Good-bye Winter and Hello Spring!
'An Afterthought.. November 2
As I was working with our prints this afternoon, I had a little moment of synchronicity. We should have announced months ago that our prints are guaranteed. As long as the print is returned with original frame intact, we'll guarantee it. I reflected on the number of prints we have sold at Art Fair/Art Shows and those sold on the site. We've sold more on the site than expected, but want to reassure you, especially in these economic times, that if you'd like to actually physically see the piece, we'll ship it to you for a final judgement. If you choose not to keep it, you may ship it back. Now, back to the work.....
'Why?'
Did I and up with an underscore on my last entry? A mystery to me. Please bear with me as I navigate a new dimension of the web.
November 2. Cold and windy, But sunny. A beautiful late autumn day. Soon, the intermittent snowfall we've had will become permanent, the the rabbit tracks up and down the deck stairs to the bird feers will greet us every morning. The ravenous birds must be re-trained to visit elsewhere so that the songbirds can claim the feeders. Not that I dislike bluejays, but they are raucous, bossy, and threaten the juncos, finches, nuthatches, but not the chickadees. The flock we have around the house seems to know that this is their territory and it takes a lot to scare them off. Perhaps 'town' cats, irresponsibly allowed to roam the village, instead of being kept under the control of the people who keep them, need more supervision. One morning, as I looked out to check the feeders, a large multicolored cat sat in the box feeder my father build me one year for my birthday. Just waiting to snatch the first songbird entrapped by this ruse. Cats are natural predators and people who keep them need to recognize this, especially if they follow the old adage, 'You eat what you hunt' and their cats happen to be the hunters.
A few years ago, there was a ballot initiative in Michigan. It concerned the issue of the creation of a mourning dove hunting season. I just can't fathom it. How many mourning doves would it take to make a soup? It was all about target practice and thanks to all of the positive energy generated by the whole ethical question, the initiative lost.
We're also just coming out of bear season. Another issue on my list. As a colleague and friend, a brilliant teacher/writer said to me once, 'I'll never shoot any animal with eyes in the front of its head.' Why would a predator hunt a predator? Ok, I'll accede to those who say they do actually eat the bear meat and use the hide, and will respect those who truly hunt. But hunting with radio-collared dogs is another matter altogether, even worse than shooting bear over baitpiles that have been tended all summer by hunting guides. Most dog/bear hunters come from out of the area and on the rare occasion that they lose a dog to wolves, they scream, 'murder' without recognizing the fallacy of their thinking. How can one send a predator of the canine species into the established territory of another, but wild, canine species, and expect some other outcome?
As we become, through education and awareness, more conscious of the necessity of balancing our presence on this planet with the balance of all of its other precious elements, we will see a greener home for our children's children's children and know that we helped to create it.
Water: shortages emerging. Air:in some areas, dense with pollution and allergans. Fire: droughts causing tinderbox conditions, especially in the west. Earth: have we been good stewards?
What can we do? A lot. We can examine our lives to find those areas where we can directly contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Here we have seen a beautiful growth in natural gardening at home with composted manure, certified organic farms, farm more organic food offerings in the local stores, and the continued natural abundance of berries and fruits for the picking. Or we can do as suggested in the link below, what a famous group sang many years ago, still relevant today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pphVs8bFO If you can't get to the link from here, I'll post it on Facebook, in case you're curious to know what this 'oldtimer' chose....lol
**Hello, Everyone**
In addition to reminding you that we currently have free shipping on the site, I'd like you to know that you can feel free to call or email me at my regular address at any time! We've settled into our winter cocoon so if you have any questions about anything, or would like to comment on one of my 'Newsletter' entries, we could get a good discussion going! I love that idea. Sort of like a forum, but more an email group. I do this on my Facebook page where I have over 600 people, many former students and I post a 'Table Topics Question of the Day' during the 'indoor' season. But YOU would come up with the questions for discussion, NOT me. What do you think? Phone: 906-337-5915 Email: bsimila@gmail.com Looking forward to hearing from you! This would really be good. Any topic we'd like to discuss......... SORRY, I have no idea how this got underlined/color-changed!
