Hope 15

Hope 15

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

The birds and the bees. Well, mostly just birds, are busy. They are singing and flying and darting from tree to tree. This fir, unlikely survivor of the firestorm, is their favorite perch. We sit in awe and watch as they get their bird's eye view of the meadow before taking off to catch a morsel to feed the babies in the birdhouse, or just to fly off and return for another look around.  It is a little miracle that plays out multiple times every day. And it is cause for celebration every time.

Hope 14

Hope 14

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

We are small, in the great scheme of things. It is good to remember that at times like these.

I am just glad to be here. 

Still.

Hope 13

Hope 13

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

It took most of the morning to mix the beautiful colors in Marjory Garrison's Instagram "Findings" photo of seed pods, an assignment I had given myself a few days ago.  I used them to paint my morning jog through the Rossi vineyard which takes me right back to my childhood walk with my father along Lawndale Road. This is a nostalgic time. I feel my parents' presence and it is profoundly comforting.

Hope 12

Hope 12

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

Dramatic dark skies, welcome rain, and light are coming and going. Fourteen years ago, this was a tiny oak, in the shadow of a grand old oak around which we built our house. The big oak burned in the 2017 fire. Now this tree has become central to our view. Growing, thriving, and a symbol of survival. After the fire, we thought all was lost. Not so. 

Thankfully, our family members  take turns being down. Today I am feeling optimistic, while others are at their wits end. Light and dark. Coming and going. Up and down. We can do this. We have resolve. All will not be lost.

Hope 11

Hope 11

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

Sleep helps. As does a morning jog to the road, a Zoom gathering of our First Friday breakfast group, bright sunshine, a flock of deer in the afternoon, and more poppies.  Oh, the California poppies!

I am following Mother Nature's lead. 

Life goes on.

Hope 10

Hope 10

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

We are all feeling low today. There is sadness everywhere, and no end in sight.

But. 

This morning four turkey toms were strutting around all puffed up, showing their stuff.

Two healthy Coyotes pranced up the hill.

Birds are singing their little fast-beating hearts out.

And.

The Wedding tree (so named because we celebrated our daughter's wedding under it on a warm August night seven years ago.) continues to leaf out so far surviving the 2017 fire.

So.

I am taking my cues from Mother Nature.

Yes We Can.

Hope 9

Hope 9

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

Poppies are popping up everywhere.

And there is a perfect half moon up in the midday sky.

That's the good news.

We all know the bad news. And this is hard.