I can recall being 17 and not liking some parts of my body. Of course there were pimples, and my strong thighs seemed too big. It didn’t help that my brother teased me with “blubber butt” and my boyfriend called my face and nose “round”, not in a flattering way. Now, at 77, I love every part of my body that works, and am grateful for every day I have lived, even the hard ones.
March 8th marked 30 years since I bought my house – the little house in the woods on a little lake that has been my dream come true. As I walked around my yard the other day, I was drawn to the wood here and there, no longer covered with snow, but weathered and beautiful. I remembered how I used to “antique” things. All kinds of items, small or large, whether painted wood, plastic, or metal, I liked them so much more with that old, weathered look. Dry-brushed paint, speckle-sprayed, or sponged-on colors looked more real to me than a single, smooth, “perfect” color. Living in my own home and being an excellent scavenger (if I do say so myself) has allowed me to luxuriate in the real thing!
Maybe it’s my preference for all things natural. After all, how often do we see a single color, with no texture or variation in Mother Nature’s palette? Wood and water, sky and stone, foliage, fur, and feathers – their beauty is in their abundance of ever-changing elements.
I have come to appreciate the same in myself. You may have seen my poem Lines in my book, Enchanted. I’ve changed it a bit now that I see more lines and spots in the mirror.
Lines another year, a few more lines in the face looking back from the mirror
life lends her hand with meticulous care to etch the legends there of lucid days of lusty nights of messages shared about wrongs, about rights of laughter that lingers of smiles that last of longing of learning of leaving the past
I know that new freckles old scars and fine lines are the legible passage of time full of lessons and blessings that wipe away tears in this gift of a life I call mine
My dock is weathered because it’s lucky enough to exist in wind, sun, and water! So am I!The chair on my dock must have been yellow before I found it on the curb. This fits me better. Those golden screws are like the golden sun that holds my parts together.This chair is no longer safe to sit in, but might make a beautiful frame!My love for the simple, the old, the wabi sabi has given me a solid handle on my frugal life.This barn door, once a deep red, is reclaiming the beauty of the trees from which it came.Shutters clatter and laugh in the face of the weather they are meant to keep out.Once a rocking chair, weather has freed this “bent wood” to bend to its own artistic heart.Mother Nature welcomes her children back home…to their interdependent family…dressing them up for the party…reminding them that they have more life to give.More lines in my face, but hey — more lines in print, too! More gray in my hair, but hey — I’ve got hair, and lots of it! More fat in my belly, but hey — who will notice under my dress and jewelry gifted from friends in Africa! I don’t look so good in a swim suit, but hey — I have Greenie to swim with! I had a speck of cancer for a minute, but hey — it’s gone! I have less strength, less energy, but hey – good friends help me hang my precious memories on walls. I am lucky. I am grateful. Like weathered wood, I have more to give. So do you. Happy Birthdays to us!
Big thanks to Anthony V. Hall for taking this and other photos at my November African exhibit opening. Big thanks to Greg Andres, wherever you are, for taking the one of me in the … 60s? 70s?
You may have seen my little letter on my January 23rd Facebook post among so many postings by concerned (or outraged, to be honest) MInnesotans. The pictures there and the first six here are from the memorial space where I sang with a small group in remembrance of Renee Good, a peaceful protester shot multiple times and killed by ICE while in her car. On January 24th, Alex Pretti, another innocent citizen, was shot ten times while face down on the street. The next 15 photos show you some of the thousands of signs carried in the January30th march against ICE. The energy there was positive and exhilarating. As marches, small and large, continue to speak to the world, I encourage you to find a friend or 10 and join in. We are stronger, better, wiser, safer together.
The inhumane tactics of ICE agents and the abundance of powerfully creative yet peaceful resistance captured the attention of the nation and beyond. Marches, words, songs, and videos effectively demanded the withdrawal of most of the troops. But because we must not be silent in the face of continuing lies, lawlessness, and inhumanity, I’m posting my words again with just a few of the thousands of voices raised in protest at January 30th’s march against ICE. Who knows how long my blog will exist, but I want it to reflect how I feel about this troubling time in our history before I post a more fun birthday essay.
