#504 • The Day We Could Hang Our Laundry Outdoors

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For all of my fellow sun-starved Mainers out there, here's a representation of what a sunny day somewhere on the planet looks like just in case you've forgotten. It's one of those days so perfect after weeks of dreary, wet and drab sunless weather, that for some of us who don't ask for much quickly wash our laundry and get it outdoors to dry on a line just to remind us what sun and wind-dried bedding smells like. For me it's another one of those signs that spring has finally arrived.

I was prompted to post this after hearing a recent and alarming stat thrown at us this morning by the Maine weather folks. Maine has had three full clear days of sun out of 20 this month so far. If I had known I would have started taking Vitamin D sooner, but in the meantime thank heavens for indoor pickleball.

The Day We Could Hang Our Laundry Outdoors • 8" x 9" acrylic framed to 12" x 13" • $300

#503 • When Orioles Show Off

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When orioles show off you know it's spring and hook up time. I would imagine it's happening right now in every Birdland Jazz Club (named after the iconic jazz saxophonist, Charlie Parker), in Maine and on the east coast.

The courtship starts off not so slowly with the Lindy Hop, which originated in Harlem by the way, and was inspired by aviator Charles Lindberg who "hopped" the pond in 1927.

Anyway, the male will Lindy around his dance partner like a lunatic, then trick her with a chivalrous bow forward that is followed by a wingspread finale revealing what she's been waiting her whole life for - his brilliant bright orange back. I have one friend that I know of who would definitely fall for this one - the brilliant bright orange that is. But in my opinion, any guy who shows me his back during a Lindy is saying something to the contrary!

When Orioles Show Off • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#502 • March's Blood Moon

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Oops, I just found this painting in a pile of stuff on my work bench - I forgot to post it back in March during the blood moon. But by the way the weather is acting today it might as well be March. Besides, the Derby is being held tomorrow and though these two critters have a much more relaxed life up here in Maine than their fellow mounts down south, let's pray that the jockeys and their fleet-footed steads have a safe race this year.

Have a great day out there folks!

March's Blood Moon • 8" x 8"acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#501• Antidote To Grim

 

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Well, it's looking pretty grim out there. Today it's overcast and foggy up through the valley.

 

But on the bright side it's the high season for mud lovers. This most recent wet snow and warming up will make a fine batch of the stuff for a variety of fun outdoor activities. Leg-lengthening-post-holing through the snow on walks across fields, ankle twisting and an occasional shock-busting surprise to the front end of vehicles trying to navigate this year's crop of potholes as our roads begin to yawn open.

 

In the meantime, here's one last pretty wintery scene to remember the good times by.

 

Antidote To Grim • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#500 • Winter Melt Down

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This winter I wore two down jackets skiing for three straight weeks. I've never done that before. The cold and wind finally got to me after all of these years. I got sick and then cranky, but was able to walk and then ski for an hour at first before my lungs mutinied and finally shut down, exhausted. But I got stronger every day. The battle against the elements became a lesson in fortitude and perseverance and how to muster up the resources necessary to continue to move forward.

It wasn't just the weather that caused all of the drama of course. A second set of resources was necessary as I witnessed our Democracy strain against the tide of injustice, pure greed and insanity. We all have our own way of dealing, but I chose to confront this the same way I did the weather - by figuring out how to protect myself first, and then and only then, stepping out to take a stand even if all I could bear was a minute a day. Because as I found out this winter, the weather wasn't going to moderate, but the resources to deal with it became more evident as I needed them.

For me, what's happening now is like taking classes in sociology, psychology, civics, law, history, finance, business, economics, cybersecurity, communications, etc. It's fascinating! I decided to make calls to Congress as issues arise until I pick my area of interest, gather with like-minded individuals for more resources, and figure out the most effective way to deal with the abomination that is the current administration.

Good luck out there!

Winter Melt Down • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#499 • Another Snowday in Maine

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Ah, the peace and quiet! 

It's another one of those beautiful monotone snowdays in Maine. Here where I am, it's a very elegant and silent antidote to the over stimulating whirl of events going on in the world today. Not a hint of wind though I hear the mountains are getting hit with some pretty big gusts.

Another Snowday in Maine • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300

#498 • Well Heck!

 

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Well heck! It's about time we saw some snow - it cleans and brightens things up nicely. 

It's been a very strange winter season up here. It's almost as if Mother Nature has been preparing us for what promises to be a very strange year and three ahead. Things will get very chaotic at times. We've seen the tip of the iceberg. But there always seems to be a balancing out eventually. 

Every action in nature - that includes us, instantaneously creates a reaction. In the case of winter, it's summer. Every problem instantaneously creates a solution. In the case of the chaos in Washington, we just don't see it yet, but Universal Law dictates that what is put out there gets walloped one hundred-fold back! Fingers crossed.

In the meantime, get involved. Create some action, make some calls.

Well Heck! • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $300