Spring Equinox 2024

 

Feral Wise Woman - Ruth Ann Howden 

14" x 11"

Mixed Media painting using

handmade pigments & walnut ink

Inspired by Ellie Irons' book Feral Hues I mashed up some spotted orchid petals for a wonderful golden color (sorry my photo didn't capture it); then I used desert rose petals for the yellow green color; and purple sweet potato gave me the bluish green for this painting. I've often used walnut ink in my work and it is the perfect compliment to these subtle and transitory colors.

I'm experimenting with other plants to find a range of colors, and started next painting using these handmade pigments.

Custodian Haiku

Taking care of life

The thoughtful custodian 

Works in her own way

Custodians of our local Post office did a major cleanup, repainted and hopefully they will re-landscape the corner. One large tree was taken out. The little palm that would catch the early morning sun, had grown large, also gone.

I love my sunrise walks through town out to the wharf, for exercise and often an opportunity to catch a good photo like this one of our Library with a rainbow over it. 

And the play of the morning light, of another day, on the Goddess Hina next to our library.

Photo collage, February, 2024, Ruth Ann Howden

This image speaks to me of the structures that seem to hold our so-called civilization together; full of blocks and barbs - a maze that has no path in, nor out. 

I want to use it as a cover for a book. I wonder what might be inside.

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the game of life

We dive, most of us head first

into this confusing mass of energy and

try following the many conflicting instructions

We study and debate the ancient, obscure rules

There are games of physical endurance 

games of chance and games of skill -

physical skill and mental skill - 

most requiring teamwork

Or one toss of the dice might 

end our game in disaster

Maybe the game is one where we excel 

maybe not - the deck was stacked either way

But it's said we have free choice and 

it's all so very confusing, oft-times not even knowing 

what game we're in or how it's scored

Perhaps it's best just to sit on the sidelines 

try to ignore it all, some of us practice not seeing 

or become a serial player of many games

My only goal is to enjoy the roller coaster ride  

Win or lose, we're all equal at the finish line

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Regressive Reality of Old Age

I left my knee in 

the mirror looking like a 

carved, wide-eye owl

A dragon recessed into a stone wall or cliff face 

appeared to be carved in stone, but very slowly 

I could see it's shallow breathing

My eyes are growing weaker, but the imagination is growing stronger. This could be a prompt for a short story, I've never written about dragons . . . .

In memory of Nelson James Puailihau, Jr.

September 27, 1960 - February 8, 2024

Although I only knew Nelson in passing, short greetings, in town or on the bus, he always radiated a joyfulness, never failed to make me smile. A unique being, he is missed.

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Although it is late to mention, I also miss the hotdog vendor in front of the import store. He died sometime during Covid lock down. I had never interacted with him, as I don't eat meat, but his presence on the street was reassuring.  Somehow we each find a way to make a living by supplying others with what they need; even if it is a humble hotdog. We all need everyone else to weave this amazing experience of life.

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Thank you for reading my blog. Emailed comments are always welcome and updates on what you're doing are most appreciated! 

I have a new sign off for my daily journal that I'll also use as my blog sign off

          I now give my attention to the rare gift of another day.