Author: [email protected]

The Gift from Kenya I’m Most Thankful For and Turning Black Friday Red

by [email protected]

What’s up with the Red? While Black Friday is known for businesses turning a profit and consumers getting deals, the holidays also put many people in the red – in debt. Maybe that’s why I’m thinking more about the tall, thin Maasai in red than the round Santas in red. While I have so much more to learn about this fascinating indigenous tribe, I invite you to ponder with me how people can be happy choosing to live simply.

On my trip to Kenya we had the privilege of visiting a Maasai village (boma) and learning about their traditions. Being herders, they always moved their stock to fresh grazing grounds, which any farmer knows is as beneficial to the land as to the animals. While moving requires building new houses (manyattas) of mud, dung, sticks, and thatch, the old houses gracefully melt back into the earth with the seasonal rains. Compare that to the resources we use to rebuild or remodel buildings just because they are “dated”.

Many people are horrified to learn that the traditional Maasai diet is mostly milk and blood obtained from their cows, sheep, and goats (without harming them) along with what they can forage. Isn’t that a definition of sustainability? I am more horrified by the fact that the US throws away about 40 billion pounds – almost 40% of the US food supply – every year.

The Maasai adult’s clothing was always immaculate
Toddlers? Not so much, just like anywhere.
This favorite moment was too short, and a reason to go back. Thanks to Geoff Barnard for capturing it!
My best gift from Kenya? Besides the spectacular wildlife, I treasure the invaluable perspective gained by connecting with her beautiful people, whether traditional or modern. On my next trip, (Spoiler alert! I’m going again, and to Tanzania!) we will be touring Kibera, the largest slum on the continent of Africa, as well as exploring cultures, changes, and challenges more deeply. I look forward to sharing what I can when I can, and I hope you’ll stick with me for the ride.
Have you ever wondered how I can afford to travel to Kenya having worked at meaningful but low-paying jobs all my life? There are clues in the blog post and newsletter I wrote in November of 2019 to counter-balance the tsunami of Black Friday ads. I called it Turning Black Friday Green. With inflation and climate change, it’s even more relevant now, since it’s about saving money and saving the planet. It was sifted from my book, Enchanted – Reflections from a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life. By the way, they make great gifts, as do the 2025 calendars I just created from 13 of my favorite photos of Kenya. See, I’m not against capitalism! Here’s a sneak peek – September, March, January, and May. You can order my book, wall  calendars, desk calendars or Dutch Birthday Calendars on my website   www.hollyonthelake.com   (even if I haven’t updated the photos there!) or email me     [email protected]
In the interest of irrepressible joy, I will re-share a video sent by my Maasai friend Solomon of an elephant parade accompanied by heart-lifting music. Please note the drought-ridden landscape. The matriarch is leading her family to water – if it’s still there. Consider for just a moment how over-consumption in our land (and insistence on fossil fuels) is causing climate change to devastate lands around the world. Then enjoy the video, as I have many times. I have seen African people exhibit joy, warmth, and hospitality, despite their hard lives and endangered habitat. Let me know if you are interested in changing lives. There are many safe, easy, and rewarding ways to help. Or just be thankful for all we have.
By the way, an x-ray showed my fractured vertebra is healed – in only five weeks! One more thing to be super thankful for.
With joy, thanksgiving, and hope,
Holly

Headline! Holly Thrown from Horse to Hospital with Broken Back!

by [email protected]
black horse Nikki

Knowing how caring you are, I suspect that got your attention. But is it true? Well, sort of. Let’s fact-check it. My medical chart says “fall from horse”. I’m not an expert rider, but not as incompetent as that makes me sound. Did the horse throw me? That implies intent. My dear friend Mary’s horse Nikki is a good, sweet horse and would never intentionally hurt me. So what happened?

Fear. Something in the woods spooked her, and she spun. I flew off and landed hard. Horses are prey animals, surviving by being hyper aware of their surroundings and reacting with lightning speed. So who’s at fault? No-one. Did I end up at the hospital? Yes, after passing out at the post office and hitting my head yet again, this time without a helmet. The CT scan showed a good hard head and a fractured lumbar vertebra.

