Thinking of Spring

Here's a pastel which I finished today, featuring one of my favorite finds of spring- apple blossoms! I know that we're not quite there today, but I was happy to pull out an image which I started last spring from blossoms from an old variety apple tree that came with our farm. It's one of those tall, older varieties, that creates a nice sculptural form at the edge of our pasture. It was joyful to remember this tree and spring while working on this piece today!

Exploring and Sketching at Black Moshannon!

Black Moshannon State Park

Yesterday, I loaded up my backpack with pastels and easel, lunch, and a luxury item of a thermos of hot coffee, and went hiking in Black Moshannon State Park.

I feel renewed and curious about this unique place. The bog ecosystem seems to suspend season and time- traversing moss-coated, lumpy,  rhododendron- lined sections seemed like being in a rain forest- wet and lush, more water than land. In other sections, there was snow and ice, and deciduous trees more typical of central PA. As I walked further into the interior, I passed by springs swelling from the ground, vigorous enough to create small streams heading for the lake.

Reaching a quiet inner rhythm after a while, I realized that much of my connections with the place were with sound and touch, rather than my usually predominant visual sense. I heard the wind sweep the treetops, musical bubbly trickles in the springs, and my footsteps squish in mud and moss, crunch on winter berry, and silent on sandy stretches. Warmth beamed from the sun and coolness from snow. Time seemed hard to finger.... saturated and savored richly in the moment, yet somehow evaporating before I knew it.... I guess much like the wetland itself! I did a few pencil sketches, yet the greatest treasure from the journey was the touch and sounds of the earth here where they are so close to the surface to share in, and fill my heart and spirit.