by Susan | Jul 9, 2023 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Yesterday, I enjoyed one of the first sunny days in weeks on the porch. Using the Merlin app, I recorded a great variety of birds in my little patch of woods, including a Crow, Overnbird, Hairy Woodpecker, American Robin, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Phoebe, Hermit...
by Susan | Jun 19, 2023 | Shop
It’s always like Christmas morning when a felt shipment arrives. I’ve managed to order only one new color to test this time. The happy news is that all felt colors and companion packs are in stock. I have also turned three free bird patterns into felt...
by Susan | Jun 15, 2023 | Out and About in Maine
One of the highlights in June along the coast of Maine is the lupines blooming. The impressive purple, pink, and white spires dot the roadsides and fields. We enjoyed this delightful field of lupin on a rare sunny afternoon. They are too beautiful not to share.
by Susan | Jun 12, 2023 | On the Farm
After so many gloomy days, we deserved the beautiful weather the weekend brought. Here are a few of my weekend snapshots. This year’s only Pink Lupine in the morning dew. A critter’s eye view of White Columbine (I think!) Purple Lupine framed by my Asian...
by Susan | Jun 9, 2023 | Out and About in Maine
It’s been a cloudy and cool June. I stopped waiting for the rain to go away and chanced a visit to the beach. An unscheduled outing, once there Hannah and I both realized how much we needed the meditative calm of the ocean. Mist rolled across the solitary beach...
by Susan | May 31, 2023 | Family, On My Mind
I’m learning that when a loved one dies, there’s a stage of needing to hold on to their belongings – as if having those items close somehow strengthens our connection to them. I am finding this true with my mom. There are keepsakes she wanted me to...
by Susan | May 17, 2023 | Family, On My Mind
Mom passed away two months ago, on March 17th. Today I received a gift from her – something ordered months ago before we knew cancer would rule the rest of her days. Shopping was mom’s favorite way to care for those she loved. Unexpected boxes would arrive...
by Susan | May 13, 2023 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
My creative mojo has been hard to find lately. Maybe starting with something relatively easy will help me get my groove back. A Nashville Warbler has been popping up in the sound recordings on my Merlin app this spring. Here he is in felt. I hope these pretty birds...
by Susan | May 11, 2023 | On the Farm
I love where I live – my little spot in the woods. Even better are the days I can work from home, like today. When letting Gidget out this morning, I startled a turkey noodling about in my weedy flower bed. Gazing out the window while pouring my coffee, I...
by Susan | Apr 29, 2023 | Family, On My Mind
Mom became ill in November 2021. She put off seeing a doctor for a bit, and when she did, the doctor took a wait-and-see approach. By Christmas week 2021, she was in the hospital for fluids and tests. Seven hundred miles away here in Maine, it was hard to find our...
by Susan | Apr 23, 2023 | On the Farm
This fir tree has brought lots of joy to our home. Shade. A place for birds to rest and frolic. Home to a squirrel family. However, it’s been years since it’s looked healthy. An oak sprouted in the shadow of the fir and has been growing strong. I’ve...
by Susan | Apr 8, 2023 | Out and About in Maine
It’s been over three months since my last beach walk, with the better part of February and March spent in Pennsylvania. While in suburbia PA, I felt oddly disconnected from nature. Today, I relished this interlude at the beach, sitting on the rocks, soaking in...
by Susan | Apr 3, 2023 | Family, On My Mind
We first understood that my mom was seriously ill on Christmas Eve, 2021. In 2022 she experienced two hospital stays – one very long after which they sent her home without hope. Two months later, in March, during one of my frequent visits to Pennsylvania, we took mom...
by Susan | Mar 4, 2023 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Sitting here with my mom on a Saturday afternoon in Pennsylvania, I started exploring birds common to the area. Most of them I have already designed. The Blackburnian Warbler caught my attention – a bird who visits Maine in the summer. Click below to download...
by Susan | Feb 27, 2023 | Family, On My Mind
My mom and dad. February 27th was their anniversary. Here’s what 63 years of marriage looks like. Keep scrolling. 😊
by Susan | Feb 25, 2023 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
The White-tailed deer first appeared in my latest pattern book, Animals of the Northeast. Leave the antlers off, and it’s a doe to go along with my White-tailed Fawn. Enjoy! Enjoy the free download below – or purchase the White-tailed Deer felt kit here....
by Susan | Feb 7, 2023 | Odds and Ends
I’m taking off to spend some time with my family in Pennsylvania. If you plan on ordering, please do so by Thursday evening, February 9th. I’ll be closing the shop for a bit after that. Thanks! https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/shop/
by Susan | Feb 5, 2023 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
First introduced in my book Downeast Thunder Farm Animals of the Northeast here is my Secretive Gray Fox pattern. I’ve only spied red fox on the farm here but the gray is abundant in southern and mid-coast Maine – and throughout much of the United States....
by Susan | Jan 29, 2023 | On the Farm
In the winter, my favorite spot for morning coffee is by the northern-facing facing window in the living room. I typically have my camera at the ready and take more photos than I ever share. I love capturing the birds in the trees waiting for their turn at the feeder....
by Susan | Jan 25, 2023 | On My Mind
Wednesday is a work-from-home day, so I got up early this morning and mixed up a batch of pineapple carrot muffins with pecans. I didn’t think anything of it when the oven came up to temperature unusually quick. I popped the muffins in and then smelled something...
