COMMUNITY . . .

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When I think about community, I tend to stick close to home. Venturing out in the world and the uncertainty of it all can be frightening. It requires a certain amount of courage to reach out beyond our circle of friends. Even before Covid and its isolation, we had become somewhat a nation of hermits, watching the world through computer screens and social media. The electronic age has been a boon to mankind because we live in a world of instant everything. Unfortunately, that fact has done a number on our social tendencies. Meeting face to face – conversation – communication skills – mentoring – and hands on working together have all taken a hit with this new form of friendship and community.

The painting for today shows a group of people gathering together. The people are dressed to the nines. They have a mission of coming together to talk, share ideas, perhaps eat or worship together. I think the point is, we are losing one of our most important tools as human beings. It is not good for man to be alone. God realized the need for mankind to have others to share with, to live with, to talk with, to communicate ideas and solutions for day to day issues. There’s a lot to be said for friendship and companionship.

Dear Lord, you created us with the ability to encourage one another. We have by your hand received the gifts of empathy, compassion and communication. Let us never forget that you are always available to hear our prayers, but we have an obligation to stay in touch with those we come into contact with each day. Give us the wisdom to share your love with others. Amen!

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GONE FISHIN’

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

(Examples of Paul’s free standing and relief carving of fish.)


“Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.”  Mark Twain

His dad was the first to teach Paul how to fish. It was a wonderful bonding experience for them in the rather mundane life they shared in the city – in the hustle and bustle – within the funeral business 24/7. The retreat of the lake led to beautiful moments just sitting in a boat waiting. His dad told him to keep his bait warm, by placing it in his mouth – advice he never actually did, but I’m sure it got him thinking for a second or two.

Sitting on a clear, glasslike surface, with only the sound of frogs croaking and crickets making noise, they would spend hours, sitting quietly, waiting and waiting for that one big one that everyone else talks about. As with most things Paul ever did as a boy, he studied up on it fervently. He wanted to know everything about it. He learned which bait worked the best, how to cast with a fly rod, how to fish with a cane pole. Most of all he learned to listen – not only to the sounds outside the boat, but the words from his dad from inside. His dad was a rather quiet man, with a somber side, but he also had a great sense of humor and shared that with his son. Together they spent much quality time on the lake.

He’d often venture out on his own, when dad couldn’t be there with him. During those times, his catches often consisted of seaweed, an old boot, another fishing lure, a snake and even a fish within a fish. He had a fish on his line that looked pretty good, but not only to Paul, but another larger fish was interested in having him for dinner too. As the small fish neared the boat, the larger fish swallowed up the smaller one. Paul was sure he’d lost it for good, but to his surprise, both fish made it into his fishing net.

There was another incident when he started to reel one in. As he pulled it from the water, there was nothing but a thin pink, snake like thing, which seemed to grow and stretch as it came closer. It turned out to be the tongue of a giant bull frog. Imagine the length and elasticity of that thing. When Paul let him go, I have visions of a fat bullfrog with his tongue dragging behind him.

Paul did a lot of fishing in his lifetime, but it was his goal to do as His Savior commanded to His disciples, “Be fishers of men.” He never wasted an opportunity to share his love for Jesus and encourage others to join in that joy. He set a wonderful example while he lived and I’m sure Jesus is calling him a good and faithful servant.

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A LOVE NOTE . . .

Today I am foregoing the artwork and focusing on the artist. On December 7, 2011 Paul made an entry in one of his sketchbooks. You can see by reading the words how much he loved his Creator. He considered himself the clay and God was the potter. As told in scripture, what a lovely comparison for all of us. I love this man today and always will.

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TRUSTING GOD FOR DIRECTION . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our lives are like a thin, frayed thread,

Our thoughts are filled with fear and dread,

The tines of life like wildfire spread,

We even wish that we were dead,

Yet God would not release His hold,

He held us tightly in the fold,

To teach us to be strong and bold,

He never let His love grow cold,

His roots run deep, His hold is strong,

He keeps us where we now belong,

He turns us right when we do wrong,

His Word is like a lovely song,

He pulls us out of danger’s way,

He gives us light in each dark day,

He leads us back when we would stray,

He even teaches us to pray,

He’ll never let us go.

