Bliss (poem by Henry Miller)
It’s good to be just plain happy,
it’s a little better to know that you’re happy;
Year: 2026
I am in the IAPS Pastel World International Show 2026
It is a superb honor to be juried into the top pastel show in the world, which is taking place now in Albuquerque. More than that, however, is that it is my fifth time to get into this show, which is the benchmark for becoming what is known as a “Master Pastellist.”
Every Child Should Know a Hill (Poem by Edna Casler Joll)
Every child should know a hill, And the clean joy of running down its long slope With the wind in his hair. He should know a tree— The comfort of its cool lap of shade, And the supple strength of its arms Balancing him between earth and sky So he is a creature of both. … Read more
Seizure of Happiness (Quote by Mary Oliver)
As I stepped from under the trees into the mild, pouring-down sunlight I experienced a sudden impact, a seizure of happiness. It was not the drowning sort of happiness, rather the floating sort.
Nature Photos from Maine (June 2026)
Here are the rest of my photos from my recent trip to Maine. The flowers, trees, grasses, ferns, and reflections were all wonderful.
PSME Plein Air Retreat (Paintings by me and Others)
In this post is most of what was painted in our four day pastel plein air painting retreat in Cushing, Maine.
Food I Made for the PSME Plein Air Retreat 2026
This is my fifth year cooking for this retreat, and participants are both helpful and appreciative.
PSME Plein Air Retreat 2026 (Place and People)
Our time flew by so fast, but was cherished by all as both community building and resuscitating in many ways. So grateful for this group!
Sun (Poem by Ted Kooser)
I have been sitting here resting
after my morning stroll, and the sun
in its soft yellow work gloves
Out on a Limb into the Next Fifteen Feet
This all feels miracle to me, and I’m so very grateful for the shepherding and care I’ve the whole way.
Dress Ourselves in Gentleness (Quote by Henri Nouwen)
Once in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success, accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for gentleness in such a milieu
A Sand County Almanac (Book Review)
This is a lovely little book of well observed nature writing. In a time where the environment is in peril from bad policy and practices, it was refreshing to read a beautifully written book about cherishing nature, which didn’t have such threatening overtones.
Celebrating Soil Life (New Abstract Painting in Oil)
Most people think of soil as a brown decaying place, but actually it should be full of life! I read recently a whole chapter on soil life in a book called Regenesis, which prompted my thoughts on this subject, which led to this painting.
Rhubarb Salad Dressing (Recipe)
This is yummy. I like it with roasted beets and strawberries with candied nuts on my husband’s beautiful homegrown lettuce!
Annual Meeting 2026 (Highlights and Photos)
We should not hide our light under the bushel, where it will suffocate and go out. We are not protecting it there. The safest place for your light is on a candlestick where it thrives in lots of oxygen,
Photos of our Peonies with links to Peony Poetry
Loving our peonies!
Check out these new photos of them from our yard, as well as these peony poems
Recent Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal
Since some of you have found seeing these pages useful, I occasionally post them here.