Tidings of Gratitude . . .
there's a wind a blowin' ~
And, that's where it began. As I watch the news reports on the weather we are being blessed with across the nation and Thanksgiving nearly here; my mind wanders to the significance of this day of gratitude. Everyone is focused on that one very important pilgrimage to return home to reconnect with friends and family. I love framing everyone's personal memoirs; and those leave me with sweet memories . . .
As I stroll through the gallery today, it came upon me (keep in mind that the wind is howling outside and the windows are clattering a bit) how fortunate I am to have met Pat and what artwork does for the human soul. So here is a little tribute to what has been spoken to me today as I turn on the lights and open the doors to the gallery . . .
Gratitude for What I See
The wind is whipping through our town;
oh my, I hope the power lines don't go down . . .
Fire and Ice sent a fiery chill;
today I miss the call of the whippoorwill . . .

"Fire and Ice"
I'm the lucky one, I know it's true;
for I can travel far, and stay here, too . . .
I just walked by St. Louis and thought of what
and how that silvery gateway has done so much . . .

"St. Louis"
Next, I visit a snowy bank,
a classic goose for which I thank . . .
Pat's artistic endeavors to take me out,
of my world with Thoughts of South . . .

"Thoughts of South"
The wind has briefly stopped;
so now I gaze upon my clock . . .
Silence catches my wandering eye;
for the beauty of winter makes me sigh . . .

"Silence"
My mind wanders to those in love;
whom God smiles upon from above . . .
Yours Forever, two sweethearts flourish,
hearts of passion they shall nourish. . .

"Yours Forever"
Morning Fishermen take me to summer,
where angler's hearts follow that drummer . . .
Fishing is a favorite pastime;
of those dear boys and sweet grandson of mine . . .

"Morning Fishermen"
Appalachian Winter is such a homey scene,
reminds me of Rachel, my daughter-in-law queen . . .
A warm hearth is her heart;
home décor is her art . . .

"Appalachian Winter"
Mountains in Spring
reminds me of Stephen and Katrine;
Their long drives through the Napa Valley,
the heart of California wine country . . .

"Mountains in Spring"
Bright oranges and golds of an October Bouquet,
these petals of flowers will ne'er fade 'way . . .
They remind me of my mom's bright smile;
so I gaze upon them for a while . . .

"October Bouquet"
The Promise of Spring features a red bird,
and blossoms of dogwood that once occurred . . .
And we know, as seasons pass;
return they will once again, through our looking glass . . .

"Promise of Spring"
Snow Day brings a sweet memory,
of when Pat painted the gallery . . .
Snowy drifts piled oh so high,
when that extended family visits, I hate to say, "Goodbye" . . .

"Snow Day"
As I walk near the stairs;
Baskets Galore is hanging there . . .
A bounty of love and abundance,
seems a perfect Thanksgiving happenstance . . .

"Baskets Galore"
Twilight on the Riverbank,
brings me full circle on this day I thank . . .
Pat and Paul, and each and every one of you;
for you have given memories I cherish through and through. . .

"Twilight on the Riverbank"