This Little Light of Mine
I’d planned to write myself a birthday blog to celebrate and share the joys of getting older. Stay tuned for that. But I’m compelled to shine some light on the darkness that has invaded the bright snowy land of Minnesota. I can’t be silent with my friends, neighbors, and country suffering and in grave danger.
Let me start by saying how proud I am of my fellow Minnesotans. While thousands are marching peacefully in the streets, others are bringing food, diapers, and other necessities to folks legitimately afraid to leave their homes. Many are speaking truth and singing hope, even as the federal government has shown how dangerous that can be. I have been hurting, but also lifted up by the little lights of others – the smiles of strangers and hugs from friends and like-minded acquaintances. Minnesota Nice is real.
I feel I owe this to my friends around the country and world, since it’s likely you are getting lies, or at least not getting the whole story. There is no justification for what ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is doing here in Minneapolis. The video accounts we’ve seen and stories we’ve heard from trusted friends are too numerous and heartbreaking to recount, but they prove this surge of 3,000 federal agents is committing more crime than it’s preventing.
ICE is not going after the worst of the worst, (most of whom were already in prison) but anyone of color, with or without papers. Masked and armed with guns and chemicals, they are breaking windows and doors, assaulting and detaining even citizens and children, without the required warrants, dragging people to detainment centers here or in Texas and Florida, where their civil rights continue to be denied. The failure of agents to offer identification enables them and imposters to commit crimes like theft, physical and sexual assault, and abduction. Our bodies, hearts, and economy are suffering as ICE’s cruel tactics force people to hide in their homes, quiet and dark, afraid to go to work, school, medical appointments, or stores, much less seeking the social balm we all need. Teachers and caregivers strive to comfort children living with the kind of fear that leaves lasting wounds.
If this lawlessness and cruelty is not enough to make you worry for yourself, please consider the administration’s wanton threats to sovereign nations in the Americas and Europe, including our allies, Canada and Greenland. By abandoning the rule of law and separation of powers that has sustained our democracy and peace they are upsetting the rules-based international order and destroying trust in the United States. Face it. We are no longer respected or believed. For a much deeper analysis with verified sources I strongly encourage you to read and listen to the knowledge and wisdom put forth daily by political historian Heather Cox Richardson.
You may feel your little light is not important, but let it shine, friends. It’s not too late to be on the right side of history. Followers might be forgiven for believing the lies that put him in office, but for ignoring his dangerously diminishing moral, mental, and emotional state? The present crisis rises above any political affiliation and demands that we work together as Americans to save us all from tyranny and the natural world from devastation.
I believe with my whole heart and mind that Jesus weeps, along with every sincere person of every faith or no faith who has a compassionate, unselfish heart. Let our tears clear our eyes and strengthen our resolve. We can do this, for love is stronger than hate.
Innocence, love, joy, along a dirt road in Tanzania
I Wish You
Sun on your face, stars in your eyes Friends to embrace, in gray or blue skies May Nature abound in this and all seasons She gives us the reasons To seek unbreakable joys More than diamonds and toys To make room in our hearts For every being, domestic and wild For every elder, grown-up, and child No matter the place, religion or race For we are all here on Earth by grace HJ
Happy Holidays, Dear Friends, Family, and Neighbors Around the World
My 2025 started with a second trip to Africa. I loved every minute of almost three weeks in Kenya and Tanzania. Seriously. So many magnificent animals, fantastic museums, stunning landscapes, and beautiful people. From ultra urban to indigenous communities, we were greeted with smiles and grace. What a privilege to be welcomed into Maasai, Datoga, and Hadzabe villages where they have maintained the cultures they have treasured for centuries, living lightly on the Earth. While they learn from us, we have much to learn from them.
