It doesn’t get any better than this. After 23 years as a writer/photographer with the New York Times Regional Group, I’m on the back porch, freelancing. This is very new, very fresh, like a honeymoon.
My new business card simply says:
Artist
Writer
Water gurgles over the pond waterfall. I listen, look, do some tapping on a laptop. Amy, a calico cat, is curled up next to me on the couch and Suzi, a Boxer-Golden Retriever mix, sits at the end of the couch. She’s nodding off, taking a post-breakfast nap. A bird sings “Oh We Ho” over and over again in the bushes. I wonder what he or she looks like. The coral honeysuckle, a Florida native, has just started blooming on the arbor. Its bright green leaves are almost translucent in the morning sun.
For those who like to pry into other people’s past, mine is checkered. Okay, diverse is a more polite word. Grew up a military brat. Moved a lot. Degrees in Political Science and Graphic Design Technology. Spent quality time as a commercial fisherman, sign painter, museum illustrator, photojournalist, certified apprentice carpenter, arc welder certified for submarines and mom. Married twice. Yep. Led many lives. It all helps when it is time to sit down and write or do art. I have a Web site for my artwork at www.Lucyworks.com. Three boys call me Mom, all are grown. They come back occasionally for Mom’s cooking. Well, I wish. They come in the winter when the sun shines in Florida and it is raining in their part of the world. You figure it out.
I know life is real simple. We are called to help the last, the lost, and the least. That’s why you find me at Brother’s Keeper Soup Kitchen on Tuesdays, chopping, slicing, dicing, and washing dishes. It is a start. If I hang out with them long enough I’ll be a better person. We are called to show up, to be accountable and caring servants. I care about the environment, the future for our kids and grandkids, responsible pet ownership, the stories of people who fall between the
cracks, learning new things and getting outdoors. Yes, I am working on a book.
What do you care about? Leave a comment … it will get sent directly to me by e-mail. I like to listen. I want to hear from you.
Lucy I appreciate your coming on
the nature walk this morning. After
checking your webb sites I see we
have a lot in common. Simple is the
best way to live. Most people live
in a fast paced high powered world.
By doing those walks I hope that I
can help them reconnect with nature and give back a little of what life has given me.
Thanks again for coming.
Carl W.
Hello DEAR FRIEND!
I love your outlook on life!
I have been bogged down with chores this morning and stopped for a little rest. Your words have showered me with your love for animals, the earth and most especially “fellowsouls”. (Is that is a word?)As you speak truths of our world, I feel a kindness in your words, that helps me want to be more caring today…
Thank you for refreshing my spirit,
Joanie
Hey Lucy,
I’m glad you told me about this space, this sacred space. Why do I use that word? Because “sacred” means “set aside” and your words set aside what I may know of you. I will visit as often as I can.
I am astounded at some of the parallels in your life with mine. Maybe this is what you felt I’d be interested in. I can tell you, though, what draws me in to your stories are the places you name that give you insight. You gift me with sharing these with me. Thanks.
Peace, David