Rachel Smith Maher ~ Artist and Poet

Ru-ta-ba-ga: a brassicaceous plant, Brassica napobrassica, having a yellow- or white-fleshed, edible tuber, also called Swedish Turnip. Or as I like to see it, an orb with a really cool purple color that melds into a nice orange-y gold hue and flowing green leaves that have holes where the bugs got at them. This is definitely a vegetable that is under appreciated, but apparently quite healthy for us. Try adding carrots or parsnips to a mash of rutabaga, with some butter (not too much!) and garlic and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese... delightful! Consider this my ode to eating more vegetables--along with all those other things that are healthy habits to employ! God gives us all that we need to nourish our bodies and souls--its up to us to partake in His bounty!   ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

New Year's Greetings! The dawn of a new year...a clean slate...a chance to live life as you've always dreamed it. We have this power, this choice within us. It's up to us to make the decision--to live authentically, simply, lovingly, peacefully. The Source that gives light to the sun wants to share that light with you. This, too, is a choice. A daily surrender not to our appetites, but to what brings everlasting peace. My New Year's goal is to be in touch with that peace each and every day...the fruits of my spirit will tell me if I am on track. And as is traditional at Dragonfly Arts ...this small 5x7 first painting of 2012 is being offered to the first person who asks for it--free! Peace be with you all in 2012!

The Wisemen heard the Good News and wanted to worship the New King. They asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) They searched, and found their King…but it was not what they expected, to say the least. The star led them to a house where they discovered the Boy Child and his mother Mary. No royal robes, no golden crown, no throne, no palace. Did they turn around, assuming they were mistaken? Did they look at the night sky, seeking another star? Nope. They bowed down and worshiped. And opened their treasures. And offered their gifts. (Matthew 2:11) To the little Child who was their King. Have you ever encountered such a scene…where things did not turn out the way you planned…they way you hoped…the way they were supposed to? Feelings of discouragement, despair, anger and frustration seem warranted. But God’s ways are not our ways. He asks us to look at the Wisemen, and worship anyways. To open th...

My mother in law, affectionately know as "Dinah", has a little saying when happening on something delightful: "That'll give you a lift!!" That's what I feel when I see sunflowers--and was immediately inspired by my friend's vase full of fresh sunflowers earlier this fall. Their blooms lean this way and that as they follow the sun. Do you ever find yourself stretching toward the Light? This painting was donated to a fund-raiser to help a special friend in his battle against cancer.  Sadly, he passed away in the summer of 2013.  His creative spirit and warm smile lives on in our hearts.  RIP E.H. 

Memories of a mountain stream. If you look closely, a flyfisherman is casting his fly off the left bank. There is a rhythmic beauty to casting. The sounds of the rushing waters, the smell of the Maine woods, back and forth, landing the tasty bait just so. With any luck, a brookie will be enticed by the meal at the end of your line. Regardless of the "catching", flyfishing to me is one of the best ways to relax while soaking in Nature at its best. God's magnificent creation. All is good at the edge of a mountain stream. 16"x14" $250 framed

The temperatures dropped last night. Morning frost is imminent! Our short summer growing season is fading fast. Here is one more tribute to my love of flowers and antique watering cans! The crisp air turns my thoughts to apple-picking, football and casseroles! It transports me into an action mode focused on harvest and preparation for winter winds. I love the autumn season...a time of transition, turning inward to a place of silence like a snow filled sky. I love the multitude of colors shown by the maples and birches and oaks. I hope to put on my jeans and fleece and be out there documenting God's wondrous colors with my paintbrush!   ~~~This original painting is in a private collection in Maine. Giclee prints are available...$60...image size 10"x8".

Ever been to an island where you feel big and small all at the same time? Perspective is a fleeting element of life. I see it, and just as fast lose sight of it. I'm always coming back to the Truth of the moment I'm in...gaining a foothold on perspective...hoping to keep it as I take the next step and live the next minute in time. God catches me as my foot slips into fear and worry, and sets me aright once again...giving me perspective...teaching me Truth.   ~~~This original painting is in a private collection in Maine.  Giclee prints are available for $80.  Image size is 10"x14".