Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, July 12, 1962

A sultry day – very humid –

Bertha thought perhaps Martha would be able to drive down to Springville to get my pictures, but she said she had some shopping in town to do –

So Bertha and I decided to go to Hengerer’s, for lunch. We had a good meal – then to basement where B got a couple things to use in the new kitchen.

On the way home we were fascinated by the array of huge thunderstorms to the south and east – vast pale sunlit “mountains” of clouds looking so deceptively calm and peaceful –

When we got home, I drove the car out to a point on Transit road where I had and unhampered view of the sky. Made a few pencil studies.

Called Sally and both of us had a good talk with her.

In the studio – had Bertha come out with me to discuss two versions of cartoons for the “Bearded Hills” We agreed on this year’s version as being the best –

This morning on a stroll in the back lot back of the studio – I was struck with the ravishing beauty of Albarella’s back lot – Never has it been as varied as it is this year – a luxuriant growth of blue chicory, fleabane, milkweed, Queen-Anne’s lace, evening primrose, wild sweet pea – I am in great concern that they might take a sudden notion to have it all cut down and want to be on the lookout to ask them not to.

Evening called up Art – They got home safely and their load of stuff was o.k. – They said Spot was almost “out of his mind” in his joy at their return –

Evening music – Berwald’s Fifth Symphony  (which John Kenreich had mentioned liking) – and Sibelius “En
Saga” which I played twice because the first time my mind wandered.

The Berwald Symphony has the title “Singulaire”. It is indeed singular, but full of beauty, and surprises.

As to “En Saga “ I have written so often how I feel about this music – haunting elemental music that always sounds new –

Charles E. Burchfield, July 12, 1962