Thursday, November 22, 2007


Multnomah Falls

Oil on board, 7" x 5"
$125.00 + $6.00 shipping in US.
SOLD

Was it coincidence, or a sign? We had managed to arrive in Oregon's Grande Ronde Valley during one of the biggest windstorms to hit the Pacific Northwest in years. From Montana to the coast, trees tumbled, barn roofs sailed over farmers fields and power lines sparked and crackled on the ground.

A dense, roiling blanket of leaden clouds coursed low over the valley floor, swallowing the morning light. Rain fell in horizontal swaths while the metal sides of the storage units popped and rumbled like thunder. As we struggled to unload the rented moving truck, a chilling gust of wind whipped my hat off and whistled down the collar of my coat. "What in the world were we thinking," I muttered to myself, "leaving sunny California to move back here?"

That was last week. Today the wind is not blowing at all. A feeling of serenity washes over me as I sit here in my provisional but snug little studio, gazing out the window at the familiar, forested mountains that encircle this valley I have known all my life. After thirteen years spent in Arizona and later California, Brenda and I have returned to a place that is charged with meaning and memories for us both. For better or worse, we are once again "home."

I reflect on our good fortune: the opportunity to be closer to our elderly mothers and other family; the chance to renew longtime friendships; the fact that our kids are willing to drive from Portland to spend the holiday with us, amidst the chaos of packing boxes. As my brush dips into the paint after weeks away from the easel, things start to feel right again.

Thank you all for your patience and support. Happy Thanksgiving.

8 comments:

Sheila Vaughan said...

So glad you made it at last Don, and great to have you back on the painting blogs. Impressive scene by the way - a terrific renewal! Happy thanksgiving to you and yours.
Sheila

Don Gray said...

Thanks so much, Sheila, for the encouraging words. It's good to be back. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Beautiful waterfall. Excellent writing. It sounds that despite the initial doubts you made the right decision. I'm so glad you're back to painting.

Don Gray said...

Hi Silvina, good to hear from you. Thanks for the nice words. It feels great to get back to painting. It's interesting, though, how rusty I feel after only about 3 weeks away. I seem to notice this more acutely since I began the daily painting routine. Not sure why that is.

Don Gray said...

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Silvina!

Anonymous said...

: )

Deborah Paris said...

Glad you are safe and well after your move- I enjoyed your post about coming home again- Happy Holidays!

Don Gray said...

Good to hear from you, Deborah, and thanks. Happy Holidays to you as well.