Musicians
Hear beauty
in the winds scuffle of leaves,
quiet whispers between lovers,
sea waves rushing the evening shore

Dancers
Feel beauty
in a morning bird’s song
the ping of sharp rain against glass
a factory engine’s thrumming, insistent beat

Writers
Realize beauty
In the strength of their comrades,
the ebb and flow of life’s contentment,
in natures power and God’s gentle grace

We strive to share beauty,
to express and preserve it,
sharing a moment of peace with a burdened soul -
for our fellow travelers, hoping to make their spirit sing
If just for a short time

After years spent in solitude, Ben is surprised to encounter Orion, a red-tailed hawk, and two young children who also share his telepathy. But he must continue to hide his ability when he meets Sara Martin, an attractive veterinarian who prizes science and practicality above all else. Once she discovers his gift, Sara faces a struggle between her growing feelings for Ben and her fear of his unusual talent.

But this strange town holds another revelation for Ben when he overhears a mental conversation between the Lancers – as members of an ancient sect who have perfected their power over many generations, Brigid and Coyle Lancer become determined to stop Ben’s growing curiosity – by any means necessary.

Click here for more information at Amazon.com for your Kindle or Kindle for PC, also available at Barnes & Noble !!
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In addition to creating art, the other thing I’ve loved to do in life is writing. About twenty years ago I started a book, finished it in 2000, revised and rewrote for several more years, and have now published it as an e-book on Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble). It is a contemporary fantasy about an artist who has telepathy and the challenges he faces – you can read more or purchase for $2.99 at the link above!

Friends of Orion -  Coming soon…. to an Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble PubIt! eBookstore near you!

(Cover image adapted from a red-tailed hawk photo by Jo and Gene Castillo)

Here is my writing from today, which is a reminder to practice having a positive and grateful attitude, and to expect (and work for) great things in your life:

~ Vermillion Lightness of Being ~

That lovely feeling

of expectation, anticipation

of knowing something delicious

is just beyond the horizon, like an unopened gift

I think Father’s Day should be renamed Men’s Day. Not all men of worth are fathers, either by choice or by circumstance. And I’d like to celebrate the men in my life – my husband especially, and my fathers, my step-son and grandson, my brother and brothers-in-law, my nephews, son-in-law, male friends….

One of the things I like about men is their gentleness. When I see a man holding a baby or taking time to be patient with a fussing child, I admire their maturity and their generosity of spirit.

Another thing I admire is their bravery. They are brought up with the expectation that they must protect those they love and stand in the face of danger, even at times when this instinct may not come naturally.

And I have to say, I love their smell. After working outside or playing sports. (okay, not on a really hot day.)

I love their manners. A few decades back, I was walking down the street in Austin and an older gentleman tipped his hat to me in passing. It made me feel honored. And recognized, in a way. I’ve been a feminist since the 60’s, but I love for a man I’m with – or even better, a young man I’ve never seen – to open a door for me. I do the same for them, if the situation merits. It is just a kind thing to do. And respectful.

I love that men try. They try to understand what women want. They try to be thoughtful and to live up to all of the myriad things expected of them. They try to change with the times, knowing they are giving up some things and hopefully realizing they are gaining more options also. We expect them to be strong yet tender, respectful of our opinions, intelligent and funny while being good listeners, attractive and ingenious lovers but always faithful, to excel at sports plus be great at their job. A lot is expected of men.

And I’m grateful for them – for their similarities and their differences. Young and old, white and black, straight and gay, poor and rich. I think we don’t say it enough – we appreciate you for all that you are. Happy Men’s Day.

I posted this a while back, and was thinking of it today while I looked at all the green around me right after the wonderful rain we had. Trees give us so much, we can’t help but be grateful.

I was lucky enough to make one cup of very good coffee, and took it and a leftover scone and Charlie (our terrier) out to my studio.  I opened the shades, and we sat on the window seat and I drank coffee and read the latest Pastel Journal.  Then I painted for several hours and was happy with my progress.  I listened to the Moody Blues and John Fogerty and Linda Ronstadt, and during breaks from painting, Charlie and I danced. (well, actually, he bit my feet while I danced).

About 12:30, I came back inside and worked on paperwork for business. And I didn’t feel guilty at all. What a great day.
]]> http://www.fallshadows.com/blog/2009/09/07/797/feed/ 4 http://www.fallshadows.com/blog/2009/05/28/fixin-to-be-a-good-day-finished/ http://www.fallshadows.com/blog/2009/05/28/fixin-to-be-a-good-day-finished/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 23:20:17 +0000 Regina http://www.fallshadows.com/blog/?p=624 This was an experiment for me and a step away from my art comfort zone.  But I like it.

Fixin' to be a Good Day

We are artists. Period.  Say it.  It took years for me to be able to say “I am an artist” and not feel like I was being pretentious.  Okay….  I still feel that way at times.  But one of the main things that brings joy to my life is art.  Creating art, thinking about art, viewing art. And being grateful to have that passion.

And I need to be able to dedicate at least a small portion of every day to what I love.  Thanks, Rose.