I end many of my days by sitting on a 5 foot fallen and cut pine tree log and staring at a fire in the large fire pit.
There is nothing more soothing that watching the flames dance and keeping the fire burning as the sun sets. After dark, mosquitoes become far more active and will buzz my ears, possibly attracted by the glow of my iPad screen. I thought a hoodie might save my sanity from the buzzing but the sound of the attack is just as loud.
I have a few evenings where my virtual classes end at 6pm which allows for this sunset fire. I am getting better at scheduling sketch opportunities around Lake and Orange Counties. Most theater rehearsals or theater productions happen around this time and unfortunately the long commute back to Orlando makes it impossible for me to sketch many of those events that I used to sketch every day. Many evenings I am just exhausted and have work I need to do on theater posters, late into the night, so I set a fire to reset my brain into painting mode. I like to dash off quick paintings of the studio to get used to catching different lighting situations and to experiment with different brushes.
By the time the final embers settle it is time to go inside and make some dinner and get back to work. This time by the fire is my chance to reflect, listen to the birds, watch the warm light settle into dusk, and feel connected to the land. After a short walk each morning, I work in the yard or on the house and feel that same connection to the place. A lone donkey is often hear braying off in the distance. I am so fortunate to have this time in a rural setting. I suspect that the time may soon come to an end with travel or a purchase of a homestead of my own. As I fix gutters, latches, and doors, I intend to one day leave the place improved. If travel is in the cards I intent to help with some far more major renovations which will make the place a very attractive rental opportunity for someone who sees the charm of the place, as I do.