OPEN SKETCH BOOK

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

A gentle breeze flows through the trees as people stroll along the water’s edge. Clouds gather above the lake, creating a tranquil scene filled with artists painting on their canvases and observers forming their own ideas. Suddenly, the clouds unite, leading to a sudden storm. Everyone rushes to gather their things and leave, capturing a chaotic moment in a summer day for the traveling artist.

The inspiring part about going through some of Paul’s sketchbooks, is finding his little notes or observations or prayers. He noticed the little things in nature. I remember him telling about one particular class he taught to young children regarding ants. He had them sit in one place and watch as a colony of ants would move about – their intensity and great work ethic. They sat patiently for a while. Some of them lost interest, but those who persevered were met with an abundance of surprises. Those who continued to watch noticed things like little cities, or houses, or storage units. Their imaginations were coming to life and Paul’s lesson on taking time to observe the little things was hitting home.

Take time today to watch, listen and observe. God has His eye on the whole world. Imagine what he sees. If we take just a few minutes to meditate on what is being said or done, we can open the door to a million miracles.

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JESUS MY KING

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our God is inconceivable in every aspect of life. He is the King of Creation, Lord of Lords, the One and only True God. His love is beyond our human comprehension. He is Master of all things. This simple painting, framed in natural elements, shows the human vision of what God does every minute of every day. The light He sheds upon our world is the same light that guides us through it. He didn’t have to die for me, but He did.

You are my Lord and King. Without you I am lost.

My praise to you I bring, for paying the great cost.

You died upon the cross to save a wretch like me.

You suffered pain and loss upon that dreadful tree,

You gave your life for me, and others who believe.

You died to set me free. Your truth I’ll never leave.

Help me to mirror you; to walk within your light;

To share all that you do – your power and your might.

You’ve given me your Word – a manual for my life.

With it I now have heard the answers for my strife.

Prepare my heart for you. Let me your servant be.

May everything I do, reflect your love for me.

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A BRAND NEW DAY . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Paul was part of a daily study of an osprey nest at the Coon Rapids Dam park several years back. There were about four guys altogether, who met each morning to bird watch. They kept copious notes and took hundreds of photographs as Paul set up his easel and palette. Being the naturalist that he was it wasn’t long before he had laid the underpainting and made notes as he watched. The project lasted for more than a month from the beginning of the nesting process, the laying of eggs to the new life that finally sprang forth. Paul was a stickler for detail, because every little bit of a painting tells a story. He took note of the different sizes of the birds – the expressions on their faces – the pecking order – even the details within the nest. You’ll see a dog collar, which was scrounged by one of the mature birds to hold things together. All that remains of that adventure is this painting and many unused notes and photos. The memory lingers, however, of a few guys getting together in nature and enjoying the view.

The osprey will return each year to the same nest. I wonder if that particular one is still there.

The dark days of winter have finally passed, a new day awakes with the sun,

The earth now gives way to the greening of grass, the squirrels are all on the run,

A robin is perched on a sweet budding branch, a cardinal sings beautiful tunes,

A newly tilled field lies awaiting a chance, to enjoy the sun’s long afternoons,

From dormant, dead soil, springs new life once again, sweet flowers explode in the rain,

The water from God benefits the terrain, and gives all  that it needs to sustain,

The process of life, makes us blessed like the earth, with seasons of unending bliss,

The story begins at the time of our birth, there are days that we’d rather dismiss,

We cannot escape trouble, it’s part of the plan, to test and refine us each day,

To strengthen our growth in life’s tenuous span, to trust in our God as we pray,

No more will we lay in that backbreaking ground, a new life awaits in the end,

Upon our last day, we’ll inherit a crown, given by our sweet Jesus, our friend

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ADDING COLOR TO A DREARY DAY

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Here’s another example from one of Paul’s sketch books. I’m assuming it was done with ball point pens. Paul would often draw a sketch for future use in a painting. He had the knack of being able to show movement in his works just by adding a line or curve or two. You can almost feel the wind blowing on this little farmstead and the chill of a March morning displaying grey skies. When days like that occur, it’s time to spend some time with God in prayer.