I have finally framed twenty-four of my thousands of photos and hung them at Burnhaven Library, where I also shared videos and insights, (despite my power point crashing ☹.) Stop in or let me know if you’d like me to meet you there to chat before I take the exhibit down on January 3rd. Being in a society so much less materialistic than ours only reinforced my life-long lack of enthusiasm for buying or selling. Yet I am truly honored when people connect with an image that also touched me and want to own it! So yes, my photos, calendars, and cards are for sale. I’ve recently been reminded that my book, Enchanted: Reflections from a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life, is even more relevant and important now. (You can order it on my website or read it from the library.) I’m happy when people connect with my creations in any way. I’m sure I will continue to share online and by exhibiting and speaking when asked. How can I not, in a world in need of understanding, compassion, beauty, and joy?
Do I want to go back to Africa? Yes! But I am determined to focus on getting Greenie’s book out into the world. Have you heard? Greenie was here for an incredible tenth summer with me, and his mate Slimetta for a sixth. They really are miracle fishes whose story must be told. Since my submission to Lerner did not get a response, I’ll now read it with fresh eyes, make any changes that feel right, and start submitting to multiple publishers. Greenie and the Girl: The True Story of a Sunfish and his Human is a chapter book in his voice and mine covering our first nine years together. Since writing it, I realize I have several special stories that would make great follow-up picture books. I always have more ideas than time, but we’ll see what happens in this increasingly (and sadly) unpredictable world.
What is for sure is that I will continue to love connecting with the Earth’s waters, woods, and wildlife, wherever I am, as well as with her people. I will strive to speak truth and show beauty and be sustained by how blessed I feel, despite the weight of fear as unhealthy and irrational forces threaten people, the natural world, the gifts of science, the civility required for peace, the justice that democracy demands, and our precious democracy itself.
You, dear friends, and all people who believe that love is the greatest power and most worthy goal, are my joy and my hope. I wish an abundance of the same to you and all.
Above, from left, Solomon’s mother, me, Mama Mary, and Solomon in front of their house.
I wrote a blog post but hoped it could reach more people. Thanks to Tad Johnson for turning it into an interview and publishing it in the local papers. Here’s the result, with a few extra photos. You can see more of Kenya and Tanzania this Saturday, May 10th, noon to 5:00 at the Lakeville Art Center. Click here for information on the Downtown Lakeville Art Crawl and all the artists. I’ll have photos, my hand-made photo cards, birthday calendars, and my book – which is needed now more than ever! Enchanted – Reflections from a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life
LAKEVILLE WOMAN THINKS OF KENYAN FRIENDS ON EARTH DAY On Earth Day, longtime Lakeville resident Holly Jorgensen found a way to connect her Minnesota community to her Maasai tribe friends half a world away in southern Kenya.
A chance meeting with a Maasai man during her nine-day African safari in January 2024 led to striking up a friendship with Solomon and her eventual return this spring to Kenya to meet more of her Maasai friends she has stayed in touch with online in the past year.
Jorgensen, who authored the book “Enchanted: Reflections from a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life,” has always been interested in how humans can reduce their impact on the Earth, but her visit to Africa deepened her exploration.
The Maasai, a nomadic tribe that lives in areas of Kenya and Tanzania, leave behind virtually no environmental footprint other than the ones they make in grounds surrounding their villages.
After learning more about the Maasai, Jorgensen felt their way of living would be a good message to share during Earth Day close to home and she returned the favor by bringing Lakeville Friends of the Environment Earth Day T-shirts to her Maasai friends on her trip in February and March.
“I was hesitant to offer T-shirts to people who wore much more beautiful and meaningful traditional clothing, but was encouraged to bring them by people in the know,” she said. “I told the family I was bringing Earth Day shirts because I so respected the Maasai way of living lightly on the Earth. I also hoped it might be a small connection between Kenya and Lakeville. Whatever their reason, they graciously accepted them with appreciation.”
Jorgensen’s connection to the Maasai started during her 2024 safari when she visited a village. Later, she saw Solomon, a Maasai warrior, standing guard outside between the hotel and the wilds of Amboseli.
Despite the language barrier, Jorgensen struck up a conversation with him and the two exchanged phone numbers.
