Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

41.                   Mon. Mar. 9, 1942 –

  Cooler, the air cleared, and a strong gusty wind from the SW. which as the day progressed increased to almost a gale. (CD)  layer clouds, with an opening in the S.E. thru which the horizon sun, sent a shaft of light (curiously an autumnal feeling) The creek full of ice, and starting to overflow the island. All day, at work in studio on a folding table, broken by walks out to look at the creek. By mid morning it began to snow, and all day there have been alternate blizzards and pale fleeting sunshine, true March weather. My spirit soars again.

  By noon the creek was flowing over the island, and above the cement abuttment (sic) on one side. The highest I have ever seen it. Walk to the Union Rd bridge – But I could not look downstream, as the wind drove sleet in my face – like fine pieces of steel. How grim, how Northern and desolate out (sic) mild village area had become! The garages on the left side of the creek in a foot or more of water.

  They are blasting somewhere, down towards the railroad – so far without effect on the water.

  Finish my table by mid afternoon – but it was not a success, Too rickety and wobbly. The sense of failure made me feel doubly tired, but after I put it in the shed, and determined to forget it, and concentrate on my painting, I felt better.

  It is pleasant to sit here in my studio, and watch the blizzard outdoors – May I never grow too old to love storm and violence![i]

                   Tues. March 10 –

     The storm has “blown itself out”, but there is still a brisk wind from the S.W. It is milder and there is a strong