There is so much to be said for summertime. Although it isn't my favorite season, I do love seeing all the birds arrive and in a short time there are babies flying around and peeping everywhere, especially in all the nests and nest boxes on our property. I also love the sound of the frogs and peepers.

I heard the call, a single, clear note. And I knew the Orioles had arrived. I got a clementine, which I always have on hand because my Cockatoo loves them, found my orange hanger, and cutting a clementine in half, put it out for the Oriole. 

Although I'm not fond of the summer heat (I will never move to Florida!) I am thrilled to see so many of our summer birds returning to our neighborhood. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are one of my favorites along with the Orioles and the Bluebirds. We've also had visits from the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and of course the little 'campers', the American Goldfinch.

I've been spending less and less time painting these days. Not because I don't enjoy it anymore, I do (although I am spending a lot more time on my writing projects). I used to do outdoor art shows in the summer at various parks around the area but it seemed as though most people were just out for a walk, baby stroller and kids in tow, and certainly not out to buy artwork. I got tired of spending so much time preparing, driving to these locations, and spending a long day in the hot summer sun, and not even making enough money to pay for the cost of the booth space. 

Because I've been so sad about losing my tiny Binka over 10 years ago now, I have been unable to honor her as she should have been. But I want to honor her now by doing a series of paintings of my sweet girl. This is my 2nd painting of my little girl; it was taken on our front lawn. She loved grass and would eat it, lay in it, roll in it (and not because it had something stinky in it, which is the case with most of our dogs when I see them rolling on the lawn).