The shift from summer into fall and winter was hard for me this year. I moved into the home I had been building with my partner, Cassidy, on July 21st. This is the home/ studio we have spent two years building. With the exception of help in raising a few of the roof beams we did all the work on the structure ourselves, no contractors, no paid help. Come July 21st my body and mind was exhausted. I was also jubilant. I wrestled with the mix of emotions.

I thought we would be moved in earlier than the end of July. I had been looking forward to a full summer at the new home so we could take our time finishing up the details and relax a bit. The end of July in Minnesota means that fall is coming soon. With the nights getting cooler and the days getting shorter we knew we couldn’t slow down, we had to continue the fast paced hard-work of getting our new home ready for winter. I realized I would have to buckle down and save slowing down for next summer. Fall was gorgeous, but honestly it took me a bit to start to take in the beauty because I found myself blinded by my expectations. This piece is about coming to terms with the seasonal shift. A reflection on life and lemons.

The work features a chickadee and an ermine, both staples of the Northwoods. Chickadees can be heard and seen in the forests all year. They are abundant and not at all shy. Ermines are also a common Northwoods critter, but the are bit more elusive. Ermines change their coats from brown to white come winter. Critters in the Northwoods learn to adapt when the weather changes, they know winter is inevitable. That adaptability and need to change is why I love living in Minnesota so much. Sometimes I forget to adapt though, and then I find I have to struggle through my dismay to find acceptance. Finding gratitude can be hard, just like squeezing lemons. But like lemonade, fresh squeezed gratitude tastes so sweet 🐾🍋

11″ x 17″ original acrylic on canvas (ready to hang).

Owl Always Love You

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