Ice Harvest

Ice is cut with a chainsaw and pulled out by ice tongs.

he ice slabs are then cut down to block size 

The ice is loaded into the sleigh and taken to the ice shack. 

Many hands and a festive attitude help make the job easier. 

The ice that was harvested will keep until next winter in the ice shack. 

The ice slabs were 50% good hard ice and 50% granular.

The granular ice was returned to the hole and will be frozen by morning.

This is an eco friendly way to keep food cool in the summer. We use the ice in our fish coolers to insure freshness, we use the ice to keep the bevvies cold and our food supplies. I dont want to run a generator so that I can have a fridge. That seems senseless.

The ice shack is about 12x12 and the walls are a foot and a half thick, insulated with sawdust. The ice blocks are piled in the shack, and more sawdust is put on top. With this method. the ice will keep all spring/summer and well into fall.

Relax, Its probably just a technical difficulty

Relax, Its probably just a technical difficulty.

Too Many Adverbs

Why cant you wait,

why do you have to patiently wait.

furthermore

and

incidently

why cant you just fly

why do you have to cautiously fly

too many adverbs

too much information

too many restrictions

furthermore

adverbs are taking over our actions

hijacking them with fancy little embellishments.

hahahha

Too Many Adjectives

Too many adjectives

are a sign of lies,

embellishments,

and extreme self serving diatribe

hahaha see what I mean?

Some people think that adjectives make a statement true.

Some people think that repeating the same thing over and over makes it true.

Some people think that words are merely tools,
created to serve ones own interest.

I have come to learn that words are just words

Even when people say their word is their bond...

Those too, are just words,

tactics, tools to convince.

There are very few people whose words can be trusted,

whose words are actually true.

Your job, should you chose to accept,

will be to try to decifer the words

to find out what they really mean

or

If you prefer

you can live in a fantasy

filled with technicolor adjectives

and self serving motivations

1st Peter 4:8

"To God Be The Glory and Power" Copyright don wright and peter the rock

⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, 
because love covers over a multitude of sins. 
⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 
¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to 
serve others, 
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
¹¹ If anyone speaks, 
they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. 
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, 
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. 
Amen.
1st Peter 4:8

In Loving Memory of Brian Marion - Forever Thunderbird

"In Loving Memory of Brian Marion - Forever Thunderbird" 

copyright don wright 2012

I created this humble painting in recognition of the passing of 

Brian Marion - Forever Thunderbird. 

Brian Marion's Light will be felt by many for years to come.

A Wise Man Once Told Me

There once was a guest of honor.

In his toast he said some things that were not true

Everyone applauded his words

and the host thanked him for coming

and never invited him back

I am Painting a Circle

I am painting a circle

But not just any circle

this circle is going to change the world.

I'm going to take my big ass brush

and I am going to paint a circle

a rainbow circle

ya thats it 

a rainbow blob circle

well I want to begin as a real circle

but then become a blob

a rainbow blob

in the sea

no in the sky

a rainbow sun rising

lots of paint

why doesnt it dry

red

orange

yellow

green

blue

I am painting a circle

and I am changing my world

The Truck Motel

Thank you friends and loved ones. I caused quite a stir. I was driving a friend home last night and we got stuck on a remote road. My family was expecting me to return by midnight and we had no way to communicate. The storm picked up considerably so my buddy Alex and I had to sleep in my truck. In the morning, he set out walking to find help and ended up walking about 8km. In the meantime, I stayed with the truck and met up with someone who pulled me out of the ditch. Sue and my buddy Pete headed out this morning to find us, and Deb filed a missing persons. My buddy Alex walked and got help, the police came and ditched their 4x4. We headed out and couldnt make a hill and had to hang for a while. I was expecting to spend yet another night in the truck. In the meantime, the police had dispatched a tow truck for their woes. The tow truck created enough of a track, and we were all able to leave at the same time, in convoy. We just got in the door and I have so many apologies to make. I also really appreciate how concerned people were for my well being. For the first time in my life, I was reported as missing. While I am not allowed to make a habit of this, I am now reflecting on all the positives...and did I say, glad to be home.

