One of my favorite times of the day is early morning, when the air is crisp and clean from the restful night, when the exhaust from busy streets has settled, and you can breathe a deep breath of clean air. Not so today. The sunrise to the east was blocked by gray haze from settling smoke. Now, an hour or so later, the heat has pushed the smoke downward more and everywhere you look is grey and smokey. The air smells heavy of burning and is so thick it stings your nostrils, even tho the fires are miles away from here. Its dreadfully sad. There are wildfires all over Florida now, most of them having been started by lightening. Even tho we are in a drought, we still get lightening, and nothing can prevent it. It is so important now to be extra careful with matches and such, and of course there are bans on burning everywhere. In the yard, the poor grass is crispy when you walk on it, sounding like the crunch of fall leaves because we have been on water restrictions for several weeks. My copper tree is dying, the surinam cherries have stopped producing and are withered. Even the hardy sheffelera has yellow leaves dropping. The gardenia has dropped her buds, unopened. Even the dog doesn't want to step in the grass, because it pricks her little, tender paws. I will not put my birds out on the porch today, because the heavy, smoke-laden air will not be good for their tiny respiratory systems. And the rainy season is still weeks away!
THE STORY OF SMOKEY: Many of you of course already know this story, but I'll tell it again. In 1950 a careless person started the terrible Capitan Gap wildfire in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. There were some firefighters that had to lay down and put wet handkerchiefs over their faces, and let the fire burn over them because they were trapped. They were extremely lucky to escape with their lives. They found a baby black bear cub, burnt and clinging to a burned tree. His mother was missing. The firefighters ultimately took him to a vet who saved his life, and he went to live at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. He became the most popular exhibit at the zoo. He passed away in 1975, and another Smokey took his place. But his story, and his picture, lives on, reminding people all over the world of the dangers of wildfires. Smokey was the first individual animal to be honored on a postage stamp.
And let's don't ever, ever forget our brave firefighters!
IN YESTERDAY'S MAIL......... The eye-pleasing ATC from Mz. Katespin. This is just plain nice to have and I am totally happy with it. I wasn't even aware Frida was ever a USA postage stamp. Thanks Kate, for your delightful art and for enlightening me about the stamp.
And...the Frida 4x4 -back and front- showing the delightful art of Mz. Tinker. Tinker has her own recognizable style, and I knew it was hers even before I read the signature. It's wonderful Tinker and I'm so pleased to have it. You are one talented lady!
I think Frida had made a side trip to Mexico to hunt for her Diego, but she is here now with me, and I will keep her safe.
And last but never least, the star of the show...
MZ. WEE...an ATC made specially for me from Mz. Pamalalalalahead. What a beauty Queen! She looks like she is in her dressing room getting ready for her star performance. Thank you Mz. Pam. I love it!!!!! What a sweet surprise! And the message on this ATC is my message for all of you today! :)
"LADY OF THE SUN II" acrylic on canvas board