WHEN ALL WE CAN DO IS PRAY

Why is it when we come in prayer
We just don’t have the words to share?
The struggles still continue on,
Our hopes diminish and are gone.

We lift our voices, but we fear
That God’s too far away to hear.
We grow impatient and cannot wait
We think our problems aren’t that great.

Our ego soon gets in the way.
We think that we don’t have to pray,
But God knows all our needs and cares;
He wants to hear our inmost prayers.

He sends His spirit to our side,
To speak in words we cannot hide.
He goes to God to intercede,
In royal language does He plead

So, take your troubles to the Lord.
Don’t worry over the right word.
He loves to hear from you each day.
Don’t feel inadequate – just pray!

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CELEBRATING BRUCE . . .

The picture above is of my brother-in-law, Bruce Bloom. On Christmas day of 2024, he went peacefully into his heavenly Father’s home after battling Alzheimer’s disease. This was a man who made great strides in the business world, raised two lovely daughters and was dearly loved by my sister and many others throughout his life. My memories of Bruce include his dry and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor. I recall him singing the song, “Picnic Time For Teddy Bears,” in a monotone voice that begged for help. He also displayed his magical talents by performing a trick on occasion. He would flourish a handkerchief in the air and then insert it into his cupped hand. Here’s where the magic came, folks. He pulled it out the other end and it appeared he had accomplished a great fete. The whole time this was going on, he again hummed a tune in that same monotone voice.

There was a time, early in their marriage, while he and my sister were managing one of the stores in the family business. The two of them devoted time, energy and much of their assets to make the store run smoothly and make a profit. At one point, my sister apparently got sick of the job and went on strike. Yes, she actually made up a picket sign and paraded in front of the store making her demands.

Bruce was a jock in high school and college. He continued to support his alma mater for many years. His wife, Carol was his greatest cheerleader, and they shared many happy memories throughout their marriage.

We share in the family’s grief today as we celebrate his amazing life. We pray for comfort for his family, Carol, Kristen, Jason, Jenny, Jonathan and Pearson. May God be with you through this difficult time and give you the assurance that Bruce is in heaven waiting for the rest of us.

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MATED FOR LIFE

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

There are many creatures that mate for life. The magnificent trumpeter swans are in that category. Swans often decide on their partner before they’ve completely matured. They spend all their time together. They help each other through those times, giving of themselves to do so. They have to make compromises and decisions based on each other’s needs. These two were captured on a large canvas Paul decided to paint one day. It’s also true that they migrate in pairs. He and I were like those two.

I didn’t think too much of you at first,

A little guy with energy to burst,

You proved me wrong so many times,

You courted me and changed my life,

You asked that I would be your wife,

I didn’t know just quite what I should do.

God knew exactly what I needed. He is the One who interceded,

Bringing us together was His goal.

The years we spent together through every kind of weather,

We muddled through and were much stronger as we grew,

Your life now holds perfection, with no more insurrection,

My heart is happy for that blessed gift.

I know that it’s not ended. My heart has been upended,

But we will be together soon, my love.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ENDURING LOVE, enouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WISHFUL THINKING . . .

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I think of these paintings as an invitation to summer. They were created by the brush of Paul Boecher, but behind the scenes there were snippets of a special time, being recorded into the memories of those experiencing it. A small group of theatre students and their moms often found refreshment at this park at Elm Creek Park Reserve during the hot days of summer. These kids and their moms had a connection that reached outside of the theatre stage as friendships had been forged long before that. Those days imprinted fun times, laughter, memories and time that would not soon be forgotten. I think Paul embraced that thought throughout his life. Not only did he love the outdoors, the water, the center of activity, but also the time spent with those he truly cared about.

Time we spend walking this planet is limited. Who we walk with, makes the journey worth it.

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BATHED IN NEW LIFE

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BROKEN BUT NOT DEAD YET . . .

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A sputtering, rusted, old, decrepit vehicle sits outside a broken down edifice,

Both of them have seen better days,

Some days I feel like this,

My engine chugs along, performing well for a day or two and then,

It chokes, rattles and gasps for air,

These old bones have succumbed to age,

And often need an oil change,

The joints creak, the muscles have lost their bulk and the

Exterior is in need of updating and repair,

Still, we press on,

To that final day, when new bodies await,

Where tears and sadness do not exist,

Where pain is nothing but a distant remembrance of the past,

Though broken and scarred in this life, there is always hope in the next.

