Sad Day: Cutting down the old maple tree

Sad Day: Cutting down the old maple tree, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Two people from a tree company were looking over the neighbor's old maple today as they prepared for their company to cut it down. I'm so sad.

The raccoon and family will most likely be killed - they don't relocate the animals. Also, the bee hive will be destroyed. The wood ducks were inspecting this tree to have their nest this year - I hope they chose another tree instead.

Two old trees on the northeast corner of my block were recently cut down as well. They were well over 100 years old.

I have such an affinity for the trees that when I see them removed like this, just just saddens my heart.

Pejnolan Featured on Zazzle's "Today's Best Awards"

Zazzle Tops: Today's Best Awards, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I opened a new shop with Zazzle featuring my prints on items such as stickers, magnets, shoes, t-shirts, etc. The first day it opened, the shoes I designed were featured on Zazzle's "Today's Best Awards" Blog! Hurray!

"Hurrying out of sight Concord 1914"

"Hurrying out of sight Concord 1914", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Another all-time favorite out of the hundreds of photos I'm scanning in. The tells such a story! Here are a few thoughts:

1. In 1914 photography was still young, especially for poor farm families. Why would they have so many candid shots like this one when film was so expensive?

2. Why is she hurrying away?

3. There is a little one in the window smiling. Could this be the reason for rushing away?

4. What was the woman doing before rushing away. There is a bowl on the ground, but it is empty.

5. The shadow in the center right shows two little feet being kicked out. Who is holding the baby?

This is why I like vintage photos. The woman is long gone, the children, James, 5-1/2, and Charlotte, 1-1/2, would have been born about 19010 and 1913. They have long since passed on and their children most likely have as well. What was their life like? Did the fall in love? Did war affect their lives?

So many questions. Yet, here, a time capsule remains allowing me to view a moment in time: one hot and sunny summer's day at a farmhouse in Concord in 1914.

Venus Envy Commercial Screenshot

Venus Envy Commercial Screenshot, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

My linocut print, "Coy Pond" was featured in a 30-second commercial spot for the Venus Envy show produced by WHBF CBS 4 in Davenport, IA. How fun! (Look at seconds 0.06-0.09)

It is a banner day! Eraser Carver for including me in your Treasury! I've ♥ everyone you have shown. Thank you so much!

I'm in FavreBijoux very first treasury

I'm in FavreBijoux very first treasury, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I'm honored! Thank you FavreBijoux for having me listed in your "Drawing on nature treasury" on Etsy!

Spring Cherry Blossoms - Edition of 12

Spring Cherry Blossoms - Edition of 12, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

Available now in my etsy shop!

I have never been so happy that Spring is here! You would think that I would be used to the harsh, bitter Northern Illinois winters because I have lived here my entire life - but no! Each year that passes Spring becomes more and more a time to rejoice and celebrate new life and the promise of better days yet to come. These cherry blossoms embody the joy and delight that I am finding in Spring this year.

This was printed on Hosho washi with water based Graphic Chemical ink and heightened with watercolor from the reverse side.

Thank you to FunkyFinds for allowing me to use her photos as reference material.

Labeled: "Grandpa McAdams - Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin"

Labeled: "Grandpa McAdams - Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I'm doing photo restoration here at work for a woman who is documenting her family genealogy in a book.

This photo really caught my eye. I'm not sure if it is because the muskie is so huge, that he is wearing a suit while fishing, or the environment it is being shot in - like the pebbles a chew can at his feet. It is all a real juxtaposition of elements that I find interesting.