The Uluhe Beginnings Story

What do you do when your world comes crashing in around you? Devastating changes and losses cause a lot of emotions in us. We can become angry faster, cry easier and worry a lot.

I know, firsthand, about these types of emotions. I know about haunting fears that creep in and the reeling of saying goodbye. I know about living with uncertainty, health problems, and loneliness. Nature is what calms my heart, and that’s what this painting is all about.

Years ago, when I had become too ill to leave home very often, a friend offered to take me in a drive in her convertible car. We drove out...

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...into the countryside. I deeply inhaled the fresh air. I could hear the songs of the birds, smell the fresh grass and the struggle deep inside was lightened.

At one point, we drove past a field of sheep. I thought about the Good Shepherd watching over all his sheep and leaving the 99 to search for his lost one. Sometimes, in the darkness of my sick room, I felt like the lost one. And I wondered if he remembered me.

Suddenly, right next to the road peeking through the fence, was the face of a little lamb standing all by itself. My heart soared and I screeched “A lamb!!!!” My friend jumped, and said with a giggle “You don’t get out much”! Which was true. But also true, nature was waking up my soul. And I knew that my Shepherd sees me as joyfully as I saw that lamb.

When I painted this painting, it was inspired by a peaceful spot in my backyard where I still go to calm my emotions. I let the quiet beauty of the Uluhe (oo-loo-hey) fern sink in along with the sounds and smells of nature. Sometimes I talk to God, and sometimes I am just quiet. After awhile, I find my emotions beginning to calm. Sometimes, I even find myself smiling again at the antics of the birds, or humming a little song about butterflies.

Maybe my painting of Uluhe can be a peaceful spot for you too? Or maybe you know of someone else who needs to breathe in nature, but can’t right now? I am so happy to share my peaceful spot with you.