When roosters come to mind

I sat down to paint. 50% of the time, I don't know what I'll paint. Then as I start, something inside squeaks, urges, cajoles - and out comes...a rooster. A very dignified rooster. With deep meaning of course.

It made me want to paint all the animals in this folk style. Paint, sell it, say good-bye. Paint more, sell it, say good-bye. This piece has asked me if it may stay for awhile, in this home, where it was created. It seems to want to be with me.

I will hang it in the butter yellow kitchen.

Special Visitor from Afar!

We were so thrilled to have an Official Pie Ambassador come meet us - all the way from Mississippi [Pino likes this state because it has a lot of s's and p's]...I confess, she really came to meet Pino, but I wowed her with some of my apple pie. I must say, the crust was especially delicious, mainly because I put in less water and it was like eating butter...I was thrilled when our honorary pie ambassador had a second piece - I feel I can say this, as she often writes about her pie addictions, and well, what's wrong with 2 pieces of pie? Nothin', I say! Life is short, eat pie.

The weather was miserable [and I must say, this picture does not to either of us justice, we are so much prettier in life, right Amy? Right Lucia?].My tea and pie party with Pino had to become an indoor party for our guests. If Martyn hadn't been home, I would have brought Pino in, but, well, I didn't. Our pie guests took a real shining to Lucia, which happens to everyone that meets her. Paco was well behaved, and just a tad grumpy, but he kept an eye on all to make sure no one stole Lucia. He worries about this. In fact, Paco worries about everything, the poor little fellow. We love him so for his worries.

So thank you Amy and Amy's Mom [who came from Texas] for taking time out of your trip to visit us. And they brought us gifts! We love surprises.

For Pino please

Call for Aprons!

I want to hang a bevy of aprons on a clothesline for my June 28th Pino Pie event.

I am asking people to donate an apron for the event. All money from sales goes into Pino's secret bucket for his donkey therapy goals. Special Pino thankyou's will be sent to all who donate.

Do you love to shop/antique?
If you find an apron and would like to donate it, please do. I will acknowledge your donation with a surprise from Pino. Don't break your piggy bank, just buy and donate an apron you find charming - we especially love vintage finds, but let your eyes and heart do the choosing. All are appreciated. Make sure to include a mailing address, and email address when you mail me the apron.

Are you a sewer, of ANY level?
Then we'd be honored to have you donate an apron for our cause. You might want to tell me the suggested retail - and again, you will receive a special thank you from Pino.

Make sure you sew a label of some kind in your apron. We know it takes time and energy to create things, and we will appreciate any efforts, no matter how humble [remember, I sew 'messes'...Include your name, address, email. NOTE: Include a business card or your promo card so I can include it on the "Apron Resource" board that I will have by the apron clothesline.

Aprons due by: June 20th
Mail to: Pino Balngiforti c/o Katherine Dunn, 14710 NW Tupper RD, Yamhill, OR 97148
Questions: email me >

Include in mailing: your address, email. Label your apron if you sew it yourself.

Equine perspective

Somedays you just need to stick a dandelion behind your ear and enjoy the upward view. I'd like to thank my horse for reminding me of this.

Kids, don't try this at home

I've told her a million times, "Frankie, eat the weeds on the inside of the fence..." But nobody around here ever listens to me, except maybe Huck, or Pino. I guess Rosemary the head ewe does.

Anyway, it was one of those days last week when you wonder what's going to happen next. I went out in the early morning to find the front door window on the hen house smashed, with Vivienne outside, happily seeking worms and such. No one was hurt, and I can't really figure out what happened. I think someone got antsy, since the the old fart farmer girl [that would be me] slept in - heaven forbid. Within an hour or so, after I was contently working in the studio, I notice everyone hovering in one spot in the vegetable bed area. Hmmmm, this doesn't feel right. I suspect the masses are up to no good. Out I go only to find Miss Franklinia, aka Frankie, stuck in the pasture fence.

Many owners ago, Frankie's horns were cut off, terrible as it is. They should have been removed properly, but it is too late now. She can do magical things with those cut off horns - she uses them like cherry pickers, swiftly opening any gate that is not tethered properly. Fortunately Frankie is a homebody, and knows the best way to conserve calories is to lay in the sun as much as possible, and then make one mad dash to the hay bales when I open the gates in the morning.

So I arrived to rescue the little queen, and heavens, she was really stuck. "You got in here, we have to be able to get you out...". She patiently waited for my commands, "Frankie, pull..." but she did not budge free. After about 15 minutes, Martyn happened out to the goat-in-a-fence mishap. He pushed from the front, I pulled from the tail...no go. There was no other way, it was time for the wire cutters. Free at last, that little goat ran straight back to the barn, full speed, it was so funny.

