Speaking the Same Language

Last night’s severe weather did a lot of damage to Arkansas’ River Valley. Trees are down, buildings damaged, schools closed. Fortunately, this area got thunder, lightning, and rain, but so far as I know, no damage. There’s something about a calamity that brings people together. Suddenly, everyone speaks the same language. Friends, neighbors, strangers are […]

Oils and Thinking

Oils and Thinking

It had been a long time since I’d painted in oils. Oh, I’d gotten canvas boards, paints, brushes, all the paraphernalia, but then, I just left them tucked away. The thing of it was, I was intimidated. Pencil sketches, watercolors, Prismacolor–all those media were familiar to me, as oil once was, so why did I […]

Hummers in the Maple Tree

Hummers in the Maple Tree

I am convinced that a mama and papa hummingbird have set up housekeeping in my front yard maple tree. I wish them good fortune and blessings. I’ve never seen a cat in that maple, but I’ve seen lots of squirrels. Maybe the tiny birds have attached their nest to a limb that’s too fragile for […]

Whippoorwill Winter?

Whippoorwill Winter?

The maple leaves are as large as a rabbit’s ears; flowers are blooming, but, you know what? We have freezing temperatures, in the upper 20s and a possibility of snow on the way. In the early spring, we have periods of reverting to cold weather, called by various lovely names. Whippoorwill winter? Blackberry winter? Someone […]

What’s Behind That Innocent Color?

To look outside my window at the early April day, I’d say that it’s a lovely morning: fresh, young leaves on many trees, grass all green and bursting with the newness of the season, but, let me tell you, folks, it’s more than a bit nippy out. A walker just strode up the hill decked […]

An April Deep Freeze

An April Deep Freeze

Hard to believe, but earlier this morning, the thermometer registered twenty-eight degrees! I’m so glad I brought in all my wonderful flowers that I had stashed on the porch. Will this be the last freeze? I hope! April greets us with a bit of a cold shoulder, but she is actually a wonderful month. April […]