For Sale, Highlight, Original Pastels, Pastels

Life on the Lemon Orchard

A Growing Family

Today the mule deer family is teaching young Henry where food comes from. Food isn’t just a meal. It’s a connection with the land. It’s a labor of love to watch something small grow and mature. It’s a connection with all living things. We all need a lot of patience and love around us so we can grow and give some of ourselves to the world.

The Farm Hands at Work

There’s a lot to do on the farm. Our day starts before the sun comes up. The land needs tilled. The crops need care. Everything needs maintenance. We earn our time off. A game of gin and a glass of lemonade are what we look forward to after the grueling day.

The Lemon Harvest

The lemons are ripe and fragrant. Manny is here as he is every year when it’s time for the harvest—out in the orchard everyday. Rain or shine. One bushel at a time. Careful and efficient. Without Manny, the harvest would never be done.

Going to Market

Old Red and I have been bringing in the crops for 40 years. She might squeak and creak a bit—eh, we’re both getting that way. It’s hard work, but we got no complaints. Just happier being put to use, and Old Red’s that way too—load her up and she purrs like a kitten. I can always rely on Old Red—we don’t get there fast, but we get there. Old Red’s a good friend.

9″x12″ Pastel on Paper Series

Critters, Highlight

Tortoise Excited for Chaura Berries

Three berries! He froze, blinked twice, and slowly stretched every inch of himself closer. The alluring scent, the nearly translucent blush-pink gleam—candy from the mountains! And now, with toes gripping, his chest swelling, he reached. Even after the season’s pilgrimage, stone by stone through Patagonia, there’s no need to rush. Each berry will be savored with its own individual appreciation.

Location: Laguna Esmeralda, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Critters, Highlight

Curious Insect

This little diva scurried right up to my camera, demanding a photoshoot. Bold, face in the lens, trying different poses. Was my presence novel to her, or did she know what she was doing? I had my picture for the day so pulled the jerky out of my pack and sat back to relax. She came up to look at my trail snack and, disinterested, launched herself into the air and flew upstream.

Location: Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah

Critters, Highlight

The Wandering Timetraveler

After a morning of cloud cover, the sudden sun pouring down was blinding for a second, then refreshing. “Marvelous time to be alive!” came a voice out of nowhere. “Oh, hi!” I said, momentarily startled, “Indeed—who could ask for more?” “Sure can’t in this moment—that’s why I visit! Great seeing you, Paul!” he said as he marched on. “You too,” I replied instinctively. Wait, I don’t know that guy…

Location: Rosengarten, Dolomites, Italy