How am I feeling? Incredibly lucky. I didn’t pass out in the woods. Nikki didn’t run far and we were able to walk her and Dallas back to the trailer. My hip only started to hurt at Mary’s. She didn’t have any ice but gave me a bag of frozen enchiladas to put in my pants. I didn’t pass out on the hour-long drive home! When I did pass out, I had stopped to mail a book at the post office, only blocks from the hospital. A kind man yelled “Call 911” and said “You fainted and hit your head.” Then he whispered “You had an accident,” pointing to my wet pants. I assured him, “Oh, that’s just the enchiladas melting.” I’m sure that made him think I had a concussion, but I didn’t, so it just gave us a much-needed laugh later. Dear friends Carol and Mike brought me and my car home. I can still say I’ve never spent a night in a hospital. I can still say I’ve never broken a bone, since the fracture was a relatively minor one. Pain? Clearly, it was severe enough to make me faint, and the doc prescribed an opioid. But I didn’t need it. The bruise was a spectacular purple, green, and yellow painting from waist to knee, but not as painful as you’d expect. I was, and still am, just very tired. Which makes it a bit easier to follow doctor’s orders – no bending, twisting, heavy lifting, yardwork, vacuuming, swimming, long walks. Dang! But that means more time to work on Greenie’s book. Oh, and the bill? Thank God (and Democrats) for Medicare and insurance! Yes, I am extremely grateful the adventure wasn’t worse!

The moral of the story? Unfounded fear is dangerous. Whatever Nikki thought she saw caused fear, which had serious consequences for me. Mary always walks her horses back to “fact check” the terrifying log, rock, or squirrel, alleviating the imagined danger.

So why the dramatic headline? To illustrate what our fear-mongering presidential candidate would have done, along with mentioning that the horse was black and vicious, the post office was at fault, and the ER was spending your money on a careless old childless cat lady – none of which is true. Well, the horse is black (and beautiful!) and I am a childless cat lady. Thank goodness! I have Leo and Lucky to snuggle with and friends to help with chores while I recover.

I’m sorry if I worried you for a moment, but I do hope you will check the facts and vote for honesty and integrity. Haitians are not eating our pets. Immigrants commit crimes at a significantly lower rate than American-born citizens. Our economy would collapse and food prices would soar without immigrant labor. It was Trump who blocked the bipartisan immigration reform bill, only to have something to rant about. The last election was not stolen, yet he incited a deadly insurrection and refused to stop it for several tortuous hours. Are you against abortion? No one, ever, will force you to have one. But women and girls are dying for lack of reproductive health care. The economy is strong. The markets are strong. Inflation is going down. Wages are going up.

You think Trump will help the economy? 82 Nobel Prize winners in economics and science say he’s a danger to our country. He rescinded 100 environmental protections while in office and still refuses to recognize the existential threat of climate change. With devastating wars around the world, we need a rational, respected, honest, informed, and compassionate leader. Not a racist convicted felon with six bankruptcies whose own chiefs of staff and 200 top Republicans warn us how narcissistic, mentally unstable, and dangerous he is.

One last thing: I believe with my whole heart that Christ weeps every time con man Trump claims to be a Christian.

I’d hoped to share more African animals on this blog, but figured my friends would want to know about my latest animal encounter, even if it wasn’t as magical as some or as terrible as the headline made it sound. I also feel I have a responsibility to plead with you to VOTE. Give Kamala Harris and Tim Walz the chance to prove that truth, compassion, and joy are more powerful than lies, greed, and chaos.

