Leading the flock

A sample of birds from the next flock before they migrate 1,000 miles north.

400/1000

I know this is one of your favorite memories we share. That hot, summer day we spent in Boston, and the "frog pond" on the Common. You tell the story so amusingly, describing me not caring a bit that the other kids were in their bathing suits. I just ran right into that water and splashed around with the others, fully clothed and everything. There's a time and place for responsible adults to have their limits, and you let me run free and have fun - just be a kid. I had a really great time that day, even if I was perhaps too young to remember it all.

I made this set of cranes to reflect, like water, the summer sun at the Boston Commons pool that day.

300/1000

This was the summer I opened my eyes to the stars, standing there in your driveway as you pointed up into the night sky. You had that star guide from your coffee table Audubon book, and we looked up at the constellations Ursa Major and Minor: the Dippers. Whenever I see Orion's Belt, I think of that very night, and how it sparked my continued interest in the cosmos.

Filling up the vase

The first hundred cranes have arrived, and have a lovely, tall vase that I hope will look nice and full by the time this project has come to completion. A beautiful, colorful reflection of happy memories and good times transcribed through hours upon hours of dedicated paper-folding.

The second hundred are en route, and the third hundred are nearing completion.

By the way, I love that the origami cardinals I folded years ago are displayed there as well!

200/1000

So the season is changing and the trees are putting on their best show of the year. I know you love to look at the foliage... Wasn't it last year when you and dad went for a drive to look at the trees all the way out in Vermont and (patiently) got lost for a while? I guess I don't know the whole story, but I think I recall hearing bits and pieces, and seeing a photo or two. I don't know if you'll be able to get out and have such an adventure right now, so I thought that I would bring a little Autumn to you instead.

Blind folded

Lindsay challenged me to fold a crane with my eyes closed. Certainly didn't come out perfect... but not bad. This one is in the 200 collection.

Recycling is for the birds

Hershey kiss wrappers. Trash turned treasure.

These were extremely delicate to work with... and I'm under the impression that Hershey only vaguely makes sure the wrapper foil is square.

I've been experimenting with some different types of paper, it keeps things interesting.