The Girl and Her Cat and I had our own little adventures, right where we live. Much to my delight, we already had a few bouts of snow this year in the mountains here in the rain-starved California. That brought rainstorms to the lower elevations. I promptly bundled up in my waterproof clothing and boots and headed to the park for a walk in the rain.
Ever since I was little, I have always loved playing in the rain, the more torrential the better. The world gets quiet, and it’s mostly just the sound of the rain and me.
There is an oak grove in the park. Standing under that canopy, I listened to the rain sing as it danced on the leaf-covered ground below.
This is normally a narrow and deep drainage gully, but to my imaginative mind, it might as well be a stream that I have to cross carefully.
I wore my big boots, so I could splash along as I continued down the rain-sodden path.
I have made up my own names for certain areas in the park. I call this area Darcy Field, resembling a certain scene in the Pride And Prejudice movie. Right around the corner, the path turns hard with rocks and tree roots jutting out of the ground. That would be the Dinosaur Ridge. I love running over those protrusions.
I really wanted to continue on with the rain pelting down on me. It was getting dark though, so I reluctantly decided to turn back.
Rain droplets on these dry stems looked like little crystal flowers. My camera has a rain jacket of its own, so, just like me, it stayed toasty dry. I would have liked to get close-ups, but it would have been impossible to change lenses in that windswept rain. Also, I had to bow to the failing light. This is the best photo I could take with the lens I had at hand. Hopefully you get an impression of what I saw there.
Adventure of the Girl and Her Cat
While my kitties stayed warm and toasty at home, The Girl and Her Cat continued their adventure together in the snow.
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the pictures and read about their wanderings –
Not to worry, they are bundled up for their snow walk. When her cat gets cold, The Girl carries him inside her coat.
Wandering Pages Paintings
I added all the paintings shared so far about their adventure from the Wandering Pages book at the above link. I will add to that page as we continue with their adventure together.
I will leave you with a page from my nature journal. The day before the rainstorm came, my husband hurriedly called me outside to see something he thought I would love. We saw a flock of geese flying overhead against the backdrop of a beautiful sky that only impending rain clouds can bring. We watched them slowly dissolve the right arm completely and then recreate the V pattern as they faded to a distant shimmer. I have never seen anything like it before. I didn’t take a photo. Instead, I recreated the scene in my journal.
I personally hand-make the journals in my studio. You can purchase the journals here in my shop. I have journals for both artists and non-artists.
Let me know which photo and/or paintings of our adventures you liked. The Girl and her Cat, and I would love to know.
Since next week is a holiday week here in the US, I decided to move Wandering Camera one week up.
Wandering Camera is a monthly event that runs on the last Thursday of every month. If you follow me via email, you will get a reminder.
All photo and art/creative-themed posts are welcome. You can continue to link up multiple posts.
Please add the badge or a text link back to this site on your blog, or on each post that you link up. I look forward to seeing your photos and reading about them.
Have fun!!
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
45 thoughts on “Wandering Camera – Nearby Adventures”
sallie rainville November 29, 2021 at 10:38
I enjoyed the updated story of the Girl and Her Cat” very much and the page from your nature journal is stunning. So lovely.
RachelSwirl November 27, 2021 at 14:16
I am always so impressed by your work – you are so talented! Thanks so much for linking up and for sharing with #MySundaySnapshot.
Sarah MumofThree World November 26, 2021 at 23:10
I loved reading about (and seeing) your joy in rain. Us Brits have far too much rain, so most of us don’t like it at all!
The Joyful Quilter November 23, 2021 at 18:15
LOVE that photo of the curve in the road, Soma!!
Andrée November 23, 2021 at 17:30
Hi Soma, I love your story book. I like all of the images but my favourite is the Girl and the cat walking. It’s so funny that I’m sharing my book with you :-) Hope you like it. Take care.
Sam November 23, 2021 at 13:00
Brr looks a cold walk but refreshing at the same time x #mysundaysnapshot
Angie November 22, 2021 at 20:28
P.S. Thanks for linking up to Mosaic Monday!
