RUBY ASTRUP AUTUMN

We've just returned from The autumn journey.
Primary goal: Handing over a newly, dadly repaired Fiat to daughter Serina. 3 days of traveling in wind, rain and slippery roads. Past the most magnificent scenery of Norway.
Visiting the poor farm of the painter Nicolai Astrup.

He lived with his family high in the steep mountain side.
To paint he had to crave a living out of stones and cliffhangs. He learned the possibilities of various herbs.
Also he planted "Devil seed" for the mere decoration.To live he had to paint.Neither he nor his family were highly estimated.

Nor was his art treasured by his contemporaries.A peak in the window of his home shows the painting Midsummer.
No need to tell we were caught by the landscape, the old buildings and the destiny of the painter.
Wonder if Astrup ever fancied people coming from the ends of the earth to admire his art and his courage.

The Dream
When the white eagle of the North
is flying overhead
The browns, reds and golds of autumn
lie in the gutter, dead.
Remember then, that summer birds
with wings of fire flaying
Came to witness springs new hope,
born of leaves decaying.
Just as new life will come from death,
love will come at leisure.
Love of love,
love of life
and giving without measure
Gives in return
a wondrous yearn
of a promise almost seen.
Live hand-in-hand
and together we'll stand
on the threshold of a dream.
Graham Edge
Originated by MaryT, check hers for today.