R.S. Westeren Studio

The pond started with an idea that came to me one night in a dream.  The concept was to build a raised bed, like some people do with vegetable gardens, and put a pond liner in it. The original dream it was going to be 12' by 12' and would have a rubber pond lining in the front about 12' by 8' and the back would be dirt to plant back ground plants in. As I started putting the dream in to reality I realized that the size was not the right proportions for the backyard. You see a year prior I had built a 12' by 8' with 4"x 4" framed box that I put a silk tree in surrounded by "grass". Silk Tree in Grass Bed So I started building the frame work for the raised bed. Using pressure treated  2"x 8"x 12' I laid out the first layer of boards using steel reinforcing brackets in the corners. As I moved it around, it became very clear it was the wrong proportions to the area. So adjustment were made, leaving the length alone and adjusting the

All in all we are handling the stay at home reasonably well. It is not how I expected my first few months of being retired playing out. 2020 has not been a good year so far, with my mother in law passing away in January and now the CORVID19 stay at home orders. So we try to get out of the house every couple days even if its just to run to the post office or to get a couple things from the store. Maggie and I take a walk every couple of days, it/'s good for us to get out. I am spending some time in the backyard working on my gardens and pond. I thought I would share some of my recent garden pictures in this blog: Most of these flowers are around the pond which has come to life this spring.So even when life seems to be challenging the flowers continue to grow and flourish. Maybe we need to be more like the flower and bloom. Until next time... Roger

It is amazing the ups and downs a day can make. One minute you are having a positive day with promising situations presenting themselves and when you get comfortable reality punch's you in your stomach bringing you down. How you react to these ups and downs is what decides the kind of person you are

The Unwilling Rows of houses line up on this city’s block But not the house you thought to expect Shelters of cardboard, plastic and paper trying to keep out the cold Neighbors of crack whores, dealers, today’s living but dead Some choose this life, other are the unwilling No worries of investments, no market concerns The goals of today is to see a tomorrow Meal time happens where ever there are scraps A half eaten sandwich makes for a marvelous find Some choose this life others are the unwilling Politicians talk about the needs of a city But solutions are as many as the problems they cause Tent city neighborhoods, Christian charities outreach An unlikely brotherhood rises as a street wise phoenix Some choose this life others are the unwilling Values must adapt as the situations do change What once was wrong, Is survival today Men with badges don’t always serve and protect Laws and dignity are ideals for the wealthy Some choose this life others are the unwill

Vanishing Youth By R. S. Westeren   The closet flows over with pieces of yesterday Baseball gloves that seen dirt, rain and the occasional ball Sneakers worn and stained from playing tag in the yard Air long gone from basketballs and volleyballs Age gives you experiences but also vanishing youth   Suits with wide lapels then so so narrow Ties followed the same just always the opposite Colors changes as the season do, sometimes bold other times pastel Remember when suits were called leisure but were anything but! Age gives you experiences but also vanishing youth     Waist lines spread and walking gets slower Staying up late gets to be earlier and earlier Dinner is now at 4 and breakfast is so early And now I am saying why do they dress like they do? Age gives you experiences but also vanishing youth   The choices you make now are the most important Whether to sit down and wait or to stand up and move Use your brain and think

I had a dream last night about Jasper. I been honored to have so many wonderful four legged companions over the years. Jasper was special - He was my buddy and friend. Shared many talks with him. I miss him as I miss all family. Hope Doggy heaven is treating you well.