Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Dec 28, 1921 –; Today going down Niagara St, the brilliant sunshine seemed like Spring – I had a vision of glistening saplings crackling in a March wind – I have looked into the eyes of a real woman who will be mine – Spring! Life is young again – A look from this girl sends the blood thru my veins as the March winds stirs the sap in the trees –; ; Jan 1, 1922 –; I took a walk down Maryland St this noon, crossing the canal and coming to the Lake front – It was a brilliant cold day, with alternating snowflurries (sic) and sunshine – The sun glittered on the lake like melted silver; there were sea-gulls floating on the water or flying around – Down by the shore I saw several men walking along scanning the edge where the waves rushed in, and at times stooping to pick something up; I walked down there, and discovered that they were gathering old pieces of brass & iron that the waves washed in. One of them between times played a mouth organ – My heart went out to him – probably life is a bitter proposition to him or he would not be gleaning the lake pebbles on a cold day in January; but he had the courage to make music – The stones here were mixed with small pieces of china that as they rolled back with the receding waves, sounded like bells tinkling. On the way back, I passed thru the Italian section – From behind curtained windows came the sound of