Welcome Snowdrops!

Welcome Snowdrops!
Originally uploaded by Farmhouse Greetings

Noticed a sure sign that Spring's coming! Of course, yesterday's snowfall covered these snowdrops with an icy, white blanket, but I know they're there! Spring flowers bloom like popcorn- you notice the first ones tenatively popping out after a long wait, then suddenly, they all start bursting forth at once, and at some point, you lose track of the order of first blooms and just bask in the enjoyment of Spring's heady arrival. (Or if you're dealing with popcorn, you fill a bowl and start munching).

Inching Toward Spring Despite the Lousy Weather

Feeling the pull of Spring today- ordered  lots of glad bulbs, some anemones, a few toad lilies (couldn't resist the name) and lots of seeds, mostly sunflowers, some cosmos, nasturtiums, lettuce, kale,etc. I mentioned to the lady in Wisconsin receiving my order that we had snow, and she said to keep it here- they've had over 100" of it  so far this season. 

Spring (Issue) Arriving in the Mail Soon!

B called yesterday to let me know she received her Spring issue of GreenPrints in the mail. When she calls, I always know to look for my complimentary copies in a few weeks. (Subscribers get their issues first, then later, the writers and illustrators get their copies as a courtesy from Pat Stone, the editor). I illustrated two articles in this issue- one on the weirdness of water molecules and the other about sugi trees.  I've illustrated articles by both writers before and I like their styles- their attention to detail prompts me to put a little extra effort into researching reference material to use when creating drawings. I basically jot down the key words from their stories, then decide what points to illustrate. I surround myself with lots of images for inspiration, lightly pencil in the composition once I figure it out, then ink it  with a .01 Staedtler technical pen  and submit it via computer to North Carolina where Pat lives.  He'll  reply with suggestions for improvement or a thumbs up, and all is well until the next assignment arrives via email.  I'm grateful to B for showing me sample copies of  GreenPrints years ago and encouraging me to send them artwork. I've found my niche. B recently started a garden blog (Plants and Stones) and encouraged me once again to create a blog, too. Thanks, B!  

Greetings from the Farmhouse

"Greetings and Salutations!" Those are the same words my Dad greeted me with  if I chanced to see him when I walked down the corridors at Chenango Valley School over thirty years ago. He taught Earth Science and I often spotted him patrolling the halls outside the science rooms. True, his greeting was a little long and old-fashioned, when a simple "Hi" would've sufficed.  The "Salutations" part even reminded me of the story of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, and the same magical word spun into the web over Wilber's pigsty. Anyway, I still remember the happy little kick I got from Dad's hallway greeting, and I offer you my greetings and welcome in the same spirit from the family farmhouse where I live and work.