December - A Month of Raccoons

December is Raccoon month at Country Mouse Studio

I recently received an email from a US Marine who had a request.  

He wanted to know if I'd paint a special Raccoon for him.

Him and his wife had an encounter with one while dating

and now after many years of marriage he wanted

to get her a special gift that would mean

a lot to both of them.

Being a raccoon fan myself how could I resist?

Their little fellow needed to have a top hat, a cane and a pocket watch
so here he is!

I know they can cause a lot of grief by getting into your house and garbage but I also know there are many people who love them so this is their month.

I found this sweet story about a Raccoon rescue named Pumpkin on Instagram
Pumpkin the Raccoon


I have always been fond of Raccoons and they were the first wild animal I drew.  I was so pleased one day to meet a kid who had one as a pet.  I was surprised to find that his fur looked soft but was rough and bristly but all the better to shed water, I guess.

Later, we moved to an area that had Raccoons.  I only heard about it because they'd get into everyone's garbage at night.  No one had a good thing to say about them but I hoped I'd see one.

A few more years passed and we moved into a community by a creek.  Then one night on our deck one peered into the patio door.  Before long we had quite a few of them who would come by and visit.

The Old Goat

One summer, when I was about 10 years old my parents acquired a couple goats.  We lived quite a distance from neighbors so after the goats escaped their fence for the 100th time they were given their freedom.

Curious, playful, friendly and so darn cute, these wonderful creatures quickly became my entertainment and although I don't remember much about those years, I'll always remember the goats.

Years later, when I married, they got a small herd of goats.  My parents were going to raise dairy goats so they carefully build an escape proof fence but from then on the most commonly heard comment was, "#&*#!, the goats are out again." 

This one was my favourite.   Her name was Blossom and she would follow you around everywhere tugging at your clothing, pulling at your hair and just being a lovable nuisance.

Lovable Old Goat, Farm Animal by countrymousestudio

Humor Lovable Old Goat, Animal, Farm Pet by countrymousestudio

Birthday Brother Over the Hill Old Goat Humor, by countrymousestudio

Fishing - Kingfisher Bird

I'm back... kind of, sort of and hoping to catch up on what's been going on.
After being hit with a cold/flu that never wanted to go away and finally getting ill enough to drop milk from my diet, I thought I might give up blogging but I really miss all of you and kept wondering how everyone was doing.

I haven't had much time for art and certainly haven't had much nature in my life other than the sparrows, doves and quail that wake me up each morning to remind me to feed them.  It's been a cold, unpredictable spring here and not appealing enough to draw me outside when I'm not feeling well but I am optimistic that I will get a chance to enjoy some nature soon and I'm looking forward to visiting all your wonderful blogs.

Enough rambling, here's an painting I did with my son-in-law in mind.  He's an avid fisherman who also loves birds  .   In September, he and my daughter moved to the "Fishing Capitol" and they looked forward to many days of great fishing as they usually catch a lot.   Unfortunately, in the time they've been there, they've caught only one small fish and so in honor of this, the Kingfisher came to mind.

Funny, Humor Fishing - Kingfisher by countrymousestudio

Belted Kingfisher - with fish - Bird Collection by countrymousestudio
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Belted Kingfisher - with fish - Bird Collection by countrymousestudio

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds didn't come into my life until I moved to a home that had a hummingbird feeder. After settling in to my new surroundings, I walked out onto the front deck and saw the feeder hanging there and thought, "I may as well give it a try".

This was before the internet and Google with its instant access to information so I had to wait until I went to the library to find a recipe for the food.

I filled the feeder then forgot it for spring was arriving, gardens needed tending and lawns needed mowing. I don't remember how much time passed but enough for me to completely forget about the feeder, as it hung high above my clothesline and out of my line of sight.

After hanging my second towel on the line, I reached into my basket for another and heard a loud whirring sound next to my ear. The hummingbirds had found the feeder and from that day on they visited regularly.

What amazed me was their lack of fear. They would zip by, inches from my head, oblivious to me or my actions unless I got in the way of them and their feeder. This continued throughout the summer and I learned to love them, their bravery and their determination.

