Notes from Heather: Happy Little Trees

A soothing monotone breaks the stillness of my early morning with lilting phrases like “happy little trees” and “what the heck, let’s give him a little friend over here.” These familiar “Bob-isms” drift from the living room television where my husband and children sit mesmerized by the famous, bushy-haired host of public television’s Joy of Painting.

Some kids grow up with Big Bird – mine have Bob Ross.

It’s not hard to find the cult appeal of the “how-to” show that seems more like therapy than an instructional guide.  In the blink of an eye, “fluffy little clouds” and paths leading to “wherever you want them to go” materialize on his blank canvas.  And though I’ve yet to sit with my kids through an entire show without lapsing into a “happy little” nap – I always awaken to a completed painting.  It’s like magic.

In the Art edition of Yakima magazine we bring you stories that could stir-up your own creativity.  From a public art “scavenger hunt” to some amazing local artists, we include stories that will surprise and hopefully inspire.  You’ll find tried-and-true garden picks, a day trip with truly heaven-ly baklava and more.  Be sure to visit our website, yakimamagazine.com, to see more great photography as well as web-exclusive content and postings by our brand-new bloggers.  So pick up a paintbrush – or just flip through our pages.  Because, in the words of the great Mr. Ross, “Any way ya want it to be – that’s just right.”

How right you are Bob – how right you are.

Heather Caro