They say that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and I hope it’s true, because it would appear that I’ve actually (gasp!) run out of words. As the Upper Delaware River region (once again) heaves a collective sigh of relief, I would caution you all to not get too comfortable with the notion that I’m about to (permanently) clam up, but rather take a brief hiatus from my usual non-stop motor-mouth approach to life and instead, let the pictures fill in the blanks.

When I was a kid, there was an advertisement encouraging folks to use the Yellow Pages (yes, I’m that old), which said, “Let your fingers do the walking.” Today’s motto is, “Let the photos do the talking,” and there are plenty of them to go around. Last Thursday, I got a ‘sneak peek’ at the “Peter Max-Early Paintings” exhibit (now open) at the museum at Bethel Woods and it’s (IMHO) a stunner. Coming of age in the ‘60s, I was well aware of Max and the colorful images that propelled him to becoming a household name. Now I have learned that Max’s “cosmic” period was but one of several, and only lasted a few years, compared to his entire body of work, much of which is currently adorning the walls of the downstairs gallery. The photos here do not give Max and his artistry justice, so just go. You can thank me later.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the county, it was time once again for the annual Hortonville Talent Show, with the proceeds going to the Youth Economic Group (“like” ‘em on Facebook!), an organization self-described as “a group of teenagers from Sullivan County who aspire to create positive change in our community.” Thankfully, the kids had plenty to say (since I’m temporarily out of words) and the home-grown talent? The singers, storytellers, musicians and artists from all walks of life left me speechless, and the best way to describe the event is with photos, most of which you’ll find at www.facebook.com/theriverreporter.

Don’t get too cozy with me not talking. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully, it won’t snow.