Otters

Did you know that otters hold hands, so they don't float away from each other? Neither did I. Darned cutest thing. 

Injury

Sometimes, shit just hurts. It's important to tell someone. Scream it if you have to.

Wagon

For those moments when you need a wagon to carry the ones you love.

Sylvia

Sometimes, I miss my old Volvo, Sylvia.  She served me well; through snowy and soupy days, back and forth on long stretches of highway, carrying children and groceries, she ran and ran.  Sylvia didn't have all of the bells and whistles of my new car (a Subaru I've named Fat Bessie); no radio or air conditioning or working odometer, but I rubbed her dash, and she worked hard for me.  I will miss you, Sylvia, and love you always.

Otter

For K.  Otter has worked hard--he's felt too many cold, gray mornings and drunk too much black, tepid coffee.  He meets the dawn and claws at crabs, hunts fish. He works and hopes this is enough.

For Dear Miss Lynn (& Timmy too!)

About a week ago, a little birdie told me that Miss Lynn was interested in a rooster painting.  Et voila, ici il est.  (Full disclosure - I very much employed google translate for that one.  I can't even pretend I remember that much French.)  His name is Percy and, like Miss Lynn, he is fiery and gorgeous.  He was born and bred in Mississippi, and, though he is well known amongst the hens, never fails to get up with the sun and do his duty.  Much love Miss Lynn.

papa bear

 

Do not disturb Papa Bear.  He is loving and kind, but he is also overworked and, thus, quite moody after a long day.  He is from a bygone generation that has a drink and a cigarette to unwind after work.  Papa Bear speaks only when necessary.  He won't tell you much of what he knows.  He understands what you can and cannot handle, and chooses not to overexpose your mind just yet.  Papa Bear commands a room and commandeers respect.  He loves Mama Bear, though he doesn't always know how to show it.  He is secretive.  He does not believe in allowances.  He paid to put you through school and demands you do the best you're able to do.  He protects his family fiercely, no matter what mess you've gotten yourself into.  For this, you cannot help but love him.   

elephant

This is perhaps my favorite piece...ever.  I don't think I have much affinity for animals (the ASPCA commercials do nothing for me), but I do love elephants.  There is something about their incredible size, strength, and generally gentle behavior that draws me to them.  If I had an exotic pet, I think it would be an elephant (that I would, of course, learn to ride to around town - to the grocery store, Latte Land, and school, mainly).   Tell me, oh great state of Kansas, would I need a license?