sargent: Watercolors.  Typically, when I want to take a deeper dive into an art medium, I like to look at two different types of books – one of the works of an artist I admire and one or two that are instructional.  I sort of mix and blend the two as I study and often come away with a fresh perspective and new information.

John Singer Sargent is one of my favorite oil portrait painters, so I’m studying his watercolors further.  The watercolor below is one of my favorites.  I love how simple and effective it is.

what I’m watching

I love Ken Burns’ documentaries, and a new one about Leonardo da Vinci was just released. Of course, I’m fascinated, so I’ve started watching that. I’m only about halfway through the first episode, so I can’t give a full report on it yet, but so far, it’s been excellent.

what I’m loving

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

– Albert Schweitzer

what I’m working on

Did you happen to see the adorable knitted houses Maria’s daughter made?  She is incredibly talented and has a great eye.  Anyway, they are for sale HERE if you’re interested and Maria said she will be selling patterns soon.  I am working on making a similar house.  I think they will be so fun to mingle with my salt dough “gingerbread” houses.  It’s been a nice project to work on between food prep and hanging out with family over the Thanksgiving break.

photo via Maria Carr of Dreamy Whites