Blue Jay

Blue Jay winked at me today
from the bird table-
At least, I think he did.
In fact, I know he did.
He's probably keeping me sweet.
After all, it's me who puts the seeds out



copyright: Jane Grant-Abban 2009

Garden Favorites

Conkers

Take One:

‘Guess what I found on the path!’

You say with a grin whilst holding up two conkers.

‘Ah! ‘ I reply. ‘Conkers’

Take Two:

Those same conkers now sit on damp kitchen paper

In two glasses right in the middle of the window sill.

‘Ugh!’ the tidy-freak me sputters. ‘Conkers!’

Take Three:

I’m struck with the thought that in just a few years

This house will be perfect . . .but you and your conkers will be gone.

‘Oh!’ I declare. ‘What marvelous conkers!’

Copyright Jane Grant-Abban 2009

Friends

Spongebob Squarepants

For two weeks now
Spongebob Squarepants
Has been grinning inanely at me from the mantelpiece.
Grave Digger, dog in a party hat,
The cartoon cucumbers and Herbie
All line up together.
“Happy Birthday”.
The mantle needs dusting.
I should clear away the cards.
But you will never be eleven in this home again.


copyright Jane Grant-Abban2009

Dusty Road

Sunday Afternoon

Book Announcement

For those of you who have been asking me will I put my paintings and writing in a book....the answer is yes! I have been working hard this summer to produce it in time for the September show.A limited number of my books will be available at the 'Pauses with Pen and Paint' show and the Artsist's Reception. If you would like to reserve a copy to collect at the show, please email me at jane@abbanart.com. Let me know your details plus number of copies required. I will be happy to add a personal message on request. Preview the book and see the price on blurb.com There will be no shipping cost on books purchased directly from me.If you live elsewhere and will not be at the show, you can order the book directly from blurb.com

10% of the profit on each book will go to Keith Smith's charity Acacia Partnership Trust working in Burkino Faso, Africa.

Pauses With Pe...

By Jane M. Grant-Abban

Book Preview

Grandpa's Little Helper

This painting was from a photo I took in India back (way back!!) when I was 19. I spent the summer living and working at a leper colony in a remote part of India. The elderly man had worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and had seen there was a need for people in the Bihar region. He was a man of compassion. Compassion is different than sympathy. Compassion has hands and feet and involves action. Compassion moves beyond mere sympathy and acts to make a difference. It is something worth thinking about and challenging ourselves with. When we feel sympathy for someone's plight, however small, will we just stay in the realm of feeling sorry for them, or will we do something, and act, and experience the blessing it is to walk in compassion.

Solo Exhibition Announcement!

'Pauses With Pen And Paint'
1-30 September
River Room, Art Guild Gallery
402 North Main Street
Stillwater
Mn 55082

Artist's Reception: 11th September , 6-9pm

Shelter

Shelter

Come now, new friend,
And let me share my shelter
As together we wait for the storm to pass.
New friend, I know you well
Better than those with whom you’ve
Shared your years
For in your eyes and in your story
I see we share the same harsh season
And were passing through alone- until now
Relentless rain beats down-
But it will pass
Cold wind blows-
But it will cease
Then in brighter, calmer times
Old friends will happily return
And no longer hide from your hardship
But for now I offer you
The shelter of my understanding
A blanket of compassion
And rest with brotherly kindness.

copyright :Jane Grant-Abban 2009

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