Impression Evergreen

South Table Mountain "You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes." ~ Alexandre Dumas The desolate landscape on top of South Table Mountain is a bleak outlook, troubled under a murky, Spring sky. On this great, windswept plateau, trees are scarce and the sting from abundant cactus is too painful to recount. Dark skies unveil a curtain of cold rain that soaks all who dare to trespass on this depressing domain. The merciless breeze is a dogged companion that's unsympathetic to a yearning for more cheerful times. The muddy road leading home is a lonely trek serenaded by the melancholy chorus of field crickets and meadow larks. Just like the turbulent weather experienced on this dismal day, life is a storm. A desolate landscape A troubled sky Trees are scarce A painful sting Yearning for cheerful times A lonely trek Turbulent weather Li

"Elijah" Colored Pencil It's been ten years since we lost Elijah. He became so sick we had to have him put down. It was one of the most difficult, heartbreaking experiences of my life. They said  "He was just a dog,"  but he was more than that. He was my best friend. We climbed some of Colorado's highest peaks together. I opened my heart wider than I ever had before. He would have died for me, I know it. There is no creature on earth more unconditionally loyal than man's best friend. Our faithful Sheltie proved that. It was tough at first but children and time healed the wound. They said  "Get another one,"  but it was too painful. I had a decent excuse, my youngest son has allergic reactions to most animals including dogs and cats. They said  "It's Colorado, dog capital of the world,"  but I just couldn't do it. After a decade of goldfish, hermit crabs, Russian tortoises and gentle prodding, I've finally relented