"Changes"
October 11, 2009
Our 'September summer' vanished overnight and was followed by a storm with gale force winds blowing out of the north. Enormous waves tore loose our sixteen foot boat, along with the electric winch and deck railing. We had to pack up and head back to our home in town. We can spend weekends at the camp until the snow accumulates and the icebanks glow blue beneath the winter sun. We had the first snow of the season yesterday, and more is predicted for Monday evening. Of course, this snow will melt and I hope the trick-or-treaters will have a snow-free Halloween.
Once at home, I began to work at a goal I had set for myself during the summer: de-cluttering the house. Boxes here. Boxes there. Some to be sent to my children, some to drop off at the Goodwill store and others to recycle. The process is cleansing, not just to the house, but to the spirit. As I packed up my daughter's horse show ribbons and my son's Air Force Academy cap, I savored the memories of their childhood and early adulthood. Now, my daughter is married and practices law in Louisville, Kentucky and my son and his wife live in the Boston area and are expecting my first grandchild in December. I'm reminded that life is filled more with joy than with sorrow and that each day is a gift of grace.,
I filled the feeders and the suet boxes on the deck as the chickadees waited impatiently for me to finish. Gradually the finches and the nuthatches, the juncos and woodpeckers and the mourning doves arrived. We live at the edge of town so a variety of creatures visit the yard. Walks on the trails, or to 'Queen Anne's Falls', a little known and hidden waterfall near our home, are perfect for warmer days. The Copper Country provides a place for any lover of Mother Nature's world. My eighty-three year old father still feeds the chickadees at my brother's 'farm' by holding a sunflower seed in his teeth! I'm not quite that patient, but usually the chickadees and nuthatches eventually eat from my hand. Meanwhile, our cat loves his perch on the table where he spends his happy hour watching his favorite shows on 'Bird TV'.
Our houseful of bookshelves received a much needed re-organization and of course, I found treasures to re-read and enjoy during the late fall and winter months. Mary Oliver's books of poetry top the list, but I also love the classics, and especially cherish the poetry of John Keats. A new film in theaters, 'Bright Star' tells the story of the life of Keats and his relationship with his treasured Fanny Brawne. Their preserved letters are the basis of the film. I'm hopeful that the screenwriters and director stayed with the truth of his life. Like a number of his family members, Keats contracted that dreaded nineteenth century disease, 'consumption' (tuberculosis) and died at the age of twenty-six. Some of the most beautiful poetry in the English language was written by a young man in the early years of his adulthood. When F. Scott Fitzgerald read Keats's great odes, he commented that he found the poetry so wonderful that other poetry sounded like whistling or humming when compared to Keats's mastery of language and form.
If you're someone who prefers not to procrastinate about your Christmas shopping, you'll be pleased at this announcement. We've decided that any products you purchase on the site will be shipped FREE! That's right. For a limited time, we are offering FREE SHIPPING ON ANY PRINT, BOOK OR OTHER PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE.
Take advantage of this opportunity to gift yourself, a family member or loved one with one of our framed and matted prints. Our customers have given us an A+ rating so far, and I know you will not be disappointed in the quality of our work. The photo/poems appeal to a very broad audience and while you can get a general impression of the work online, its true beauty emerges when you see it in person. For the readers on your gift list, there are books. For those who love stones and crystals, there are Lake Superior agates and gemstones. And for that new baby? A lovely, angelic Baby Blessing, framed and signed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me through the site and I'll be happy to help you out. So, check out our site pages and get busy with your shopping. This offer won't last forever. Take advantage of it now!
For those in the local area, we will have a booth at two seasonal art fairs. The first is the 'Keweenaw Art Affair' on November 14th from 10-4 in the Houghton High School gym. The second, the 'Thirty-third Annual Poor Artists Sale' will be held on December 5 from 10-4 in the CLK Schools gym in Calumet. Hope to see you there!