Later that day, I returned to do night feedings. But Frankie had a head start on me. Someone with the initials M.D. forgot to secure the hay area. Ah well, have you ever seen a pygmy in action...here's your chance.

Ah...breakfast....

Art makers for life - rejoice!

Dear art makers for life,

I was moved to write this letter to honor all of you who create forever, and don't stop. I was inspired to do this while going through my father's belongings after his death last month. I came upon many photographs, as he was an avid picture taker.
This photo of me made me smile, and it made me see that I am really that same person - I have changed little as far as my essence goes. I can tell exactly what I am thinking and feeling. I know the field I'm standing in, and I know the dog at my feet. The untidy under shirt and baggy pants - not too unlike the outfit you'll find me in now some 50 years later. I hate to admit it, but that little roll in my middle at age 3 that disappeared in my younger beauty days, well, it's back now. So, I am just like her.

I scribbled on paper back then, and painted things. I still do. I haven't given up. I am not a 'dabbler'. It's my biggest asset to myself - "I will always draw or paint something." Like the knowledge one owns the house and has a small nest egg in the bank, I have this thing I do and it brings me...stability. While the financial ups and downs are constant, the art making itself is like an electric cord from the grounded earth to my hands, and the art is like the music that goes back out to the wind. Without the art, I don't think I'd stay tethered too long to any one spot on the ground. I would be alone without it. Completely alone.

My father was an artist. He painted and drew. He was an architect of great success and designed many of the buildings at Mayo Clinic and Notre Dame. He travelled extensively in Europe for his job with 3M and he always had sketches and things around. Our art was very different, he understood perspectives and could draw a room to scale in seconds. I never had a real interest in perspective, but admired his abilities. When I went to help clean out his belongings, my mother casually showed me a small drawing he had done just two days before his death. He was unable to speak much then, and hospice had brought in a hospital bed for him. My mother, who had lived with this person for 53 years and knew him well, gave him a pad of paper to show her how they should situate the hospital bed in the living room. When I saw the little drawing, my heart smashed in pieces, but more out of pride and love, not sadness. It looks like that of the child's hand, abstract. I felt like I had stumbled on a Picasso, and quietly asked if I could have it.

While the drawing was just a sweet story for my mother to tell me, to me it was the culmination of a life. For even in his final days, as he struggled to sketch where his death bed should be placed, drawing was his means to communicate.
I think it is his most humble creation, but his most beautiful.

Like the drawings I was doing at the age the picture was taken here, it is very raw, and it made sense to the maker.

One moment

Listening

I just finished this painting yesterday and am pleased with it. The wind has been so visual and all encompassing in these spring months.On a windy day in early spring, I often have memories of being a young girl, and taking cover in the sumac groves in our back yard. It felt so safe in there, hearing the wind, but being under the leaves. To this day, certain spring smells remind me of those days, and I can vividly remember the jacket I always wore. I remember I loved to put on that spring pullover after a long Minnesota winter.

Now, as an mid life adult, the wind is full of even more intrigue for me. It carries much more meaning, and has so many messages entwined in it's motion. It's been comforting to have lately, it carries love to me from all over. It spreads seeds in the garden that sprout surprises. What are they? I forget, but they grow a little each day.

I'm taking some time today to be outside with Boone. We'll go for a short ride. His mane has such a grand time in the wind. And the tips of my braids will too.

Woman, not chicken

Vivienne's new children's book is out - no, not Vivienne my chicken, Vivienne Flesher the artist and Vivienne the chicken's name sake. Vivienne's newly released book, "Alfred's Nose" has a charming new website. Appropriate because, well, Alfred was charming. I was honored to meet Alfred years ago. He charmed me in many ways - his snorts, grunts, wigglies - but when he put that bat costume on, well, I was really in love. Be sure to roll over the icons for charming Alfred like sounds- why is a fart sound still so darn funny? I love this artist and I hope her book soars.

AND.........

Post script...My other good art compadré, Jenny Kostecki Shaw, just did a post on her NEW children's book . It's a wonderful, true story of Jenny's own travelling eye. These tow artists have encouraged me in my own efforts to get an editor to publish my book. I appreciate them both and admire them to for their published accomplishments. Someday!

The goodness of trees

I'm sure you can't tell from this picture, but Martyn just got done planting 400 trees on our small 1.3 acre parcel of river front.We learned about the CREPS program from farm friends , and signed up last year. Visit this link to see if you have a similar program in your area. There are also other programs you might qualify for.

Planting native trees on the river front will not only help establish the original native habitat, it will improve the long term health of the Yamhill river by providing shade and help erosion on the bank. The river's inhabitants as well as nesting birds will benefit. And we as land locked livers will see the trees and grow and benefit from their beauty.How can you go wrong by planting trees, and getting 75% back in materials and labor from the government. They even give us a small yearly rent for the next 15 years of the contract. It's exciting, and feels nice. I hope to add some birdhouses next year [they also help pay for those].



