Swan Song of Sweet Summer

As September draws to a close, I wistfully say goodbye to summer, my favorite season.  I love the long warm days and relish the time I’ve had to play in my garden.  My daily hikes were cut short this month due to high fire danger in my surrounding ‘neighborhood’.

Most days we can still see the river in spite of the smoke.

A wildfire on Mt. Adams broke out just after my last post and is still burning.  Called Cascade Creek it’s 60% contained entering its fourth week and has burned over 15,000 acres in the Mt. Adams wilderness north of Trout Lake.  Started by lightning on Saturday Sept. 8 from a storm that started over 200 wildfires across eastern Washington – Mt Adams wilderness, surrounding areas and trails are closed because of it.

Today we can’t see the river at all due to the smoke from two wildfires near us.

Yet another wildfire began September 25 across the Columbia River between Hood River and Mosier.  The smoke from both these fires surrounded us in the Columbia River Gorge for many days, keeping me inside the studio finishing up a commissioned project and starting a new series of earrings.

September is also my birthday month and I like to celebrate all month by catering to my every whim…which is mostly just being outdoors experiencing nature!  I received a new camera that has given me endless hours of joy while trying to capture butterflies, birds and flowers in my garden.

Can you see how much my photos have improved?

Soon enough I’ll prepare for fall shows, letting my energy level shift into high gear to get all the ideas from my head turned into glass.  Of course, I never get them all off the drawing table, but with so many ideas I don’t think I’ll ever have a day of boredom.  Until then, I’ll take advantage of these warm sunny days as long as I can because I’ll have all winter for studio time.

Here’s a quick shot of my recently finished commission.  The client wanted monochromatic cobalt blue triangles, specifically arranged in a textured 12″ – 14″ square.  A departure from my usual style, but it was fun and I think I’ll do a few more of these in multiple colors and sizes.

Hwy 141 Wildfire Causes Smokey Sunset over Columbia River Gorge

A wildfire broke out near my studio on 9.5.12.  We’ve been anxiously watching its progress.

Today we are thrilled to learn its 40% contained.   Dry grass, steep terrain and heat made it difficult for fire fighters.

Fire crews from all over the NW came to help and we are so grateful.

My studio was never in danger as the fire is about 4 miles away but directly on the route we drive into town.

At this time, most evacuees have returned home and no structures are damaged.

Smoke drifted to Goldendale WA, Portland OR, and all points between.

Thanks for enjoying tonight’s sunset with me.  Smokey skies do make a gorgeous sunset, but we’ll be happy to have our clear skies back.