eagle solstice

there have been bald eagles this winter

four so far, 

two last trip into the forest preserve.

there were many years without eagles altogether,

so this is good.

 there was some snow left on the setback near newton falls last weekend.

 a real wilderness sense

despite being near old industrial sites

(newton falls paper mill, benson mines)

 and someone left an apple.

 now it's warm and the snow is gone and they're predicting rain and floods and wind

but it's

solstice.

 i began the day early

finishing up the leftover pulp from the semester.

indigo pigmented abaca

may this solstice sustain your heart.

winding down

another class has ended, 

the moulds cleaned and felts washed and stacked neatly.

and i am happy with my class, 

so many beautiful (in the richest sense) young people, 

and my four mature students, also beautiful.

there was some leftover pulp 

so after giving away all that was wanted

 i brought the rest home for some kitchen papermaking,

aka making little papers.

 the studio is equipped with lee mcdonald miniature laid and wove moulds

business card size: purchased during handpapermaking's auction one year.

 and a 5 square inch mould from the paperwright, britt quinlin

on loan from slu.

 aimee sent me a little stack of kozo papers.

this was my favorite, 

 it's now a nifty ball of kami-ito

 turkey trot: 

arrows going somewhere, 

pointing or not to 

wherever

they were atop one of the rises on my walk

disappeared into the woods

leaving behind evidence. 

 and a spruce near the highbush cranberry 

seems to be the place where whomever eats the berries

 spruce and cranberry

 accidental 

and partially eaten

christmas 

decor