Face the Monday

So I'm like, 'who has time to wait for instant coffee?'

Spring in the making?

The screamin' storm

Friends in the maritime provinces have been whalloped by winter storms and record snow fall. Our winter has been moderate. Today? Blowing snow and some power outs and school closures. Many of us mutter "winter can't last forever, can it?".

Greta and Zoe 1998

I'm thinking of our 'special friends' who are now waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Two years ago today Greta (the black and tan doxie) died. Zoe lived another year and a half. Both dogs lived a long life and certainly gave us much joy. We still miss them.

Rite of spring, right?

C'mon, Spring, I know you're out there, come see us! 

I've given myself two musical assignments while I work today: First, to listen to "Take 5" in honor of my friend Gary's blog. Then, I'll listen to Stravinski (I think) interpret the rite of spring. Our forecast: highs of about 25, and wind chills bringing the  "feels like" to between 5 and 10 f. Our temps flirted with 50 a week ago, so I figure spring can't be far off. We're simply awaiting the memo.

A Spider for All Seasons

A very large spider stands vigil in our friends' front yard. Every season and holiday, spidey sports appropriate regalia. Our eight legged subject might also remind us that 'everybody's a little Irish' on St. Paddy's Day.
Our friends' local paper, the Fargo Forum, produced a profile with pictures and interviews about the spider project. You'll find it's a winsome and worthwhile read.

Paddy O' Spider (or Spider on the patio) image used with permission (thanks H&L)

Any suggestions about costuming in August?

Could it be? Spring?

"What an odd sensation--the wind doesn't hurt my face!"

There are other ways to 'draw'

"Sin boldly and imbibe more boldly still" Not Luther

Friends treated us to a trip to a brewery in Moorhead, Minnesota next to a business called "Old Lutheran". The brew meisters at Junkyard Brewery created a winsome tie-in with their neighbors by crafting Abbey Ale and appropriating Martin Luther's mug with one of his oft quoted adages. The exit leads to the parking spaces just in front of "Old Lutheran".

Imbiber that I am, I quaffed an entire HALF PINT of a robust dark ale with a body that reminded me a little of Guinness but with containing a multi-layered blend of hops.  Our beverage experience capped a night that included a dinner and viewing an assortment of two minute films at the Fargo Film Festival.

Such a fun filled social docket precluded my picking up a pen and drawing. I happily post this memento of our dose of culture and evening with longtime and dear friends.

Making manuscripts from THIS?

Composition teachers, preachers, and other respectable folk: Prepare to be appalled!
Remember those outlines with Roman numerals, sub-headed with Arabic numbers and
"Anglo" letters?

You call THIS an outline?

Believe it or not, a full manuscript followed this set of "notes". Granted, I seldom if ever actually read from said manuscript. Perhaps divulging my "process" will draw censure from  grown-up writers and preachers. Much to my surprise, more people than usual said "you could hear a pin drop" and "wow I really connected to what you were saying!" I'm not ready to credit the sterling outline. Must be something more transcendent at work.