They are a wonderful bit of nature that are easy for us to enjoy

Christmas Dated Custom Rufous Hummingbird Bird Art Silver Plated Framed Ornament by countrymousestudio

Sister Custom Birthday Rufous Hummingbird Greeting Card by countrymousestudio
Find more note cards online at zazzle.com 

Nature Theme Invite Rufous Hummingbird, Bird by countrymousestudio

Great Blue Heron

We are fortunate to live in an area with Great Blue Herons. Just between our Walmart and the downtown area is a creek and alongside it they've build a heronry.
They remind me of prehistoric birds and I always feel like I'm seeing something from a movie.

In the field, not far from my home is a creek and often, you can find a lone Heron fishing there. One summer afternoon, I spotted one staring at the water. It stood so still it didn't seem real so I stayed and watched, determined not to leave until I'd seen it move. My mind told me it wasn't a statue (who'd put one out in a field?) but I had a hard time believing any living thing could remain so completely motionless for so long.

It eventually decided there was no fish in the creek and without warning, flapped it's huge wings, made a weird un-bird-like harsh croaking sound and flew away.

Most mornings, they can be spotted flying over the city and out to the many lakes in the area. I've been told by people who have ponds that they cannot put fish in them because if the raccoons don't get them the herons do.

Watercolor Great Blue Heron Bird Wildlife Art Shower Curtain by countrymousestudio

Merry Christmas Great Blue Heron Bird Nature Art Silver Plated Framed Ornament by countrymousestudio

Watercolor Great Blue Heron Bird art Fabric by countrymousestudio

Watercolor Great Blue Heron Bird Animal Nature Art Throw Blanket by countrymousestudio

Magpies Again

Yesterday was a beautiful warm day. It was a nice break and reminder that spring will one day return. On my way to work in the morning, I have to pass a gate that requires me to input a code. That meant I had to roll down my window and in doing so I heard a group of Magpies chattering.

What a beautiful sight! A frost covered birch tree with 10 Magpies. It looked like a Christmas card. Guess I'll have to find time to paint that one. That's the only problem with life, it interferes with the painting of it.

Magpie Ladies T Shirt by countrymousestudio 

Custom Name Date Magpie Bird Family Watercolor art Silver Plated Banner Ornament by countrymousestudio

Magpie Bird, Nature, Wildlife Watercolor Art Shirts by countrymousestudio

Family two People Fall in Love Magpie Bird Quote Poster by countrymousestudio

Custom Dated I love Magpies Watercolor Bird Double-Sided Heart Ceramic Christmas Ornament by countrymousestudio

Otters

I doubt if it's possible to see an otter up close and not fall in love with them. What other wild animal has so much joy in playing.

Nature programs on television always show the ones wrapped up in seaweed lying on their backs cracking oysters on their bellies with a rock. A quick look through Google images will reveal incredible photos,their faces are so expressive.

We lived near a river that had otters but unfortunately, I was never able to catch them at play. I could only find the mudslides they made all along the banks. Anywhere there was a bit of a stream pouring into the river, they would slip down it until they had created quite a well shaped muddy slide. I'd find little footprints and could imagine the fun they'd had but I'm not sure what time of day or night they came so our paths never crossed.

This little fellow I drew seemed to have that curious look on his face that typifies the species.

Funny River Otter & Footprints, Tracks Neck Tie by countrymousestudio

Fun Otterly Adorable Cute Otter Animal BooginHead Pacifier by countrymousestudio

Cute Watercolor Otter Wildlife Animal art T Shirt by countrymousestudio

The Wolf

I grew up in the northern Canadian wilderness and often at night, we heard wolves howling. There is no more thrilling sound if you are home in your warm bed, nor frightening if you are outside by yourself.

We were isolated enough, that Timber Wolves still passed through our farm and I remember one morning hearing my parents excitedly call us kids outside. We stood shivering in our jackets and nightgowns staring at the biggest wolf footprints I'd ever seen. Apparently in the night, a pack of Timber Wolves had passed through our yard, howling just enough for us to know they were there. Then in the morning, my parents rushed out to see the footprints left behind

Although they'd seen many wolf footprints, these were so impressive that they took the old wash tub and placed it over top to preserve them for further inspection by friends and family.

