#494 • Their Path Through

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We have a herd of deer in our neighborhood. They traverse a field across the road, clickety-clack over the road and meander down the hill to our field where they will look for apples under our ancient trees or acorns along the oak lined river. Sometimes they will slip over the bank for a drink if the river isn't frozen yet. 

I used to think seeing them was pretty special, until they discovered my broccoli one year and our cedar trees another. There was plenty for them to eat out there, but they loved the salad bar we inadvertently offered them more. We should have known better.

I suppose I have to acknowledge that their path through was used way before we humans arrived. So no hard feelings. Just a higher fence and hoop houses.

Their Path Through • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $275

#493 • The Activity Up There

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Everything always looks so beautifully calm up there. But the universe is in constant motion and activity. It expands and shrinks. There is creation and destruction, explosions and implosions. It's alive. Everything always looks so beautifully calm up there. But the universe is in constant motion and activity. It expands and shrinks. There is creation and destruction, explosions and implosions. It's alive. And to me, that's a miracle.

#492 • Waiting For More Winter To Arrive

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A lot of us are navigating our day with one eye looking over our shoulders for the next dump. This time it's going to be an Alberta Clipper, aka a SWAC event - snow, wind and cold.  

Right now however, it's peaceful - calm and quiet. The trees are motionless, there are no birdies twittering around, and the landscape is shades of black, white, green and brown. The sky is a nondescript and flat gray overhead. We humans? We're just waiting for more winter to arrive, some more anxious than others.

Waiting For More Winter To Arrive • 8" x 8" framed to 12" x 12" • $275

#491 • Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address Greetings to the Natural World

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The People • Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.
Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother • We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She
supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.

 
The Waters • We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms- waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.
Now our minds are one.

The Fish
We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.

The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.
Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.
Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.
Now our minds are one.

The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.
Now our minds are one

The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.
Now our minds are one.

The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.
Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers
Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.
Now our minds are one.

The Sun
We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.
Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon
We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.
Now our minds are one.

The Stars
We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.
Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers
We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.
Now our minds are one.

The Creator
Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.
Now our minds are one.

Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.
Now our minds are one.

This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was developed, published in 1993, and provided, courtesy of: Six Nations Indian Museum and the Tracking Project All rights reserved. Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World English version: John Stokes and
Kanawahienton (David Benedict, Turtle Clan/Mohawk) Mohawk version: Rokwaho (Dan
Thompson, Wolf Clan/Mohawk) Original inspiration: Tekaronianekon (Jake Swamp, Wolf
Clan/Mohawk)

#490 • What Just Passed Us By

 

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And so looking back, I found this painting of early fall I had laying around the studio. It all went by so fast it seems, and it was spectacular up here in the western foothills and mountains.

What Just Passed By • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $275

#489 • Hunters Full Super Moon

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I haven't been reading the NYTs. Gave that up for sanity reasons. I also have not been listening to the major network morning news much either. As a result I have been revisiting the lost art of self discovery - like looking out my window the other night and being jaw dropping surprised by how big the full moon was. Sure enough, my alternative sources of info tell me it's the Hunters Moon but also the third super moon of the year.

 

For those who don't know, the Hunters Moon always follows the Harvest Moon and signaled the start of the hunting season for early civilizations. It reminded them, not that they needed it, that it was time to prepare for winter, though the weather up here the past few days has been a very tricky summer-like.

For me, it's time to get the garlic ready to plant.

Hunters Full Super Moon • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12"• $275

#488 • Roaming the Hills and Valleys

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I took a day off and rode over to Sunday Rive Ski Resort - hadn't been there in over a decade. Wow - the expansion is amazing. But more amazing were the views that expansion opened up.

There's a lot of debate about ski areas these days - are they good for the environment or not. I come down on the side of good for a variety of reasons. The town I live in - Kingfield, would not be much of anything without Sugarloaf up the road in terms of commerce and employment.

But the biggest plus is that ski areas get people up in to the mountains and valleys. Folks get to see the incredible landscape that we live in. You feel a strong pull to preserve those forests, hills, mountains, stream and lakes.

In the meantime, force myself to do these landscapes. I would never presume to have the talent to capture the beauty out there - I'll leave that to the pros. But here's a sketch of one of those scenes I saw at Sunday River.

Roaming the Hills and Valleys • 8" x 8" acrylice framed to 12" x 12" • $275

#487 • Ancient Autumn Leaf Changing Stories

 

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The leaves are just beginning to change around here. It would be a very sad time of year for me, but as if to ease the pain of summer's passing, Mother Nature gives us a period of adjustment with a stunning color show out there. It's a real distraction and has become a favorite time of year for me. I forget jump full on in to the drama of it.

I can't imagine what humans thought was going on out there when this happened every year eons ago. What story did they put to it? The science is fascinating, but stories are always more fun. Here are a couple:

https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/autumn-color/

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/why-leaves-change-color#

Ancient Autumn Leaf Changing Stories • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $275

#486 • Sailing Away Around the Bays

 

It's been a fun summer sailing around the bays here in Maine. We haven't gone way down east yet, but we will. We've just enjoyed figuring out whether or not we two workaholics have it in us to meander the coast all summer in slow motion. As it turns out, we can but only if we have to come home to mow the lawn and weed the garden. These two chores keeps reality within reach just in case we begin to fall off the big life-altering cliff.

