Mountain talk

'Kwelshán', Early Morning' 10x12" oil pastel on paper; 

Kathleen Faulkner

This has been my home for 32 years. 

I have always had a view of the mountain. 

I keep track of the weather by its look

 and the seasons by its snow cover.

Developers showed up recently 

and took two thirds of my view.

Now the neighbor's oak trees have taken that last bit.

The good news is that

this beautiful mountain, 

called Kwelshán by the Lummi, is still there 

and I can see it when I step outside my front door.

'Kwelshán, Afternoon' 10x12" oil pastel on paper; 

Kathleen Faulkner

and the livin is easy

'Looking East' 16x20" oil pastel;  Kathleen Faulkner

In this part of the world, winter is long and the summer short.  

Sunday, the last day of June, 2013.  It is summer and I mean it.  Last week South Beach looked like it's picture, but not anymore.

There is not a cloud in the sky, the sun is up and a light fog hangs on the water.   

I'm warm, finally, birds are singing and my garden is exploding.  

the view this morning;  Kathleen Faulkner

seriously blue sky at 6am; Kathleen Faulkner

Greetings from the Pacific Northwest

It is Christmas.  The year is winding down and I've been thinking about all that has happened in twelve short months.  One thing this last year was not and that was milque toast.   It has been a challenge, a real roller coaster ride but I've managed to come through it and I'm grateful.  

I am especially grateful to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  

I feel safe here.  I was born here.  My daughter is here. My parents were laid to rest here.  I spend my adult life painting here and I will probably die here.  There are worse fates. 

     

The view from the top of Mt. Erie, Anacortes, WA; Kathleen Faulkner

The view from my studio, Anacortes, WA;  Kathleen Faulkner

Forest Lands, Anacortes, WA;  Kathleen Faulkner

Eagle Convention, Edison, WA;  Kathleen Faulkner

Geese, Skagit Flats;  Kathleen Faulkner

Skagit Flats;  Kathleen Faulkner

Cormorants, Guemes Channel, Anacortes, WA;
Kathleen Faulkner

Guemes Ferry Dock, Anacortes, WA;  Kathleen Faulkner

Heading back to Anacortes from Sinclair
Island;  Kathleen Faulkner

http://kathleenfaulkner.blogspot.com/2010/02/magic-skagit.html

Another beautiful day in Paradise

Jewelry in process;  Kathleen Faulkner

September has arrived and we are finally experiencing summer.  That autumn feeling is in the air, though.   It's a very creative time.

I'm in the midst of a jewelry mindset yet, looking out my window, I think about the light and I feel myself shifting gears..

It will be a good morning to head down to the beach.

Early morning looking East;  Kathleen Faulkner