Trees have always been such important creatures in my daily life. As a loner by nature, I often prefer the company of a tree to that of a person. I need a lot of space to listen to all the things going on in my head, and though I enjoy and appreciate people in my life, trees are such good, impartial listeners, without agendas or baggage. The leaves they drop are not litter, but rather food for worms and dirt. I've never met a tree I didn't like.

More online store news

I've made additions and changes to store print section. I've added some new larger archival prints , incorporating hand written words into the pieces, like these. I've always loved the little girl dreaming of her farm...perhaps you know someone dreaming of a farm that would love this print.I'm a perfect example of dreams coming true, even though it took 4+ decades. I wouldn't have been ready before that, the universe wisely knew. I had other things to experience and do that made me what I am now.

I took off the popular small animal prints that were printed as high end art cards. They were very labor intensive.
I have replaced them with archival 5x7" prints on 8.5 x 11" archival fine art paper.
They can be easily matted and framed.

Make sure you check the nursery section too. I added some popular prints there. I also take requests to print an archival from images you see on my main portfolio site. Most can be made into prints, some can't, so just ask. I do charge additional for the service.

Spring for you

I have added this piece to the store site for sale, along with it's companion piece "Summer". I did these way back when I started out, and had them in my kitchen all these years [in three different houses]. I had so many people over the years want to buy them, but for whatever reasons, wanted to have them for awhile. Funny how that is. I think it's now time for them to move on and add shine to another kitchen. Visit the store site to purchase.

More sun bathers

Sun bather

Pie Bakers!

I just had someone volunteer to make 6 pies for the June 28th Pino Pie Day! Now that is a Pie Ambassador if there ever was one. So start thinking about baking a pie and bringing it too, or volunteering to be a pie server. Visit the Pie Day page to see what's planned so far.

I also stopped at my farm vet today for meds, and got a couple names and ideas about connecting with hospice workers, cancer patients and more.

One step at a time. Pino and I will make a difference to somebody.

On and on

This is Olive Oil, one of Rosie's triplets. She is small, expected from triplets, but I admit to a strong favoritism to her. She is a calm lamb and I do hold her more than the others.She has this odd little impish expression hard to resist. I called her Olive Oil because when she was born she was the thinnest little thing, she was like a board. I have too much on my mind to name lambs right now, so will start thinking. The 4 rams this year are exceptional. Hard choices to come in the months ahead.

The juxtaposition of the spring lambs running around, while we say good bye to my father, is appropriate to relish. One can feel and learn from the cycle of life anywhere, but nowhere have I grasped it more than on the farm living with
more land, and a river ebb and flowing, changing the river banks and uprooting trees.

"She whom we love and lose is no longer where she was before. She is now everywhere." St. John Chrysostom. This is what I am feeling. The things I learned, experienced, valued, received and felt from my father are all here, around me. They don't go away. If one stops at the moment they are thinking of that person, and notices - that bird that just landed, oh there he is. Or the sound of a branch on the roof - there he is again. The language is just different now.

Fatherly winds

I keep a boundary around my personal life on this blog, but I felt I needed to write something about my father's death. It is just the strangest sensation, on the day you get the word. Many know what I mean, others will someday. You can't practice for it, as one person said. Thank you for the many kind thoughts already.


In the predawn morning when my father died, it was not raining but the branch of the Doug Fir outside the bedroom window was blowing. I ate yogurt for breakfast just like the day before when he was still alive.

On the morning my father died, I went to the barn like I always do, first stopping to let the chickens out for their daily free range. I fed Boone and brushed him, taking time to rub his underbelly since he's shedding and he likes it. I watchede the mother ewes and looked over the new lambs while they ate.

"I must name them soon," I think to myself.

For that one moment I forgot what day it was.

I drive to the feed store for supplies. It began to rain at 2:01pm Oregon time. Everything becomes significant on the day your father dies. I see old men everywhere, with canes. One is buying birdseed. Old men are like old trees - they die one limb at a time. I had that thought in my head for a year now, wanting to paint it, but never did.

My father was not a religous man, nor am I preferring to look to Nature and Higher Power as one huge university with health and wellness seminars.I'm a leaf, only with a different anatomy and make-up, and will someday crumble to the worms.

Picking up the phone that morning, I heard the voice say,

"It's happened."

Not, "He's dead," but, "It's happened."

"It". That's a huge "it".

Later in the morning, I asked out loud,

"Where are you? What are you doing right now?"

