The text and paintings on The Trowbridge Chronicles are taken from the illustrated journal of Violet Trowbridge, a shrew that once lived in a village deep in the Olympic Rain Forest. Each new post will represent a portion of Mrs. Trowbridge’s journal.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Quiet Moments by the Stream

After devoting many years to pouring over Mrs. Trowbridge's journal, it is my opinion that Wild Rose Creek was her favorite place to visit in the rain forest. The high meadows where she and her family would spend part of the summer was also one of her favorite spots. Mrs. T spent much of her early morning hours beside the stream, painting and pondering, as evidenced by the text in her journal page above. Her ladybug friend, Lucinda, would often join her.

She would sometimes paint herself into her pictures, as in the above painting which depicts her sketching an Indian Pipe by the stream. The sun is just beginning to break through the early morning fog.

I photographed these Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) in the Dosewallips Wilderness several summers ago. A Saprophyte, Indian Pipe derive their nourishment from decomposing matter on the forest floor. Since they have no chlorophyll, they cannot manufacture their own nourishment. Indian Pipe blossoms from June to September.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

like water and mist efects

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

What a beautiful story and the illustration is wonderful. Very imaginative really! I really like the style as well.

studio lolo said...

How wonderful to see Mrs. T again!
Are those plants in the fungi family? They do look very 'shroomy to me.
Yay, so good to see you!

Ellen said...

Tremendously gorgeous work as usual!

Ginger*:) said...

How tranquil. I wonder, as Violet does, about life 100 years ago or even 1000 years ago. I really wouldn't want to go too far back, but think that life would be simple, challenging and exciting in any era.
The Indian Pipe is so lovely!

Anonymous said...

A beautiful illustration. A lovely composition.

Eugenia Gina said...

my favourite!! love it! ^_^

theartofpuro said...

Lovely story and adorable illustration

Michael G. O’Connell said...

i've been following mrs. trowbridge for years… so when is the publication party?

Eric Barclay said...

Awesome work!

tusen said...

a very beautiful scene

Unknown said...

Lovely piece!! Wonderful photos and great to see your inspiration!

Anonymous said...

this is such a lovely piece, and like all of your posts, so though-provoking and insightful.

i am looking forward to seeing these exist on the pages of books!
teri