My Favorite Things – Rodgers & Hammerstein, RCA Records 1965

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
brown paper packages tied up with strings,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings;
these are a few of my favorite things.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
silver white winters that melt into springs,
these are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings,
when I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don’t feel so bad.

This was one of my favourite songs, from one of my favourite movies, when I was growing up.  I admit, I still set the PVR (Tivo) to ‘record’, if I see The Sound of Music, scheduled for broadcast.  I doubt there is anyone reading this, that does not recognize the lyrics from ‘The Sound of Music.’  Most of you are reading along to the tune, playing in your mind.

Have you ever made a list of your favourite things, do you take stock of the little things in life, that make you happy?  If not, take a few moments and jot them down somewhere.  Now, imagine this list, transformed into a work of art.

This summer, I attended the Purple Turtle Art Festival; an amazing display of original paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculptures, pottery, woodcraft, native art, and more.

Set in a lush meadow, and catered by chefs from The Briars – Ontario Destination Resort, Spa and Conference Centre; The festival, includes works by more than 30 artisans from Toronto to Tory Hill, Ontario, as well as local artists.  This, is where I first learned of Nadya.

It was a very hot and humid Ontario day, as we entered the festival.  My husband was growing impatient, at being dragged from one booth, to the next.  Eventually, I made my way, to the far corner of the exhibition, from which, the colours from Nadya’s display beckoned me to visit.  The use of vibrant colours, still managed to evoke calm.  The serene imagery, and philosophical quotes were thought-provoking; each piece, an affirming meditation on canvas.

Nadya had stepped away from her booth during the time I perused her work.  Helping myself to one of her business cards, I knew I would be contacting her very soon;  I wanted one of her creations, displayed in my home, so that each time I walked past it, I would be reminded of the lil’ things.  Reminded, that it’s important to take time to appreciate these things.

Describing herself as a girl from the North Country, Nadya says; “I live in the forest with my very tolerant family and a plethora of animals. Mr. CFO is my husband of eons, my children Miss Know-It-All (self-proclaimed) and my son ‘The Juicer’, are ever-present to guide me through this wild, strange thing we call life. I am a person who could easily withstand being under house arrest, I love to be in my home studio creating. I find beauty in my everyday life and transform what inspires me into jewellery & art. I love taking pictures, loud music, red wine and cute babies. I enjoy hats and wear many of them. I am a work in-progress and passionate about what I like & love. I enjoy letting my freak flag fly and observing how true honesty makes people uncomfortable. I try to be fearless.”

I corresponded with Nadya, initially via email. I described myself as an advocate for animals, and mom to pups Henry, and Reese.  I wondered if she would do a piece, reflective of this, and was invited to visit Nadya at her home. When I arrived, it was like visiting an old friend; we visited for ages.  I met Nadyas family, their protector, Lacey the cat, and hens; Thelma and Louise.  My husband accompanied me on today’s visit.  We toured ‘the farm’, met additional hens, quails, and new arrival, Sofie – the baby hedgehog.  On this day, I was also very excited, to collect my charming, whimsical, ‘li’l things by Nadya’ artwork. 

I am very pleased to introduce you to Nadya; a wonderful person, a lover of animals, with a positive outlook on life; this, I believe, is translated through her beautiful works of art.

http://www.purpleturtlearts.ca/

http://www.briars.ca/

http://lilthingsbynadya.com/