Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

61.  "How did you ever learn to do such a thing" he would ask - I wish I could learn - I've been to school, but they didn't teach me anything like that" - All the children were like little pixies flitting here + there restlessly.

     Today was a copy of yesterday, except that at the steep hill, I parked the car and explored a bit - New oak-leaves.[i]

                   May 6 - Wed -

     A.M.  Cold and gray - threatening rain -

     Car to (CD) for service - Planting rose-bushes Mr. Smedja had left for me yesterday.

     P.M. To Buffalo on various errands (to bank, to get our tickets etc) - B in at 4:00 - new Hat for me, call for Bertha's new suit etc.

     Evening - to school to get sugar ration cards.

     Today I first really began to be apprehensive over the ordeal of getting up Friday before the Academy to accept my award.[ii]

                   May 7 - Thurs -

     Cold S.W. wind -

     A phrase from "Sun + Storm" "Wild chamomile before the old hut _ _ _ _" - it signified for me the whole north countrys - of a late raw spring (CD) a country near the Arctic Circle.

     Tormented all day by thoughts of my "acceptance speech" until mid afternoon when I realized that it didn't matter at all what I said or how I said it.