My crumbling leaf analogy didn't really help as I ran into the impact of this day. Please, do not write and tell me you know where he is. It's really his business now. It would be nice if someone told me, "He felt the need to get away and went on a road trip east." If he had just gone on a road trip, I wouldn't need to know what states he went to, I could fathom he was still on earth, grounded by body. Wearing clothes. Dog at his side. Camera in the back seat. But just a crumbled leaf with the worms, I just could grasp it - on the day he died.

I noticed how sensitive I was to the wind that day. I think there might be this one terrifying moment before death, where I'll struggle to stay on Earth, "Please, I can't leave you behind, Wind!"

All day long, movies played in my mind - of former holidays as a family, pleasant lunches, little moments that are stuffed over a lifetime in a memory book, old houses we remodeled, that night we drank 100 year old Armanac in Zurich as father and daughter and smoked cigars. You remember the oddest things too, like standing in line at the old Mann Theater in St. Paul when I was about 7 waiting to see "Sound of Music". And the night he came into my room and made me a deal when I was 8 years old - instead of me buying tickets to the Monkee's concert, which he would have to chaperone me on, he offered to buy me all three of their albums. I pondered, and recognized the albums would last longer than a concert and agreed. I now smile at his probable relief.

On the day my father died, he was 84 years old and safe in his home with his wife of 53 years and his little dog nearby. He was surrounded by items he could still recognize as important to him. And I was on my farm, sleeping next to my husband, surrounded by fields and animals and things important to me - ike the worms and the wind.

Creatures helping Amelia

NOTE: The Paypal button I originally had below isn't working. So email me and I will send an electronic invoice for now until I figure it out. Wow! I knew you'd love them. Only one donkey left! Now, what about those sweet sheep? Sheep are $18.50 each [includes s/h]

I recently met Deborah Holmes who lives about an hour from me. She has chickens and some goats and has a love of donkeys. In fact, she might own a donkey someday. Deborah knows how to work with felt, one of my favorite things, and she made some mini felt creatures and showed them to me. I was in love and immediately encouraged her to make more! Aren't they so wonderful?

Deborah is raising funds for a friend who needs a transplant. All the money from selling these little creatures will go directly to the National Transplant Assistance fund to help Deborah's friend, Amelia. She captured the spirit of a donkey so well. She also did some sweet little sheep. They are $25-$28.50, includes USA s/h.

And next month, Deborah is going to come teach me how to make these! Can you imagine what will happen when I know how to make felt creatures? A barnyard will form over time....And I thought they might be fun to make for care packages from Pino to elderly or cancer wards. Scroll down to see Paypal button, and select your item.

Power of two

I did this rather odd piece for my portfolio this week. I had intended to do a man and woman, but ended up being 'urged" to make it sisters. The cat that was in one lap soon seemed to evolve into a piglet. I realized I was painting two sisters I know, farm girls. I embellished the story a bit, as I know they don't drink, but it seemed so juicy to think of two hardworking [which they are] farm girls who spend their days flipping goats to trim their feet - and then rest in dresses, barefoot, with a strong martini...surrounded by family portraits - of their best stock. In memory of Sharon - Hey, I hardly knew you, but I can't stop thinking of you - twenty seems too young to go. I will miss your chicken stories and red braids. Catch a rooster,wherever you are.

Raffle extended to Wednesday!

Due to a broken link on the side bar, the raffle is extended through Wednesday, March 19. The link now works, but if you still have trouble, go the store site/Donkey Art section >, scroll to the last image of the donkey.

New Pie Ambassador...

I received a nice email from a new Pino supporter.

"... I’m going to bake an apple pie today while your beautiful painting of Pino is fresh in my mind. I think I’ll share it with Mr. and Mrs. Tudor across the street. They are nearing their 90’s and still living independently. You’ve got to love that."

One more baked pie, one more elderly couple getting pie love...Thank you, Kathy B.! You are now an official Pino Pie Ambassador...

Old Friends...

I've added some old friends to the store site for sale, including this one. This is one of the pieces from my very first gallery show back in 2001 and it was an honorable mention in the Sioux City Museum show. Sometimes I hang onto to pieces without intending too, they become guides of some sort for me, but at a certain point, I let them go. I had a tree in Minneapolis that was such a companion for me at the time, such an essence of stability when I wasn't feeling so stable. I have new tree friends now, and this painting might help another as a companion.

I also have brought back most of my originals from out of state galleries and have added some to the store in the Canvas and Original section. I'll have more coming from another gallery in a month.

Growing

Planting season is upon us. I've had my Donkey-Sheep-Clearing Crew taking out the weeds and winter growth of the vegetable area. I let the young lambs and ewes into the garden for about 4 weeks, just enough time for the babies to grow enough to be in the bigger field, and enough time for the ewes to eat the weeds. Then at night, I allow the donkeys free access too, and they roll in the dirt. By the time I till the bed, my job is much easier. I just love that, all of us working toward a goal of making food, or assisting in some way.