This painting tells a story of restoration. Of getting back into the game or up on a horse when you’ve fallen. I’ve been working my way through a bad cold this week. I’m coming close to the end, but the coughing lingers. When we get sick and at my age, rarely think recovery is going to be easy. Today is another day. Another chance at being alive. I also had an orthopedic injection in my knee and it finally kicked in. In filling out the necessary paperwork, I had to list my marital status. I checked “widow” for the first time. I am now a widow. As I sat there checking that box, tears started to form, but not for long. Like that old truck, I need a little help getting started. I know my days are numbered, but restoration is not only possible, it’s already been taken care of.

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HOPE ON A HILL . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This painting was completed in 1989 by Paul Boecher after returning from a hunting trip in Oregon. He was not here when his mother passed, but in what appeared to be a heavenly valley in the mountains. That picture remained in his mind until he reached home. It now resides in a church office at King of Grace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. The title of the painting is “Heaven is my Home,” and truly conveys the beauty waiting for all the believers that trust that they will be there someday.

Sumptuous views from an old stone bridge, meeting the dawn of day,

Crossing the waters on the river’s edge, wishing that you could stay,

A quiet town from days gone by is kissed by the morning sun,

Painting the landscape and the sky, with colors one by one,

Valleys and hills do here abound – memories of days long past,

Peace and contentment can be found, but none of it will last,

Our only hope is Christ, the Lord, who bled upon a hill,

Suffered and died to keep His Word, followed His Father’s will,

But then He rose to life again, He conquered death that day,

Eternal life for us did win, He took our sins away.

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THE PEACE OF GOD IS THERE . . .

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER@

This lovely little watercolor displays Paul’s ability to capture light with the use of little color. These wonderful sketches are the heart of who Paul was. He loved God with a servant’s heart. He saw beauty in the little things of life. He had a zest for knowledge and a creative mind that spanned a lifetime. I miss this amazing artist, but I see him every day in what he’s left behind.

Looking back on days gone by,

Gazing at a muddied sky,

In the twinkling of an eye,

The peace of God is there.

Trudging through the path of life,

Summing up our natural strife,

Wishing for the after life,

The peace of God is there.

When we cross that great expanse,

Will it be by circumstance,

Will we have second chance,

The peace of God is there.

He’s waiting on the other side,

Continuing to lead and guide,

From Him we never more shall hide,

The peace of God is there.

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FOR S0ME THE SNOW WILL FALL

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We’re often surprised at another snowfall in March, but it goes with the territory. Minnesota has been known to have all kinds of weather during these spring months – from snow, hail and ice to high temps with extreme humidity and even a tornado or two. The weatherman can be 50% right in his forecasts, but God is still in charge of the weather, and He has His reasons for changing things if He chooses to do so. The painting above was done in 2013.

You can see the newly fallen white quilt of glistening diamonds, fastened to the trees. It weighs on the fragile branches but also gives them nourishment for the coming growing season. White stuff clings to the streetlight, giving off a shimmer as the light filters through it. Fresh snow reminds me of how God describes our sins. Though they be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Jesus bathed us in his salvation when He carried our burden of sin to Calvary. He defeated death and was resurrected as we will also be as we take our last breath on earth.

My grief is weighing on me right now. I have grieved for a few years before my husband left this world to take his place in heaven. I have moments when a memory will trigger some tears, but I am overwhelmed with joy, knowing that he is in God’s kingdom now. I know we’ll be together again when I join him there. Tears come and go. Memories linger as they should. Our hearts will not be untouched by the loss of one we love. Even through our sadness, there is consolation. We’ve already been washed as white as snow.

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MAKE WAY FOR SPRING . . .

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The remnants of the last snowfall are swiftly receding into the ground. Nurturing and enriching the soil with moisture and tenderness. Each drop will revive the dead and bring it back to life. So it is with the seasons of life and death. We stay on this planet for a little while. We grow in size and abilities. Our reliance on others is essential and yet our young minds are thirsting for knowledge. We grow some more. We learn – the simple tasks of living; how to tie our shoes – how to respect others – the manners necessary to get us through 9- all the essentials of early childhood. We then grow even bigger and our base for learning leaves the home and enters the classroom, where many more doors are opened to us. Twelve or more years of schooling provides us with all that we need to identify ourselves, or does it?

