Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Seven Week

On Facebook, I saw a lovely picture of lilacs with the note that Spring begins on March 20th just seven weeks from today.  If you saw the snow accumulation in my yard this might be unbelievable.  Looking forward to Spring, but hoping for a slow melt so that the spring runoff is slow and able to be captured in the local dams and reservoirs.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Winter White

Another winter storm is traveling through the canyon.  The landscape is covered in winter white, a thick blanket of snow.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

January Watercolors


I painted these watercolors on New Year's Day after reviewing the Janeville Blog for inspiration.  The first three are based on painting suggestions I found  on the blog.  The next two, the dogwood flowers and the shooting stars are inspired by photos I took in the Spring in my mother's garden.  An exploration of creativity for the New Year.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

My father's obituary

Paul William Muller
October 5, 1922 - January 6, 2017

Paul W Muller, 94, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017.  He was born on October 5, 1922 to Paul S Muller and Robina Gardiner Muller in Ogden.  He attended Ogden High School graduating  in 1940.  He served his country during WWII as U.S. Naval pilot in the Pacific Theater.  He attended the University of Utah School of Pharmacy graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy.


On December 20, 1947 he married Arlene Bachman Muller.  Together they opened and  ran Paul's Pharmacy on 12th  and Washington in Ogden from 1954 to 1974.  They raised and educated three children Pauline Muller-Orton (deceased), Debra Muller, and Curtis Paul Muller.  They have enjoyed knowing and caring for their two grandchildren MandiAnne Orton Poll (Spencer S Poll) and  Zackery Paul Muller.


In 1978, he served as the Executive Director of the Utah Pharmaceutical Association.  His duties included acting as the Editor of the " The Utah Pharmacy Digest" and as a lobbyist for Pharmacy Legislation at both the State and National level.


Paul raised and showed rough collies for confirmation.  Dogs from his Samarkand kennels were nationally awarded.  He was a President for the Utah Collie Club and the State Director for the Utah Collie Club of America.


Paul held a license with the Utah State Board of Realtors and was active in commercial real estate in the Ogden community.


An avid photographer and traveler, Paul's photographs have been exhibited and won numerous awards locally and nationally.  They have been published in magazines and calendars.  A member of the Ogden Color Camera Club since the 1950s, he was honored with a lifetime exhibition in August 2010.  The Eccles Community Art Center has established an award in Paul's name for the bi-annual Statewide Photographic Competitions.

He and his wife Arlene have had a long association with the Eccles Community Art Center.  They served as volunteer managers for the Carriage Gift Gallery and both are well known by those who attend Ogden's Friday Art Strolls.  A memorial for Paul will be planned  at The Eccles Community Art Center.


In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Paul's name or one to the Eccles Community Art Center, 2580 Jefferson Ave. Ogden, Utah 84401.

Services entrusted to Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary.  Send condolences to the family at:www.lindquistmortuary.com.


Sunday, January 8, 2017

Avian Calligraphy

Under the bird feeder, footprints crisscross the new dusting of snow an avian calligraphy of stories that I am unable to read.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Continuing

With the celebration for the coming of a new year, we often reflect back on the year passing.  Instead of making unrealistic resolutions, I have decided to continue.  Continue my enjoyment of creativity, my search for the beauty displayed around me and to take time for simple pleasures.

 My first simple pleasure for the new year,  is the placing of clean, fresh sheets on my bed.  I look forward to crawling in to them this evening at bedtime.

As for beauty, Northern Utah is plagued this time of year with temperature inversions.  Over the years, the have spread their reach farther up the canyon.  We woke this morning to weak sunlight trying to break through the fog of the temperature inversion.  But we also woke to the beauty of the trees frosted with ice crystals.

And I believe this short note may suffice as an attempt at enjoying creativity.   Although, I am ready for any other creative pursuit that may come my way, along with simple pleasures and touches of beauty.