A couple of weeks ago I did some sketches of the chickens. It just seemed like they would be fun to draw. I thought I might use them in my work, maybe potholders, but I haven’t had the urge yet.
Today our chicken Alice was killed by a hawk. I was sad, but I’d rather have chickens roam the farm and risk the dangers than keep them in a coop.
This evening, when I went to check on Winston (the rooster) and Meg (the hen) there was a third chicken in the barn. She was red like Meg but scrawny with a few missing feathers . Jon had gone to Gardenworks and surprised me by bringing home another chicken. We named her Fran, after my sister. Jon thought it was a good chicken name and I figured the chicken would have no choice but to grow into it. Tonight the three of them were sitting on the roost. Winston and Meg huddled together and Fran a bit away from them. It may take a day or two, but soon Meg and Fran will be clucking together and scratching around for bugs while Winston follows them around strutting and crowing . 
I am sad about Alice,poor thing I hope she didn’t suffer.But Fran is beautiful and it was loving of Jon to bring her to your home. I love how chickens move and your sketches capture their shapes well.
Normally, I would have read this post and felt bad for Alice’s demise and your loss and then gone on with my day. But I had to put down my dear, sweet dog, Chloe today, after 14 great years, and so, reading of Alice’s demise, took on a much deeper personal tone and sent me wailing from the computer. I hope you don’t lose any more chickens. I don’t think I could bear it right now.
Sorry about Chloe Suzanne.
Hi Maria~they are lovely pictures~I was sad to hear about Alice also, Fran is a sweetie…. 🙂
It will probably take Fran a few days to warm up to her new friends. Once she feels comfortable I am sure her easy personality and quick wit will emerge and win everyone over. Either that or she’ll be eaten by a fox.
Well, you should know Fran. Actually I saw her and Meg pecking around together by the milk house and no sign of a fox.
I like your pillows.
I’ve been thinking of Alice.
These are wonderful, Maria. I especially love the second one down with all three down in such a lovely gestural mode.
Thanks Diane, it means a lot coming from you.
Sketches are great. Puffed up an Proud Im a cicken,,, shades of a Roo,,, What, What… should I be worried,,, Kewl what this over there! Chickens live in the moment… ol no A HAWK… naw just a plane… did ya see those good bugs??? there by the garden…
Love the monologue Dona. I just said to Jon today that I’m not worried about the chickens because they live in the moment and if a hawk gets them well, they were happily eating the moment before and the moment before…..
Being a new chicken owner, I would love to see chicken potholders or better yet chickens on pillows. I know you aren’t feeling it quite yet but when you do I would love to have one or two!
I may get there sooner that I think Marianne.