When we reach our 70s, 80s or more, we retreat to early years once more. We become dependent on others to help us with minor tasks, like changing a light bulb or turning the clocks back or forward. We need help as much as we did when we were little babes. Our range of motion is limited. Bodily functions aren’t always controllable. Many of the needs we required as small children are now quite necessary again. We can rest assured that we will live again, if we trust in God’s Holy Word. He promises to resurrect us from death, because Jesus has paid the price of redemption.

So as we look at spring as another season, let’s look at life in that way too. When we leave this world, we are just entering another season. One that will replenish us, restore us, provide for all our needs and give us a future in eternity.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:10-11

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SPRING THAW . . .

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed… Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”
Henry David Thoreau

The calendar says that spring;s here, still snow lays on the ground.

The squirrels are very active now, they’re searching all around,

For things they buried long ago, it seems like years not days,

The fog still settles on the ground, creating morning haze,

Desiring much warmer weather, the river flows with ice,

The birds are singing their spring songs, it sounds so very nice,

The cold most tightly lingers on, the frost is in the air,

We long for the warmer climate, it doesn’t seem quite fair,

That spring in Minnesota lasts only a few days,

We bounce from cold to melting down, we jump from ice to blaze,

But we, up here in the tundra, have learned how to adapt,

We’ll soon be wearing our flip flops with parkas and a hat.

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BACK TO NATURE . . .

A blue-grey sky, rolls swiftly by, the clouds entwine with glory,

The road is paved with gilded stones, that tell an endless story,

A husky mule, a rugged man, set out to see what nature brings,

They take the path less travelled and fall on angels’ wings,

The beauty of the landscape, enriches this sweet scene,

As light reflects on every rock, new life will reconvene,

An eagle watches from afar – takes in your every move,

While you may falter, He is there to guide you and reprove,

When days grow long and life wears on, we search for simple things,

So take a road less traveled and fly on angels’ wings.

The ability to observe is inherent in all of us unless our eyes have been blinded from birth, but even then, God gives us four other senses to allow us to breathe in everything in our existence.  We may not be able to see the brilliant colors, the majestic mass of a tree, the vastness of the heavens or the beauty of a sea or landscape, but He blesses us with other ways to “see”.

Every artist, whether a writer, painter, sculptor, actor, musician or dancer must observe everything in life in order to portray it in a believable, convincing way.  Studying every idiosyncrasy, examining each detail, with all the senses God has given us, allows our interpretation to be expressed in unique and wonderful ways.

Praise the Lord for the special attention He has paid to every detail of this life.  He calms the storms, He makes things grow and develop, He provides for every living thing, He gives life, He provides for eternity.  With Him, our salvation has been assured and life everlasting waits for those who believe in Him.

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SHED YOUR LIGHT ON ME . . .

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A babe so soft, a child so sweet, lay on a bed of hay,

His mom looked at the dimpled hands and counted fingers at play.

His hands would grow with bruises and scuffs as children often do.

He used them to craft with wood and nails and callouses He knew.

The hands would search the scriptures, though He wrote every phrase,

His hands would do miraculous deeds – like heal and calm and raise.

He touched the hearts of many, He healed their broken souls, He held them close and tight.

The soldiers rammed iron nails into His willing flesh. Each nerve burned for our plight.

He died upon that wooden cross, He suffered, and He bled,

The grave would never hold Him. He conquered death instead.

When once again we see Him in glory and in might,

He’ll take our hands and hold them. For He has won our fight.

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MONDAYS ARE FOR LAUNDRY . . .

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Paul enjoyed life to the fullest. He had a great sense of humor and could embellish a story into a grand epic in no time. He had the ability to stretch an event to the point of unbelief, but truthfully, there wasn’t much to add to his everyday adventures. He’d be the first to admit that his life was full to the brim with funny stories, stories about near death experiences, stories about miracles in his life and hunting and fishing stories that would put any hunter or fisherman to shame.

