Time is a thief, but it also whispers its stories in the wind. With age you learn to appreciate the journey, to find joy despite limitations, and that perfection is just a mirage. My ability to see the details in my art, once laser-sharp, has been loosening its grip as my aging eyesight fades. The blur forced me to slow down, to see the world in a new way. My attention has shifted from the details to the form. Drawing has become a meditative process, a way to turn inwards and let emotions guide the movement of my hand. This inward focus has added a new layer of expression to my art - something that was missing before. In the blur, I discovered not just a different kind of artist, but a richer, more compassionate human being. Life, I realized, wasn't about achieving perfect focus. It was about embracing the beautiful, messy blur. The world isn't something to copy, it's a masterpiece waiting to be experienced. And sometimes, a little lack of focus is needed to truly see it.

Once a symbol of a healthy Cape Cod ecosystem, the annual springtime migration of river herring in Mashpee has dwindled due to human impact. Dams, pollution from runoff and inadequate wastewater treatment, development along waterways, and incidental bycatch threaten these fish. However, hope remains. Communities are actively working to restore herring runs by removing migration barriers, improving water quality, reducing bycatch and raising awareness. By supporting these initiatives, volunteering for stream monitoring, and adopting eco-friendly yard practices, you can be part of the solution. Witnessing the awe-inspiring herring run, which peaks between late March and mid-May, is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystem and the importance of working together to preserve it.

Fish chowder has a rich history, starting as a simple dish made with available ingredients by European immigrants in North America. It evolved regionally, embodying the yankee spirit of resourcefulness and adaptation. I learned this fish chowder recipe from my grandmother, a freeform cook who valued improvisation over strict instructions. This recipe is a framework, meant to be personalized, and adapted to new ingredients and locations - reflective of a place, and time. It's a starting point to create your own memorable version of this historic dish.

Among contemporary cultural topics, the advent of artificial intelligence has generated strong opinions while continuing to be poorly understood. Artificial intelligence is here and it’s not going away. There’s likely not a field or profession that won’t somehow be impacted by artificial intelligence over the next decade. While art and culture have long been the domain of the human experience, artificial intelligence is increasingly gaining a foothold in these disciplines. At what point does imagery become art? Is it art, or is it theft? What does this mean for art and artists?

Through a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, the Waquoit Bay Fish Company is bringing the wonders of Mashpee's natural world into the local classroom. Using nature journals, students are using their senses to observe the world in their backyard through writing, drawing, and other creative expressions. This program fosters a deep connection between students and their environment, sparking curiosity, scientific inquiry, and a sense of community. It also integrates Mashpee's unique history and cultural heritage, teaching students about the importance of protecting their local natural resources. Ultimately, nature journaling is a transformative experience that equips students with the tools to appreciate and protect the natural world around them.