In all the years we lived there, I never heard one story of a wolf pack attacking or even stalking humans and they had plenty of opportunity for roads were not plowed in the winter, so vehicles weren't used and people walked everywhere.
It wouldn't have been unusual to find a lone person walking at night, yet never a report of attack. My own father walked, pulling a sled, the 8 miles to town for groceries and supplies once a week and since it was dark out by 4pm he often came home alone in the dark.

As a result we learned to not fear wolves but it still didn't stop that thrill of excitement whenever we heard them.

Family Pack Strength Quote Wolf Head Animal Art Silver Plated Framed Ornament by countrymousestudio

Birthday Sweetheart Wild Thing Wolf Humor Art Large Greeting Card by countrymousestudio

Pack Leader, Family Pack Strength Wolf Quote Greeting Card by countrymousestudio 

Wolf Head Animal Birthday Custom Invite by countrymousestudio  

World's Best Mom Wolf & Cubs Animal Watercolor Double-Sided Heart Ceramic Christmas Ornament by countrymousestudio

Wolf Howling across Lonely Lake Monogram iPhone 5 Wallets by countrymousestudio
Check out other Name Wallet Cases at zazzle.com

Why Horses?

Horses were never part of my life. When I was very small I remember someone coming to our house with a team of horses and a parent lifting me up to see them. They were probably draft horses and huge, I don't remember much other than being scared.

Once a year my father would borrow the neighbor's old white horse.  Dolly was her name and he would use her to haul firewood out of the forest.   He said she was so smart that he only had to tap her on the butt and she'd find her own way out.  Often she'd do it when even he couldn't figure out how.

Later, when I grew up, a neighbor had horses for farm work and I remember going to the barn to see them and being told not to get too close because they might kick and never get between them and the stall walls because they might squish you. Well, those two instances were enough to convince me to stay away from horses and I did successfully until my daughter was born.

When she was a toddler, my husband held her up to see a pony and that was it, a love affair was born. Only mom's who've had horse loving daughters know how many hours are spent waiting for them at lessons.

After years of sitting and waiting in cars,on stumps, fences or hard benches did I realize I could be drawing them.
Hence the pictures
I have learned to love them very much, but not quite get over my fear.

Laughing Horse Yee Haw We're going to Celebrate Greeting Card by countrymousestudio

 

Rather be in the Stall than the Mall Horse Quote Trailer Hitch Cover by countrymousestudio

 

Classy Modern Horse Head Logo Design Ringer Coffee Mug by countrymousestudio

 

Busy Horse Owner Stress Quote Funny Cartoon T-shirt by countrymousestudio

 

Soft Pastel Colorful Horse Head Logo art Fabric by countrymousestudio

Watercolor Horse With Attitude Custom Name Carved® Maple iPhone 6 Slim Case by countrymousestudio

Red Squirrels

I always thought I'd like to live in an area with squirrels, until I finally did.
I don't know if it was this squirrel or if all squirrels are this way but the one in my neighborhood woke me up every day, at dawn. He was upset with something and it didn't seem to matter what. The neighbor's dog,kid,cat,car... anything set this squirrel off to a steady stream of chatter that sounded like a person swearing and it went on for hours.

I tried to plant a garden and it ate everything above ground, including peas and strawberries.

I put out a bird feeder and it argued and fought and chattered with all the birds including the hummingbirds, and you haven't lived until you've heard a Blue Jay and a Squirrel fighting over the birdfeeder.

The squirrel would jump onto the birdfeeder and guard it from all who may be interested, even when it was running with a mouth full, it would still find time to sit and chatter or swear at the birds.

I finally got smart,or so I thought, and hung the bird feeder on the clothes line, right in the middle of the yard, where the squirrel couldn't reach. That didn't stop it from trying. It would take wild leaps off the roof and land on the ground.

You would think he'd give up, but no, it just infuriated him more and he chattered almost non-stop as long as a bird was in sight.

One day, I was outside in my back yard when I noticed mushrooms hanging on the tree branches. I thought perhaps a family member, was playing a joke. It was the squirrel. It collected all the mushrooms in the area and hung them on the trees, until they were dry, then gathered them up for the winter. I didn't know they did that or that they even ate mushrooms.

