Easter and the Spring of Recovery

I celebrated Easter in a way that is befitting for a 'naturalist.' I went for a walk in the forest. My mom, the wise botanist Susan Moyle Studlar, went with me to the West Virginia Botanic Garden. We encountered rock outcrops covered in moss. And so, she was prompted to make close inspections by hand-lens, and collect specimens for the herbarium. Meanwhile, I sat upon a rock and practiced the art of wilderness contemplation.

It seems a natural fit for a celebration of rebirth and regeneration to take place near spring equinox. Indeed, Pagan religions had their own versions of Easter before Christians adapted and revised the holiday. Regardless of one's belief system, it is hard not to be amazed by the bursts of green and white and pink and blue, as the plants awaken from their winter slumber. Old life recovers, and new life begins, with a wealth of pollen in the air and bird's nests on the branches.

Spring would seem a fitting time to convalesce from illness, or to help a friend or family member in that process. Some people go to medical school in hopes of becoming healers. I am not a healer. I went to cartoon school, and profess no medical knowledge above the EMT level. And so, when my mother's sister, Virginia Pezalla, had a recurrence of leukemia, I thought that there was nothing I could do, but hope that skillful doctors could find a way to defeat the disease and bring her back to full health.

Then again, one should not underestimate the power of moral support. The condition of the brain affects that of the body in many ways not yet understood. For any serious illness, the knowledge that people care can have as much effect on the patient as any medicine. And cartoonists often give moral support with pencil and ink. Hence, I found the ambition to finish a project which I have been working on—amidst many others—since 2008. A comic book of Frog Stories—tales of hunger, desire, violence, athletics, and life-and-death drama. The life of an amphibian is as dangerous as a Secret Agent, and as unpredictable as a gas molecule. With oil pastels, I created full-color front-and-back covers. Between them, 24 black and white pages, containing four short stories, featuring argentine horned frogs, pacific chorus frogs, and a green tree frog. I dedicated the work to Aunt Ginny. It seems quite appropriate, considering Ginny's many years of teaching at Robert Morris college and introducing city folk to the wonders of nature; in addition, she has created stained-glass windows depicting frogs, one of which adorns the Studlar family sunroom.

Meanwhile, my mom gladly accepted a nomination to rescue her sister by donating stem cells. And declared that this spring break would be her best ever, should the endeavor succeed. At the hospital, I presented my comic book to Aunt Ginny, in living color. She was glad to receive it. It is but a small piece of the grand outpouring of family support Ginny has received, since this unfortunate ordeal began. We shall hope that, collectively, it can make a difference. Ginny is now at home, enjoying family, sunshine, dog walks, and some improved health. Soon, chemo will begin, followed by a stem cell infusion by her sister. We will hope for the best. And the religious among us will pray to their deities of choice. Spring is a time of revival. Life shows its resilience, and splendid colors.

Footnote: I will launch online sales of Frog Stories as soon as possible!

The two pictures of Ross solo are by ©Susan Moyle Studlar

Homage to Grandma

Evelyn Wood Moyle on December 26th, 2009; photo © Susan Moyle Studlar

Evelyn Wood Moyle, my grandmother, died on January 3rd, 2010. She was ninety-five years old. My parents and I were visiting Grandma's house in Excelsior, Minnesota, for the holidays. Our stay has been longer than anticipated, with the unexpected turn of events. Now, all four of Evelyn Moyle's offspring are here. She also has nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren (and three more that are due later this year). Yesterday, the family members here hosted a commemorative gathering for her friends. We took turns telling stories and sharing memories of the much-loved denizen of Lake Minnetonka. For my part, I shared an open letter to the big man...

Dear President Obama:

I propose that the property of 4690 Lynwood Circle, Excelscior, Minnesota, the former residence of Evelyn Wood Moyle, be designated as Grandma's House National Monument. This designation is well in accordance with The National Park Service mission of protecting “unimpaired... natural and cultural resources ... for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Grandma's house preserves 100 years of culture and its environs are habitat for many wild species. I received enjoyment, education, and inspiration from my visits, in my youth and adulthood. Present and future generations should share the opportunity.

The area of Lake Minnetonka has four distinct seasons, giving us something new to experience, and something to look forward to, at all times of year. When the summer heat blazes, one can swim in the cool waters of the lake. Or sit under the shade of the cottonwood tree, or go to the front porch, where a cool breeze seems always to blow through. There, one can curl in the swing chair and read NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC or NATURAL HISTORY. Or one can go cast a line from the neighbor's dock, and reel in one sunfish after another. One can paddle a canoe to big island, or to Glick's point and back. Or walk down the rail trail and ingest a healthy volume of blackberries. When the autumn chill is in the air, one can sit by the fire and admire the many layers of birthday cards on the mantle and shelves. Winter affords walks to big island across a lake of ice and sparkling snow. The spring brings the bright greetings or anemones and pasqueflowers.

The yard has provided nesting habitat to birds including redheaded and pileated woodpecker, starling, house sparrow, and kestrel. Bald eagles nest nearby, and are known to occasionally drop live turtles onto the roof. Native and edible plants populate the garden, and so do a host of invertebrates, notably ambush bugs, ladybird beetles, and ants. Inside, a cat controls populations of rodents, and assures that soft chairs do not retain their external fabric for long.

The house's historical artifacts include real silver spoons (150 years old, saved for special occasions) and decades of correspondence, some even from Moyle/ Wood ancestors on the front lines of the Civil War. The house also contains a treasury of old and new photos, illustrating how much life has changed since 1914. The house could be a site for historical reenactments of Moyle family events. A concessionaire could arrange for historic meals, modeled after those prepared by Evelyn Moyle, and shared with family and friends. These would include breakfasts of cinnamon bread and orange marmalade and cantaloupe with lime, as well as lunches of toasted english muffins with cheese. Evening meals should feature fresh-made cole slaw, fresh-baked rolls and potatoes, and such high energy dishes as chicken wrapped in bacon, or roasted ham.

Grandma could be commemorated by photos and audio-recordings, with copies for sale by the Natural History Association. Those who knew her recall her cheerful demeanor and positive outlook in the face of all adversity, her devotion to family and to natural history, and her ability to constantly make new friends, across her 95 years of life. It would be wise for future generations to follow her example.

Thank you for considering my proposal, Mr President. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ross Wood Studlar


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Footnote: Evelyn Moyle also leaves behind some notable naturalist writings and photos. Her narrative "The Battle for the Cottonwood" was recently republished in the anthology OUR NECK OF THE WOODS, edited by by Daniel J. Philippon. NORTHLAND WILDFLOWERS, which she co-created with her late husband John B. Moyle, remains a popular and good-selling field guide.




Coming soon to this blog... info on my new comic THE RAVEN AND THE CRAYFISH... !