Mountain Memories from my journal - Paul Murray - A very Bear-ry Silly Short Story
One morning I was looking out the kitchen window and saw all the bear-ries on the ground. I said “What kind of varmet would do such a thing” KatiJane my wife new what happened, so I guess she was the bear-er of the bear=y bad news. I couldn’t bear what she had to say. So, right out to the barn I went looking for some rope. I couldn’t find any, so I used some bear wire and with my bear hands I got the bear wire and tied up that weight bear-ing black Bear-y bush. Then all of a sudden, our little 3 year old comes a runnin’ out of the back door, bear-foot and bear bottomed. She’s so fast we could bear-ly catch her. Then this old truck pulled into our driveway with a bear cage on the back, and a man and lady got out of the vehicle and said, “would you happen to be Paul Murray the artist? I said “Yup” and they said “we would like you to paint us bear naked” I said, “That’s not gonna happen,” then I turned 3 shades of red. They just started to laugh at me and said, “ You look like a shy little Teddy Bear, “ I said “Now look here I’m gonna give you the bear facts. This is the south and we down here don’t tolerate them kind of goins on.” They replied “We feel we have the right to bear all!” I said you see that shot gun over there on the porch? I feel I have the right to bear arms. So kindly get back in your truck and down the road you go!.”
My wife by this point said she was getting a headache and was commencing to go to the store to get some bear aspirin. I said “ If you’re going to the store you’d better get some vittles – the kitchen shelves are bear and the ice box is bear-en of food. But be smart and just get the bear necessities. She said “Didn’t you want candy or pop?” I said, “ Get me some gummy bears, and some rootbear.” She said “ you mean ROOTBEER!” I said, “Ya that’s what I said”. “Anything else?” she said. “Ya, you better get me a can of paint. I have taken all of the pictures and curtains down and have primed most of the rooms.” She asked “you mean all of the walls are bear? What kind of paint should I get?” I said, “Get the usual Bear brand paint” Then she said, “You are going to have to come with me!” I said, “I can’t the funeral parlor asked me if I would be one of the polar bear-er’s today.” My wife said,” You mean a pall-bear-er. I said, “Ya, that’s what I said.”
Then all of a sudden our neighbors drove by, beeping the car horn, driving with a wee little baby next to them. I asked “You mean to tell me they had another baby and my wife said ”not a chance, she’s already had 29 kids. I suspect her child bear-in days are over”. A minute later, I was walking my wife to the car when I hear a big ol’……..….HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE FOLKS! as I am writing this short story I am hearing some noise out the back ……..So excuse me a minute as I go look see. O MY! Well folks I will have to finish this short story another time.
You see it is early Tuesday morning as I am writing this story, and our neighborhood black bear and her bear cubs are back again rearranging the trash cans, just a bit before the garbage men are to arrive. Even though we try to keep our garbage bear proof, I just think they like to visit and reorganize the trash cans. So it looks like I’ve got real big ol’mess to clean up out there before the truck come’s to take the garbage. I promise I will finish this very bear-ry short story some time down the road. Please just bear in mind that them bears just make a trashy mess. So please just bear with me.
p.s. some of you might think I may be losing my bear-ings. Well it ain’t no news to me, my wife thinks that’s been goin’ on for years.
There sat Aunt Emily (103) by the window in her favorite chair, like a queen on her throne... her royal
cape over her shoulders.. the delicate light of dawn dancing over her face. "...her all knowing glimmer
...the secrets she holds...her forever majesty!"
We felt as though we were in the presence of a queen; when she spoke her stories spilled out like music
in a song. She told us of days long past. Still, we were awed by the strength of her presence. After a while, we said good-bye unknowingly for the last time. Emily died short while later. Another legend lost." PM
This is an amazing picture, very powerful. You captured way more than a physical resemblence of Aunt Emily. Her very essence seems to be with you when you view the painting. If you never painted another painting this alone would qualify you as a most gifted painter. I envy the person who will be the caretaker of this painting for future generations.
