A week ago we were still delaying heading out for morning chores, waiting for that titch of extra warmth from the sun to help us get through the cold. Today I headed out first thing, wanting to do chores while there was still a titch of cold left on the earth’s surface to avoid mud and making tracks with the tractor. After feeding sheep, the kelpie dogs and I detoured off the grid road and made our first spring foray across pasture on our walk.
I can’t recall feeling so giddy about Spring as I do this year. It was a tough, tough winter – natures way of reminding us to take nothing for granted and always be grateful. I have not heard the first call of returning geese yet but surely they must be on their way. Those first honks will sound extra glorious this year.
The ewes are rubbing on fence posts and trees and looking that little bit more scraggly with a full years of wool growth on them still. We are set to shear on Friday, April 5. This is probably the most succinct time when my day job and my artwork merge into one another. Aside from the necessity of it, shearing is also my harvest of art supplies. From here forward I will process, share, trade and purchase fibre with others enthusiasts.
The daylight is growing and with it the pace of work is shifting as it must for farming in a northern climate. With the earlier sunrise I find myself feeling slightly panicked at the thought of keeping up with artwork without a solid block of time first thing in the morning when there is no other demands. The struggle to pursue creativity without letting every other type of ‘real’ work supersede it is very real. But the plan is to hit some trade shows this year and promote both fibre and art and through each, continue to share a little of this lifestyle.
“Where’s Your Momma”
15 x 12 inches, for sale
Stock Dog Silhouette
10 x 15 inches, for sale