Nana Lynne and the boys

Once upon a time Lynne moved to her little house in Alabama and started painting and cleaning. She wanted to repair the damage and neglect from the renters and borrowers. She painted over the scuffs in the bedrooms and washed the grime from the sofas and bedspreads, but she dreamed of new furniture and bright bedding.  

Asher, Clark and Sophie go crabbing

One day the Mattox family called to say they were coming for a visit and Lynne was delighted.  She had never had young children come to visit so she was a little worried about hazards under the sinks, fragile knickknacks,  and dangers on the deck.

Jennifer and Asher at the Marina

But the boys arrived and the fun began.

 There were squeals and screams, runaway crabs, and much laughter and dancing.      

 There was an accident and some spills, but the sofa was old and the carpet was worn, and no one cared.  Everyone was happy.

Clark's first fish

The visit was too short, and the house was too quiet when the boys left. 

For many days Sophie sadly searched the bedroom for Clark and Asher.

And Nana Lynne had an epiphany….    forget new furniture, keep the old and enjoy the children! 

Please come back soon.

 

Leah Bateman helps print Clark's fish

Leah's own flounder print

Mullet Toss

Mullet drying on the line

Gyotaku, the Japanese style of fish printing, is the perfect art form for an old biology teacher.

I made my first print 25 years ago after reading an article about preserving your child’s first catch in ink. I think that old print on construction paper is still hanging in Tom’s room.

Many years later I was invited to join my friends on the ‘ Escape Artists’ weekend at Lee’s Ford Marina on Lake Cumberland. They are artists, I am not….

Lees Ford prints

I was invited because we once owned a little houseboat at Lee’s Ford and they thought I could captain the pontoon while they sketched and painted. But I had to register as an artist of some description, so I revived my old talent and actually produced some credible prints.

Since that time I will occasionally drag out the paints and pins when I am inspired by a fishing trip at LeBus pond or a really sturdy cardboard box (essential for fish printing because they need to be discarded after a couple days. CPAP boxes from ResMed are especially inspirational!)

I had a couple boxes, but no fish. I have asked at the markets, but whole fish of printable size are difficult to find.

So I settled on a couple mullet (sold frozen to use as cut bait) and had a little fun this weekend.  The only mullet I’ve had personal experience with were being tossed at the Flora -Bama across the state line! So…

I think flounder would make wonderful subjects so I’m on the lookout for surf fishermen over spring break!

bass printed in 2007

bluegill printed in 2007

closeup of bass print

Update

In response to the questions…. yes, I have printed fish on tee shirts.

So, if you win the Mullet Toss in your division and want a trophy shirt, I can do that. Please be sure to refridgerate the fish as soon as possible, or you will have a VERY fragrant shirt!