I just returned from travels to Phoenix, Anchorage and Florida. Back in the studio. Back to what I love to do. I am circling around and around the studio completing a dozen different tasks that have nothing to do with painting.

The ‘getting ready’ process. It is nothing to be concerned about. If you are stuck circling and not jumping into your creative pursuit, don’t worry. Time away from your art is time that you are gathering color for your palette.

Jump in. It will be fresh. Gain new insights.

Get another cup of coffee or tea.
Whatever your creative passion is, circle around it to get started.

All right.
Circle.
Jump in.

Paint Wildly.

Many people have asked me if Floppy is a real moose.
The answer is yes. She was real. She became a legend in our neighborhood in Salcha, Alaska.

I was confronted by her in the road. Heard stories about her chasing dogs. Eating vegetables and flowers out of neighbor’s gardens. We saw her introduce many new calves to our neighborhood.

She was a tough old gal who endured many winters. Her damaged ear and scars were a reminder of the dangers she conquered. A badge of courage. A testimony to the Alaskan spirit. She didn’t let anyone or anything stop her. She did as she pleased.

A few years ago, she fell asleep in our neighbors yard and didn’t wake up.

There has never been another moose in the neighborhood as feisty as our Floppy. Perhaps the moose that visits our yard is one of her offspring. I hope it has her courage and tenacity. It’s not easy to live as a moose in Alaska.

Thinking about Floppy gives me courage. Her strength encourages me to take on the impossible. Shows me how to live without fear. Does her story encourage you?

I share her legacy with you through my painting.

Every walk through the woods is a new experience. Sunshine dapples the forest floor and makes purple shadows of the trees. Greens and golden sunshine light the way.

Ready for an online adventure? Take a stroll through my updated gallery online.

Early morning pavement in front of us. Fueled with coffee and ready for the road. The new path beckons. My driver is experienced and knowledgeable. I can sit back and enjoy the view. I am heavily armed with camera and binoculars.

Going north. I’ve been drawn north all of my life. It is what brought me to Fairbanks. It is why I’m in this van today. The lure of the road north. The haul road. They started building this road after I came to Alaska and now I finally get to experience it. This road goes to Prudhoe Bay. It is hard to get further north than that.

What is that white splash on top of the spruce tree? An osprey. Look at those colors and the rocks and the sunshine illuminating the lake. Wonderful. Couldn’t see the white dotted line of the arctic circle but I’m sure it was there. The road, surrounded by wilderness. The clarity and brilliance of all of it. Many thoughts breezed through my mind. Fauna, flora, rock and crag. Engineering ingenuity. A type of salt that keeps the soil more moist to limit the dust. Lots to learn.

What intrigued me the most was the road. It’s narrow and dangerous because of the soft shoulders. It was built for the truckers and it’s important to alert them where and what you are so there are no surprises. A CB radio is essential. My driver keeps in contact with them, alerting them of our location.

Exhilerating to go on a new path, whether you are walking, flying, driving, riding or just exploring a new direction in your thoughts. It helps you see the world afresh. Expand your comfort zones and see what you learn.

We drove to Coldfoot and I flew back to Fairbanks. I recommend Northern Alaska Tour Company. LJ is an excellent driver and tour guide. Go on an adventure.