Leaf Drift

faithful to the tree
growing through spring and summer
gently drifting leaf

Simple Pleasures

while fixing dinner
amber light breaks through rain clouds
dusk saying hello

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Simple Pleasures. I am lucky to have a big view outside my small abode. A simple pleasure is being surprised by the light outside - nature saying "play with me".

Boyhood

in a world
of sticks, sand, seaweed and water
make believe

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Snips & Snails (Boyhood). I had the joy of spending a week this summer with my 7-year-old nephew, who took me back to childhood imagination. It's never too late.

Blues - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Blues". I think of most of us owe some honor to the Blues, to those who struggled in the Deep South and shared their pain and suffering through music. Anyone who has listened to popular music is touched by the Blues, its threads are woven into an array of modern music.

Pictured is the great Robert Johnson.

Juicy Haiku

your thorny vines
bless us with juicy blackberries
lips stained purple

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Juicy.

Juggle - IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Juggle". This is what it feels like sometimes when I'm trying to juggle too many things while cooking ;)

Haiku Recipe

gin and vermouth
over ice, shake, pour, add olive
dry martini

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Haiku Recipe for those thirsty cooks.

Joe Zawinul

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of another great jazz musician, Joe Zawinul. Zawinul was a pioneer in the jazz fusion arena. He played with some "heavy guys" like Julian "Cannonball" Adderley and Miles Davis. He was the leader of the 70's fusion band, Weather Report for many years. It occurred to me how the death of someone you've never met can impact you so deeply. For me, it's related to the era in which these people impacted your life, thus, it taps into one's history. Getting into jazz in my late teens was a major part of my growth and exploration as a young adult. So, when I learned Joe had died, a part of my youth seemed to go with him. Sending love and peace to him and his family.

Simplicity

with a few lines
I express a lifetime of work
old apple tree

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Simplicity.

Momentum -IF

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Momentum". I played with some photos I took recently at an amusement park. What fun to let the momentum of a ride take you away with laughter and fear!

Grandparents

your union
brought to life fourteen children
branching many more

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is "Grandparents". I feel lucky to have these two wonderful people as my grandparents. May my Grandmother rest in peace. My mother is the eldest of 14, and as you can imagine, I have a large extended family. When we had a family gathering, it was a happening. I loved the excitement and love that was always available at my grandparent's home. Cherished memories....

alphabets - IF - LOVE

I was delighted to see the prompt "alphabets" today at Illustration Friday. Just yesterday I created this piece for a coworker. She is redecorating her teenage daughter's room and wanted something in this color scheme with love as the theme. As you'll discover, this is only one side of the love alphabet; the side most of us prefer to embrace.

Tiny Pretty Things

blanketed in snow
for most of the year long
meadow flowers

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is Tiny Pretty Things.

Daybreak

crows cawing
signal your arrival
dawn

This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is "Daybreak".

Max Roach Tribute

I was saddened to learn today that Max Roach has left us, but he left us with a legacy of innovative drumming that influenced modern jazz musicians and its enthusiasts. Being a jazz fan since my late teens, I give honor to Roach and the many fantastic jazz players for opening me up to new musical territories, which changed me forever. I’m sending peace and love to Max, his family, and the jazz community.

Cascade Hike

Here are pictures I took during a wonderful hike along Naches Trail near Chinkook Pass last week. It's an easy hike. In fact, my 7-year-old nephew led most of the way! It was his first hike and he didn't complain once during the 2-hour hike.

Missing - IF

I had fun with this. I love typography and so I designed with type. Take time to play with the piece and see if you can find the missing letters. Btw, I will not be online as much next week (does that qualify as missing?), so in advance, I appreciate your comments and may you find what is missing in your life....

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Missing".

Compare & Contrast

fallen into decay
you give way to the future
enveloped by life


This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is "Compare & Contrast".

Moon - IF

I've always been drawn to the moon. I remember riding in the car at night as a child, lying in the back seat gazing at the moon as the wheels spun down the dark roads. Even as it ducked behind trees, clouds and houses, it stayed faithful and followed along. The moon played with my imagination and it's a place I find comfort still.

This is posted in response to Illustration Friday. This week's prompt is "Moon".

Comfort

The life of one
blends into the hearts of many
never forgotten

Jennifer, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father, I hope the love expressed through One Deep Breath brings some comfort to you and your family. My heart goes out to you. This is in gracious response to One Deep Breath. This week's topic is "Comfort".