In the deep fall

don’t you imagine the leaves think how

comfortable it will be to touch

the earth instead of the

nothingness of air and the endless

freshets of wind? And don’t you think

the trees themselves, especially those with mossy,

warm caves, begin to think

of the birds that will come — six, a dozen — to sleep

inside their bodies? And don’t you hear

the goldenrod whispering goodbye,

the everlasting being crowned with the first

tuffets of snow? The pond

vanishes, and the white field over which

the fox runs so quickly brings out

its blue shadows. And the wind pumps its

bellows. And at evening especially,

the piled firewood shifts a little,

longing to be on its way.

~~ Mary Oliver

Oh, my dear friends, supporters, artists, peace-makers, writers, family, conservationists: ‘Tis time to prepare for Autumn. What a summer it has been. I do not think I will ever forget this season. The power of watching art created all around Grand Teton National Park, getting to watch and herald such wonder for days and days~~~learning more secret places in our valley~~~seeing new artists venture further into new and exciting arenas~~~meeting creative, thoughtful people I’d not yet met, giving our beloved Greg McHuron over to the void and helping his spirit move to the mountains and rivers, another gleeful Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival~~~knowing fire.  I am on my way to a place where Autumn is beautiful, to see my parents and family—-New England. I’ll be back next month.

Until then….Shannon Troxler Thal tells me her show, “Illumination,” opens at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts on Friday, September 21st, 5- 7:00 pm. Glowing, colorful orbs will decorate the setting, be suspended like moons, from the ceiling. As will silk banners of ink and wax drawings of dancers. Contemporary Dance Wyoming will perform improvisational dance. An informal gallery talk will also take place. www.artassociation.org    www.shannontroxlerfineart.com  307-733-0378.