Whiter-Morn where my journey into art photography began
A vision that may or may not have even existed; created a love of a breed of dog called the Noble Irish Wolfhound. The painting below began my journey into art photography. Titled Whiter-Morn based on a movie line said by 3 characters: Sean Thornton (Trooper Thorn): John Wayne / The widow Tillane: Mildred Natwick, and Red Squire Donahaher: Victor McLaglen
White Morning Meadow a Saga
The birth of Whiter-Morn (pronounced why-tour) For some reason people see Whiter and call it witter! it is easy Add r to blue and it is Bluer add r to white and it is whiter! I know it seems juvenile to explain it; but after 25 years of explaining the title and registered names of our Irish wolfhounds it seems a necessity.
The movie: The Quiet Man with John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Victor Mclaglen, Mildred Natwick, Ward Bond, and Patrick Fitzgerald as Michaleen Oge Flynn Himself (pronounced: Mick ah leen Oh Gah)
Chapter One
The days of winter were fading and spring would soon be upon us. Alison sat on the stump of visitation with her Irish wolfhound Darameath and her offspring, a female named Kakryn and a male named Meath. The pups were twelve weeks old and the last of her litter. Well rested, Alison and the hounds started home to Fowler Mill. On the road, they were met by Sarah, Jasmine, and their grand Irish lady named Raven. .Raven was now ten years old, and her once black coat showed many signs of graying. Sarah and Alison talked briefly while the pups, Darameath and Raven visited. Jasmine watched as the four frolicked about together. When the time had come to end their visit, they proceeded to their respective homes. Sarah and Jasmine lived at White Morning Meadow near Fowler Lake and within walking distance of Alison’s cottage. Spring was past and summer in bloom when Jasmine asked Sarah where flowers go, why leaves fall, and why Raven was now gray, slow, and no longer playful as she once was. Jasmine, now seven years old, was completely lost in her thoughts and the changes around her. Sarah read many books to Jasmine, who would sit on their wood rail fence listening closely. Naturally, Raven would be there, too, watching as Jasmine would react to the stories being read.
As Sarah read the entries on the pages of “The Book of Evermore.” Jasmine listened carefully as not to miss a word. Sarah, standing at the fence, explained that all who live shall someday join their ancestors and that a few cherished souls would be found on the pages of evermore. As Jasmine sat patiently, smiling at the joy of Sarah’s story, Sara read with concern the names of many great hounds that graced the pages of Evermore. Sarah grew deep in thought as she read. For just an instance, she saw, or thought she saw, a name added to the pages. A chill crept over Sarah and she paused, gazed upwards and took a deep breath. Truly she thought, her imagination had gotten the best of her. Sarah was brought back by Jasmine’s soft request to continue. The story was nearing its end much like the summer days were ending and making ready for the days of autumn.
November arrived and autumn had painted her annual masterpiece. Alison came to White Morning Meadow to visit Sara and Jasmine. She brought with her Darameath so Raven too would have company. Jasmine went to the door and scanned the front yard for Kakryn and Meath. Alison told Jasmine that Kakryn went to live with a young lady named Jilly of Hilton Manor and that Meath went to Kildare with a very warm elderly man named Paddy Gann.
Alison explained that many people needed companions and those who are caring should know the great wolfhounds and be joined as families. Jasmine smiled, for she knew now she was worthy of Raven’s love, loyalty, and trust. Despite Jasmine’s happiness, Darameath whimpered lowly as if she missed her offspring. Alison had hoped this visit would lift Darameath’s spirit as she was saddened by the absence of her pups.
With winter just ahead, Raven was now nearing eleven years and she was content staying inside and sleeping, until she heard the singing of Jasmine as she approached their cottage. One day however, when Jasmine came through the front door, Raven did not see or hear her. Unknown to Jasmine or Sarah, Raven’s hearing and sight were fading with her years. Raven got her usual hug and conversation from Jasmine about school and her day, but Raven only lowered her head as if she were no longer interested. Jasmine petted Raven and washed to help Sarah with supper. Sarah told Jasmine, “Tonight we are going to Alison’s for dinner.”
During their trek to Alison’s, Sarah and Jasmine were met by Darameath at the covered bridge that marked the halfway point between both homes. Darameath looked past them for Raven, but she wasn’t there. Sarah told Darameath that Raven was tired and would not be coming along. In response to Alison’s words, Darameath set out on a dead run toward White Morning Meadow to see Raven who was not only her friend but Mother. Dinner went quite well as did the visit. They talked of many things including Christmas. Their evening was winding down when Darameath came home. She pressed against the guest for her pets as she always would and then she went to lay down by the fire. Sarah and Jasmine arrived home and shared the food they brought to Raven. She either wasn’t hungry or was just tired and would ear later. The fire in the fireplace was banked and all turned in for the evening.
When morning arrived, Jasmine cleaned up the food Raven had not eaten, helped her outside, petted her and left for school. At school while studying, Jasmine was startled when the wind blew open the window beside her, seemingly howling the word “home.” an Eeriness crossed over Jasmine, a feeling that she had never known before, and she ran crying from the school all the way home. On the porch she stopped, slowly opened the door, and entered. Sarah was kneeling beside Raven. With no words spoken, Jasmine walked to the bookshelf, took down a book, and went to the fence rail. Sarah, sobbing, followed and told her, “All things must end.” Jasmine wept and said, “Read to me, please read to me.” Sarah read, from “The Book of Evermore,” and a chill came over her. The name she had previously imagined she saw was now there for evermore. Raven had joined the list of cherished souls Jasmine looked up, smiled, and said, “Raven is a cherished soul.
Darameath walked up and stood as Raven had stood before. Alison joined them at the fence. She was smiling and said, “Darameath told her of the pending doom. Her actions, lack of an appetite, and the whimpering was for her Mother.” Alison asked if they would come to her home for Christmas dinner. Darameath and I will need company and you as well, Sarah agreed, and they all met for Christmas dinner. They shared memories of Raven, Darameath, and her pups. The evening was filled with happy tears and wonderful memories. Jasmine exclaimed, “Joy, warmth, love, and kindness are the memories of “Raven for Evermore!”
The saga was published quarterly in a magazine and later published as a book. Above was chapter 1 of the saga.to see the ladies that made the story come to life please visit the Ladies of Whiter-Morn slide show and see the Ladies that aided in the success of my photography.