I put some of the things I remember of World War II into this photo art. The main thing I put there is how a 5 year old looks at the country’s stress so differently than an adult.
I ran through the house and yard pretending I was a fighter ace. I studied the world map with my Sunday School teacher to see far off places where our church members were stationed as Conscientious Objectors – on the front lines as medics wih no guns – carrying guns to shoot someone is against our (my) religion. Black-out drills in case the enemy came to bomb the near-by mines and steel mills were exciting. Running around in the dark was fun when you were 5 years old and did not have to go to bed. I did not see stress.
My parents saw the stress of World War II, though. They did not pretend they were flying aces, did not enjoy running in the dark, and they worried about our neighborhood boys on the front lines.
Hi Jim, Happy Easter and Happy Birthday. Here are some pictures for the blog. Out in the blind a couple of evenings ago. Two male and one female Common Mergansers came in. I never had mergansers on the ponds before. Here are a few shots. Mergansers are fish eating ducks. Also the last shot is a Wood Duck in late sunlight with color on the water around it. Dave
(Double click to bring photo to full page – use arrow to return to this page)
I love the Wood Duck shot! – & Thx for birthday wish.
Hi Jim, We are finally getting some better weather. The Wood Ducks showed up yesterday. I was out in my blind shooting last evening. Here are a few shots. Dave
I am testing a new 2024 into 2025 format. This my current wood carving project – The cowboy is getting some color. This is my first attempt and wood burning and water color to bring a new view to my carvings. Still have a little more to go on this cowboy.
In the upper left corner is an image of an “in process” piece of abstract art that Gloria allowed me to use as a base for the following image I made depicting some of my life’s Blue Spaces – THANK YOU Gloria!
I added 10 images from my life’s Blue Space scenes & activities.
A STORY FROM MY LIFE OF BLUE SPACES:
My Kids and Grandkids are brightening my dreams.The Kids, looking to retirement, are moving to new homes. The Grandkids, becoming independent, are selecting newapartments and college dorms. All their moves are in exciting new environments.
That prompted me to think about the first move I made when I was 19 years old. I left the isolation of the Brethren homestead farm on the ridge which had open views of 30 miles across the next valley. But, I also wanted water views and the creek on the homestead did not offer that. It was only 2 feet wide and 3 inches deep as it started its journey to the ocean.
For the next 70 years, living near open spaces and water, was programmed into my brain.I lived on two islands, had an offices overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, had an office overlooking the harbor in Copenhagen, had an office and home overlooking the Texas Hill Country, raised a family high on a hill in a suburb of New York City, and returned to live on the Brethren homestead in Pennsylvania for two years. In addition to that I spent 70 years vacationing on Caribbean Islands, Newfoundland Island, Alpine and Rocky Mountain ski resorts, and worked in many more cities with lots of water, like Amsterdam.
A little research will show you that living near water and open space is referred to as “Blue Spaces” The research results are filled with words like calming, physical activity, sleep quality, sun light and vitamin D, and space for creative thoughts.I hope you can find time to research Blue Spaces and hope you are influenced by your findings.
Most people think about oceans, lakes, and rivers when they think about Blue Spaces. But you might be surprised to learn that just about any place with access to water and breathing room, can be counted as a Blue Space, including streams, ponds, fountains, and mountains.
As you have just read, I had 89 years of Blue Spaces. I enjoyed each and every year.That is why I wish for my Kids and for my Grandkids, as they start out on their new journeys, the same success that I had in finding and enjoying blue spaces.
As you swing through life, Think about your use of, and enjoyment of, Blue Spaces.
This is a tribute to my great friend Allen Hoey, who passed away several years ago.Allen showed me how to truly enjoy animals.Our domestic ones and the wild ones, that chose to live near us, were all one big family. Allen and I watched them, fed them, rode them, drove them, trained them, cared for them, and talked to them. They boosted our well-being by providing exercise and companionship. Using Allen’s attitude toward animals, we had none of the stress so often available by sitting in front of a television or gossiping on-line. I thank you, Allen!
For the joy of animals.
As you swing through life – Enjoy it all and seek out animals to be part of your life.
