Thursday, February 19, 2009

Chickens?

The front page, and continued on the back page, of the Portland Press Herald was quite a long story about allowing people to have chickens in their backyards. I don't know why it made me chuckle to think this was the lead story. Ducky (shown above), a Golden Comet hen, lives in a backyard in the suburbs of Portland. She actually had two color photos including a close-up. I don't know why I think this is so funny...
I couldn't resist a quick sketch of Ducky watching her eggs along with gluing in the headlines. Using the newspaper was inspired by Dee Farnsworth's wonderful weather sketchbooks which are absolutely beautiful and not as ridiculous like this crazy post.
I'm still chuckling...

14 comments:

Sandy said...

Obviously a very slow news day (which is good I guess) But THREE color photos of Ducky - Humm that is worth a chuckle.
And your sketch shows she is quite photogenic!

Unknown said...

Hey! That's awesome! Great job!!
Came to your blog through EDM post... I'm a newbie!

Anonymous said...

That's one great chicken drawing--My neighbors have chickens and they roam around and look fantastic but when the big boss rooster gets in the mood he will attack people--so I vote against the backyard coops as I'd bet they'll not stay penned, disturb lots of needed sleep--and scratch up seeds you plant-unless the property is isolated as in farm land and the owner sticks to the codes--from a crabby old Mainer Lady---

Kate (Cathy Johnson) said...

Gotta love Portland! (And I DID love your sketch, and the chuckles...man, I wish MY town would allow chickens!)

Carolyn said...

I think what you did was a good idea...kind of documents the "news" for that day. It will be fun in the future as you're browsing back through your sketchbook/art journal. Your work is nice!

Sherry Pierce Thurner said...

I never saw a chicken I didn't like. :) Discussions about allowing chickens in urban areas is big around here too. All this economy and concern with local eating is inspiring people to both garden and consider getting their eggs from their own hens. I have a teacher friend who raises chickens (on a farm), and I have to say those eggs are both cute (brown, tan, green) and delicious.

Eleanor said...

Love it love it love it. Ridiculous post? no absolutely not, these are the things which make life bearable. Thank you:)
I have longed to keep chickens for as long as I can remember. One day...
She is beautiful.
E
xx

Ann said...

Lovely journal page! So will they be allowing chickens then? That will undoubtedly warrant lots of letters to the editor from citizens in your community. Should be more fun reading!

E-J said...

Chickens not allowed in backyards? Whyever not? Live chickens are sold in our local farmer's market. I would be hopeless keeping them, though. I can't even keep an air plant alive.

Nice combination of sketch and newspaper collage!

A Brush with Color said...

You do because it IS funny. Great paintings--I can tell you enjoyed doing those, too. That's great!

df said...

Thanks for the shout out Jennifer. Your sketchbook page looks great. Make sure you use archival glue!

Laura Frankstone said...

Jennifer, I sent you some emails to the maiden cove address and they keep getting bounced. Can you email me?
Thanks,
L

Dana S. Whitney said...

I think there's something joyful (or maybe just ironic) if chicken zoning is (all) the newspaper can come up with for the front page. Ignore the economic collapse of the western world! Ignore the ongoing tragedies in Africa and Afghanistan! Ignore those anxious about job loss or mortgage hassles!! Talk about chickens! (and my verification word? "chixer")

Revelle Taillon said...

That image is just "ducky"!!! Love to see good news as opposed to the recession in every headline. Was wondering, do you take your puppy overseas every time you go, and does she have to sit in quarantine each time?
Revelle