Leaves, owls and hummingbirds

So this happened!I dutifully removed the hummingbird feeders from the garden in order to give the Rufous hummingbirds a signal to migrate, but, like last year, an Anna's has decided to overwinter in my hood. So I made up some fresh nectar and put it out for him.The mountain of leaves is almost done. The ancient apple and cherry are bare, but there's more to come on the maple, Japanese maple, ornamental plum and giant bronze beech.That's a lot of leaves. Look at the beautiful tapestry in the shade garden.There are leaves everywhere and I know I have to get out there and rake/gather them and put them in the compost bins, but they're so beautiful right now.Morgan doesn't think so.In other news, I've submitted three owls to the anonymous art show. It's a major fundraiser for my local arts council.It's a brilliant show with hundreds of paintings all costing $100 each, and a great chance for people to expand their art collection.Hmm, I guess it's not that anonymous any more if I'm showing you guys my work...lol. But then, the kinds of paintings I do are pretty recognizable. I bet when I get there I'll be able to spot the work of my friends and fellow artists who I admire. :D These owls are painted on a 1908 advertisement page from an art's magazine, which has been carefully decoupaged onto the wooden support the arts council provides for the show, and then shellacked.Well, there's day three of Nanopoblano daily blog post writing. Hey, who said it wouldn't last...lol. ;)