Many years ago I came across a young artist in a barn in the Harrow, ontario area. That young man was Paul Murray,I fell in love with a clown and purchased it. |my sister bought 2 small oil paintings, one of a racoon and the other of a winter village. She begged you to do a clown for her, which you did later. These clowns are large wnd well framed and with acid free paper. We had this done and the artist who did it was very impressed as was Dorothy Oxborough (a beautiful artist of aboriginal children).I also have a first edition of Mirrored Souls. Please give me an idea of the approximate value. We are elderly \(87 &84) and I want the family to appreciate the value when they inherite them,
Thank you so very much and continued good luck with your lovely works, Gloria Boudreau 905 894 3482
Paul it’s so nice to see the advancement of your craft and that you stuck with it for all these years. I heard some years ago from my old art teacher that our old public school still had a piece of my art on display. It was a great feeling to know that it still around. Of couse I proudly gave it to the art teacher who showed me how to enjoy the act of creating. I thought you would be pleased to know I still have your clown pastel. It’s odd, but every time I look into it I always observe myself and never had a need to look any deeper.
Hope it makes your day.
Your Friend
Randy
Dear Randy,
Paul says you went to school with his older brother Doug. Thanks for the compliment. It is a blessing to be able to continue his art and pass on the history and give back to communities. I feel strongly that the people I preserve are rich in many ways, and that they have been shelter from lifes supperficial trials. Their hearts are innocent to our self imposed drudge of progress, the rat race. I hope others continue to enjoy my work for many years as you have. Paul Murray, re Kati-Jane Murray
Absolutely wonderful, I saw this in Cowboys and Indians and had to check out
your website. WOW! would I ever love to have this ability. Thank you for sharing
I have an original of yours I believe and I would love to know the story because it looks so much like my little girls
Please browse the website and tell me which pictures it looks like, then I may be able to know which you are talking about. Kati-Jane Murray or call 1-888-728-5687
I have a few artist proof called sleigh bells it is 5/65 ap.also the centuries old harness bell with it . It’s in it’s original shipping cardboard. Also little fanny too. I would just like to know the value on the two, I love the pieces I have but I could part with them. Thank you!
Hi Paul,
How’s it going Paul, its been a very long time. Some of your recent works are very impressive, who knew you would be so successful. I hope all is well with your brother and sister.
I’m curious about a painting you did for may parents back in 1979. For insurance purposes do you have any ideas of its approximate value, if any.
It was scenic painting of some mountains and a river, I could provide a picture if required.
I hope all is well.
Mike.
705-969-8750
Sorry Mike I just got this notice from the website the picture , if it is an original will take a while to appraise. the miminal cost is $45-75. It is actually a fair bit of work. We hope you enjoy it. YOu can call the office at 1-800-567 -3220
Kati-Murray
I bought the original pencil used for the “pie makers” prints. I believe their were 125 prints in the original printing. Do you know if there are any of these prints still for sale. I still have the original but a friend would dearly love a print. I think they were first issued about 25 years ago – seems like yesterday!
Robin
Hi Robin: My husband & I have a print of the “Pie Makers” & it is for sale.
Actually, we have two Printer’s proofs # 8/10 and 10/10.
Both are remarqued.
We also have many other pieces of Paul’s work for sale.
Please contact at the above address.
Ruth
I have one of the prints framed and matted that I would sell. Write me back at jwild40059@gmail.com if still interested
I have a framed matted one if you are still interested
In the 90’s I was buying a few prints, when you were still in Ontario.Your work is still amazing and you found your place in this world, that was your calling. We are the same age, I bought my first at a show in Wilberforce??? I am still looking for the clown poster.I love it.Could you maybe e-mail me if one becomes available.Thank you, have a great summer. Maybe, if Justin Trudeau wins our election, his Dad, Mom and Justin, could become an instant seller. Pierre was such a gentleman. It turns out the one guy, that was charged for claiming/overcharging expenses,was another child of Mr.Trudeau, Mike Duffy.Don’t you just love Canadian politics. Have a great summer Paul, I will be watching your site for the next little while. Yours Sincerely, Susan Wilson.
