Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, has a resident population of red-crowned cranes called "tancho" (Grus japonensis). They are symbols of luck, longevity and fidelity. Endangered now, they number only about 1000 in Hokkaido, 2700 worldwide.

Eagles are often seen over Trincomali Channel. The view from Galiano Island, located between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, is a daily delight. California poppies glow orange while the eagles cry overhead.

Spring in Victoria, BC means the fragrance of honeysuckles wafting through the air, drawing happy hummingbirds. Off in the distance the Olympic Mountains stretch their grandeur while the Strait of Juan de Fuca marbles in blue.

My friend Christina once had a chicken she was very fond of. When this hen finally laid its last egg, Christina asked me to draw her and a brood of chicks. I stressed the whole time, fearing I was drawing her least favorite hen by mistake.

Home for 8 years in Victoria. This is the view from the roof of the detached studio I lived in. The cats and I loved every minute of it. Flowers bloomed according to season, which the border represents. From bottom center moving left are the seasons, divided by circles of branch-tips of the beautiful Japanese maple that over-arched the driveway. The heron kept a beady eye on nearby fish and me.