Pre-Dawn Pacific Northwest Style

Sorry I disappeared for a week. I got behind, and then I got more behind... and then I decided to take the week off. 

Long Drive- Steens Mountains Pass

Had another weekend of driving. Rambling thoughts:

• The meaning of Humility, and why would it would be important? (My cousin suggested it is "strength under control." I thought that was a profound definition.)
• Oh my lord how did that deer stop in time to not hit my jeep?
• How do I take the experience of working around a narcissist, and not be angry and frustrated? How do I turn it into an experience where I am the kind of person I want to be, kind and giving? Especially given that the inherent nature of a narcissist is to take advantage, do harm, manipulate. I decided that the world for them is so awful, I feel sad for the them. I think it would be good if life could be illuminated to them, so that they could give and receive kindness without doing harm. But I will still keep them at arms length... I mean, you can wish a snake without giving it the opportunity to bite you, right?
• I noticed the rancher of Roaring Springs Ranch, in quite traditional garb. It's awesome. I am sure they don't notice I drive through every few months. The ranch is pretty, and away from the world. They have quite a few cows. It is nice to watch the seasons change in the area over the years.
• Seriously? That couple I saw two days ago stopping to eat left garbage? That's unfortunate, it reinforces a prejudice.

Oregon Cascades in the Fall

Ode to The Cascade Mountains of Oregon

the rain blowing through the trees rocks them back and forth taking the force of the wind but somehow softy swaying brushing each other a gentle sound even in the wild storm rain falling adding a pater to the noises around me the scent of the firs wet moss mud rotting leaves fog cold moist air flowing into my jacket freezing me to the bone I don't even notice just see my dad in a yellow slicker with a zipper not working must be colder than me and wet he doesn't notice either as it pours the rain upon our heads we are baptized by god himself no church can beat this we wander along the logging road and pause and look at the glorious view echoes of mountains peaking through the grey fog and rain the trees etched against the clouded skyline creating pointed spires in rows down the mountain side of a deep rich green that I have known my whole life and the perfect essence of fall the small leaves bright red and orange and yellow cutting the grey and green in sweeping paths down the steep mountains

JAS 2013

Oregon

Oregon Lake

I painted this to inspire my cousin, to remind her of the things she loves in life, hiking and beautiful homes. It was really fun to paint something uplighting, but it might be hair too trippy for her!