Saturday, April 30, 2016

Long Live the (Oak) King

The Mighty & Majestic Oaks are leafing out. Kings of the forest, they take their time in growing leaves, letting the understory of the forest (their royal subjects) stretch out their leaves first. As I walk through the nave of the forest, the vibrant velvet of young oaklings are as colorful & rich as cathedral glass. Some are so ruby red I rush over to inspect a new wildflower only to discover their tiny red leaves. I adore the Oaks in my woods for their grandeur, their green, and their shade in the hot, humid summers. Not to forget their soft autumnal colors and acorns aplenty for the forest friends.

All Hail to the King of the Wild Wood!




Monday, April 25, 2016

Missouri Dogwoods

Nothing announces Spring's arrival quite like the Dogwood tree. I have many small ones in my forest that bloomed quite early but I have a few huge (though still dwarfed by the mighty Oak) Dogwoods that seem ancient. They have just now come into full bloom and it is quite a sight! Enjoy these sightings before they are gone, replaced by Midwest humidity and accompanying pests.






Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Sampler of Journal Art

Below is a collection of paintings and artwork from either my daily journal or from a travel journal to Ireland or Great Britain.

Watercolor on tea-stained paper


Map of Ireland Watercolor on Paper


Ink


Ireland 0 Watercolor


Stone structures of Ireland - Watercolor and Ink


Watercolor sheep

Watercolor and gold paint

Watercolor and Ink - The counties of Ireland

Watercolor and Ink Genealogy
Watercolor and Ink - Quote by John O'Donoghue
Northern England and Scotland Watercolor Map
Watercolor on Paper - Ray Bradbury Quote
Watercolor on paper

Well Hidden Hare

This little wild rabbit blends in perfectly with my rock wall. He even has his own secret rabbit hole through which he disappears into the stones.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Morel Magic & Madness


So, over a week ago now I found three lonely morels at the base of a giant oak. So I began searching, in earnest, the leaf littered forest floor, the cedar needled glades of our woodland. I've taken countless slow walks with eyes searching for those little gems, but to no avail. I have found no more while people I know have found 200 plus not so far away. I wonder what alchemy, what wondrous magic is present in other woods but not my own this season. And so after many unsuccessful hunts, I'm taking pause, to retain some sanity, to retain the joy that there is in the hunt. Oh I am still in the woods, of course, but I'm taking a little more time looking up at the white canopy of dogwood blossoms and glowing green budding leaves instead of on the ground looking for those mad mushrooms.
 
 
So far a mere three morels but always walking with caution & a keen eye.


Friday, April 1, 2016

Wildflowers - Wood Betony

Spring is here. Along with warming temperatures and showers of rain, the forest floor is carpeted in color. The newest bloom is this lovely whorled Wood Betony.