Isolation Series: "Good Morning, Doves."

"Good Morning, Doves."
11x14" mixed media on paper

I couldn’t resist a scribble of this trio perched on the deck rail, peering in at me one early, pearly morning: an observer being observed, clearly.

Isolation Series: "Sister Wind"

"Sister Wind"
11x14 mixed media on paper

Sister Wind has a variety of seasonal footwear: pointe shoes for spring, stilettos for autumn, and felted boots for winter, but I like it best when she shows up barefoot in summer breezes.

Isolation Series: "Ready, Set, Go!"

"Ready, Set, Go!"
11x14 mixed media on paper

Walking in winter sometimes feels like I’m gearing up for a race, literally and figuratively. Mostly I’m gearing up to win the battle of mind over matter. First comes the acknowledgement: “it’s time.” Then follows the preparation - the layering of years of “wisdom training”: snow pants, boots, coat, hat, mitts, scarf, lip balm, and sunglasses. Then finally, the first steps: out the door, down the walkway, and onto the route. My years of experience remind me: “you can do this; you enjoy this,” and then I’m off, filling my lungs with winter freshness and flooding my senses with joy.

Isolation Series: "The Houseplant"

"The Houseplant"
11x14" mixed media on paper

I have a collection of houseplants to keep a bit of growing-green colour in the house year round. This time of year the plants start to do spring things: forming buds and pushing up new shoots. I find it fascinating how their inner clocks know when it is time to wake up, and grow. I also find it encouraging because the plants know winter is on the wane and change is about to happen. This is cause for celebration, so I partied with some viral dots and rah-rah red: houseplant joie de vivre?

Isolation Series: "Pause for Thought"

"Pause for Thought"
11x14" marker and ink on paper

These are days for thinking, for reflection, and contemplation. I read the news, and after I’ve gotten over initial reactions, I have a good think. I remember how things used to be, note how things are presently, and wonder what the future will be like. This pandemic holding pattern lifestyle requires great patience and stamina, not to mention creative thinking. Some days are better than others. On challenging days I remind myself, hard times bring about soft things - eventually. Recollections of the good around me, despite things I don’t like, fan a flame of hope, a flickering reminder: I will get through this; we will get through this.

“Sorrow May last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” 

Isolation Series: Blue Dog

"Blue Dog"
11x14" mixed media on paper

A dog showed up on my drawing page today. I thought it should be black but it choose blue.

Isolation Series: Headline Headache

"Headline Headache"
11x14" mixed media collage on paper

When I read the news it makes my head ache,
The headline reporting is too hard to take.

Mandates and updates, all the rags shout:
Wash your hands!
Wear a mask!
Keep a distance when out!

Lockdowns and shutdowns and stay at home orders,
Sanctions, directions, and closures of borders.

New virus variants, vapid vaccine updates;
Unvarying announcements that I’ve come to hate.

I desperately wish for a great press release:
A news flash or newscast with good news and peace!