I Have an Idea

So way leads to way and the next thing you know is I have an idea. In true manic form I am exploring and frolicking in my idea. I had made a painting. I liked certain components and so I digitally edited my image. I turned things around and re-created the painting. I ran it to print and then cut out the template to use on others. Its going to be like a print run, but each one is hand painted and a little different. Paint doesn't dry fast enough! So now I am frantically looking for more backgrounds so I can continue. The first five were on various sizes of red canvas. I think I am going to make 4 more on card stock and see how that looks. My idea is accompanied by a dream and a vision and all sorts of fanfair in my head. I've already lived an event that is yet to happen. I am just so excited I cant stand it. Blue, Green, Yellow, Black..thats all I need. The story tells itself. Its a thing of beauty and love....and then I'm gonna give them all away....pooof...gone...cast to the cosmos.....looks like I have some dry paint...gotta go......................

Busy Creating the World and Arguing With My Budgie

"unfinished" don wright 2012

I picked up the paintbrush again. I am busy creating the world....and I am arguing with a budgie. He says..."nin minigos is a bird, hes a good bird, hes a smart bird" and I correct Niijii by saying "nin minigos is a kitty cat, niijii is a bird, hes a good bird, hes a smart bird." We argue about this all day long and he has the audacity to say "you're just a bird". "you're just a bird"? Excuse me, I am Alpha and Omega and I am busy creating the world.....well....would you believe I am don and I am busy creating art....such as it is.

The Blood of Christ

"The Blood of Christ" copyright don wright 2012

The Son is the image of the invisible God, 

the firstborn over all creation.

 For in him all things were created: 

things in heaven and on earth, 

visible and invisible,

 whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things have been created through him and for him.

He is before all things, 

and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, 

the church; 

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead,

so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, 

whether things on earth or things in heaven, 

by making peace through his blood, 

shed on the cross.

Colossians 1

-26 With My Friends

Psalm61 - Oh God, Thou Art My God

Oh God, Thou art my God music and composition copyright don wright

words by King David

These words were written approximately 1000 BC and are attributed to King David. The music was composed around the year 2000, which makes this collaboration 3000 years delayed. haha, you have heard it said that I fancied myself a praise musician in King Davids courts of praise. David and I go way back. 

oh God, thou art my God and I seek thee

my soul thirsts for thee 

and my flesh faint for thee.

As in a dry and weary land, where no water is

so shall I look,

upon Thee

in the sanctuary.

Beholding Thy power 

and glory

because Thy steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise Thee

and I will bless Thee

and as long as I live

I'll lift up my hands

and call upon

Thy Holy Name

oh God, thou art my God and I seek thee

my soul thirsts for Thee 

and my flesh faints for thee

my flesh faints

for Thee

The Thunder Box

Checking the THUNDER BOX.

There are many thunderboxes scattered throughout canoe country.

This thunderbox is at a remote campsite on an island.

It sure helps to keep the sites clean and smell free.

Alex figures this one will have to be moved again.

The first time I saw a thunder box, I was on a solo trip. I had been holding it but decided it was time. I took a little walk from base camp and stumbled on one of these. I wasnt entirely sure what it was, but as I got closer instinct took over. It was a beautiful thing.

There are many volunteers who help keep remote trails open  and free of debris. There are many people who care about this beautiful and pristine land. There are many people who rely on this land for their mental and physical well being.....I am one.

Dead Skunk

"Dead Skunk" Copyright L.Wainwright III

I miss my musical brothers. We used to get together every wednseday night and get silly. Every now and then, if we felt like it, we would do a gig. We played some bars and some parties. We were "jacks of all songs" and masters of none. We were legends in our own minds. We forgot more songs than most people even knew. If you cant remember a verse, than repeat the first! Cheers to Wanker Deluxe and thanks for the memories!

"Chattanooga Dog" Copyright Tom T Hall

Sugar Mountain - Neil Young

Sugar Mountain Copyright Neil Young

Blast from the Past

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario

What a wonderful place.

What beautiful and friendly people

From Don's Meat to Giant Tiger to Hooked on Pets

From Sturgeon Builders to No Frills gasoline with $1.25 off coupon

From Timmies to Larry's to Lorraines,

From OK tire to the Sears Outlet store,

every place of business

every person on the street

every kind face of a passing stranger

from french to english to franglais

What a wonderful place

Such beautiful and friendly people

This town has everything

It has it all

It has spirit

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario

What a wonderful place.

Such beautiful and friendly people

Old Photos

We were going through some old photos and came across this. Grade 10 trip to the Ontario Legislature with our MPP Jack Johnson.

Sue and I...wow I've known her for a long time!

I sure am blessed.

My mom dropped off some of our old family photos. There are some real beauties. I am going to add them to my wall of fame....stay tuned.