Connie Griffin November 22, 2021 at 18:57
That is a lovely park and it does remind me of scenes from Pride and Prejudice. So wonderful that you are getting rain after a dry summer. I love the water droplets, they do look like little diamonds don’t they, I just love the look of raindrops on plants!
all your drawings are so special, I love the picture of the path you do such pretty work with skies, I also love the inn.
But wow your painting of the geese flying overhead is just beautiful, fantastic job with the stormy sky coming in!
Margy November 22, 2021 at 17:12
I love The Girl and Her Cat watercolour. I started working on my travel journal today. My first additions were a map from our trip and bicycle riders we saw in the Tour de Tucson bike race. – Margy
Kim Carberry November 21, 2021 at 12:21
It looks like a very wet walk but it’s good to get out no matter what the weather x
Lydia C. Lee November 21, 2021 at 12:03
Your art work is really lovely. (And I didn’t realise you were linking up again. Will join)
A ShutterBug Explores November 20, 2021 at 15:00
Your artwork and photography are divine ~ Xo
Living in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
NatureFootstep November 20, 2021 at 13:58
beautiful landscape and arts! Really love the image of your “little crystal flowers”. _)
Lavender Dreams November 20, 2021 at 06:16
I love the water droplets! And your art is always a delight! Enjoy the weekend.
Eileen November 20, 2021 at 01:46
Hello,
I just love your post and your art work. You are very talented. The Girl and her cat out walking in the rain is lovely, the landscapes and the geese in flight are beautiful.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Angie November 19, 2021 at 18:23
Soma – as long as I have a good raincoat, and I am NOT camping, I don’t mind walking in the rain! And thank God for moisture – needed desperately in so many places in our country and throughout the world! My favorite Girl and the Cat scene is The Old Road. I will return later in the week to link up!
Gillena Cox November 19, 2021 at 16:36
Luv your girl and cat page spread.and the photo luv them
Happy PPF
muchlove
Kathyinozarks November 19, 2021 at 16:35
Hi I am so happy you stopped by my blog for a visit. I loved this post, when I was kid I really loved walking in the rain. I Love your art-beautiful
Happy weekend hugs Kathy
Janine Green November 19, 2021 at 16:32
I enjoyed hearing about your adventure in the rain and seeing more of the girl and her cat. Your paintings are beautiful and I really like the photo with the raindrops on the stalks :)
Tammy A November 19, 2021 at 12:28
Gorgeous photography and paintings Soma! I love the raindrops on the stems and WOW your paintings are amazing! My favorites are the girl and her cat and that beautiful fire place, it really looks warm! :) Enjoy your weekend.
Take care, Tammy
Alison Hall November 19, 2021 at 11:54
Beautiful art and photos Soma! I loved reading about your walk, you have a wonderful imagination. I don’t mind a bit of rain either. I love the quote ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing’.
Happy Friday!
Alison
Linda Calverley November 19, 2021 at 11:31
Lovely art and walk.
Wendy K November 19, 2021 at 10:24
I love your stories and paintings.
Tarang November 19, 2021 at 09:40
Beautiful artworks! Wintry landscapes look very charming. And such lovely landscape photos!
Linda November 19, 2021 at 07:47
Whether it’s through your lens or paintbrushes you give such lovely perspectives in the scenery. And I love how you captured your birds in the sky on a page- beautiful colors!
I have always loved taking walks in the rain too- so long as it wasn’t a cold rain;)
My pleasure to share about your journals- truly well made. Happy PPF!
Valerie-Jael November 19, 2021 at 04:10
Fabulous art and wonderful photos! Happy PPF, Valerie
riitta k November 18, 2021 at 23:32
I love your Girl and the Cat paintings and stories. Unlike you, I don’t love rain or storms. No trace of snow so far in the southern Finland, maybe next week! I have been sitting still reading. Each day I feel better and less achy. Thank you for wishing me prompt recovery. Warm greetings, enjoy the cosiness with your cats & hobbies!
Christine November 18, 2021 at 22:47
Beautiful work you do
Veronica Lee November 18, 2021 at 19:26
I loved walking in the rain when I was little.