Blessings and Peace,
Barbara
*Thought for the Day: 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness..' John Keats
'September Summer!'
September 8, 2009
Today, Lady Lake is mirror calm and the young eagle is chortling and 'screaming' (now I know what 'screaming eagle' sounds like!) from a nearby pine. Ah, now I see. Both members of the 'parental unit' are perched on the rock lagoon, looking out over to the water for surfacing fish. The Mother is far larger than the Father, although both provide for the young. She is so regal! She actually 'stayed' on the water surface long enough to catch a fish, something I have never seen in my life! I'm accustomed to seeing the 'dive and grab' method of eagle fishing. Maybe I'm deprived of 'eagle behavior' but I find it absolutely astonishing and wonderful.
New work on the site. No new photos up yet (working on those), but some beautiful crystalline pieces of white and green prehnite, aventurine, Lake Superior Thomsonite (special category in geology because of its rarity). I have part of our collection on the table, part outdoors. They're everywhere! Took a while to choose the water-smoothed stones, but I think those of you who love stones and crystals will find these very attractive. We've collected all of these pieces here, including some amazing datolite and lots of varieties of agates. Some need tumbling and that's the next step...getting my tumbler rumbling.
Also, a lovely 'Angelic Baby Blessing' which came to me one day as I was thinking of the arrival of my first grandchild. Oh, hapy days! I can't wait!
Hope you're all enjoying September as much as we are up here. The lake looks like the usual last two weeks of July. Stunning and inviting and I'm off to 'pick' a few more stones. Just what we need...lol!
Please email me if you have any questions..........
Best and Blessings,
Barbara
'Summer?'
Where has summer gone? August 20th today and the lake is grey under a grey sky, waves lapping gently at the shoreline. We have been very busy with our first 'go round' of art shows, and had an amazing and wonderful time meeting and greeting so many warm-hearted people. We showed in Eagle Harbor at the Copper Country Associated Artists's Show and the following weekend in Copper Harbor at the Copper Harbor Improvement Association's 'Art in the Park'.
We had a few issues with set-up; we're on a slow 'learning curve' here, folks! Hilariously enough, Peter ended up using a huge drill bit to anchor our canopy in Eagle Harbor! We were far more prepared for the Copper Harbor show.
Thus, my explanation for the long break between newsletters. My wonderful son and beautiful daughter (il) came to visit as well, along with their redbone hound/lab, Sydney. I so treasure those moments when my children are able to visit here. I remember the old adage on a print my mother once gave me as a gift: "There are two gifts you can give your children. One is roots, the other, wings." And each has flown off into a life of happiness and fulfillment.
We'll be adding some new prints to the collection soon and I'm working on a new project, yet to be revealed. Hope you have all enjoyed the last few weeks finding moments of peace during the busy days of summer.
**Thought for the Day** 'Forgiveness means giving up all hope of a better past.' Landrum Bolling
'Turbulent Summer Seas'
July 29, 2009
Lady Lake Superior continues to roll from the W or W/NW, breakers dancing in the sun, all the way to the horizon. Stunning beauty. To hear her song, all day long; to meditate outdoors on the deck and hear a symphony of pine boughs and birch leaves, vireos and chickadees is to feel a deep connectedness to Mother Nature or Mother Earth, if you prefer, or just, Mother. We are so blessed by this Gift. To live here in this amazing, pristine environment.
I've learned from a few comments or questions, that some who visit our site don't understand the 'header' with the picture of the log camp on the rocks. This is where we live, as early as possible when the weather begins to warm up, and stay until it gets too cold. Then we live in our 106 year old house in town, where we are blessed with instant access to beautiful places, by foot in late fall or by ski or snowshoe in winter. We live a very simple life here. The camp has one room down and loft up. Separate sauna building. Perfect. Jotul woodstove for chilly days. Blissful!
******ANNOUNCEMENTS*****
Our 'Lake Superior Sunset Series' will have two new amazing additions within the next few days. AND, for the 'Lake Superior Sunset Series' of prints, you may order the print with or without the text. Prices remain the same. If you would like to order the print without the text, email me through the site and we'll accomodate your request.