In the early 1990s, Paul’s advertising company “Advertising Brainstorms,” had to close its doors due a failing economy. The business that started in the basement of an old mansion in downtown Minneapolis, moved up to the third floor and eventually to a new building in Robbinsdale, MN. Things ran smoothly for a long time, employing ten and creating ads for General Mills, Federal Cartridge, Land O Lakes and many more. Paul had just turned 50, we’d celebrated our 25th and were about to become empty nesters. The difficult decision to end the story and try and go on was ahead of us. We lost just about everything and came to a point where we weren’t sure what the future would hold for us. I’ve shared this story many times, and each time I learn something new from it. We all go through trials in this life. Some are caused by the loss of something or someone. We can try to muddle through those tests and hopefully come through with flying colors or we can give up and continue to suffer. The hardest thing when going through those times is our willingness to surrender to God’s will. We think we’re capable of figuring things out alone, but that often leads to more suffering. As years fly by and I reach the end of my life, I am finally realizing that God has everything all planned out for us. He gave us the intelligence and wisdom to proceed, but He is the One in charge of everything.

Paul started working in wood at that time. He would scrounge building construction sites and pick up scraps of timber which were tossed aside and made them into things of beauty. He always enjoyed sitting at a campfire and whittling on a stick, but his vision was bigger than that. With God’s constant care and direction, Paul found a new passion, which was able to create an adequate income for us. His wood sculpting was unique – not machine cut out – but actual pieces of art. His was a unique success story, because he knew who couldn’t do it by Himself. He needed divine intervention. While all this was going on, I had found a niche’ teaching drama and earning enough to help with the budget. I also took up my pen and began pursuing my real love – writing.

Today I’m including a gallery of some of Paul’s sculptures.

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STORY POLES – TOTEMS – OR IDOLS?

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Many folks have special sculptures that enhance the garden space.

They choose cherubs small and angels tall to decorate the place,

In my backyard it’s not that way.  Art adorns with sculpted wood,

The treasures that are planted there, make our yard look extra good.

My husband, Paul, the artist, is not limited to doing paintings.  He is also a master sculptor.  When he was in art school he studied art history and particularly the art of America’s Northwest Coast Indians.  The familiar story pole is filled with images of animals, fish, birds and other creatures of nature. It is intended to tell a story about the tribe, rather than as an idol to worship.  This was their expression of life through art.  I love this art form, not only for its background, but intricate beauty and choice of colors. The pieces shown in this photograph are from a home in the Brainard Lakes region of Minnesota. Paul was commissioned to create these totems. His use of nature subjects, coIor and features that are truly native American are beautifully hand crafted.

We actually do have a totem outside of our house, but I do have a little trouble explaining its existence in my yard however – especially to my church friends.

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WHEN SLEEP WON’T COME . . .

ORIGINAL WOOD SCULPTURE BY PAUL T. BOECHER©

The wood sculptures Paul created during his lifetime are filled with a bit of whimsy, a hint of Northwest Coast Native American influence and fanciful colors. He studied this art form at the Art Institute of Chicago in the early 1960s. Many of the commission pieces he created showed his sense of beauty, nature and humor. That kind of sums up what kind of person he was. This piece, called, “The Sleepy Owl,” was a birthday gift to me. It remains one of my favorites.

There are moments when we have difficulty keeping our eyes open – when sleep beckons, and rest is the only sustenance that satisfies.  When we relinquish our cares to the arms of our Savior, Jesus, we receive the eternal peace that can only come from Him.  Lay your burdens on His shoulders. He carried them all the way to Calvary and took our guilt away.

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WALK WITH HIM . . .

This relief carving by Paul is located at a church in Bay Pines, Florida. The Good Shepherd, tending his sheep is a reminder of our loving Jesus who left His heavenly home to live among the wayward sheep of this world. Paul’s love for his Savior is evident in the detail. Jesus love for us is immeasurable.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

My life is filled with twists and turns, with bumps along the path.
A crooked road that’s filled with holes – reminders of God’s wrath.
The way becomes corrupted with thorns and tangled webs.
My feet are often stifled, my hope and spirit ebbs.