Your paintings are beautiful as always, Soma.
Dixie November 18, 2021 at 18:04
So nice to walk in the rain and come back to a cozy house and a warm drink.
Your paintings are delightful! Love the inn, fire and, of course, the girl and her cat.
Seeing and hearing the gesse fly over adds a touch of magic to world.
Glad you saw the geese, Soma.
Mary November 18, 2021 at 17:44
Anything Pride and Prejudice is speaking my language! I love watching good storm, but prefer watching it from inside….unless it is a warm storm. lol. Your paintings are wonderful. I especially love the lonely tree. I’m so glad your books were so well received. I’m sure they are made beautifully.
Susan November 18, 2021 at 15:30
When I was a kid, my parents let us go out in the rain in warm weather as long as there was no lightning. I enjoy watching a storm when I am not standing outside in it. I do love to walk in a warm rain, but not a cold rain. I also enjoy walking when it is snowing gently, but not a blizzard.
My favorite photo is the one of the raindrops on the stems. In the story book, my top 3 paintings are the bare tree in the snow covered field with the blowing snow, the little girl and her cat, and the last one of the snow covered tree.
Tammie November 18, 2021 at 15:10
How lovely that you enjoy walking in the rain, so many people shy away from it. Cats certainly don’t like it and some dogs I know don’t care for it either. I think you inspired me to get out on this cold gray day before night settles in.
All your paintings are charming.
Karen November 18, 2021 at 12:56
I received my red journal book today – so cute and right size to tuck in my bag – love all your paintings
Valerie November 18, 2021 at 12:50
Cute and atmospheric drawings here. Thanks for sharing. I like the idea of your two-page paintings :-)
Sue November 18, 2021 at 12:43
Wonderful to have a walk in the rain, and especially to splash through puddles. Love your evening painting with the geese going over head.
Kim November 18, 2021 at 11:38
I can in my mind;s eye, Soma, see you splish-sploshing in the rain, as you are a girl who not walks but always dances in the rain. I can feel your excitement of your little adventure in the park. Darcy’s Field is very like ‘that’ field in Pride and Prejudice. Love ‘that’ scene of Darcy striding towards Elizabeth, with the rays of the morning sun behind him. Who needs a camera when you have your paints and watercolour journal to capture the beauty of nature. You certainly don’t, Soma. The flying geese in that glorious sky is fabulous. And….as for the Girl and Her Cat, I rather love the thought of them both wandering about in old places where treasure lays hidden; waiting to be found.
Jill November 18, 2021 at 11:35
What beautiful pictures…Thank you for sharing. Your drawings are wonderful…What talent.
You also brought back a wonderful memory for me. As a child I love to go for a walk in a light rain…Sometimes with an umbrella sometimes NOT! Smile
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a nice comment!
Michelle Keltner November 18, 2021 at 09:59
I love walking in the rain. Very peaceful to me. Your photos and sketches are gorgeous! Thank you for taking the time to link up.
Sharon Wagner November 18, 2021 at 05:51
Your paintbrush has been busy! Mine has been idle. I used to illustrate children’s books. (:
Amy Johnson November 18, 2021 at 05:28
Such a sweet story and beautiful artwork.
Michele Morin November 18, 2021 at 03:06
So smart of you to bring your boots!
Carol November 18, 2021 at 02:38
When I was a child, my favorite game was playing the rain. My mother allowed it as long as there was no thrunder or lightning. Now I like to sit and watch the sky through my window. Your art work is really awe-inspiring. It’s like you grab precious moments in life and put them on paper.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel November 18, 2021 at 01:57
I enjoyed going along with you on your walk. There’s nothing like a good splash in the puddles when you are wrapped up warmly! Your paintings are delightful!
Luisella November 17, 2021 at 23:39
A walk under a light rainfall can be relaxing and even pleasant. I go to walk daily in any weather, because as the Finns say: There is never bad weather, there are only bad clothes.
Lovely pictures and sketches.
The geese in formation are a free show offered by nature.
All the best!