For the 'Mainstreet Calumet/Keweenaw National Historical Park' "First Friday" gallery tour, we will be at the Conglomerate Cafe to sign books and display some of our prints. If you're in town, stop by! August 7.
On Saturday, August 8, we will be at the popular Eagle Harbor Art Fair with our wares. This will be a lot of fun! Looking forward to visiting with people and enjoying our time.
~Thought for the Day: "An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." Henry David Thoreau
NEW ARRIVALS! AGATES AND PRINTS IN THE LAKE SUPERIOR 'SUNSET SERIES'! July 18, 2009
Check out the site today for New Additions! Beautiful Lake Superior Agates and the first two prints of our Lake Superior 'Sunset Series'. Hope you enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend!
"'Sunset Series' and Agates" July 16, 2009
Within the next few days, you'll be seeing new work on the site. We've decided to do a 'Sunset Series' and the first two prints will be available. The first shows the vibrant intensity of Lake Superior framed by ancient stone, the second creates a visual symphony of shifting, gentle seas. We hope you enjoy them. We continue our work with other images as well.
We've also added another dimension to the gallery. These works, however, come to us from Mother Nature. A variety of 'classical' Lake Superior Agates will be available in several forms: Single Polished Stones, Heart Stones, and Easy-Fit Elastic Agate Chip Bracelets.
The Lake Superior Agate was formed about a billion years ago from the lava eruptions and flows which also created the Lake Superior Basin. In surface volume, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and her deepest point is 1,300 feet below the surface. This greatest of the Great Lakes, in many other places in the world, would be described as a Sea.
According to Scott Wolter, author of 'The Lake Superior Agate', the 'classical' "Lake Superior Agate differs from others around the world in its rich red, orange, and yellow coloring. Oxidized iron leached from rock gives the gemstone its beautiful array of colors." Many other types of agates can be found here, as well as quartzes, copper, and other ancient stones.
Wearing a bracelet, or carrying a pocket stone, will connect you to the energy and strength of Lake Superior and the forested landscape which surrounds her here on the beautiful, peaceful Keweenaw Peninsula of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Check back to see our new offerings!
**THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "I open my consciousness to all of the wonderful possibilities of life." Louise Hay
********************NEWSFLASH*************
July 13, 2009 Check the site for a great review of the University of Minnesota Press's revised publication of Peter's book, 'Island Folk: The People of Isle Royale" by Gerry Mantel, co-author of 'Calumet: Metropolis'.
ALSO! Planning to offer some new prints, amazing sunsets! Greeting cards coming soon!
**********************************
'Exciting Energy' July 9, 2009
First, thank you all for visiting the site, appreciating and enjoying our work. We feel that it reflects 'our' way of seeing the magnificence and the simplicity of the world we live in. New work coming to the site soon. Gorgeous sunsets. Isle Royale. Plan to add some greeting or notecards. Would appreciate some feedback from you on which prints you think would look best on the cards. It would truly be taken to heart and appreciated, so please contact me through the site. Be 'Anonymous', the most famous writer in the world...must have been a woman! LOL Other suggestions, please feel free. I'll post this on my FB page too, so people can respond there. What would you like to see on the site? Would a set of water-polished agates, quartzes, etc. be of interest? I oil the stones after they're cleaned well in Lake Superior. The natural polish of the water-washed stones intensifies with the essential oils I use. I'm 'all ears'!
