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​ This day, despite all the parties and secular celebration, is technically a "memorial day"... a preface to the day to remember all those people who have lived and left their mark upon this earth and its people.



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​Nearly 400 years ago, on the Square of Prague, around the corner from this Astronomical Clock, 27 noted leaders of the time were beheaded for their religious and political beliefs. The clock still operates with hourly gatherings of visitors to celebrate the progress of time.  Around the corner, less conspicuous, are 27 crosses in the sidewalk memorializing these "saints".  

This piece of art, inspired by our visit to Prague and learning about those "Bohemian Brethren" whose Church preceded the "reformation", is posted with that remembrance, in the midst of celebration today and tonight.  

​Happy Halloween!

​,I've never quite understood one of the "Beatitudes" from the Sermon on the Mount, describing the "meek" as being blessed. In retrospect, I've seem to have spent most of my life developing a degree of independence. With that I have become proud of my accomplishments - hardly qualifying as meek to have been blessed with a lifetime of good fortune and good health. Recently however, dealing with some medical issues associated with aging, I'm  beginning to develop new insight into the words of this statement.  

The term "meek" in this biblical context is not intended to convey  shyness or cowering behavior; but rather behavior fitting a spirit of quiet and obedient service, like that seen in a powerful horse that has been broken in and rendered gentle and compliant to serve it's Master.

So, I'm naming this recently completed drawing, "The Meek", hoping  the image of a team of well trained work-horses turning their strength to plough a straight furrow under the guidance of their master, might give the viewer pause,  and consider Matthew 5:5.

   Not particularly religious.
Just BORED!

(back by request of those who twisted their neck to study image from the previous blog)

When I've been asked to display my art, I have usually been expected to offer a statement about myself, as an "artist". Many who follow my blog know this is an unexpected title I've been given.    

Yesterday, while looking through some old files, I found a "report card" from Akron Public Schools, where I attended kindergarten and  early years of elementary school during WWII. Here's evidence I passed the second grade in 1947.  

But, what I found especially surprising was an image drawn on the report card envelope. An early sketch by this 7 year old, sitting in church, sandwiched with feet dangling, between my parents, bored by the endless sermon.  To keep me from fidgeting Mom or Pop probably gave me a pencil and paper, this envelope, to scribble on.  So, here's my first plein air sketch of the preacher preaching from his pulpit!  (you have to turn the envelope sideways to see the image, but it's there!)  

This "natural" talent obviously took quite a long time to bubble to the surface.  Thought you'd like for me to share this with you.