Okay, here’s one gorgeous lion looking up in peace and optimism. Please stay tuned for a true story about the lion in Rwanda who saved a woman from genocide. Yes, even a lion can be powerful and compassionate.

lion gazing up

GREENIE TONIGHT at 10 and  SNEAK PREVIEW OF GREENIE AND THE GIRL – AN ENCHANTED FISH MEMOIR FOR ALL AGES

by [email protected]

Many thanks again to KARE11’s Boyd Huppert and Chad Nelson for their outstanding production called Greenie and Holly. It premiered in 2020 and will repeat tonight on the 10 o’clock news with an update. Of course I’m biased, but the National Edward R. Murrow Journalism Award proves how special it is!

For those of you wondering why Greenie’s book is called Greenie and The Girl  instead of Greenie and the old lady, here’s the introduction and a new video.

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved water.  Especially lakes. Even before she could swim, she would stand on a dock and gaze down at the mystery, until one day her curiosity pulled her a little too close and she fell in. She didn’t know enough to be afraid and was mesmerized by the beautiful golden shafts of sunlight streaming down through the pale green water. It was only for a moment, but she knew she wanted to go to that other world again. Her father pulled her out, and decided it was time to teach her to swim safely, always landing back on shore. That made her love water even more. People, even her mother, sometimes called her a fish or a mermaid. She had long hair, but only wished for a mermaid’s tail and to be able to breathe under water. She loved to sing, but she loved quiet, too. That helped her hear the animals and made them more comfortable coming around her.

When she was growing up, most people thought animals acted only on instinct, and that only humans had things like language, tools, art, and emotions. She always asked, “How do we know?” The Girl grew up to be a camp counselor, teacher, librarian, and writer, and always loved sharing stories of animals. She worked hard and saved her money. With a little help and luck, she made her dream come true. Can you guess what it was?

 She had loved living by the Mississippi River, then the Minnesota River, but her dream was to live in a little house in a little forest on a little lake. When she found the perfect spot, she waited until the little old man was ready to sell his little old house. He knew she would love it and care for it, so they both cried happy tears. Owning a house in the woods meant a lot of work, which often made her dirty and sweaty, but also strong. Jumping into the spring-fed lake made her clean, cool, and happy.

As years went by, the gold in her hair turned to silver, but she kept it long and natural for simplicity and frugality. Wrinkles appeared, but they were mostly smile lines, so she didn’t care. As she grew into an elder, other things changed in her body and mind, but she still swam nearly every summer day and walked in the woods nearly every winter day, keeping her heart young. As always, Mother Nature reminded her that change was the way of all things, but if she kept her sense of wonder, she could always be The Girl.

Once upon a time a little green sunfish hatched from a little egg in a little nest in a little lake – the same little lake The Girl swam in. He was just one of thousands of eggs, but there was something very special about him. First, he had to be special just to make it out of the nest. There are many hungry critters in a lake, and eggs are delicious. If you were a fish egg, other fish, turtles, and even dragonfly nymphs might snatch you up for lunch. Even though his father guarded the nest and all his brothers and sisters, many of them disappeared before he got to know them. The little green sunfish and his friends were lucky to have logs and rocks and lots of plants to hide in. But it was a small lake, and everybody knew that there would not be enough room or food for all of them, so some of the eggs were meant to be food for other critters. You had to have some luck to survive.

As the little green sunfish grew, he got bigger and smarter – but so did the predators. Being a cold-blooded animal, (yes, he was cold-blooded, but warm hearted!) he loved to swim in the shallow water, where the nests were, warmed by the sun. But there were herons and egrets there, standing so still you wouldn’t notice them until – they struck with those long, powerful beaks and swallowed you whole.

Like all fish, the little green sunfish knew he belonged in the water, but his superpower polarized vision helped him to see above the surface, and he was fascinated. One day he saw an older fish jumping out of the water and coming back with a tasty mosquito. It took some practice and strengthening his tail to get his head above the surface, but he did, and discovered a whole new world up there. It was only for a moment, but he knew he wanted to go there again. His father decided it was time to teach him to jump safely, always landing back in the water. That made him love jumping even more, especially when thousands of mayflies hatched. Yum!

