Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, June 5, 1942

Drive on to Three-Rod Road, just above Milliston, where I painted the "Road in May" - at first I felt I would spend the day here, but after a bit, I lost interest, and drove on. To Bullis Road and then south on Two Rod road - when I found a nice spot under a maple that crowned a high bank above the road. Here I ate my lunch with great enjoyment.

I determined to paint something here, and attracted by a shallow pond to the south, I went down to look it over. It was a beautiful spot, the water, which reflected the blue + white sky, dotted with tufts of rich yellow-green emerald grass, I soon had my easel set up and started painting. There followed then one of those rare "seasons" when I am at peace; when I feel surrounded by the presence of God. (How too rare they are - and all my own fault) - In spite of the physical discomforts: (the heat was terrific, the sun’s rays coming back up from the rank earth, with the sickening odor of new plants; the sweat poured off me; stinging flies pestered me, and I got badly stung on both hands and chin) - in spite of all this my heart sang for joy, and I had to stop once in a while to give thanks to God for the divine moment.

Charles E. Burchfield, June 5, 1942