Friday, May 28, 2010

Out into the woods



Lyn and Kohl the dog in the
community garden High Park

black marker on bond paper
6 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

Today I painted outside, had appointments
and visited our largest Toronto park, High Park
with my friend Lyn.

Lyn is involved in organizing a community
garden. We had planned to walk our dogs together
so I covered my clean back seat with a sheet,
and drove Zoey over to Lyn's a long way at rush hour.
Even though I teased Zoey about travelling like a
bride (when I got married my mother put a white
sheet over the car seat and floor so my dress would
stay clean), Zoey whined along the entire route.

I arrived hot, from putting the windows down
to try and distract her, and tired, and not ready
for the planned walk. But Lyn patiently waited and
then we were off. I was not great company --
complaining about the heat, not wanting to be in
the sun -- let's face it I was tired and grumpy.


Zoey on the dog path in High Park

And then we were in another world -- the park.
the dog walk (mostly in the shade) as Lyn promised
is long and wild, but fenced on the hill side, so
your dog can't run off, get lost, or into traffic.
My mood (I don't usually even get in a mood,
but Momma it was hot) lifted and I felt so happy.
We walked over streams and along the most beautiful
paths to the community garden Lyn helps run.
I feel like I could learn so much from my friend,
if I wasn't so busy. She is an excellent gardener
and filled a bag with fresh lettuce, chives, garlic
chives, herbs I don't even remember the names of.

We had most of the fresh greens she gave me in
the veggies, fish and salad Steven made for dinner.
I drew this little drawing of Lyn and her dog Kohl
to honour the walk. Thanks Lyn for a delightful
break.

Have an escaping-into-nature-in-the-city day.

4 comments:

Linda Popple said...

Despite the "heat" (I live in Texas!) sounds like you and Zoey had a good time! What a nice friend to spend the day with you and share vegetables and herbs! The park looks beautiful! And your sketch is fantastic - I'm sure she loves it!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Barbara that's a beautiful sketch and I'm glad turned out well despite the heat. Despite the fact that I winter in Florida (where it was cool this year) these last few days at home have been too hot for me. I like warm sunny weather with NO humidity ;)
Oddly the word verification here is SUFFER :D

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linda,

Thanks so much. We did. Today we went to an antique fair, and although I was dressed more appropriately I
was still consumed. I'm a northern girl I guess.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Mary,

I've seen a lot of women in the ideal clothing for the weather -- the sundress, but the ideal place is definitely either the ocean, or a pool -- immersed.

Take care,

Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!