I fully retired in 2011. Over the years I had many interests that have since been helpful to fill my time now that I am retired. I began to spend time doing acrylic painting. Bob Ross’s The Joy of Painting came on PBS create channel every day at 12:30. I watched in awe, while eating my lunch, as he painted a whole painting in less than a half hour. I began to experiment with his painting techniques and finally found some success.
Little Chippie was a mourning dove who fell out of his nest too early. We began to feed him and he became like a pet, actually eating out of our hand. This was my last personal encounter with Chippie. As he got older he began to be more distant. We went on vacation for two weeks and when we returned he had adjusted to life in the wild. We were sad to lose the connection, but realized this day would come. You can read the original poem at https://wordpress.com/post/rothpoetry.wordpress.com/18410
I wrote a children’s book Little Chippies Big Adventure, which is also an e-book on kindle.
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Painting with my friend
Spring dove brought social closeness
Now the bird has flown
Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Kim at d’Verse asked us to go back and find an autobiographical poem and add prose and a haiku to it for Haibun Monday.
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com
For a preview of my story click the link below:
That’s how man and nature were intended. Such a sweet photo.
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It was a sweet moment in time. Thank you.
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You are welcome.
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I retired in 2010. Finishing a painting in a half hour is amazing. My grandfather was a landscape/Western artist. He would take months on each painting.
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I would imagine they were much larger paints as well>? Bob is definitely a one of a kind painter.
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What a great story! Did watching Bob Ross painting really help to teach you? I’m working on sketching now, so painting would be a bit farther down the road, but it would be a good resource.
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Thank you very much. Yes, when I followed his direction. I watched for about two years or more. Still do at times. There are a few other painters on PBS as well.
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Someday I may attempt a new hobby, but I have enough for now!
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What a delightful experience! I’d love to see your children’s book. Couldn’t link on my phone. I’ll try it later on my computer.
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Just go to amazon.com and put my name in or the name of the book. It is a really cute story with more photos.
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Thanks. I will do that!
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What a sweet picture.
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Thanks! It was a vey special moment in time.
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I remember Chippie’s story 🙂 It’s good to have positive activities to get satisfaction from.
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Thanks Lisa. It is great to be able to do them.
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art and birdlife, thanks for caring for Chippie 🙂
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I see doves regularly. They eat at my open feeder and sit on the rail as a pair and watch what goes on in the house, Very cool!
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makes me smile, thanks Dwight … like your art too!
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Thanks so much!
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Beautiful memories, an inspiration to keep on living.
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Thank you Astrid. It really is a great inspiration.
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Due to some glitch, I was unable to view the earlier poem, but I found this very endearing!
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Thank you! It was very special.
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Beautiful and breath-taking my friend. The bird looks so comfortable.
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He was just as calm as could be! Then he flew away! A special time.
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Awww…that is beautiful and moving. 🙂
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Wonderful
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Thank you!
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Awww. Sweet story. I’m not retired (yet) but am drawn to crafts. I have considered trying painting. I would love it if a little bird would make me his buddy. 😊
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Try it … you will like it! It is very special.
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Love this post, Dwight, and how you cared for the little dove. My neighbour did the same for a young Woodpigeon which fell out of its nest, and it hung around for a while before going back to the wild. Great photo to cherish, too!
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It was one of those things that just happens. My wife came home from the store while he was on my shoulder. I told her to get the camera and take some shots. The timing was perfect! Thanks Pete!
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I am pleased it worked out and you have shared this wonderful moment with us. Thank you, Dwight.
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I love the story, photo, and poem! I always thought that Bob Ross made painting look so easy.
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Thank you! He does but it takes awhile to get the touch!
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I know I certainly don’t have the touch!
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Practice practice practice!
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Oh, that . . . 😉
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:>) Yes!
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All relationships change, but how wonderful to have had this connection, however short. (K)
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Thank you! Yes it was great!
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I am a retiree also since 2006, I link to Paint Party Fridays on Fridays
Thanks for dropping by to read my autobiographical haiben
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you are welcome!
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In these stay-in-our-home-more days, I actually took out my paints and sketch paper for the first time in 45+ years yesterday. I got so involved painting two birds….wonderful to just get absorbed and forget about the chaos and challenges our world is facing now. Love the photo and the idea of the dove befriending you 🙂
PS: seems to me you can join my rejuvenatement club: I never say “retired” – I always say I rejuvenated in December 2012. Seems to me you’ve definitely rejuvenated! 🙂
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Good for you! Painting is a wonderful way to pass the time, with great results.
I can’t even pronounce that (ha ha) so I will stick with retired! No shame in being where you are in life!! Thank you Lillian.
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I do think that this is a lovely memory… that little dove was a true friend (for a while)
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Yes, he really was one to look for each day on the rail outside our door waiting for us to get up and about and come out. A sweet memory indeed.
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I wonder how many were inspired by Bob Ross to take up brush and paint for their own pleasure. I loved his soothing presentations. Lovely photo of you and Chippie…and your painting! Thank you for sharing Chippie’s story .. and yours!
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Thank you Beverly! My pleasure!!
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Wonderful writings. I don’t know you personally but surely connect to your writings
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Thank you so much for your kind comments. One of the joys of blogging is connecting with friends all over the world! I love it.
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Thank you so much
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It is always interesting to read your posts and poems… 🙂 ❤
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Thank you so much!
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