Mary McCloskey

A keystone species

Beavers have been working hard along the edge of the DesPlaines River. I used to think that the critters were doing a lot of damage to trees, but it turns out that the beaver is one of what is known as a "keystone species" because their work creates wetlands that are used by many other species. According to National Geographic, they're second only to humans in being able to manipulate and change their environment.

When I first came upon these, the trees reminded me a little of the sculptures on  Easter Island.

Savoring the light

River reflections

 
Out in the woods again early this afternoon. Over to the DesPlaines River, a pretty muddy, dirty body of water, but autumn has transformed it into a magical spot. There's a train trestle that sits just above the river and bridge artists have had a field day with it. Across from us a couple of boys couldn't resist wading in just to see what was at the bottom.  Although I didn't see it at the time, there's a bat hanging from the tree just across the bank from them. Bet they would have liked that! 

Evanescent...

A small album from a walk in Thatcher Woods.

 

Definitely time to get out in the woods. Go now!

Garden ramping down

More painting today, but way too hot. Kept noticing all the things I'd rather be doing in the yard. But in the shady part of the yard.

Inspiration

For Steve Jobs, who inspired so many.  Insanely great.

 

 

Bent Light, six p.m.

 



 

Just under your feet

I was out doing a little painting today, touching up the sills of some basement windows. It gave me a chance to spend this lovely afternoon in Indian summer light, listening to the birds all afternoon as I primed and then painted.  And the things I noticed were the little things you never see when  you're not usually looking for them. Twigs on the sidewalk, the impression of the hose on the cement after it's been pushed aside.

 

Felt good getting out all day doing this chore. Haven't done any painting in a long time.

Apropos of seeing, there's a video you might like to take a look at here. It's a trailer on an upcoming movie called "Our Irish Cousins."  A terrific film about family and heritage. I highly recommend it. Take a look.

A time to every purpose...

Walking in the arboretum yesterday, my husband and I found this spot. Reminded me so much of a Zen garden. Surely someone must have placed that log over the stones--or did they?

Today, my husband talked of sitting on the bench just above this spot and feeling a sense of "deep silence." I thought he described it perfectly. The sun on our faces, the quiet scene below, the only sound the soft buzzing of  dragonflies circling overhead. A place of real peace.

But today we are back to reality.  You know the drill: the war, the economy, no jobs. Yet this video from the New  York Observer re: Occupy Wall Street heartened me. I'm so proud of these  young people and what they're doing. http://www.observer.com/2011/10/exclusive-occupy-wall-street-activist-slams-fox-news-anchor-in-un-aired-interview-video/

 

Sunday morning at the Arboretum

 
It's my son's birthday today. I've been badgering my  husband to come to the Morton Arboretum for weeks now and today was the day.  The colors are just beginning, small red leaves climbing up the lengths of pine trees.

We hiked in a couple of spots that we usually don't go to and we were rewarded with this lovely blue heron. Would have stayed the rest of the day if we didn't have to get back to the dog at home.