Growing your own food is so rewarding. I really love that we have that ability. The more we put our own food on the table, or the food of farmers we get to know, the more sensitive we become to what we see in the stores. One does not need to eat food from overseas - not as a staple. I am all for buying from all countries for variety, but I like the Alice Waters mind set - eat what is in season. The anticipation of our own tomatoes again....

I am happy more schools and communities are working to teach children and teens about growing food. It is so fun, and the results are so tangible. It is the best way to let kids see a connection with the earth/food/farmer/store/stomach. We don't all have to be farmers, but if everyone tried to grow something even in a kitchen garden, it seems one could start making connections with what they are actually putting in their mouth from the stores.

I noticed the local store chain here, finally starting to sell locally grown potatoes. And elephant garlic. Finally. What the customers demand, the mangers will eventually sell. Speak up. One food item at a time. I can't change the world. But I can applaud my store for buying local elephant garlic. It's a start.

How to celebrate your 50th

"She never wanted diamonds or pearls, she always said "Honey,
they're too much money""...

Last nite, Martyn felt rather badly, as he had not made a concrete plan for my 50th today. I had no problem with this, as I have always been a self entertaining unit from a young age, and I had made some birthday plans for today - a donkey walk with my friend where we would meet a mile from here, she with her donkey, and I with my donkey. On the way, we would pick up litter. We had dubbed this the Lucia Litter Patrol, and I made buttons. We hope to do this a few times a year. Picking up litter with a donkey is a slow process, but it was a nice day, and my day got even brighter when I arrived at our meeting point to see Angelo [father to Pino and Lucia] adorned in fresh daffodils. Now tell me, what could have made my birthday better?

I arrived home to find a package from a friend - fresh brownies and a bee house, complete with live, newly hatched bees. I baked a white cake with chocolate frosting later in the day, and had many nice calls and notes.

Last nite, Martyn suggested a spontaneous dinner out to celebrate early. But it was already late in the day, and I said, "What would really be fun is to build a bonfire and grill hot dogs." Within an hour, my gallant king had whipped up a new firepit, carried a table and chairs, candles and blankets to the area. Some fancy pants people would not consider drinking good red wine with hot dogs, but for me, a hot dog is such a decadent splurge. We eat really healthy, but I love hot dogs, as disgusting as they are. Combined with wine, ah, I was in heaven. As the nite grew dark, and the fire lit the scene, the donkeys appeared in the orchard behind us. The glow of the fire lit up their faces and 3 pairs of ears. I was so happy.

RAFFLE! Help Pino, win art!

OK, it's time for another art raffle. The proceeds of this are going into the Pino Pie fund. Here is the direct link to the raffle.

I need to start raising money for upcoming events - I plan to have at least 2 private or semi-private Pino Pie days for people/children that are healing or fighting life threatening illness [I have one hospital contact, but am still working out details with them ]. I am also going to contact hospice workers. I just feel if I can get one or two of these under my belt, the reputation will grow, and I'll have pictures and references of real people.

So, help me and Pino out.

Animals bring joy and soothing to those fighting cancer and other debilitating illness. Grooming, petting and hugging a donkey is soothing and brings great joy - I know, I witness it in myself and others. An afternoon with Pino and some home made pie, in the sun, farm smells all around, it will soothe, and help in a small way. And if you know children/elderly or adults who will benefit from a Pino Pie Day, please let me know so I can contact them.

Visit this link to participate. Entries are in multiples of $15, no maximum. If you submit one $15 payment, your name is put on a piece of paper and in the hat once, 2 x $15 gets your name in 2 times, and so on. As usual, Pino will be helping with the actual name pulling.

The winner will receive this 13 x 19" archival print, valued at $155.50, signed by yours truly. These are not available anywhere but on my store.

I'll accept payments through 3/17/08. Good luck, and thank you so much for entering.

RAFFLE!

OK, it's time for another art raffle. The proceeds of this are going into the Pino Pie fund. Here is the direct link to the raffle.

I need to start raising money for upcoming events - I plan to have at least 2 private or semi-private Pino Pie days for people/children that are healing or fighting life threatening illness [I have one hospital contact, but am still working out
details with them ]. I am also going to contact hospice workers. I just feel if I can get one or two of these under my belt, the reputation will grow, and I'll have pictures and references of real people.

So, help me and Pino out. Spread love with pie and one little donkey.

Animals bring joy and soothing to those fighting cancer and other debilitating illness. Grooming, petting and hugging a donkey is soothing and brings great joy - I know, I witness it in myself and others. An afternoon with Pino and some home made pie, in the sun, farm smells all around, it will soothe, and help in a small way. And if you know children/elderly or adults who will benefit from a Pino Pie Day, please let me know so I can contact them.