He loved exploring the beautiful little lake, racing through the water lilies and playing with his friends. As he grew, he learned to use his speed to avoid snapping turtles and his stealth to sneak up on dragonfly larva and eat them before they ate his tiny brothers and sisters. That wasn’t hard. But the occasional scary otters or minks had super stealth and speed and big teeth. Escaping them took all his smarts and skill!

After a few years of playing, growing, and learning, it was time for the little green sunfish to make his own nest and start a family. He used his mouth to pull weeds and his fins to sweep away the mud and silt, leaving a lovely dish of sand, pebbles, and shells. Surely that would help him attract a mate who would be happy to lay her eggs for him to fertilize and guard. When it was cleaned and ready, the sunfish went out to search the lake for a suitable mate. Perhaps it was his confident approach, or his healthy blue, orange, and gold glow, or maybe a meeting of the eyes? She followed him back to the shallows, where the two fish danced in a circle above the nest until it was full of thousands of tiny eggs.

And this is where our story of an extraordinary friendship begins. The Girl knew it was special, so she wrote about it in her journal. The sunfish knew it was special, so he told his friends and children about it. I’ll let them tell you now.

How to remain a girl or boy art 75? Go barefoot. Embrace water and dirt. Feel empathy for all, even grubs! Have wild friends. Share food. Laugh as often as possible.

Greenie, a Lion, and a Tufted Titmouse – heart to heart

by [email protected]

Today I’ll start by asking – what do a fish, an elephant, a lion, a swan, and a titmouse have in common? It’s not a joke!

But first- You are invited to the Downtown Lakeville Art Crawl! This coming Saturday, May 11th, noon to 5. I’ll be in Phoenix Hall with my art, cards, and books. I’d love to see you there and share some new Greenie and Africa pictures with you while you also enjoy 30 other artists! Here’s all you need to know: https://lakevilleartscenterfriends.org/art-crawl/

FISH! The great news is that Greenie surprised and thrilled me yesterday, returning for the 9th summer! That means he’s at least 11 or 12 years old – quite an accomplishment for a green sunfish in a small private lake full of predators! He gave me lots of fish kisses, seemed to relish my petting him, took a bit of oatmeal from my hand, and jumped for a little tilapia. Then we had a refreshing swim together. Those of you who know him will recognize his gold belly fins in this new video. Click on the picture to play it.

ELEPHANT! If you’ve read my book you know I’ve been blessed by special encounters with birds, dogs, and horses as well as fish. But I doubted African animals would have any interest in me – just another tourist. Yet when offered the opportunity to pet the incredibly adorable baby elephants at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, I chose first to kneel down and hold out my open hand. I always prefer it if a child or animal comes to me. One of the smaller babies reached out her trunk and touched my hand. There was nothing in it but my love and wish for her to feel it. I became a giggling child and petted that being who has more in common with us than we have ever recognized.

LION! This magnificent lion was drinking from the lake a long way off when I silently asked him to come closer. He stopped to comb his royal mane on the long thorns of an acacia tree before walking straight toward our van. I always acknowledge that it could be coincidence, but the look in his eyes and the awe in my heart felt like an answer to my request. As he walked inches from the side of the van where I stood, my new friend Sue’s phone picked up the words I had to whisper, “I love you. Thank you for coming.”

SWANS! At home after my dream safari, I found myself contemplating – was there more to these special moments than I knew? Seeing the first two swans to visit our ice-framed lake, I wondered if these usually shy birds might possibly come to me from the other side of the cove. As I stood on the shore silently calling to them, I was again surprised and delighted as they started toward me. I started talking to them, and singing that old  song, “Swanees, how I love ya, how I love ya, my dear old Swanees”, fully expecting them to turn away. But no, they came slowly but steadily until they were less than 20 feet from me, preening and floating there elegantly, as swans do. I stood, full of wonder and gratitude, for quite a while until my chores called me away. I thanked the swans, and watched them swim off as I walked up the hill.

