The carrot on a stick.  Always in front of us.  Always offering the hope of more in our lives.  As humans, we always want more.  And isn't it all relative?  Some need a new BMW.  Others need a safe place to sleep or a meal.  

I created this sculpture a few years back based on a dream I had.  If we are to make this a better world, we need to take action and help women, especially women because they will nurture this wounded world.  They are the creators of future generations who will either be taught to war or love.  I hope you will support Womenforwomen.org, the international organization that is making a difference for thousands of women, children and men.  The Red Spirit is supporting this cause.  Because it's still my dream.  And, we will always have hope.                                 

Fall has arrived after a very busy summer of improvements both inside and outside.  The pond is finished except for final landscaping.  The barn is being prepped for future workshops and retreats.  The cabin, with new wood flooring and screened-in porch, is more cozy than ever.  And, a number of trees have been cleared to give others a chance to grow.  The result is that there's more depth of vision and more sunlight through the forest.  Also, there's more paths to walk in quiet contemplation, too.

In watching a little black squirrel on a high, small branch hesitate, then jump to another small branch, I thought that we should all observe the lesson:  Take a leap of faith!  You'll be fine.  

Spring

This has been a very busy Spring with many improvements to the place. One is the screened-in porch where we can enjoy morning coffees, afternoon drinks, and evening sunsets with good conversations. The porch overlooks the pond (not quite visible here) which has a choir of peepers singing much of the time.

My son and grandson are playing Fish. Soon they'll be seeing fish in the pond as we are stocking it now.

A snow day

Here is where you can find peace, silence and beauty. Here is where I am one with everything. These are the pristine mornings of untouched snow...until Zeppi bounds out to chase her ball.

I participated in 2 local markets, selling fresh pies for people to enjoy while watching the snow fall. Baking goes well with winter days.

All is temporary

I painted this black jaguar a number of years ago which will soon have a new home. I remember that I was canning beets in between painting her on the porch.

Now that there's more time to paint again, I plan to paint more on glass and mirror which has also been an interest of mine.

The woods offers a wealth of subject matter if I only take time to study my surroundings. There's a beautiful young maple outside the window which is exploding with splashy orange, pink, yellow, green and brown color.

Another friend who is leaving is the Whizzer, a sculpture that's been fondly viewed for a long time. He was created by an artist in Wisconsin and will soon return to Evanston to occupy a new home. Once again I'm reminded of balance in my life. Giving and receiving. Letting go...

Nesting

A preview of things to come as I'm making a new nest.  More to come.  No more chirps for now.

Fall is here!

Michigan nectarines were fabulous this year.  I canned and froze fruit and vegetables in between moving furniture etc. to the cabin.  

The turkeys are back roaming through the woods but high-tail it out of here when there's any sudden movement.  One day I'll get a great picture of them.

This year of transition promises more sweet surprises, I'm sure.