Portrait of Mischief and Love

Where was my heart when my hand captured time in a portrait of mischief and love?

Copyright 2013 by DM Denton

Cats Between the Lines

Cats must be there. Even as I wander long ago and faraway, they follow me, rub my legs, curl on my bed and beg my attention without disturbing it. Their purring is my mantra too, so natural and deliberate at the same time, encouraging the perfect rhythm of my heart. They are soft to the touch yet strong enough in their will. One swipes at my pen to remind me not to take it all so seriously; another paws my arm, pleading, eyes green with envy for the obsession that seems to leave him out. Oh, no. How can I tell him? With a turn and a bow and a stroke he’s reassured; with an Eskimo kiss he’s a distraction but—as one of my favorite writers, Colette, once noted—never a waste of time. Yet another stretches, slithers and yawns like a serpent enticing me to a nap. And then I realize I’m being watched, by that scamp who only sleeps to run and jump and wrestle when he’s awake, small and smart and certain I can’t grab him before he runs away again.

Cats know more than they ever say, probably for the best if progress is ever to be made. A leonine length with legs neatly crossed and head shaped for stillness sets me wondering if any activity could be better than none. Oh, I know. I must make a living, eat and drink and pretend to hunt. So I do so with their goal in mind, eyes squeezed closed and whiskers and paws and tail twitching, to savor sleep as much as success—for the dream of the mouse even more than its taste. 

Cats can be characters, as many as I’ve had there’s no end to the possibilities. I can dress them up and use them in stories that otherwise might not welcome them. I suspect they would be flattered if they knew, that they expect me to take them everywhere I go and include them in everything I do. Saying that, they realize being ignored is freedom from expectation, especially if turned into a choice. And vanishing is just another way of being found.

Note: ‘Cats Between the Lines’ was originally posted September 3, 2011. The image – the first time I have posted it –  is one I did in the mid 90’s of my then kitty family – Boots, the mother, and her two calico children, Francie and Sadie.

©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.

Perennial Perspective

 

“She came toward me with two day-lilies, which she put in a childlike way into my hand, saying softly, under her breath, ‘These are my introduction.'” –  What literary critic and abolitionist, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, recalled of his unusual meeting with Emily Dickinson in 1870.

Copyright 2013 by Diane’s mom, June

A view

through day lilies

bright and brave

growing wild

without abandoning

the perfect plan

for their existence.

Wanted to share another favorite painting of mine from my mom’s artistic hand and free spirit!

‘The daylily is often called “the perfect perennial,” due to its dazzlings colors, ability to tolerate drought, capability to thrive in many zones, and requiring very little care.’ from Wikipedia

The daylilies are absolutely beautiful this year in Western New York … in gardens, along roadsides and fields, it seems everywhere you look!

©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.

Repost: Blessed is the Rain

Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.
John Updike

Copyright 2012 by DM Denton

So the rain never left us, just hesitated to refresh us, while hoping to remind us

that nothing grows with sun alone; thirst is one moment closer to hunger, and heat can wear out its welcome

for those who look for the willowherb to rise in sight of water, and the lily pad to float and blossom further out of its depths.



I originally posted this last summer – how different it was, as we were in the middle of a pretty severe drought.  A couple of days ago, Toronto, which is three or so driving hours north of here, was flooded, so perhaps in those circumstances being grateful for the rain is hard. It has been a much improved growing season to last year, though. Had my first local sweetcorn last night. And sweet cherries. Alas, the local strawberries are over … But with nature, there is always something to look forward to.

By the way, this image and prose-poem will be featured in a 2014 calendar I will have available from September. It will feature some paintings and writings from my blog. Like many things with me right now, it is a work in progress. I’ll keep you updated.

Blessings to all, whatever season you are in!

©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.

Still in Time

Wait a moment.

You can’t possibly pass by

the Linden

that’s more commonly Lime,

both near and faraway

up, up into the sky

growing

even as we sigh.

 

Copyright 2013 by DM Denton

When you come upon it

still in time

it fills your ears

with honeying bees

loving it best

of all the trees,

not the only ones

with their minds so full

of its lasting perfume.

Today is my 60th birthday and I thought this rather formless poem captured my reflection on reaching this milestone which is, after all, just another day to be ‘still in time.’

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.”
―    Dalai Lama

Also, it is just a few days past the 2nd anniversary of my blog, and I must thank all of you who have visited me here, many who have become dear friends and in-spirators in art and writing and just living from the heart and spirit. Blessings to you all and I hope the connections I have made will last a long long time!

©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.