TITMOUSE! Of course I’m not the only one who experiences these gifts from critters. Yesterday, while I was relishing attention from Greenie, my dear friend Carol Gillen had an even more surprising visit from a wild bird – a tufted titmouse. In her words:

“OMG…the most amazing thing just happened to me. I was sitting still on my patio watching the squirrel on the table and a bunny in the grass, when 2 little birds (tufted titmice) landed on the chair next to me and twisted their heads back and forth looking at me. One flew off and the other flew up to the back of my chair and started pulling my hair out. Then he flew up and landed on top of my head and for the next half hour he pulled my hair out!! It was Awesome!! He’d flutter his wings, tail hanging down in front of my eyes, scratching to rearrange my hair and plucking and plucking and plucking…sometimes on top, sometimes on the sides and on the back. I couldn’t believe he could take that much hair. For a moment it felt like he was going to make a nest right up there on my head. I have never in my life experienced something like this. Tears were streaming down my face. When Mike brought the dog out, it scared the bird away and I started sobbing and laughing at the same time. Mike was trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I couldn’t speak because my throat was totally constricted from the sobbing/laughing. Such an incredible experience. And now somewhere in my woods there is a nest made of my silver hair…and I am crying again. (Mike may have me committed.) And my scalp hurts….surprised I don’t have a bald spot. I feel like a Disney character. Wow!”

Wow is right! But clearly, that little bird sensed that Carol had the special kind of heart that would cherish an experience that might horrify others. Lucky bird, lucky Carol.

THE ANSWER! Telling these stories, I often fear that I may be perceived as arrogant. Yet I know that the special powers are not in me, but in the animals – all the animals. Every animal that has survived and evolved has done so by reading the body language – including scents – of other animals – including us. It should not be surprising that they know when someone means them no harm, is unafraid of them, and respects, or even loves them.

I share these stories in hopes that they might diminish fear and inspire curiosity and love for our fellow citizens of planet Earth. Perhaps you’ve had a special encounter? Come to the art crawl on Saturday, meet Carol the tufted titmouse whisperer, see that she’s not bald, and share your special encounter with us! Phoenix Hall Event Center, 20732 Holt Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 Sat, May 11, noon to 5

Happy New Year!

by [email protected]
sunset reflected in loon eye
Uncommon

A sunset is doubled when reflected in a lake
So, too, a glowing moon
But oh, to see that sacred art
In the magical mirror of the ruby red eye
Of the mystical common loon

May the wonders of Mother Nature
decorate your heart and your holidays
with beauty, light, and love

While searching my photos for a holiday picture, this one suggested a red tree ornament reflecting candlelight. But it’s natural, which is always my preference. I was delighted to photograph a loon close to my canoe. Discovering the sunset while editing the picture was one of those happy surprises.

Another was being asked to do three photo/poem exhibits in 2023. It kept me busy, but I was honored to be able to share my work. Many thanks to all who encouraged me in so many ways. I will be taking my exhibit at Burnhaven Library down this Sunday, and this is one that will go back up on my wall while I’m missing the snow.

shed with lake open in December

The totally open water on my lake this December is a surprise, but not a happy one. I would be selfish to complain when others around the world suffer devastating effects of climate change and war. Yet I can’t help but wonder how it is affecting my fish friends – Greenie, Slim, and others. I swam nearly every day last summer, often with them, and took lots of underwater video. I’m making progress on Greenie’s chapter book about our eight summers together. Will there be a ninth? I sure hope so.

Yes, that's Greenie, a summer picture dressed up for the holidays with a little editing. I didn't look as good as he does, but I so appreciated celebrating the special lights of Hanukkah, Solstice, and Christmas with friends and family, and will do the same on New Year’s Eve.

Let us all wish everyone, every one, everywhere,
all creatures, great and small
Peace on Earth, Good Will to All 

Holly

This Sunday! Too little time, too many photos

by [email protected]

Goodbye pumpkins, hello snow! Greenie and Slim have gone deep ahead of the ice. Red and Pinkalicious have been visiting the vine by my kitchen window. The deer are gobbling up the last of my simple gardens. There’s always a friend around if we keep our eyes and ears open.