My wish for this Labor Day weekend is that everyone in the world has an opportunity to enjoy a little time even if it's in their head, when there are no deadlines looming, no more have-to-do-work in the pipeline and no more someone lurking over your shoulder demanding better and more.

Be well out there. 

iPad sketch

#485 • Perry Creek Sunset

Sunsets in Perry Creek are not as memorable as other anchorages - it doesn’t have the long view off to the west. But one night I saw this and was surprised. It was quite stunning.

iPad sketch

#484 • Too Magical For Words

It was another foggy morning heading out of Bucks Harbor. No wind, flat calm, silent except for the drone of our engine.

A light breeze began to release its fingers across our bow. And then as if too shy, it would draw them back, afraid to commit it seemed. But very very slowly the fingers gently morphed into hands, arms and eventually completed itself. We quietly raised our main and  popped the jib, afraid we might scare this delicate breeze away. The engine was released and we began our whisper across the silver mirror spread out before us, our dinghy quietly gurgling behind.

There were no other boats about. Fog gradually gave way and the southern horizon lit up against the gray clouds over its head. It was too magical for words, impossible to depict this gift of a few hours of otherworldly beauty and grace.

IPad sketch

#483 • Just Another Foggy Day

 

It was just another foggy day out in the islands. We went ashore and walked by this sweet little summer house while stretching our legs on Vinalhaven.

A quick sketch on my iPad.

#482 • Maybe She Was Just Fishing

It was damp but not raining as we clawed our way through downtown Bar Harbor to the waterfront walkway finally finding relief from the heat and the mayhem that was thousands of cruise ship t-shirt collectors. 

We were there taking a break from days of sailing through fog and rain, and to check out the winter storms damage as we’ve been doing all summer along the coast and around the islands. A sizable chunk of shoreline was missing from the famous path shortening our walk by half, so we wandered over to the public wharf to check out the local fishing fleet. 

One of the boats had a blown a transmission. Her captain was suffering a big owie. Tom could relate and hung around to give him moral support. I decided to meander over to the other side of the wharf where I found a young woman fishing by herself down below me on one of the floats. 

She looked as if she had just left work. Her hair was stylishly cut and she wore a beautiful loose fitting light weight white jacket, long pleated black skirt, white gloves and upscale sneakers.

She was casting by herself - for mackerel is my guess. As I eased my way down the gangway, I noticed there was no bucket for her catch. Was she fishing to relax after work, looking for relief from the heat, people, noise? Maybe as a youngster she had learned to fish with her dad, and the simple graceful motion of casting fed her soul. Or maybe she was just fishing.

 

She represented such a contrast to what was happening in town and in my head, a reminder of the gifts received when time is loosely held for a minute to simply take a look around. 

iPad sketch - NFS

#481 • Swans Island Walk

It was a rare sunny day and on our way down east we stopped off for a night in Swans Island. We rowed ashore for a quick walk out to the lighthouse after suppah to stretch our sea legs. The temps had moderated a bit and the flying bitey bastards hadn’t come out yet. You have to pick your windows of opportunity.

I saw this and immediately a scene so typically Maine island that I had to do a sketch on my iPad before I forgot the feeling.

NFS

#480 • Fog In the Thorofare

 

Hopefully fog is on break for a while out there in the water. Been a busy spring and early summer playing in it. It's almost impossible to stay on course when you're in it unless all eyes stay put on the compass or GPS. But before it fully engulfs it can be fascinating to watch move around.

Making our way across Penobscot Bay, we had just come out of the fog in the Fox Island Thorofare. I looked behind us and saw a finger drifting across to Southern Harbor. Sketched it out on my iPAd. 

NFS

#479 • Moods on the Coast

 

A fan sent me an email hoping that I had not expired because I had not posted a weekly painting since winter. I confess it was because I was busy with work and having too much fun skiing in between.

I don't paint while I'm on the boat. Sailing is a full time job. Besides, summer for me is time to get out there and explore the landscape for those magical thoughts that only appear when you're not thinking. I also take a lot of photos for winter time inspiration. Sometimes I even paint what I capture though there's no way I ever compete with Mother Nature.

So I use my iPAD to jot down thoughts. It's fun and easy and there's no clean-up, another issue when you're trying to conserve water. These are a couple of different moods I encounter out there, and there certainly have been many.

NFS

#478 • City Sledding

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Here's hoping that all those city kids out there get a big enough dump to take off from school and into the wild blue yonder on high flying sleds. And if they don't have one handy, do what we did when we were kids and let them grab anything that floats on snow. Good luck, have fun, and scare the hell out of your parents - or at least remind them of their wild and crazy childhoods when sledding was freedom from everything!

City Sledding• 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $275