THE FOWL WOMAN

Having been raised on a farm in Michigan, where my parents raised chickens, cows, pigs and where the horses did all the work before a tractor was purchased in the 1950’s, I especially remember the chickens; notably the obstinate and cocky rooster and the reason we had chickens in the first place…eggs, of course, and every Sunday, the family enjoyed a chicken or two for dinner.

During the 1980’s while living on five acres in Eagle River, Alaska, I decided to teach my children farming values and how to raise chickens, ducks, and geese of their own.  I’m not sure they thought it was such a fabulous idea, but they did learn quite a lot that summer. 

Fall was in the air, and my husband decided to take the “rule of the roost” goose and get him ready for the Sunday dinner table.  All the fowl gathered close to the fence while this procedure was taking place.  The chickens’ necks grew long and a look of fear came into their eyes!  After the goose no longer stirred, the lone rooster in the pen started to crow!  “I’m the boss now!  I’m the boss now!  Over and over he crowed!  This is the scene that inspired this painting (many years later) of the rooster, bright colored and “cocky”! 

The family goose feast was super for supper and the memories linger on. 

I hope you enjoy the story of "The Fowl Woman" and the rooster painting.  As always, I would love to hear from you.  Do you have stories to tell?  Here's hoping you tell them!