Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tardy for Take Off

Solo Flight, collage/acrylic, 5 x 7, Elizabeth W. Seaver

Dorcas wasn't ready for Fall migration.  She had too many things to do.  The flock was going to have to leave without her on their way south for the winter.

"You know how it is, General Snortfeathers," Dorcas explained to her flight commander two days before takeoff.  "I am rushed off my aching webbed feet trying to get the last class of ducklings ready to leave.  Then, I have to clean out the refrigerator and sweep the down out of the corners to leave my nest just like I want to find it next Spring.  Remember what happened this year?  I got back to find the grackles in residence!"

Dorcas gave a shudder and shook out her tail feathers.  "THAT'S not happening again!"

"It's highly irregular, Dorcas.  We rarely leave one of our leaders behind," the old bird replied gruffly.

"I'll be fine." she answered firmly as she bustled out the door.   "You all just get started, and I'll catch up.  I'm in good shape after teaching six Basics of Flight classes this summer.  If we have a bumper crop of fledglings next year like we had this year, you're going to have to hire another instructor!"

General Snortfeathers shook his head as he watched her waddle away.

"I hope she takes time to stop by and get the flight plan from Major Whistle," the General quacked quietly to himself, "Or we're going to have to hire TWO instructors next year."


To be continued

22 comments:

Anna M. Branner said...

How many of us have wanted to do just what Dorcas is doing! :) Good for her! (Love the simplicity of this one...and the subtlety of the words that make up Dorcas.)

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Anna! Thanks for the kind comments.

Carrie Waller Watercolors said...

Love it!! Her expression is great. I bought and framed a print and didn't notice until I got it on the wall that it was a collage with newsprint inside of the door to the house. The whole thing is very serene and beautiful with just this little bit of newsprint. Once I noticed it I was apprehensive to read it, what if it ruined the picture for me, what if it said something horrific. I finally got my nerve up to read it and it was just fluff. At least to me anyway, I was so glad. I was also glad to see that your print had relevance to your piece. Another fabulous creation:)

Katherine Kean said...

Awww, I'm hooked. I hope she makes it okay!!!

Karen Kyle Ericson said...

So cute! Now I'm inspired to get busy with my doodles again. Nice work.

martinealison said...

Très joli et original... elle a tellement de belles choses en elle, de magnifiques pensées qu'elles sont notées sur elle... Bises

RH Carpenter said...

Oh, I do hope she doesn't get lost once she begins her journey! I love all the words making up her white head :)

Carole Barkett said...

Your posts are always fascinating, they seem like wonderful stories to read to someone, I love her expression and the newsprint design

Vicki Greene said...

Terrific art and great sense of humor!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Carrie:

I'm so glad you like the piece. I appreciate your comments about the relevance of the collage. I always wonder whether anyone reads/looks closely at the actual papers that are used in a work. Thanks for talking about that. It does make perfect sense that the wrong words or sentiments might change the viewer's perception of a piece. You've made me want to be even more careful about that as I create in the future.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Katherine:

No worries on that score. I love happy endings (even if there is trouble along the way!)

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Karen:

I'm glad you like Dorcas. Yes, doodle away! Some of the most fun things come from a doodle.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Martine:

I'm glad you like my tardy bird. Thanks for your kind remarks and many visits to my blog!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Rhonda:

Well--I don't want to give away too much at the moment....but there has to be some dramatic tension, you know!

I'm glad you like the collage.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Thanks, Carole, for your enthusiasm about the writing and the art. I am enjoying the combination of the two.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Thanks, Vicki! I'm glad you like the post.

Celeste Bergin said...

very very captivating!

Yan Hong said...

I hope they all wait for Dorcas! I worry that the General's words portend dark clouds ahead for Dorcas. Love the art, as always.

Linda G said...

I love the story! What wonderful names! it's even better that thegoose is made out of another "goose" story - how clever!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Celeste: Thanks so much for your comment.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Yan, don't worry. Everything will be all right. You're right, though, Snortfeathers was foreshadowing...

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hey, Linda. I'm glad you like it.