We moved away shortly after spring arrived, and I missed the place but I can't say I missed living by a squirrel.

BORN TO GO CAMPING Fun Squirrel Cute Animal Quote Hand Towels by countrymousestudio

 

Custom Background Color Squirrel Footprint Art Pillows by countrymousestudio

 

Brother from us NUTS Humor Squirrel Art Greeting Card by countrymousestudio

 

Watercolor Cute Red Squirrel Animal Nature Art Photo Plaques by countrymousestudio

Coyotes

Coyotes are very common in this area. They roam around our neighborhood from dusk to dawn, looking for mice, cats and small dogs. When we hear them calling, they can be just feet from our window.

When I had a job that started at 6am and I had to walk my dog earlier, I saw quite a few. Often, they would be several blocks ahead or behind me so I could get home quickly but one morning, I came around a corner and there was one about 20 feet in front of me with several more bringing up the rear.

My dog is half Pomeranian and I'm sure he looks quite tasty so I grabbed him and cut through my cedar hedges as quick as I could. It was a scary experience that I wouldn't want to repeat.

My favorite coyote, was one I happened upon early one winter morning while he was going through my neighbor's yard. He was probably from that spring's litter, so I'm guessing under a year old but his most striking feature, was absolutely huge feet.

I guess he hadn't grown into them yet, but it was so comical, he looked like a cartoon. I thought about putting those feet on the coyote pups in this image but I'm sure everyone would think I'd made a mistake.

   

Howling Coyote Shirt by countrymousestudio
View other Coyotes T-Shirts

Howling Coyote Coffee Mug by countrymousestudio

Cougars

Cougars didn't scared me until I moved here. Then one after another news stories came out about people who were attacked by them, people on horses, on bikes or just out walking, it didn't seem to matter. It's pretty terrifying to think of yourself as being stalked when you're out for a walk or even in your back yard.

Bears only seem to go after people when they've been fed or allowed to get too familiar or are protecting their young but Cougars see us as prey.

I've always loved hiking alone in the woods. I enjoyed exploring nature trails on my own. It was easier to be quiet and so the chance of seeing an animal or bird was much greater. I didn't worry because I knew that the worst that could happen was perhaps a Black Bear but now, I'm more cautious. Our parks here put up a notice if a bear or cougar are spotted but that doesn't help the first person who sees them.

Watercolor Cougar Puma, Mountain Lion, Animal T Shirts by countrymousestudio
Make custom shirts at Zazzle.

In spite of their behavior, I've always admired them but it wasn't until I painted this little cub, that I realized what beautiful blue eyes they have.

Cougar, Puma, Mountain Lion Animal Cub Tracks T Shirts by countrymousestudio

Purr- Fect Birthday Cougar Custom Name Animal Art Greeting Card by countrymousestudio

Just Ducky

Before moving to this city, my only experience with ducks was the tame ones we tried to raise on the farm.

Maybe because this is a city, where hunting is prohibited, the ducks are friendly.

The previous summer was extremely hot so we spent a great deal of time at one of the lakes, sitting at the beach, enjoying the cool water. Every time we went, a couple female ducks came to visit. After the third visit we realized they'd formed an attachment to us and wouldn't leave even if we tried to send them away.

They would roam along the banks, looking for scraps and bugs but it was obvious they'd been fed before, because the moment they spotted our food, they became a pest.

The duck pictured here has that expectant look on her face just like the one we spent the summer with. It didn't matter if we fed her or not, she hung around or swam very close to shore within reach should we decide to pull out some food.

Unfortunately, one day, when we arrived at the beach,her friend was gone. At first, we thought it was her because we found a handful of feathers in her favorite spot. It wasn't long before she appeared, but this time alone. It could have been a dog I suppose, because it was a public beach and people disobeyed the leash law frequently or even a coyote as there are many and they aren't afraid of people or public places.

I wonder if I will see her again this summer.

Have you had any wild duck experiences?

Original Watercolor Curious Duck Throw Pillows by countrymousestudio

Duck, Farm Animal, Pet T Shirt by countrymousestudio