Louise Hay, vibrant author of 'You Can Heal Your Life' originally written in 1984 inspires me. Now in her eighties, she continues to work to bring life affirmations and positive growth to people all across the world. Her book has been translated many times and sold millions of copies. 'You Can Heal Your Life' is now interpreted through a story on DVD. Very good. Through her work, she has brought joy and peace to many. Each day I read and keep one of her affirmations in mind. Here's one for today: "I joyously run forward to greet life's wonderful experiences'. If I do remember to keep this in mind during the day, I will have a sense of excitement at the possibiity of new discovery. An agate. A wild orchid. Blooming wild honeysuckle. The scent of pine on the breeze. The rippling dance of Lake Superior on the basaltic shore. Birdsong. A task well done. Sweeping the sauna. No need for firewood today. Offshore breeze from the E, thus far warmer than a few days ago, when I kept the Jotul humming all day long. Lake Superior is still so cold that a brisk Westerly can still really drop the temperature quickly. Part of the beauty of living here is learning to live in balance with the weather.
Walking the trails the other day, I saw a beautiful lady slipper growing from a bed of pines, another smaller wild orchid I have not yet identified. Field Guide waits on the table. What a blessing to live here. I am eternally grateful for the privilege of watching the wonders of Mother Nature's world.
Send me those ideas!
Best,
Barbara
Friday Before the Fourth' July 3, 2009
Lady Lake Superior welcomes Independence Day with clearing skies, rain-refreshed air, and celebrations. This morning, as I was thinking of the holiday, I found a wonderful article by Kristy-Stevens Young in the 'Seattle Examiner'. She focused on a series of quotations from different American voices which center upon the notion of Freedom. I thought I would share a few with you today, as you prepare to celebrate your holiday in your own way, wherever you may be.
"'Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.'" Abraham Lincoln
"'Liberty is the breath of life to nations.'" George Bernard Shaw
'"We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others'" John F. Kennedy
Aside from these quotations, I am reminded today of Maya Angelou's 1993, Inaugural Poem, 'On the Pulse of the Morning' and the power of her words to inspire the spirit. I saw her once, a number of years ago, at Northern Michigan University. When she walked out onto the stage, dressed in a red suit and wearing gleaming gold earrings, she magnetized the attention of everyone in the audience. At once regal and cordial, she delivered a powerful speech interwoven with her poems. I felt privileged to be in the audience that evening and based on my observations of the huge audience, everyone else felt this way too.
I've chosen a few passages from this rather lengthy poem, passages which encourage and uplift us, remind us of our heritage and our history, our future and the fundamentals of our national identity:
..."I am that Tree planted by the River,
Which will not be moved.
I, the Rock, I, the River, I, the Tree
I am yours -- your passages have been paid.
Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need
For this bright morning dawning for you....
Lift up your eyes upon
This day breaking for you.
Give birth again
To the dream...
The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change...
Here, on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes, and into
Your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope --
Good morning."
With the national media focused on the sensational in our world, here, right here, in the beauty of the north country, we are blessed to nurture and preserve a different set of values, largely disconnected from our obsessive, consumerist culture. We build campfires and cook marshmallows, children's faces glowing in the firelight, sparklers dancing in their hands, as they enjoy the close of a day filled with small-town parades and games, excitement, balloons, and fireworks displays. May all of you enjoy this dawning Independence Day, July 4, 2009. May your hearts be filled with Joy!
Barbara
'Tumultuous Tuesday' June 30, 2009
I awakened this morning with joy and laughter, a gift for the day. Caught beneath a revolving low pressure system, we have had rain, rain, rain and it's currently 51 degrees. After a few parched summers, this rain brings new life. The little Jotul woodstove hums along and keeps the camp warm and wonderful. Poor little hummers. Did you know that they go into a state of semi-hibernation when it's very chilly?
All my life I've lived in fascination with nature. As a young girl, I had a pet crow, Pekka, who easily acclimated himself to our family. I found him on the beach at Rabbit Bay and we brought him to town and bonded with him, then let him fly free. Of course, Crow that he was, he loved to bring home shiny objects and pecked at shingles on peoples' roofs or artificial flowers and brought home his treasure to share. He would perch on my shoulder as I walked around, and if he flew off to 'see what he could see', I'd whistle him right back to me. Such a treasured memory.