Visit this link to participate. Entries are in multiples of $15, no maximum. If you submit one $15 payment, your name is put on a piece of paper and in the hat once, 2 x $15 gets your name in 2 times, and so on. As usual, Pino will be helping with the actual name pulling.



The winner will receive this 13 x 19" archival print, valued at $155.50, signed by yours truly. These are not available anywhere but on my store.

I'll accept payments through 3/17/08. Good luck, and thank you so much for entering.

Walkin'

Time to recharge after 20 days of sickness - what better way than to take some time for a walk with a friend. The weather today is around 60, sun. My body needs it. I haven't had time or energy to spend much quality time with myself, let alone the animals, or my husband. I'm feeling good though, just still a bit 'quite', but the worst is over. I did manage to crack a rib or two from coughing so hard. Good grief.

We await the final ewe to lamb. She is so sick of me lifting her tail and checking the hardness of her udder, that she sighs when I appear in the morning - "Are your hands warm?" she asks with her eyes...

We lost one of my favorite bantie hens, Zuchhi, on Sunday. I don't know why. I found her dead by the barn in the late afternoon. No signs of distress, wounds, puncture marks or bugs. She had appeared normal all week, and was laying. She was a comical frizzle, with a unique personality. I held her in the barn - surrounded by the newly loaded 2 tons of hay - and cried and cried. The crying made me cough, and together the coughing and crying disturbed Pino Blangiforti. He arrived at my side, and stood quitely with me. I was crying for that darn little chicken, but also for my father.

Ears in the Wind

Pleasant arrangements...and can we say "triplets"?

Some things arranged casually just seem so pleasing. The baking area of the renovated kitchen makes me happy each time I work at it. Four years the basement has held some simple but cherished items - like that apron hook, a gift from a woman friend in my old homeland. I miss her, but it reminds me of her.

Much has been happening. In one word...TRIPLETS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, just the other day, my mother asked if we'd had triplets, "No, and I hope we don't have any." This set my universe guides into a meeting no doubt - "She's at it again, thinking she has a say in natural occurrences, let us teach her gently, with triplets, but all will survive and appear healthy." Our wonderful head ewe, Rosemary lambed yesterday, on Martyn's birthday. She pawed at the ground at noon, I put her in her stall, she lambed one female 30 minutes later; I went and did errands, and 45 minutes later she had had all three beauties. All appear ok, although one female is quite small, and last nite I was worried about her, she seemed less active. But Rosie hadn't rejected her, and she was drinking. Today all three appear pretty good - the boy is awesome. He might have to be sold for breeding.

One more ewe to go, Lilly, who I was sure was going last nite [ok, the universe thing again]. Lewisia Pinkie lambed unexpectedly on Saturday in the field, and brought her lamb in - a real beauty of a white girl,good size. I'm relieved she singled, she's a bit of a scattered mom.

As for the illness that has kept me under a rock, covered in blankets, kleenex and occasional pug or Labradors...14 days...no fever, still coughing. But so much better.
Like someone else said, you start to feel like a broken record. So unless I drop over, I shall not write about my illness again. However I do so appreciate the kind wishes from all of you!!!!

Stay tuned for triplet pictures! Hail to Rosemary!

New work for LA Times

I was so excited to get my first project with the LA Times through my reps. And the subject matter could not have been more up my current alley - home health care for our elderly. The article, for the Health section, talks about the trend and desire to keep our elderly in their own homes as they age. Finding community networks that reach out for these in home elders to help with simple every day tasks, like opening up the caps on prescriptions, or just providing a 'check in and hello" over tea. We really wanted to emphasize the helping hands of the community, and I was please with the way that worked. Intertwined, the help of others is like a healthy vine, it keeps intertwining, and reconnecting. I think it's always a challenge to do an elderly face and allow it to be pretty, without it looking to young - or adding too many 'old' lines and losing the beauty of an old face. Old people are so beautiful. I think I showed her dignity.
Anyway, I'm grateful for a great job and hope for more.

First Sun

I took advantage of the sun and warm air to let the four new lambs out in their first sun. Vitamin D works wonders, for all of us. It's an ordeal getting them to the orchard, but the ewes do well to get some sun too. The lambies pretty much stumble around, sleep, get up, quick nip from the mom bottle, stumble, sleep...then do it all over again. Their little ears are still wacky at this stage. I'm hoping I can find a home for this white boy, he's got knees on him that says he's going to be a big guy.

Thanks to all for the get well wishes. I'm better, but not 100%. I did break the fever though, and that alone makes me feel like a million clams. Yesterday I napped, watched a french film, and napped. Tortured myself by watching the Oprah show which was so stupid, I turned it off and napped again.

