Karen Tanner - ArtSpirit, Blog

Quattro Quad

3/21/2019

44 Orange is a liqueur that is popular on foodie sites. I’ve made it in the past and have really enjoyed it as a sipping liqueur or in ginger beer. When I taught high school, the Latin teacher suggested we call it the Latin name Quattro Quad for 44 rather than 44 Orange which is it’s common name. I’m not sure how this recipe originated but it is tasty.

Ingredients:
1 Large Orange
6 Tbsp Sugar
44 Coffee Beans
4 Cups Grain Alcohol/ Vodka (highest proof you can find)
You Will Need:
A mason jar, or other airtight container
Knife
Slice 44 holes in the orange and insert a coffee bean in each opening. Then put the orange inside of the jar. Fill the jar with 4 cups of grain alcohol/vodka. Add sugar. Let it steep for 44 days in a cool dark area, shaking the bottle every once in a while. strain. Sip and enjoy!

A life well lived

3/19/2019

I once read "I've led the life I imagined...". It resonated within me. At 64, I feel my inner quests are being met-I love, and am loved. I have it all.

Cultivate

3/11/2019

"Cultivate a grateful heart and you are given more." -Unknown

Few words are needed for these photos… Cultivate your friendships and your world will go 'round! And friendships also help make the coldest March on record in Montana bearable.

Joy and Love Pod

3/3/2019

Many years ago my children and I were in a felting frenzie. We wrapped rocks with many layers of sheep wool and silver threads, then felted around the rocks. We cut a slice into the felting and slipped the rock out when finished and dry. We were left with a pouch or pod. This winter has been so long and cold I pulled a few out and did some beading on them. Since the arrival of my second grandson, I’m calling these ‘joy and love pod’. May your life too, be filled with joy and love!

Thomas Elliott

2/28/2019

Newest Big Guy!

Thomas Elliot Harper, or as we call him 'Tom', was born Monday, February 18, 2019. It was 1° below zero--but beautiful blue sky and deep snow. He’s a little snowball! We love him with all our hearts, and are so happy for Will, Tanner and Anne!

Arriving.

2/28/2019

"Art is longing. You never arrive, but you keep going in the hope that you arrive."
- Anselm kiefer

The elusive, beautiful white deer that has lived at least eight years at Yellowstone Country Club in Billings, Montana. We just had a recent sightings of her… so glad she is still alive.

Weightless

2/5/2019

Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.
There was no effort. There was no struggle.
It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.
It was what it was, and it is just that.
In the space of letting go, she let it all be.
A small smile came over her face.
A light breeze blew through her.
And the sun and the moon shone forevermore.
Here's to giving ourselves the gift of letting go...

- Rev. Safire Rose

Creative Life

1/3/2019

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“…my creative life is my deepest prayer.” ~Sue Monk Kidd

Record-breaking deep-freeze temperatures this last six weeks has really made me dig deep into my creative life! Over the years I have really enjoyed making liqueur … So mid February started steeping homemade cranberry orange liqueur. Since today is 19 below zero, it became a good day to strain and bottle the gorgeous nectar... definitely not going outside! Speaking my truth, I had a teaspoon sample of it – and it has a lovely bright flavor as yummy tasting as its color! It will make a stunning Mimosa straight up or a sipper over ice.

Process and the New Year

12/22/2018

Gesso boards soaking up the new energy--the Winter Solstice, a full moon and a new calendar year. Strong energy. The light may be winter's sunlight, shadows of the moon's white light or the light of our spirit. Whatever it is, may you grasp it's dancing beams and ride it's light forward.

Relatability

11/24/2018

your art
is not about how many people
like your work
your art
is about
if your heart likes your work
if your soul likes your work
it’s about how honest
you are with yourself
and you
must never
trade honesty
for relatability

-rupi kaur