Twilight settles in early these days and as I take my sunset walk on high to clear myself of the many directions of the day. Below in the valleys and the distant hills, lights dot the landscape as home lights go on and folks retire to their homes to cook dinner and relax after a long day’s work. The barn lights go on as the cows and other farm animals come in to the buildings to be cared for and milked. I can well remember the sounds of our herd of jerseys as they munched on their hay and quietly settled into their well-bedded stalls.

I walk back to my home and check on my cow Steppin Up and llama Vanilla, both of whom are lying comfortable on their heavy beds of hay and chewing happily. My own home glows, inviting me to step back inside. Stars are coming alive in the sky and as I go inside, my studio beckons to me with inspiration from the darkness.

The quiet cold nights are perfect for sketching new batik and I retire to the peace of my studio.