It seems as though I’ll never reach the end of that dark road.
I know my back is burdened down, with a very heavy load,
But there beyond my mind’s dark fears, lies light to lead the way.
My Lord and Savior, Jesus, Christ, is reaching out to say,

“Come follow me, my little lamb. I’ll lead you to your rest.
I’ll never let you fall again, no longer will I test,
Your journey has been difficult, but you’ve not been alone,
Come follow me, my servant, and let me take you home.”

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A CHANGE OF PACE . . .

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This week I’m going to share some of the hand sculpted pieces that Paul has done over the years. Some of his younger art students often called him “Mr. Knuckles,” because his hands were weathered and his knuckles stretched to the limit from working in wood, stone or clay. Of course, he always started with a sketch, The piece would then morph into a clay model and eventually the basic shape would be formed with a saw. All the details appeared as he carved away with a set of varied sizes of chisels. Most of his sculptures were commission pieces, but some are still in his collection or in the homes, businesses or lake homes.

Paul indeed was a Renaissance man. His mind was filled with amazing images which he transformed into beautiful pieces of art. I miss him every day, but a familiar sight was often of him sitting outside, hammering and chiseling away with great zeal and passion. As with everything in his life, he approached whatever he did with a desire to please, a love of God’s creation, a talent he was so willing to share and at the center of each day was the relationship he had with God and those he touched with his art.

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SERENITY SUNDAY . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This watercolor seems to melt the rocks right into the water below. Peace and serenity are like that too. The anxiety and depression which surrounds us on a daily basis can only be calmed by the hand of God. We see Him in nature. We hear his voice in the wind. We see His glory all around as our troubles dissipate into nothingness. He is our rock and salvation. A very present help in those difficult times.

Hidden in the darkness, as shadows slowly fall,

Far away from others, enjoying nature’s call,

Their one essential goal, to find a peace sublime,

Far from the maddening crowd, alone to spend some time,

We all have days like that, when fears can overtake,

When predators and foes know what steps they will take,

To overcome our vision, to satisfy their needs,

They go to any length, insuring our heart bleeds,

They hunt us and attack, they claw and tear our flesh,

Holding in their talons the core of what is fresh,

But still, we will press forward, in search of an escape,

A place to hide, a refuge strong, within the wide landscape,

Our enemies surround, yet we are not alone,

The King of grace stands by, to take us safely home,

We must trust in Jesus and His abundant love,

He’s come to pay the price, from heaven’s home above,

A friend He’ll always be, protection in His wings,

Our hearts are filled with joy, as words of peace He sings.

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The art of Paul Boecher often included beautiful landscapes, water and boats, rocks and mountains and waterfalls. For the most part, when painting with his plein air friends, they would choose a popular location at which to set their easels and lay some paint. This particular one was done at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN. The fort was built in 1805 and has been restored over the years to become a historical place to visit in Minnesota. Seth Eastman was one of the early artists who studied the native Dakota people who were the first settlers in the area. He painted many scenes including them. The location was ideal for a military fort because it’s a place where two rivers come together. Paul was able to combine his love for history, with the early 1800s, the bluffs that surround the river and the buildings with so much character.

When human lives invade the land, it’s bound to take its toll,

Like sin corrupts and sucks out life, investing in our soul,

These precious remnants of our land must not be overrun,

By those who care so little for what God has once begun.

The hand of God is evident, His finger formed the seas,

The mountain ranges still stand tall, the forests full of trees,

The waters raging over rocks, the splendid waterfalls,

The valleys green, the tepid springs, outshine man’s greedy calls.

Will all these places die some day, destroyed by man’s own hand,

Will animals that once flourished soon vanish from the land.

These places are not permanent, in time they too will fall,

But our God’s love never changes, He’s with us through it all.

Though our sin will still run rampant, infecting all our land,

Our God remains in charge of things, the world’s at His command,

But in the meantime may we try to keep our secure

So they will fill the hearts of those who follow and endure.

