The Lion, that most majestic of animals, in general lives a quiet life and wants to be left alone by humans, as do the majority of wild animals. But we can't seem to do anything but abuse and exploit any and all wildlife that shares this planet with us.

As an artist, I want to share what I paint and hope it reaches people so that they become emotionally attached and want to purchase my art. As some of you know, with a series of wildlife eyes, my husband Jim and I created an online business to help wildlife organizations who care for wildlife, in particular, those who are endangered. 

It seems we've adopted a red squirrel, or two. We recently bought a new feeder that had a cage around it to protect it from the gray squirrels as well as the bigger birds who eat so much more than the little birds do. I certainly never expected any squirrel to fit through the openings in the cage. But for the red squirrel, that is not a problem. 

At this time of year, mid-spring, all of our favorite southern birds make the long trek home to our backyard here in New Hampshire. I wait for them, keeping an eye out along with putting up a couple of hummingbird feeders along with orange pieces, hoping to lure the Oriole to my back deck. I'm often fortunate enough to not only see the Oriole as he enjoys the orange slice, but also to get a few photos. 

At this time of year when I've just finished up a novel (and am in the final stages of editing, getting it ready for the printers), I'm really missing my painting. A friend I used to visit nearly once a week, especially during the spring/summer/fall months, is preoccurpied with caring for a failing husband so she isn't available at all anymore. Which means, I need to find my own time to get up into my studio and paint. With all the art supplies I have that are just waiting to be painted on, I really need to take time away from everything and just paint.