birdspot

halloween sketches, scratchboard, 8 x 11″

There is a sinister arboreal presence in my life. At the end of May or first week in June, London Plane trees become completely toxic to my overly active immune system, mysteriously causing events like sudden throat constriction and an inability to breathe. Stupid, evil trees. Whomever decided that these are the ultimate park and urban planting did not consult with me first. Instead of being outside, I am hiding out in studio, swimming a river of inhalants and antihistamines, and generally acting a little fearful. I am working with a slew of photographs, of which these are two, taken in happier moments.

I have been making a lot of sketches of my taxidermied chipmunk. I love it so much that, because I am thinking of finally getting another dog, it has paved the way for a small, NYC-sized animal as nothing else could have convinced me to do. I think that there is a Yorkie out there waiting for me.

When I pulled this little jewel out of its birthday box, as yet unenlightened to its existence, I glanced up at my friend Peggy and saw her turn very pale. Warning: at a birthday dinner, you might want to check to see if any of the guests are rodent phobic before giving someone a stuffed chipmunk. I can’t imagine what would have happened if it had been one of the freeze-dried rats also available at The Evolution Store.