Childhood memories and muses

 

2023 marked a year of many changes.  Including the sale of my childhood home. My parents owned the farm for 64 years, providing a wealth of beauty for a young girl who loved being outside. In the aerial photo above, you can see the spidery paths that were used by the cows to go under the highway through the cattle tunnel, and out to pasture for the day.  You get to know every inch of the land when you are searching for those cows who want to linger before evening milking.

The cows were always eager to go out to pasture.

Weeks before the sale was finalized, I wandered the land and spent some time reflecting in my favorite little valley last spring.  Here I found such a gift from God - a beautiful log covered with mushrooms.  The sun illuminated the plein air painting location and it was a perfect way to say goodbye to this much-loved land.  

And while cleaning out the home, we uncovered my first oil painting set.  I remember this day in High School like it was yesterday -  so magical and has lead to a lifetime of joy.

As kids, we spent many fall months helping my Dad prepare bittersweet that was harvested for florists in Madison.  I gathered a handful, picked off the leaves and took the final photo of the land and home that was so well-loved and full of memories.  It is a little "bittersweet" but we are excited for the new family that will now call it home!