“When he asked me for my number, I thought, why not? I could always block him if need be,” she said. “When our group was leaving and everyone was saying ‘Good-bye,’ he said: “See you later!” I thought, no, you won’t. But Solomon was right. Our brief but regular communications on WhatsApp are just part of all that compelled me to return to Africa in 2025.
“I had always been intrigued by indigenous communities and respected their unique lifestyles and relationships with animals,” she said. “I’ve always been curious and enjoy meeting people — especially ones I can learn from.”
Jorgensen wrote about her frugal lifestyle in her book and maintains a blog at hollyonthelake.com, but she said “in Kenya were people who had much less impact on the Earth and climate, had many fewer material goods, yet were beautiful, gracious, friendly, and seemed happier than many Americans.”
The Maasai live in homes made of mud, cow dung and sticks, allowing the homes to “melt back into the Earth” when they need to move.
“I wouldn’t suggest we Minnesotans could or should live like that, but seeing them makes one wonder just how big and fancy our homes need to be,” she said. “What materials might be kinder to the Earth than the ones we use and discard, use and discard, use and discard?”
She said the Maasai raise cows, goats, and sheep, but they rarely kill them for meat. They drink milk and, as strange as it sounds, blood from the animals. When an animal is killed, they use nearly all that the animal offers to make food, blankets, clothes, and other items.
During her recent trip, Jorgensen visited Solomon’s family and received three special beadwork necklaces and several bracelets from his wife, who thanked Jorgensen for paying for their daughter’s school fees and hospital visit after the girl fainted.
“When I asked Solomon’s younger brother what was the best thing about being Maasai, he didn’t hesitate before saying ‘family.’ He went on about how they live together, share what they have, take care of each other, and respect elders for their wisdom and vision concerning the Earth,” she said.
She said she’s no expert on the ancient culture, as the more she learns the more she realizes how little she knows about it.
“What I do know is how truly indigenous — meaning ‘of the land’ — they are, even as they are forced or choose to adopt some modern ways,” she said.
Jorgensen has always had an affinity for nature, but said her African safari made her fall in love with the whole Earth.
She said during her visit she didn’t experience the dry, cracked ground from droughts or raging rivers from floods.
“But reading, watching documentaries, and staying in touch with African friends, I can’t ignore the fact that climate events are increasingly murderous to precious lives, both human and wild. So forgive me if I keep attempting to speak for the Earth as I share photos of its splendid, yet vulnerable inhabitants.”
Jorgensen, who will have some of her African photos on display during the Lakeville Art Crawl on May 10 and a Burnhaven Library exhibit in November and December, said Solomon recounted to his family his first meeting with Jorgensen in the grassland.
“In his soft voice and Maa language (interpreted by teacher Ann) he said ‘I couldn’t understand your language, but I could see your heart,’ “ Jorgensen said. “I was overwhelmed and humbled by the way they honored me. I resolved to strive for whatever Solomon saw in me that first day. Was it openness? I hoped to develop the gift of seeing into hearts, or, at the very least, acknowledging the heart in every body, regardless of how different their appearance, language, or customs.”
Tad Johnson is a managing editor of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune
Solomon, Mama Mary, their pastor, friends, and their youngest son by the open doorway to their home.
Solomon’s younger brother, Benjamin, helped us translate. Solomon’s daughter, Faith, (not pictured) works with AMREF promoting the girlchild’s health and rights.
Solomon’s son is wearing a jacket my mother made and Mama Mary holds a small quilt that I made, with pictures of northern animals on it. Along with the T shirts and some twinkling solar-powered lights to keep the lions away, they seemed appropriate gifts, knowing they would give me precious traditional hand-made beadwork. I suspect she learned beading from her mother, as I learned quilting from mine. Are you surprised they would wear anything warm? I was, but the rangers wore sweaters all day and it gets “cold” at night.
Daughter Mary was at school, where we visited earlier. This is lovely teacher Ann, who translated for us.
The trees in Kenya are famously photogenic, but don’t supply a lot of wood, as our white pine do. That explains a lot.
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.
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
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.
ThisSaturday, 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?
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!
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.
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 29thfor 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 PinkaliciousPinkalicious 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.
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.