Blurry eyed fever sighting

Last nite I was so pleased when my fever subsided, and by bedtime I was sure this morning I'd be tip top. I awoke feeling lousy again, and my fever was back to 101+. I slept in some, and made it out to do barn feedings. I casually fed cats, horse, donks, goats, and then went to open the ewe stall. "Oh...my.....goodness." I said . There was Daisy, afterbirth still coming out, and what I thought was one lamb. But wait, there's two, and...wait...Coral Bell has two.

I was so caught off guard. End of next week was due day, and there weren't any real heavy signs of lambing yesterday. I think it's so nice they had them early this morning in the stall, or I would have had a real time if they had gone down in the field. I'm greatful none of the other ewes trampled any babies.

Daisy had a beautiful brown girl, and brown boy. Both have her signature white cap on their head. And Coral had a strapping big white boy, and a gorgeous black girl.

Life goes on, fever or not. It certainly took some worry out of at least 2 lambings. This flu has taken my life away for 5 days and I'm more than ready to be back to normal. But having the lambs reminded me certain things just have to be played out by nature. You don't get to set the rules.

New Work

I had a rgood time last week working on this piece for a University of Minnesota publication, illustrating the short fiction winner, "Kalispel".
A rather dowdy gentleman is traveling from NYC to the West, falls ill in a small town of Kalispel, and takes up residence at the local hotel to recover. He becomes enamored with a local woman, who is also being swooned by a WWII pilot [the story is set in the '20's]. The pilot goes out everyday and skywrites messages to the woman, but she carries on with the NYC man. He convinces her to return to NYC with him, but the woman knows she will leave him and go back to the skywriter. He never really had her, and the small town and the skywriter were no match for him.

Get a fever, chase a goat, rest with equines

I'm always so shocked when I get sick. I don't get sick that much, so on Friday when I suddenly felt ill, I ignored it. By the time I went to the barn to do nightly feedings, my entire body was shaking, and my teeth were chattering. The animals were not sure what to make of my groans, but I made it through chores so I could land on the couch. By Sunday, I was pretty sick, and had a 101+ fever.

And why is it, when you get a fever, that is the day the goats get out of the new fence you spent hours and money to put up just last week? And of course they took the rams with them. So with your fever, and a broken rake, you 'encourage' the rams to go up the road. It all works out, but with a fever, even a 10 minute goat round-up can kill a person.

I tried to help Martyn with the new fence, but after 10 minutes, admitted defeat. I was useless, and didn't feel right at all. Back in the house my fever was over 101, so I slept. Later in the day, uncomfortable in bed, I carried a blanket out to a bench in the orchard, with the donkeys grazing around me. I have rarely had a day since moving to the farm where I just rested.

As the sun went down, I retreated in, feeling slightly better, and had a cup of tea in the studio, communing with the horse outside the door. Earlier this week, Martyn added an extension off Boone's pasture, so he can walk right up to one of my studio doors. He knickers outside the window sometimes, knowing I'm there, hoping for apples.

More mail for Pino

It's always so heartwarming to get these little surprises in the post! Last weekend, as Martyn and I sat down by the fire for our evening glass of wine, I asked if there had been any mail. "None for us, but Pino got a package." Such it is when one lives with Pino Blangiforti.

Sugar cubes and the most adorable, tiny, hand made felted pie! I was so charmed anyone would do this. And everyone knows how I love felt and have wanted to do some of my own felt dolls - someday. I'm thrilled this artist lives in Oregon and plans to come to Pino Pie Day, in fact she might be making some more felt animal creations which I will sell on Pino Pie Day. Stay posted - but for now you can visit a sampling at her new Etsy store.

Thank you Deborah! Pino is even sweeter now with his sugar cubes.

Where did that rooster go?

Rooster seeks love, no qualifications needed

Ward Schumacher the rooster, not to be confused with Ward Schumacher the artist, is busy looking for valentines. The Spring like air in the past two days has sent him calling on a variety of the barn yard ladies. I admire Ward, he is not afraid to be spurned by any of them. For any of us who have suffered through past Valentine Day rejections, this is inspiring. And anyone who dares to win the heart of Franklinia, aka Frankie, really has hutzpah.

The first legend of Valentine's Day, and perhaps the best known, began in Rome, when Emperor Claudius II was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. “Claudius the Cruel” as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military due to the belief that Roman men did not want to leave their loved ones. So he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine, a priest in Rome at the time, defied Claudius and continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. But while in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl said to be his jailer's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death on February 14, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed, " From your Valentine". In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.

That motherly glance

With two weeks until due day, the ewes tolerate my 'udder checks', but this morning Coral Bell looked at me as if to say, "You just checked my udder yesterday."