Fishseer Manifesto

We dragged the huts out to our fishing spot this weekend

Halfway to destination

Pete GPS'd the spot and we put his hut exactly on last years spot.

We had company and the fishing was great. 3 Pike, 1 Perch, 2 Ling and 6 Walleye.

We had an amazing fish fry and put some in the freezer for midweek feast.

My cheeks are red and my body aches

..it doesnt get any better than this!

The Wayseer Manifesto

...interesting. I scored 90%. People of Spirit transcending all faiths, cultures, peoples...the way. My faith in Christ is not threatened by this...its a part of this. I dont feel fear or condemnation but love and brotherhood.

River Legend - Morley Kakepetum

River Legend - Copyright Morley Kakepetum 1981

Print Number 75 of 275

I feel a certain tension here. The forest feels burnt out and the wood duck is frightened and possibly homeless. His eyes are crying blood. Minimalist earth colors. I wonder what the lesson is. Perhaps the answer lies in the river legend.

Forest Fires - Copyright don wright 2011

The fires raged in Morleys Kakepetum land this year. I watched on the Ministry web site as daily new fires were added to the list. This was my impression of a forest fire event. Much destruction, yet creates much new life in its wake. The landscape and forest ebbs and flows. You can see past events many years later, manifesting themselves in new ways. Powerfully destructive, yet an important part of this magnificent creation. Some die, that others may live.

"I am sad to say that he did pass on at the age of 74 on May 15, 2010" - AK

It Upsets Me When......

"it upsets me when our religious symbols are used to divide people" copyright don wright 2011

My wife was a little dissappointed because she thought the "heart face" was angry. Well the heart face is angry. Well perhaps anger isnt the word....perhaps upset or dissappointed....NO, actually anger is the word. I get angry about it. I get angry at how we can use blessings of love and peace against others. Love and Peace get intermingled with personal selfishness and gain and the next thing you know Love becomes a stick and a tool. The wonderful cross gets used to gouge peoples eyes out. The rainbow becomes a noose by which to hang people. The challace gets used to drown people and the fish? That gets used in fish slapping.

I just got off the phone with my first girlfriend. Her father just passed away. She was re-counting the fact that they never went to church for a few years. The reason? People in the congregation didnt want to listen to the "zoo". Last week her brother brought his young one to the service and then had to live with the noise complaint. People piss me off. I want to hug that child and hold him up. Listen to the cry...its the cry of life. Listen to the chatter..its the chatter of meaningful existence. Listen to the noise because when the noise falls silent..its all over. You say you want children to have faith, yet you dont want to see or hear the child. Suck it up.

When you hear a child cry, your heart and soul must nurture. When you hear a child laugh, your heart and soul must rejoice. When you hear a child you must look to the creator in thanksgiving and love and then scoop that little gaffer up and hug as if all humanity depends on it. If you dare say to me..shut that kid up...then  I will know your heart has gone cold and this church thing is just a club to you. Shame. Go ahead and enjoy those empty blessings in reverence and feel the darkness set into your soul. Go ahead...keep the club..I dont want it and I dont need it. Perhaps our children are safer without these weapons?

Turn your heart to love and the creators intent. Catch the spirit and live. These symbols were meant as reminders, not weapons.

Life of a Cat

Meet Geddy. He is a typical cat. He likes to sleep in boxes and baskets.

Meet Nin Minigos. He is a typical kitten. 

He likes to play in bags. 

Nin Minigos like to climb and play in the Hibiscus bush.

He fancies himself as a great leopard.

Geddy wanted out and this isnt quite what he expected.

This is the  first snow experience for Geddy.

I like cats. I like their independence. I laughed my butt off watching Meet the Parents. I am amazed at how much they sleep. Do you like cats or dogs?..or both?

Gratitude

"Rainbow Spirit" Copyright don wright

Praise the Lord!

I shall say Praise the Lord!

My New Years resolution is this....

Praise the Lord!

I will be grateful for everything, 

for it is my belief that all things,

good or bad, 

work together for the good.

Sometimes when facing darkness 

its hard to see the light,

yet 50 years on this planet have shown me,

the sun sets and rises again,
the wheel always takes a full turn.

There is always resolution

I Praise the Lord

for hardship that builds character 

and exercises faith.

I also praise the Lord 

for the good things in my life.

Both the Good 

and the Bad 

work together.

When I am sad, 

gratitude brings me up

When I am happy, 

gratitude re-affirms my place in life

It reminds me that I am not the center of the universe

but I am one 

with the one 

who is

so I trust

and give thanksgiving

Praise the Lord!