My theme continues as I prepare for Sunday’s opening of my photo/poetry exhibit, (details below) so I will keep this short. It’s both a joy and a challenge to share my images and thoughts. It’s so encouraging when people say I should be charging more for my art. But as I look at the 60 pics in all kinds and sizes of frames filling my living room as I sort them for areas of the library, one thought prevails. I would love to know they will grace other people’s walls, perhaps after being wrapped as a gift. So I’m keeping my prices down with that in mind.

But lest I sound like an advertisement, know that I would LOVE to have you just come to the library during November and December to relax as you peruse the pictures and poetry. I’m not making a lot of cards since I have no venue for them beyond Sunday, but I already have one special order and and am open to making more. And of course my book, Enchanted – Reflections from a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life is always available from me.

The future? I have a good start on Greenie’s book and am anxious to get back to work on it. I have more VERY exciting news, but I’ll save that for later. Here’s a picture to make you smile and a couple of the more philosophical new pieces for my exhibit.

Eye to eye with Greenie under the water as it got colder. “I’ll miss you this winter!” 
Milkweed Message

I’m holding on to so much stuff
While some don’t have enough
To live a simple life
Within a humble home

Why?

It’s time to let my treasures go
So they can travel on the wind
Until they find a place to grow
While I embrace
The calm of empty space

                                        Holly Jorgensen
Angeleaf

All summer long, despite the drought,
gazillions of leaves spent their mornings and eves 
capturing carbon and gifting us life.
Now they go out in blazes of glorious oranges and deep reds 
even as we lie asleep in our beds.

I, too, am in the autumn of my years 
but tears are not my thing. 
I'd rather sing a song of hope 
that my transition from this earthly home 
might have a fraction of the grit and grace 
of a leaf as she leaves this lovely place 
and lets herself be blown 
to yet another mysterious, miraculous unknown. 

                                                      Holly Jorgensen


Exhibit details: 
On display November through December, 2023  
Opening reception: 1:30 to 4:30 pm, Sunday, November 5th, 2023  Central STANDARD time! 
I will give brief presentations at 1:40, 2:40, and 3:40
Burnhaven Library, 1101 County Rd 42 W, Burnsville, MN 55306
I'd love to see you there!

Two fun events, three fun photos

by [email protected]

Do you remember the Pozo-Seco Singers lamenting “Time, oh, time, where did you go?” It’s easy to feel that way as summer ends, especially when it drops from the 90s to the 50s so quickly! It makes me reflect on time itself – spending, saving, wasting, sharing, and savoring it.

I could write more on that, but I don’t have time! So for now, I’ll just share a couple of invitations and pictures.

This Saturday, September 16th, I’ll be at Rosemount’s Country Faire from 10 to 4 with my books, birthday calendars, cards, and some framed photos. I’m sharing a booth with my friend Sarah Rosenthal, who will have her beautiful hand-made jewelry and photos of her travels. Check out her website for her amazing needlework and more! www.RysalkaxStudiya.com For more on the many books and talents on display at the Faire, see COUNTRY FAIRE | rosemountwritersfest (rosemountwritersfestival.com)

I’m excited to have been invited to do a photo/poetry exhibit at the Burnhaven Library all of November and December! Please join me for the all-ages reception, where I’ll share stories about my unique friendships with wild animals like Greenie the sunfish and answer questions about my art, poetry, and my award-winning book, Enchanted – Reflections from a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life. I’m hoping some of my work will get to be gifts and grace the hands and homes of strangers and friends for the holidays.

Sunday, November 5, 2023   1:30 to 4:30pm  cst

Burnhaven Library      1101 W County Road 42      Burnsville, MN 55306

Holly and Slim with double chins. No room for vanity here! This is where I’ve spent much of the summer as I try to write from my fish friends’ point of view.
I love swimming as the sun sets and moon rises. My GoPro lets me capture that point of view for you.
Here, to welcome autumn and preview my new exhibit, are delicately frosted oak leaves. Surely I can come up with a poem for this, right?