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CALM MY FEARS . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Deep within the tallest pines, with dark night’s haze enshrouded,

A hidden place encased in webs of silver threads beclouded,

A quiet sanctuary, a place to run and hide,

A place to lick the wounds of hurt and safely stay inside,

Away from life’s diversions, a cave to call your own,

Where you can hide your troubles and bury them alone,

A place like that does not exist when you believe in God,

For He will never leave you, no matter where you trod,

He’s by your side through all your pain, through joy and suffering too,

He knows you need His presence to help you see it through,

You simply can’t escape Him, He’s in the air you breathe,

Give in to His protection, His blessings He’ll bequeath.

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BLACK & WHITE DRAMA . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

One of the most influential photographers of the 20th century was Ansel Adams. He was especially known for his black and white photos. Being an environmentalist and naturalist, he loved scoping out and enjoying the magnificence of locations that would seem impossible to reach. Black and white most often creates a sense of drama, not only in photography but also in the pen or pencil of an artist. Paul was a master of finding it in the cliffs right here in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This drawing shows the glory of God’s handiwork and Paul’s interpretation. It currently hangs in the living room of our home. It won an award at the Banfill Locke Center for Arts in Fridley, MN several years ago.  I am always amazed by the stark reality that he captured in his work, but there’s a lot to be said for black and white.

Life itself is not all black and white, but the glory of God’s creation is majestic in all of nature.  Last night we were witness to an amazing red sky that melted into purple, blue and eventually grey and the darkness of night.  Enjoy these treasures that God has placed before us.  I’m quite certain that all the artists now living in heaven are doing their best work for our pleasure.

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THE MIGHTY MOOSE . . .

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

His powerful muscles are apparent in a body strong enough to carry the weight of his gigantic antlers.  His antlers resemble open hands reaching up to heaven.  As with all of God’s creatures, those six foot wide horns are set upon his head for a purpose.

He proudly displays them to win the attraction of those of the feminine gender.  Yet they can be used in battle, or to push his way through a dense forest with ease.  They can be used as scoops to overturn large rocks or timbers so that he can feed on lichen and rich moss.

As he fights for attention, those mighty paddles become like giant jousting lances.  In order to gain the love of a fair maiden, he will use them against his foe.  May the best moose win!

I wonder if I’ll ever see another animal like me,

I am so big and muscle bound, there’s not another one around,

Who can my prowess overtake, who looks like me for heaven’s sake,

I wander through the forests tall, with ease I tower o’er them all,

When darkness comes to fill the night, I remain fearless at the sight,

Other creatures look up to me, some oft mistake me for a tree,

But soon they learn that I am not, a bully or a juggernaut.

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DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT

I guess you could call this an artist’s selfie. Paul always said that best light comes with the dawn or sunset. The outdoor artist must paint quickly at each of these times because the light is magical as well as swiftly changing.

1ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

The artist follows a journey of his own,

Travelling down the road less wandered trying to catch the light,

Searching desperately for the right subject matter,

A vagabond living in the moment, on an expedition,

He sets his easel, makes ready his paint,

A virtual studio out of the back of his truck,

He attaches a canvas, fills his palette with color, and waits,

For just the right light, just the right dazzle on the water,

Just the perfect stillness and glimmer,

And then it begins.

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SUMMER DREAMS

I’m not sure where this was painted, but it must’ve been a plein air competition. Paul participated in several of these here and in Wisconsin. The location isn’t nearly as important as the feelings emoted by it. It reminds me of summer days. Winter will be melting into oblivion this week with warmer temperatures. We’ve been fortunate to have a fairly decent winter. The pipes only froze once. Still, Spring is beckoning as the sun gets stronger.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The black and white of winter’s cold, seems lost in longer days,

The palette is monotonous, surrounded with a haze,

Gone are the days of shades of green, of life’s pure breath of life,

No luscious hues of red and gold. to take away our strife.

The glorious pigmentation, the blooms that fill each day,

Are buried in a quilt of snow, they all have passed away,

I long to see them grow again, and push to fullest heights,

To smell the fragrance they exude, to fill the summer nights.

Though summer seems so far away, I still can fill my dreams,

Hues so intense and exquisite, invade in brilliant streams,

They fill my head with pleasure sweet and conquer winter blues,

For spring will have to wait a while as winter pays its dues.

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HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT . . .

