walk this way

When people ask where I get my ideas, I have to say, “walking my dog.” In any kind of weather, and we have all kinds in Maine, I trot around the island, things popping into my head. I’m also noticing things, large and small, and as my dad used to say, “getting the stink blown off.” Posie is my witness.

Sometimes my daughter goes along and we take turns documenting.

If it’s low tide, we go to the beach.

If it’s high tide, we head to the woods.

Trees show themselves and we listen.

There comes a deep awareness after a storm.

On a hot day, a tidepool does the trick.

Sometimes a treasure is found.

Vernal pools come and go, quenching a thirst for surprise.

I find magic in still reflections.

With a dog, there are also friends. Like Sadie, now 10. A decade of romping through mud puddles makes a life more complete. This is my portrait of loyalty.

And this is Lucy, whose life was too short. But, oh so very sweet.

Harry knows no bounds, but his charm always wins.

Dogs make the weather more visible. This pastel is “Lava Lowtide.”

Posie is an unflappable model. She makes an appearance in Stephanie Pearl McPhee Casts Off.

Marty drew her in his Sketchbook Project.

Daisy drew Po in HER Sketchbook Project, too.

These days, Posie spends much of her time dreaming. She can’t jump in the chair anymore or go up the stairs. But she makes a nice contrast to the rug in my sketch.

Inside and out, she helps me notice, be in the moment, and allow all my senses to breath in what’s real.

Time now for a walk.