Prairie thunderstorms . . .

Yes, it's far too early for thunderstorms here but it won't be long before the winter thaw and the spring rain begins and answers the ranchers' and farmers' prayers. When this sweet little slab arrived yesterday, I was reminded visually that the rains are coming, as always. I'm just dying to dive into it! It was absolutely meant for me to have, no doubt about it.

I came across this slice of jasper and I was drawn in quickly. I immediately saw the beautiful landscape to the west of me and in it were the spectacular thunderstorms of the plains viewed from many, many miles away; the sort of scene not hindered by one thing in the way of the view. The sun shining through the veil of rain. The greens and golds of the cloudburst. The darkened tops of the faraway Sandhills. And a single tornado thread.

My goal this year is for my work to better reflect my background, the area I live and the way I feel about my surroundings. I happen to live in the most beautiful part of the country and, frankly, the best kept secret ever - the edge of the prairie, Nebraska. The vistas here are so lovely and peaceful and awe-inspiring that I'm surprised at myself that my work so far has not reflected that. And so it changes.