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

I imagine that sitting in a tree, waiting for a magnificent white-tailed deer might be exciting for someone who loves to hunt. Time goes by slowly, but the senses are enlivened by all the sounds, smells and visions of God’s beautiful creation. Just enjoying the weather, the peace and quiet and the life that stirs around you. God gives us these moments to get closer to Him. Where we pray makes no difference, but being close to God allows us to hide in His presence. We can’t run away. We can’t hide from Him. We can communicate in an intimate way with Him.

Entwined with brush and branches, a refuge holds you tight,

The world is far away, you’re hidden from its sight,

The fear you hold inside, adrenaline releases,

But comfort abides within you and takes away your fright,

So quietly you linger there, hanging on with all your might,

The clouded skies of depression turn into an endless night,

But you cannot hide forever.  Your sweet dreams lose their delight,

He knows your every single move.  From heaven He sees your plight,

He sent His Son to save your soul and eliminate sin’s bite,

He changes our hearts and minds.  He’s turned dark into light,

Your life is in His strong right hand, and He’ll always hold you tight.

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FRUITS OF THE HARVEST

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When weather was unsuitable, Paul would paint inside one of his many of his studios, including the Rum River Art Center in Anoka. When we moved into our current house, he discovered this place just a few blocks from us. He became a teacher and mentor at this amazing place. Paul has always had the gift of gab so quickly made friends with the over 55 group that he taught. The group continued even after Paul left this world and many of the original students are still gathering. Not only was he considered one who guided their art journey but also encouraged and listened to their needs. On top of that he was a great friend to many.

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HE PROVIDES FOR EVERY LIVING THING

Each painting begins with an idea, a vision, observation, a location and inspiration. Paul’s sketch books were filled with quick drawings of things that would almost become finished pieces of art on their own. Like the writer keeps journals for future reference, the artist has a plethora of mental images tucked away in his mind or a sketch book.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Clouds go dancing through the sky – painted for our pleasure,

Elephants or angels fly – on canvas without measure,

The great expanse can turn to dust – its face will fill with rage,

But when the clouds dispel their grief, the tears wash clean each page,

We too can be like clouds on high, when life does overtake us,

We find surcease in tears we cry, we pray that God remakes us,

He hears our cry and washes clean the sins that sap our life,

His life for ours, His love unseen, will take away our strife.

Look heavenward, keep eyes on Him, don’t bend to Satan’s lies,

If God can keep His creatures safe – He’ll give to us His prize.

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HEARTS MELTING . . .

ART & POETRY BT PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The past couple of weeks have been filled with double digit below zero temperatures, However the sun is brighter and stronger this month. Next week we’re promised mid-forties. There are lots of ups and downs in Minnesota, not only in the temperatures but the variety of emotions and lack of sunshine. This painting was done when the icy landscape had just begun to freeze, The variety of weather and physical changes lead to cabin fever, but around here, people love the variety and challenges of living through all the seasons. Soon the snow will melt and we’ll be seeing new growth and flowers once more. Thank you Jesus, for another day!

Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins He melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in His arms each day,
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt. I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing. He is there to take the fall,

Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – it is my life I do endow,

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1800s KIND OF A GUY . . .

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Paul often said he was born in the wrong century. He would’ve fit perfectly into the early 1800s. During the time of the Corps of Discovery Expedition, Lewis and Clark were commissioned to explore the lands acquired after the Louisiana Purchase and maps that would lead a path that would lead to the Pacific Ocean. Cameras were not yet in use, so artists would generally travel with explorers to sketch or paint the landscape, indigenous people and various plant life, So, it wasn’t surprising that he took on the character of just that kind of artist when he worked as an interpretive naturalist after retirement. Each of these reenactments required him to set up a tent and display some of his tools of the trade. He created his own set including various hats, along with eating utensils, clothing, blankets and a few completed paintings. Groups of students would visit his site along with others and hear all about what it was to be partner in such an endeavor.

His audience would be treated to a history lesson for about ten minutes and then move on to the next reenactor. Paul had a very interesting life through his own exploration of history. His ability to teach always held his audience in the palm of his hand. I learned so much from him during our life together, I miss him, I love him and i know he is enjoying the blessings of eternal life. I can’t wait to be reunited with him some day,

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