Saturday, September 26, 2020

September slipping by

This is Sam. She's the last of four. She's 19 years old. I hold her while I sit in this chair in her outside pen. She sits by this chair when I'm not with her. She has adapted to being alone very well, but I'm careful to hold her everyday, and I let her out of her pen when I'm in the yard. She follows me like a dog, and comes to me when I call her. She's my feather-child.
If you look closely, you'll see a gathering of sparrows to bathe in our naturally hollowed out stones. One day I counted 14 sparrows.
This is a painting I just finished. I haven't titled it yet. Acrylics on canvas.
Some days we have the smoke from the fires out west in our skies. We can't smell it, but it has changed our air quality readings, and it makes the sun look other-worldly. I wish the photo showed exactly what I saw. It was scary. My heart goes out to the ones who've lost so much, or that have had to see this awful event first hand.



 

13 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Your Sam is a wonder goose! I didn't know they could get that old. Nice photos, too. My heart goes out to those affected by the fires, it must be awful. Your painting is fantastic! Have a good week, stay safe! Hugs, Valerie

Barbara said...

I just love the photos you take around your property. It all looks so “homey” and comfortable.
Sam is beautiful, and it’s precious that the sparrows like gathering in the natural rocks. Even your shovels exhibit togetherness with handles entwined. We have the same odd sun at times, but mostly it’s a cloudy haze here. Let us know what title you choose for your new painting, “Salty Friends” comes to my mind. I like the way your subjects seem to be brought out by the background technique you use. Do you add the background last? It’s a wonderful piece!!

kathyinozarks said...

So sweet you are taking care of your goose. that's sad she is by herself.
I love your rock that holds water-I have one similar at the woods house that I want to get her somehow-it's heavy.
Love your painting and lovely photos-hugs Kathy

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

My goodness......19 years? I just love your Sam! The sunsets have looked unusual here as well. And it is heart breaking to hear of all of the fires. Your post is so lovely!

sirkkis said...

Ohh, how adorable Sam is! Almost unbelievable to me that a bird can be so honest to a human being. Thank you for sharing thee amazing sky picture. Our news has told that our Lapland the sky has been a bit red for the same reason.
Thank you also telling me about your Finnish school made again, and the sauna. Our saunas were just like you told you saw, Of course are now mostly electric saunas.
It's a new week beginning, so I'm wishing you a good start,
and be safe and well xx

Debra said...

You're so kind! I re-worked this almost to death. I kind of worked all areas at the same time. I'd like to get to the point where I have a clear vision of the finished painting-but I guess that will take quite a lot of painting to get to that point.

Debra said...

Thank you-my blog pals are the best!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Sam is beautiful, heart warming her waiting by the chair for you, demonstrating she loves you.

jenclair said...

Your taking the time to hold Sam each day makes me happy. Feather-child, indeed. I love your latest painting, Debra!

Henny Penny said...

I love that you hold Sam. She is still very pretty. We have one old Muscovy duck who waddles from the pond to the house and back. The sparrows bathing, well that's amazing and so is your painting. You post such pretty pictures.

Debbie Nolan said...

Ah 19 years of love for your sweet friend touches my heart. Dear Debra your painting is so lovely and whimsical. Just love it. Also your photos are gorgeous. My prayers echo yours for those who have lost so much this year. The sun has been so red in the morning when it rises...reminds me to keep praying for those in the states that are seeing devastating loss. Take care and keep the faith. Hugs!

Debra said...

Thank you all! :)

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

I remember seeing hundreds of sparrows when I was young but I see them rarely nowadays.