A Dedication To Bob Ross

Today I'm linking up with the sky and Bob Ross.  It's not your normal link because Bob is dead.  But when I look at our skies, I think of him often.

I really miss him.  Grew up watching his show on PBS....."The Joys of Painting".   Can't paint myself but his voice then and now always puts me at ease....and sometimes to sleep.  He went too early.  Died in the mid 90's at the young age of 52.  Has it been that long?

But when I look at the skies and watch the clouds roll by, I think of him.  His hair was out of control but his voice and paintings were always inspiring. 

These Buffalo Gourds grow wild in our deserts.  The first time I saw them, I was shocked. And the question everyone asks, "Are they edible?"  No.  However, archeological investigations show that Native Americans used the seeds as food.  They also used the green fruit and roots as a detergent and the dried fruits as a rattle.  Although javelinas dig up and eat the bitter root and coyotes, porcupines and humans eat the seeds, apparently no one eats the fruits.

But they're still cool to see around our desert landscape.  And I'm sure Bob would have painted them onto the canvas.   While writing this post, I listened to him speak and paint his skies and mountains.  These pictures are the closest I'll ever get to painting something by hand:)  Although he has stated in the past that it's easy....um....it's not.  I needed help the first time I did one.  It turned out well but I had an artist show me the steps to get there:) "We don't make mistakes; we just make happy accidents."  I'm glad my mother enjoyed my happy accident on Mother's Day:)

Arizona has some of the best sky shows in the world.  I walked the paths as the storm cloud began to build.  As things got darker, I moved quicker to the trailhead. 

The rain began to poor down onto the grasslands.

But it was like a little piece of heaven here.  And since everyone has mentioned that I should use my short lens more.....I thought this was the perfect time to do it.  Glad I did:)

But I miss you Bob Ross.  I really really do. At night, on PBS, I watch your show and every night, you teach me something new about landscape.  Your positive words make me smile as I fall quickly to sleep to the sound of your voice. You are the best.

And so I dedicate this post to you Bob for some wonderful childhood memories that continue today to inspire my photography. "Build a Happy Little Cloud."