The weather is drying out, and warming to 50's this week. I'm hoping for 2 weeks of dry sun and I have all lambing stalls ready. The grassy orchard area is all lamb proof for the new arrivals. Ah, spring. Newness. Starting over with deeper roots.

Proper proposals

Donkeys are very loving. I have seen Pino Blangiforti quietly swoon little Lucia, but she is much to young for dating. And, well, they are related, I'll have to give her the talk soon. Paco Giovanetti is a much bolder amoureuse, a bit pushy, but some gals like that type.

I did this piece in honor of the upcoming love holiday. I imagined what Pino's father, Angelo, must have done to persuade Gabriella to breed with him. Gabriella is polite and I imagined she required some kind of proposal. Angelo is quite the lady's man, I can attest to this.I'm sure he put out all the stops.

Or perhaps I was trying to recreate my own fantasy proposal. Six years ago or so, my dearest was sitting in the kitchen, in torn jeans, eating cheese - we had just returned from grocery shopping. I remember being very grumpy that night. I'm not sure what he witnessed or experienced at the grocery store to inspire him, but he sat in that kitchen, eating cheese, and quietly, but firmly, said, "I'm going to marry you." It was one of those proposals where the recipient has to stop and say, "Are you proposing?". Martyn has his own very unique, subtle, romantic way, much like Pino Blangiforti. It's charming.


Anyway, so many people have asked me if there are originals or prints of recent donkey art, that I finally did test prints of some choice pieces, and have added some to the store. These are archival inks printed on 13x19" fine art archival paper. The colors are stunning.

In me

"Imagination is my best friend, gotta' watch out for the greedy hand", so wrote Neil. The greedy hand can come in many forms - from the outside world of bosses, big brother, clients, family, pollsters...Or it can come from within - pushing ourselves too far, questioning ourselves, trying to get into the jeans you wore in 1999. So when I feel these greedy hands, I have a variety of ways to conquer them. Call them life skills, that I'm finely tuning.

One way is to create my own special band, perhaps with BW on drums. Kissing birds would arrive and further entertain me. There are many horrible things that us in life, some horrific, some passing nuisances. Some can't be wiped out with one little excursion into the imagination. But, it helps level the playing field. I'm very graced to have figured that out years ago. It's so important to recognize the one thing one has in life that can't be taken away - even if I were blinded, crushed by hospital bills, left in the woods. I'd still have my own unique imagination.

Motherly signs

The anticipation of lambing season hit me this morning, perhaps because the weather has lifted some and it smelled a bit like spring today. Or perhaps because Rosemary's belly has expanded to motherly size, and her udder has developed. Even her teats are huge. Yes, we pay close attention to teats around this time of year. With our fourth lambing upon us, I don't get quite as panicked over lambing time, but I never let my guard down either. I usually pull out my sheep books, and read all the bad things that can happen. Last year I even bought a scalpel, what I was going to do with it, I'm not sure, but it seemed like a good tool to have around. {We found it indispensable when we had to butcher the roosters however.}

I am a bit concerned that Rosie is going to lamb much earlier than her 150 day term, which is 4 weeks off. Usually her 'bag' hasn't developed to this extant, and her hips are sunken too, another sign lambing can be near. But when I saw those teats this morning, all big and shiny, I just had to ask her, "Do you know something I don't know?" Rosie is our head ewe, I depend on her to lead the others when they become rattled. She is an excellent mother. If Rosie could talk, and she told me, "Ba ra ram, we must move to higher ground, now. " I would immediately get the gang going.

Pre-lambing time also means a bit of extra caring for the mothers to be. Like a bit of special mother food [we feed only pasture, and winter hay, but for 4 weeks prior to lambing, and 4 weeks after, we give them a helping hand with supplemental feed]. I have taken to spending more time in the morning with the ewes, rubbing the mothers-to-be- between their front legs which they swoon over. It also allows me to touch and work with the younger ewes which helps immensely in calming the flock when you need to handle them. Keeping the flock under 20 really allows this interaction, and it definitely makes lambing more enjoyable, and makes shots and medical attention much better for all.

I asked Rosie for girls, but, this is not up to us. She will provide us with what we need to survive here. We have not bought any meat since harvest time. We eat vegetarian about 50% of the time, and it is very important to us that we can live like this. It is hard for some people to understand how I can eat lambs, especially since I am an animal lover. I didn't get here overnight, but I have thought about this for many years, and I'm at peace with it. Anyone who raise livestock will tell you, the boys come out cute, but very quickly, the testosterone kicks in, and the farm can fall into chaos quickly. The boys must go. But we thank them for what they give us, and how they sustain us, so we can sustain the farm.