Getting excited at the prospect of adding notecards to the site and preparing our work for the Eagle Harbor Art Show, Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th. Keep an eye out. New ideas will manifest soon on the site! This new venture has brought great joy to my life. New work. New ideas. More inspiration and creativity in life! As one of my former students from the 80's wrote on my FB page, "Ms. Simila, I thought you stopped teaching. Doesn't look like it to me". ! I laughed because I think she's right!
May your day be blessed with happiness and laughter!
Barbara
'Midnight Madness' June 27, 2009
Peter is out on the 'island' (Isle Royale National Park) for work (+fish). Around 1:00, a bat flying around inside the camp awakened me. First of the year. Happened the last time he was on the island. We have a cathedral ceiling in the section below the loft, so of course she chose to roost there between flights. Cat was very excited. Finally, after a long time spent encouraging her to leave, she flew out of the open door to her flight mates. I noticed then that I had left the damper slightly open on our little Jotul woodstove. The last time this happened, I awakened to find a dead bat on the pillow next to me and a very proud, 'smiling' cat.
The merlin has been hunting this morning under overcast skies with a light E/SE breeze. I feel we may have some soft, warm, gentle rain today. We need it.
Have a great Saturday!
Thought for the day: "I love life! I am glad to be alive" Louise Hay
Friday Frolics in the Keweenaw! June 26, 2009
Families and children already dare to leap into chilly Lady Lake Superior at Great Sand Bay. How joyous to see people relishing the beauty of this federally protected critical dune beach. The bay, shallow and sandy, with its sloping dunes is a Keweenaw County treasure.
We've added three new prints to our collection: 'Grace', 'And All the Rest is Silence', and 'Angel Island'. 'Grace' interprets another Chihuly beauty in the St. Louis Arboretum. If you're not familiar with his work, check him out. A genius in glasswork, he is world renowned for his creations. 'And All the Rest is Silence' reflects on the constancy of nature and her sublime eternal presence. 'Angel Island' captures the liquid silver light on Lady Lake Superior's shoreline. Hope you enjoy them all! Remember, they're now available in a smaller size as well. Matted and framed, they'll grace your home with joy.
Time to light the sauna for an evening of relaxation. A little birch oil on the rocks scents the whole room with heavenly perfume. It takes me time to build up the stamina for a long, hot sauna, but I think I'm back on track. Our well-seasoned wood gives a longlasting heat, so I'll luxuriate in the process. Three good, long 'steams' will be just enough to make me a happy camper!
I've started a blog. If you'd like to check it out, see: http://biglakegallerykeeperlog.blogspot.com
Why I chose such a long title now bewilders me, but it sounded good in the moment!
Sauna Time!
Barbara
***Thought for the Day: "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work." Mary Oliver, Pulitzer Prize Winning Poet
Summer Solstice Sunday! June 21, 2009
With today's sunrise at 5:58 this morning, and sunset at 9:54, the horizon here will glow until nearly midnight. If we sit at a small fire on the shoreline, maybe we'll be able to stay awake until 'dark'. I remember when my children were young; oh, how they would protest the insult of bedtime at Midsummer: "It's not dark out, yet" or "It's not 'dark in the night'". New Moon on the way as well, with tonight just about one percent of Full. Stars would be a nice addition to the evening, too. Perhaps I'm asking for perfection! In addition, today, we send out Best Wishes for a Wonderful Father's Day to all of the dads, and to the single parents who are serving in both roles. Savor your special day!
