Glorious May: Cottonwoods, red-wing blackbirds, and sale days

2 more days of our clear-out sale. It's been working, but there's still plenty for you to come see. Check out the links to the right, which will take you to our current craigslist ads and our flickr portfolio.

I don't have a photo to share, but here's a lovely cottonwood painting by Don Gray, found at
http://www.dailypainters.com/paintings/52148/Cottonwood-Glow/Don-Gray

My son, Chris, and I were just talking about the cottonwood "snow" that should be arriving soon, and today it's here! I love the honey fragrance of those tall, majestic trees. We'll be sweeping cottonwood snow out of the shop soon, but it's a small price to pay for the privilege of having these beautiful trees in our city.

It's funny; we can't see any from the shop windows, but they are close enough to touch us with their scent and with their snow. Just as the red-wing blackbirds can be heard but not seen from our sidewalk some mornings. On our walks along a wet, reedy area 2 blocks away, we spot these charming birds in their stylish black jackets, bright red epaulets underlined by brilliant yellow. And if we're lucky, we not only hear them call, but hear them sing.

Thank You, our God, our Creator, for such beauty. That You made it, that You made us able to appreciate it. Thank You.