Sweet Beings: George Winston, Greenie, a striped fawn, hummingbirds

by [email protected]

First and foremost, I want to thank all those who came to my photo/poetry exhibits. I learned a lot and am looking forward to exhibiting at the Burnhaven Library in Burnsville all of November and December. Maybe my art and books will have the thrill of being wrapped up and opened as gifts for the holidays!

Greenie the sunfish

Until October, I’m committing to focusing on Greenie’s book. Yes, he’s back! Along with Slim and the kids. Not every day, so I suspect he’s busy guarding a nest, but he checks in and warms my heart every few days. My sweet fish and my daily swims keep me happy and healthy. I took this picture with my phone between the boards in my dock and was delighted with how it turned out (with a little editing). Doesn’t it look like a painting in a children’s book?

Thanks to Sue Lund for taking this picture in 2004. Today I want to acknowledge the sad passing of George Winston, who honored me with his friendship and music for 40 years. My book tells how we met in 1983 while I was a volunteer usher at Orchestra Hall and how he chose to save precious time by wearing jeans and a casual shirt, even while playing (stocking-footed) at ornate halls around the world. I so appreciated his giving me tickets and CDs so I could share him and his music with friends, but his generosity went far and wide. His constant support of food shelves locally and nationally while he played about 100 concerts a year is just one example. He spoke of the wonders of his beloved cats, but never spoke of his battle with cancer except to encourage support for the City of Hope, where he had a bone marrow transplant. We only talked once a year, backstage, but the cards he sent me with brief messages show me how one can maintain a friendship while maintaining focus on a larger mission. I learned much more from this gentle man so dedicated to bringing beautiful music to the masses. Perhaps some day I will go through my journals and glean wise or funny things he said. But for now I am embracing his example of focus while I write Greenie’s story and listen to George’s sweet music. 

Click on the picture to watch the video and see the unusual stripes on the back of this darling’s neck. Imagine him/her saying “Look Ma! I can clean myself, wipe my nose, and even poop by myself!”

I need to hone my photographic skills to catch the wings on a hovering hummingbird. For now, I’m happy when they pose in the sun. I know they can be very territorial, but their beauty is as sweet as the nectar they drink from flowers. May your days be the same. 

Good news, an invitation, and nature updates

by [email protected]

I’ve been so busy creating, communing, and celebrating that I didn’t even think of that other c word, cancer, or notice the first anniversary of my lumpectomy slipping by on April 8th. But I must share with you that my annual mammogram showed no sign of it – Hallelujah! The tiny bit of cancer remains gone, but not what it awakened. As with most dark clouds, there was a silver lining. I’ve always believed I’d live a long life, and I still do. But I’m now more committed than ever not to waste the most precious of gifts – time. I’m more passionate about sharing what gifts I have with the world. But I also feel the glory in embracing the joys of life, whether a quiet moment of awe or the laughter of friends. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my many blessings, especially good friends, good docs, and good health.

As you may know, 2023 started out gifting me with two great opportunities to share my art and thoughts, thanks to the MN Izaak Walton League and Rosemount Steeple Center. I’m so happy to know that my pictures will be scattered to many through my cards and that some of my larger framed photos will be gracing the walls of old and new friends. I was nervous about using all used frames, but delighted to find that people loved their variety and personalities. The first piece I sold was to an expert in art. I can’t tell you how much that boosted my confidence. The second I sold was to an expert in conservation, who plans to hang it in her workplace to inspire others to consider the land, air, water, and wildlife in every business decision they make. I can’t tell you how gratifying that is. What more meaningful role could my art and words have? To see and read “Ashes” and “The Sunrise of Compassion” scroll back to my post of April 7, 2021. These exhibits have also brought attention to my book, Enchanted, which illuminates many of the stories told by my photos, and encouraged me to turn my photos and poems into a book. But that will have to come after Greenie’s book!

