the farfar project

I've started a little project that I am enjoying immensely.

I stumbled across a cash of old portraits taken of Swedish men in the early 1900's. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, I have become fascinated by these men and the lives they lived.  I love the character etched into their faces. I love the lines and creases and angles of their cheeks.

All these men were laborers of varying sorts.  They must have worked hard during their life. I stole them from their dark back drop and have given them joyful surroundings. I think it changes how you see them.  I think it allows their countenance to transcend their position.

As I have worked on each portrait, I have created a sort of one-sided relationship with each man. They may not be the people I imagine them to be at all, but I will never know. It's neither here nor there.

I am currently half way through this project. There are twelve portraits. I have finished the first six that are below. I have given their name and occupation.

 I'm not sure what I will do with them once the project is complete. I'm not even sure why I feel so driven to complete it. It's been a little like escaping into a really good book. The characters follow you throughout your day and you can't wait to find time to pick up the book again to see what will happen next.

In Sweden there are two words for grandfather: Your mothers father is called "Morfar" Your father's father is called "Farfar".

Lars Erik Pettersson: Miner

Anders Wedin: Postman

Carl Bohlin: Carpenter

Karl Oskar Lööw: Crofter

Ollas Per Persson: Yeoman

Oskar Almgren: Blacksmith

the thing about owls...

Have you noticed the owl craze? Is that a stupid question?

I like owls. Not in the way most people like them. Not cutesy owls. Not cartoon owls on onsies.

But I do like owls and I'll tell you why.

First, when I was a kid, there was a owl that lived in the rafters of an old barn where I used to play with my sisters.  I think of that owl as the Cheshire cat of my childhood.

Second, owls are one of the very few bird species where the female is bigger, more colorful and more aggressive than the males.  I say damn strait to that.

Third, owls are the animals most associated with wisdom. In fact, a group of owls is called a parliament, study or wisdom. (I make it a point to learn what groups of animals are called. Not sure why. I just feel a need to know. Don't laugh. I might win Jeopardy some day.)

My personal theory on this is their silent nature.  People tend to think you are smart until you open your mouth and start talking.

I want to work on listening more and talking less. I want to be wiser in this coming year. I want to spend more time listening to that little voice deep inside that tells me what is right and what is wrong.  I want to sit still and observe instead of directing all the time.

I bought this piece of art from my friend Matt and hung it on my wall to remind me of these things that are my heart's desire.

I also like foxes.

But I'll tell you about that another day.

peace out

I'm not one to spread my political agenda around like peanut butter.  I don't talk about politics in social settings and I don't like when other people do it.  

And I don't intend to ever use this blog or Facebook or Twitter as a platform.  I just don't roll like that.

Let's just say I try to inspect both sides of the proverbial coin. I think about it. 

Then I spend it on a gum ball. 

I've got enough turmoil here in casa de Meeker. Don't need more,  thankyouverymuch.

But I would like to say that I had a delightful time turning Schuyler Colfax into a butterfly bearded bohemian.  I think it suits him.

We all could use a little less stuffy and a lot more je ne sais quoi. No?