We have a couple of “how Many Clowns” call me so I can reserve you one 865-436-8445
In regards to Robin Briggs request looking for Pie Makers for sale, I have the prints 26/275 available for sale.
I am from a company in Ontario and I had a print of yours come in for a charity event to sell. When I came across it I was just not comfortable putting a price on it and putting it in a garage sale. The Charity event was a large garage sale and the proceeds are going to Hopewell Children’s Homes. The print is # 174 of 275 of Baking Flour & 1884 – 1984 Pastel faces Zoe & Joey.
I guess my question is what should I do with this beautiful piece of art?
Please call me at our Tennessee gallery before November 10 at 865-436-8445. You were right the value could cave as high as $2500 if it has been kept outside of the sunlight and framed with acid free mats and backing. Hope this helps. Sorry for the delay, but this review function does not trigger a notification to me the best way is to email or call. Info@ paulmurray.com
what is the name of the ruggaber girl?…i live on elmstead rd as does my sister in law who is a ruggaber…she doesnt recognize her…i recently read your book mirrored souls and would like to pass it along to someone in the ruggaber family
ANDREA is the Ruggaber girl she should middle age. Paul met her in 70-80’s when she worked at Lyles produce in St Clair Beach near Brighton. Pauls book is sold out and worth $350 now, just thought I’d let you know. Say hey to ANDREA and tell her to give us a ring when you find her 865-436-8445. Kati & Paul
looking at a lithograph by paul murray hand signed any information on it would be great its called ragman i can be reached at jrutkowsky@hotmail.com also what its value would be
Ragman was a labour of love for Paul Murray. The drawing itself was created from an unique situation. Paul’s family church had a play with the minister “Chuck Congram” playing “The Ragman” from a christian story. THis story was published and was put with the picture if I remember right. The church gave Paul Murray a small black & white photograph of Chuck Congram at the age of 18 and asked him to make the given picture. We were glad to offer the prints that we paid for its publishing, hoping this would help the church raise money for their new church building. ALthough we worked closely with the church to help them sell this print, this edition was never sold out. This therefore makes the image value at the issue price of $100. I hope this helps you, any further question please call us 865-436-8445 KatiJane Murray
I saw a painting of an Appalacian woman holding a gun an wish that I had bought a print. Is it available as a postcard?
Enjoyed visiting your gallery last october
We have a “Joseph n bells” print we purchased from Gay Ann’s store
Visited with Paul’s wife that day
We would love to buy more but with limited busget andspace
We look forward to our next visit
Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing stories and information on Paul and his works
I have a Tennessee Bonnet Print #251/450. It looks like a water colour, but your website shows it is oil. I’m looking for the current value to insure it. Can you confirm that it’s oil and that the value listed on your website is current?
Joan, You do have a limited edition of the “oil painting of Tennessee Bonnet” by Paul. He uses old world masters techniques that are called “Glazing” this is finely applied transparent layers of oil. Rembrandt used these techniques. So although this may look like a watercolor it is an oil and the value shown on the insurance guide on the order/inquire then click on our insurance guide. The amount listed is the most current value. Let me know if I can help you further. I am sorry about the delay in responding, please email me in the future with any questions or support needs. info @ paulmurray.com or call 800-567-3220
Thank you for having such a wonderful body of work, shining a light on the history of the area. Love your pieces that I picked up in 2017. They make a beautiful gallery wall in my new home and bring back happy memories of my road-trip through Tennessee. You will be missed, but I wish you a bright future in your future endeavors!
Thanks for your appreciation of Paul’s art. Please keep in touch with our emails and new projects that will bring the mountains and its people closer to you with intimate reality experiences. Paul and Legendary musicians will share their talents as well. You can also call or email us to make sure you are taken care of. Thanks for your patronage.