Drum Major
I took a few photos of this small drum core from a local elementary school in Bataan, Philippines, 2010. The day was a celebration of the visit of Edward Cardinal Adams, the papal nuncio for the country. Much pageantry and traditional display welcomed him in the streets of Balanga. These young students were only too happy and proud to keep the beat on the cathedral grounds.
Tanglewood
Woodland and wild growth surround this old stone storehouse. The window seems to look out at the viewer, and the sagging door eases open in invitation. The mystery of what once was is woven all through its present. And of the moment, the lacy heads of Queen Anne’s lace bob and smile at the history.
Apple Serviette
A small wonderland of apple trees grows in our expansive front yard. We are delighted to eat of the fruits of the land for much of the year, mostly because of our delicious few varieties of apples. This one, I believe, is a McIntosh, with its shiny skin and bursting flavor, so juicy and so sweet. If you arrive at our property in the Springtime, you would be welcomed and engulfed in fragrance and blossom.
Small Harvest
It was a beautiful Fall Season this year, and the painting above captures a gleaning of its humble gifts. The gardens were lush with Black-eyed Susans and generous with plump, flavorful tomatoes. I thought it fitting to plop the flowers into a small canning jar, as a backdrop to the hand-picked tomato. Voila! A painting in waiting! Now it is accomplished, and ready to hang.
Surge (Last Stage)
Above is the finish of yesterday’s post. It is a simple painting in which I only wanted to capture an essence of the soothing, moving water, that so many of us beach birds enjoy. But Hurricane Sandy recently reminded us of the hidden energy in such a peaceful scene. These days we are still thinking of all those swept aside and devastated by the walls of sand and surge that rammed into America’s east coast. Their lives are painfully disrupted. We pray for their recovery in every way.
