The Promise of Solstice.
It’s Winter Solstice. At this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, darkness arrives at around 4 pm. And my day begins, before the sun has. As far as seeing actual sunshine these days? Often, some patience and trust is involved.
But there will be sun. That’s one thing I really love about the Solstice - from here, the days will get longer, and the promise of the sun’s return is something you know will be fulfilled, no matter what.
A Published Poem
This morning I awoke to an email letting me know that my poem, “post row/e” is now live on Certain Age Magazine: “A poem by Leah Jay that explores all the boundaries of womanhood.” Thank you to Sage Cohen, poetry editor, for selecting this one. I’m so glad when I can share my writing with others.
It’s got me thinking about writing and submitting more poems in 2025. It seems so simple, but the entire process from dreaming to wordsmithing to editing to preparing to apply to actually applying — My fellow creatives, you get me! It’s a tough journey, but we can walk side by side, and encourage each other. We’re in this together! Let’s do it.
A New Painting at the Gallery…
“Trillium Triangle Tribe”, Acrylic on canvas, 14 × 18 inches. $650
This painting of my favorite flower is now at Village Gallery of Arts until January 5. When I first came to Oregon a few years ago, my husband and I visited Tryon Creek Park on a chilly early spring day. I excitedly informed him, as I often do, of the flora around me, naming trees and plants to the best of my ability. The prospect of seeing a tri-petaled trillium was exciting (we moved from the dry California south) and I let him know to let ME know if he saw one. Then, out of nowhere, I saw one and pointed at the rare flower I had only seen in person once or twice. Wow! There’s one!!
The laughable part of all this? There were hundreds of trilliums. We kept seeing them. Amused, I corrected myself: No, these trilliums aren’t “rare” at all! I just needed to be looking in the right place. I think that’s the moment I realized - I’ve moved north, to the forests, and to my right place. Through multiple thin layers of transparent color, I hope to portray this sense of the rarity and preciousness of one single trillium.
“Shine On” - Colored pencil. Cold? Sad? Hang on, I’ve got just the thing: this little dragon is here to warm you and bring a smile. Cards available at the Village Gallery of Arts, 1060 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, Oregon.
Thank You
If you’ve supported me this year in any way please accept my gratitude. It’s because of you that I continue to write and draw and paint and express my joy and reverence for nature in many ways. I am one of the luckiest humans alive to be able to share my creativity with you. Thank you.