We're finally settled in at the 'camp'. A long process and many, "Oh, we forgot this or that" moments, and after a cold early June, Summer seems to be coming in just fine. I stay with the dialect version of this place, 'camp', as opposed to 'cottage' or 'cabin' or 'beach house'. A 'camp' it's always been to me, and 'camp' it shall be. I find it interesting that regional or social dialects are more often criticized than celebrated. As an English teacher, I know that a solid command of both written and spoken Standard English is, as the 'Brits' would say, necessary 'to get on in the world'. But north, south, east, west, we Americans use a variety of dialects, all part of our historical heritage and pride of place. Both a celebration of our diversity and our unity, we can extrapolate this across the world through the medium of technology and celebrate our diversity and unity as members of a global community. The wonders of the internet, to connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
'Busy-ness' has kept me from an update, but hope to be far more regular now that we're living in this idyllic setting. A slight northeasterly breeze and Lady Lake laps below the loft where I write this today. Our companion gull, 'Cakes' sings out his special 'eagle cry' as mother eagle awaits the precise moment to swoop in from the lofty, old pine to scoop up the remains of yesterday's longest Day' Fishing Tournament in Copper Harbor which took place in choppy, foggy seas. Lake trout brined overnight, now cooking in the smoker for an evening treat. Sauna, sweetwater sea and smoked trout, what could be finer? Songbirds trill from the canopy of pines and the merlin falcon arcs through the sky, hunting perhaps, for an unsuspecting siskin who has gone astray and flown out over the water.
Oh, how we relish this gift we have been given here in this most special of places, so close to our hearts.
NOW, FOR UPDATES TO THE SITE!
AVAILABLE TOMORROW, AS OUR SALE ENDS.
**** We will offer three new prints. We hope you enjoy them!
**** All prints will now be available in a 9"x12" size. As evidenced by some of the testimonials I will soon have on the site, the framed and matted prints look stunning and people who have purchased them have been absolutely delighted. The site only gives a 'glimpse' of the print. The 'real thing' has gotten rave reviews. If you choose to have a print framed and matted, feel free to contact us for mat and frame color recommendations, since we work with them firsthand. Whichever way you make a decision, we know you'll be pleased with the work now that we've had time to receive feedback on the larger prints.
**** Our Webdesigner Daryl Laitila, will be adding a Link to my Facebook Page! Come on over and join in! I look forward to 'seeing' you there!
GETTING OURSELVES ONLINE!
The site launched! I think we should be throwing confetti! And not just about the presence of the site, but about the magic our web designer, Ms. Daryl Laitila worked with her creativity. Here is a link to her website, KeweenawGraphics.com. We're thrilled to have this opportunity to step into a new endeavor and hope you enjoy visiting the site and this little newsletter as we grow.
Of course, the newsletter will inform you about new products, as we add them. We plan to add to our offerings as we produce more work, and plan to expand our collection. We'll keep you 'posted' so check back often.
In addition, we plan to use the newsletter as a form of a journal as well, offering our observations as we follow Mother Nature through her cycle of seasonal changes. Right now in the natural world around us a cool spring rapidly leaps toward summer. The white violets, the yellows, the purples have opened their lovely faces and the trout lilies' mottled leaves gleam. The waxy bells of the arbutus scent the air with their sweetness and the sun-warmed scent of sunshine, water, and pine blend in perfect harmony.
As we began our move to the camp, our gulls immediately discovered that we were 'home' and the hummers chirped happily at their first feeding of the season. This pair of gulls' lives have intertwined with ours for the past ten years or so. I found in 'Sibley's' guide that gulls can live into their twenties and I hope this will be the case for the two who have claimed us. It all began when the male began to follow us when we went out 'bobbing' for lake trout. Then the two would feast on some fish entrails if we'd had a good trip. For some reason I could never explain, I named them Baby and Cakes, as in Babycakes: Baby, female; Cakes, male.
It's 'Cakes' who appears in a number of our pieces, perched on the rock island and guarding our lagoon from interlopers. We save 'eatable' leftovers. By trial and error, we've discovered their favorites and korppu (Finnish cinnamon sugared hard toast) is on the menu. Yes, they think they're at a five star restaurant.
Now, Cakes just flies up to the rock ledge fifteen feet from the deck and begs, soundlessly opening and closing his beak in supplication. Baby tends to be less familiar since she takes care of the hatchlings while Cakes 'bring homes the bacon' during their nestling phase.
This is the beginning of meteorological summer. I hope that our weather warms up as we get closer to the Summer Solstice and astronomical summer because morning temps in the low forties and occasional frosts need to change!
We hope you enjoy our new venture. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Best Wishes!
Barbara
