Walking Humbly

I’ve been reading one of my favorite authors, Ann LaMott and her book, “Hallelujah Anyway.” She is such a talented writer and never minces words when she’s talking about being in relationship with God. I love her transparent honesty! Today, she was writing to me about Micah 6:8 – “With what shall I come before the LORD, ... but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? What an incredible challenge – especially when the world doesn’t seem to honor or even recognize justice, kindness and mercy. And given my humanness, it certainly isn’t anywhere near the top of my toolbox of gifts. So often I don’t act with grace, kindness or mercy.  It’s truly hard work – and so much easier to stomp away and mutter harsh thoughts under my breath.  

This week’s painting speaks to me of walking humbly. The sheep of the high country are a wild breed, but they are also terribly vulnerable to predators. Their instinct is to either run away or to huddle together during times of uncertainty and danger. The painting, Highlanders, 10” x 13” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures the wonderful myriad of colors of a highland moor and a band of humble sheep.

Waiting on Spring!

 The calendar says we’re in Spring, but step out the door and you’re not so sure. While the sunshine seems warm, because of the cold wind, the lake is still frozen and the standard of dress is still pure winter! Ah, but we hold on to hope and I’m planting summer bulbs in pots for putting outdoors in another month or so. And the countdown is on for the upcoming art shows. I’m honored to have my artwork on display at the Osceola Medical Center Gallery, beginning Friday, April 1 through June 31. The gallery is located in the public hallway of the clinic, and it’s a wonderful space for OMC staff and patients and family accessing the clinic services to view an ever-changing display of art. Special thanks to Sara Cutts, OMC Community Engagement Manager, and Han Huisman, artZ/OMC coordinator, for their tremendous work in organizing these exhibits.

This week’s painting is another in the Liltie Series featuring rural mailboxes. Red Letter Day, 4” x 6” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures a mound of red tulips soaking up the spring sunshine while waiting for the daily mail.

Sunset today: 7:30 p.m.

It’s a banner day! I think the temps got into the high 50’s today with warm sunshine and brilliant sunset happening as I’m sitting at my computer typing this message. Hooray! We’ve had so many spectacular sunsets this winter over Fox Creek in the backyard, and we’re still enjoying them out our west windows. With summer, the forest leaves in the woods pretty much block the view. But the Sandhill cranes came back to the lake a couple of days ago and it’s so noisy most days with the Trumpeter Swans, Sandhills and Canadian Geese all coupling up and vying for the best nesting territory. I love that we live in a place where I can hear their amazing honking sounds far into the night.

I’m preparing for the 2022 Earth Art’s Spring Tour, happening May 6-8, and today’s painting is of another favorite sheep. I especially loved the weathered blue-green building in the background and the title, Fluffy Ewe, seems to perfectly fit this 4” x 6” Liltie Series watercolor.

 

Daylight Savings Time

Whether the calendar agrees or not, we turned the clocks ahead last weekend and the Spring weather has officially arrived! After a long time of hibernation, the temps are in the 40’s-50’s and it seems like we are poised for busy months of ahead. I have three upcoming art shows – the first one at the Osceola Medical Center Gallery, April 1 through June 30; the second at artZ Gallery in Amery, May 1 through June 30; and the third one at Arts In Hand Gallery in Spooner, July 9-10. And in the midst of all this, the Earth Arts Spring Tour is slated for May 6-8, 2022! So much to look forward to!

In celebrating the return of longer daylight, this week’s painting captures a sweet moment in Spring – Blue Letter Day, a 4” x 6” Liltie Series watercolor, features a sea of blue flowers surrounding a rural mailbox.

Back to the basics!

This is an especially emotional time for our family. On Tuesday, my Mom will be moving to her new space in Assisted Living. And the ripple effect impacts all of us – with the busyness of sorting, packing, and going through all the incredible logistics inherent in moving to this new apartment. Although she’s lived in the main facility for a few years, this is a major shift from Independent to AL and involves a big effort in downsizing. Change can be hard for anyone, but I think it must be especially difficult when you’re 89. Through it all, I’m so hoping this will be a positive experience for her. After the COVID years of living pretty isolated in her apartment, this move seems to open new opportunities to gather at mealtimes with others and have access to more activities.

With much on my mind, I’m enjoying painting more of the Liltie Series. This week’s painting, Mossy Shore, 4” x 6” watercolor, features several of my favorite things – clear water, mossy rocks and an ever-changing sky.