My exhibit will be at the Steeple Center this week and next. You are welcome to visit there Monday through Thursday 8 to 3:30 and Friday until noon. Please contact me if you’d like me to meet you there for a walk-through or to buy art, books, or cards. The center will also be open the afternoon and evening of Saturday, April 29th for two performances of “Shenanigans at the Blue Pelican Inn” performed by the Second Act Players. I will be there to take my exhibit down that evening. 14375 Robert Trail (CR 3) Rosemount. Parking in front and back.

I will also be at Lakeville’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22nd  with my books, cards, and calendars. Click here for the fun details. https://www.lakevillemn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10679/Earth-Day-Celebration-Invite?bidId=  Central Maintenance Facility (7570 179th Street West) from 11 a.m. to 1. From there I’ll be back at the Izaak Walton House to help plant new disease-resistant elm trees!

On the home front, the ice just went out on the lake, so I’ll be watching for Greenie & Slim as soon as the water warms up. (True, I was in it the day after ice-out, but not for long!) Hearing the happy songs of birds and frogs delights me! Red is now sleeping outside my window only on very cold nights – he and Pinkalicious are nesting somewhere again! I saw him feeding her yesterday, preparing for babies. Poopsie is back from the south and sleeping on the vine over my treehouse deck. The crocuses are blooming, lilacs are budding, and daylilies are bursting through the matted leaves. Life was there under the snow all the while.

How sweet is this? Red feeding Pinkalicious
How sweet is this? Red feeding Pinkalicious
Pinkalicious on the vine at night.
Papa Red after his chicks hatched a couple years ago. Doesn’t he look proud?
A rare daytime shot of Poopsie from last year.

This Sunday Afternoon!

by [email protected]

You are invited to my first photography and poetry exhibit!

I would love to see you there THIS SUNDAY! Come walk the trails in the lovely Izaak Walton League woods, snow shoe and bird watch, then come inside for wine, snacks, pictures and poems. If you can’t make it, you can reserve another time to come, but you’ll miss the snacks, wine, and fun crowd. All the information is on this poster. I’m sharing my first artist’s statement here to give you an idea where I’m coming from and going. Having an exhibit really makes one think about what and why!

Artist’s Statement  

I don’t have the technical skill I’d like, but I do have special relationships with Mother Nature and her children. Whether silly or serious, my goal in life, art, and writing is simplicity rather than sophistication, and connection rather than perfection. I love when I can catch an interesting expression or pose. I really love when there is a surprise in the photo that I didn’t see in the field!  At times I find that editing an imperfect photo can evoke something closer to the emotion I felt in the wild. My hope is that viewers who are drawn in by a bit of mystery (“Is this real? Is this a painting? Were you that close? What was that critter thinking?”) might also be drawn to explore nature’s wonders on their own. Looking through eyes of love at every wild thing can create magic.

I can’t resist sharing what comes to mind when an image speaks to me. Sometimes it’s a poem, sometimes a memory or a laugh. I’d love to know what my pictures say to you. What do you see? Think? Wonder? Feel? I hope you’ll leave a comment or two.

You may notice a wide variety of frames and techniques. Why? 1) Though it’s a challenge and a lot of work to dress a photo in what brings out its personality, it’s more fun than doing them all the same. 2) If you know me or my book, Enchanted, you know that reuse is a core part of my Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life. 3) Giving an old frame a new life rather than filling landfills and extracting more of the earth’s resources is one of many ways to respect and preserve our environment.

Hey, Mom! You’re putting 40 pictures in your exhibit and NONE OF ME??! Sorry. Lucky, but this show focuses on the environment and wildlife of the MN River Valley. You’re wild, but not quite wild enough.

With Gratitude   

I am deeply grateful to the Izaak Walton League for inviting me to present my very first photography exhibit at the Kouba Gallery. I’m even more grateful for the League’s century of conservation initiatives. Clearly our hearts and minds are in the same place – passionate about loving and preserving the natural world. Perhaps you’ll join and become an Ike with me. Special thanks to Joseph Barisonzi for encouraging me as I sometimes color outside the lines.