With an early snow already on the ground and icicles decorating the rooftops, I walk slowly around the frozen landscape and stop to listen to the rustling sound of the remaining seed pods on the mimosa tree as the cold north wind  blows with huge gusts. The sound always has reminded me of the pair of red castanets I would enjoy vigorously shaking to hear their rattling as a child. Working outdoors in the winter is always a challenge. My hands are freezing but the sun is quickly melting the snow  and it is changing what I am trying so hard to capture with my paint, so I work as fast as I possibly can with fingers that can barely move. A wonderful old Christmas carol, a favorite, fills this moment, “Oh Holy Night”. The powerful words with a full chorus of angels singing within the confines of my mind are as clear as the sounds of the seed pods I heard earlier, and now become my warmth and tenacity to finish. “Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn!”

Oil on Canvas 20"x16" 2010

I send my best wishes to everyone. I want to thank you for following my life as an artist and writer through reading and sharing this blog. May the New Year bring you much happiness and prosperity.