Isolation Series: Merganser Mother

"Merganser Mother"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

I have enjoyed seeing common mergansers on the creek this spring. The females have stunning orange feather-do’s. Their communication sounds like underwater sonar - very unusual. All the ducks and geese at the creek have focused on a singular mission: protecting and nurturing their offspring in the wild. Danger surrounds them hourly. I think how we need to be diligent in our pandemic world - even when it feels safer. One only has to read the news to know the “wild woods” still surround us. Let’s not let down our guards.  

Isolation Series: Honours with Distinction

"Honours with Distinction"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

These are cap and gown days. The pandemic has altered traditional ceremonial events with innovative distinction. Signs proclaiming: “a grad lives here!” have popped up in neighbourhoods across the country, and education facilities proudly display huge congratulations while conducting drive by diploma receptions. It pleases me to see how grads are being honoured in this time of social restrictions. I can’t help but think, that when they look back, they will be able to say all grads received certificates of honours with distinction in 2020. 

Isolation Series: Grandma, Braid My Hair?

"Grandma, Braid My Hair?"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

Today’s drawing is from a scribble left by my eldest granddaughter. Now that we can increase our “bubbles” in numbers my grandchildren can visit. The minute I saw she had brought her hairbrush and elastics she asked: “Grandma, braid my hair?” It was a simple request but it warmed my heart immeasurably. So, I braided my granddaughter’s hair and gave thanks for the gift of an ordinary, loving task, returned to my hands.

Isolation Series: The Garden Jester

"The Garden Jester"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

I have had to replant carrots, beets, and lettuce this year because this little critter likes to dig - all the way to China, it seems! Early morning, it pops out of yet another new hole to greet the day. I’ve observed it sniff the air and do a sun salutation. It likes to race and hide under the hosta plants then perch on the fence post to become a garden statue. It has been both chaser and chased when it comes to the prolific squirrels. Resilient, feisty, a comic and pester; Chipmunk is a garden jester.

(Thanks goes to my grandson, who left me with this scribble to make a into a drawing).

Isolation Series: Phlox and Fern

Phlox and Fern

These are gentle, pleasant days, as spring rolls over into summer. My morning visits to the creek involve strolling through gossamer threads of spider silk waving on the breezes, of seeing the ferny grass tops blush pink as the sun shines through them, and of watching puffs of pollen release into the air as the wind blows. The birds sing sweetly, the heron still fishes, and the baby ducks grow fat.

Isolation Series: The Fragrance of June

"The Fragrance of June"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

These late spring days are heady with purple scents. The creek banks flaunt cotton candy colours to accessorize bright spring greens. Wild honeysuckle, phlox and iris mingle with lilac blossoms and perfume the breezes. My visits to the creek are much sweeter for it.

Isolation Series: Morning Coffee

"Morning Coffee"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

These are busy outdoor days. I have drawings on the go - but gardening calls. My morning starts with a cup of coffee to accompany quiet contemplation. I think of it as brewing gratitude. Enjoyed inside or outside, that first cup is an infusion of satisfaction and thanksgiving.

Isolation Series: Red Fox

"Red Fox"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

It is no surprise Red Fox emerged from my line drawings this week; he made an impressionable appearance at the creek. The sun was shining and his flaming red coat stood out instantly as he wandered through the bright grasses on the opposite bank. He didn’t stay long, unfortunately, as the birds were on high alert and a collective air attack commenced by crows, red-winged blackbirds, and grackles. Red Fox was having none of this! He gave a glorious leap into the air and hightailed it back to the shadowy growth. I do hope to see him again - from a distance, of course.

Isolation Series: Violet Showers

"Violet Showers"
11x14 mixed media on paper

On a particularly hot day, my husband and I sat down to enjoy the backyard shade. We had just watered the gardens so all the green plants were sparkling and dripping with water drops.  A trembling from within the white violets caught our eyes. A wren hopped out, shaking itself with water drops, then hopped back in to the plant where more foliage trembling occurred. This went on for a little while. We looked at each other and remarked: “How innovative!” I believe we just discovered when it comes to bathing; wrens prefer showers under the flowers!  

Isolation Series: Water Balloon Bounce

"Water Balloon Bounce"
11x14 marker and ink on paper

My grandkids have a backyard trampoline. It is a constant source of entertainment when good weather arrives. On hot days they fill water balloons and load up the springy surface for a splashy bounce. My scribbled lines reminded me of their sparkling energy overlaid with giggles and joy, so I joined in and “bounced” along with them.