Every now and then he experimented with something new in his art. The above acrylic painting is somewhat reminiscent of the late 19th century, when women would congregate to do their laundry on Monday morning.

Paul was not adept at painting human beings. He could make three dimensional figures, such as my collection of hand carved Santas or a mermaid for a local restaurant, but most of his attempts at painting people resulted in images that looked a lot like him. These three women all look as though they’re related. In fact, they resemble Paul’s mother to be precise. I don’t know if he intended that, but every time I look at it, I see a reflection of my mother in law and it makes me smile.

The details of the old time hand cranked wringer, the enormous wooden barrel, the rippled scrub board, the water sprinkler bottle used to dampen clothes for ironing, and even a flat iron which would be heated on top of a pot bellied stove, all conjure memories of another time and place.

This wasn’t his usual forte’, but it showed the funny side of Paul Boecher, of which there was an abundance.

“A day without laughter, is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin

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WINTER’S GRIP . . . .

Trying to find the beauty in an endless winter is like looking at your reflection in a mirror and hoping to recapture your youth. It seems that new life will never surface again. Everything is cold and dead. The green existence of spring seems eternally wrapped in a blanket of white. Somehow, we hang on to the hope of a new day when the sun moves closer and embraces those withered limbs and forces life to bud forth again. Spring – will we ever see you again?

Each day the sun rises a little earlier. As I look ahead, I see new growth, promises fulfilled and hope. Thank you, Jesus, for another day.

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LIKE SHIPS PASSING . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Spring seems so near yet so far. The ice has melted, the temps are rising, but still the shadow of winter hovers like a menacing cloud over the harbor. Soon buds will appear on the trees, birds will chirp their lovely tunes and flowers will return. New life. Fresh start. Time for a do over. Still, the memories linger, and we can’t help but long for the past. The way it was. The road trips. The love we shared. The recollection of days gone by will carry on.

A quiet, hazy morning – the wind not yet ready to hit the sails,

An ominous sky of pink tinged clouds hanging low over the still water,

Some of the boats stand anchored in the harbor while others push off to find adventure.

Where will the wind take them when once it opens billowy canvases of white?

Steam rises from heat filled waters – not a whisper of wind,

The waiting can be forever, but when the first gust fills the sails the power of God is made known.

Off to the highway of the sea.

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ANOTHER WEEK WITHOUT YOU . . .

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The week is almost over. Almost two and a half months have passed since my husband passed. I’ve been keeping a daily journal and including some of the beautiful art that Paul has created over the years. It has helped me fill the time with positive thoughts and beautiful images. I’ve also been babysitting for my new little great grandson while his mom returns to school and commutes every day so that she can live at home with her baby and work on top of all that. My first grandson has been living with me since the last week in February. He has his own space in my house where he can be alone and work and make sure that I’m safe. This year so far has been a real demonstration of how God puts things in place for our benefit and to complete the work He has begun in our lives. We’ve known for a very long time that Paul would soon be in heaven and now he is, so our grief continues, but most of that grieving happened before he left.

The painting I’ve chosen today was painted from Paul’s photographic memory and the combined locations that he loved so much. I learned so much from him over our time together. Most of it had to do with my own journey with Jesus. Growing up in a conservative Lutheran church, attending the church school and high school and hearing much of the law preached with little discussion about grace, I went through the early years of my marriage thinking that I would never go to heaven. My mind told me that I didn’t deserve God’s grace and mercy. With the nurturing of my loving husband, I soon learned that God did love me, more than I possibly could imagine. He also raised in a conservative church, but the focus was on the Gospel and God’s unconditional love for all people.

Sharing 60 years of marriage we came closer because of this knowledge Paul gave me. He truly was a wonderful example to follow. He shared his love for Jesus with everyone he met. I miss the time we would spend having devotions together, praying together, holding hands in church and squeezing them tighter each time the Gospel message was preached. I miss his understanding, his hugs, his patience and especially his love. I know this isn’t the end. Our earthly journey is just temporary. I look forward to the day we will be reunited in the heavenly realms with our Jesus, who loves us more than His own life.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Encouragement, grief, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments