a stronger pull

the stronger pull

"let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. in the depths there is a spring with all the water your heart is thirsty for." ~rumi


artist note:
I have been feeling more vulnerable than ever recently as I have pushed myself and dedicated myself to paint work that reflects my dedication to studying color relationships, textures and compositions.

I gave myself 'permission' to just let go and to embrace the pure joy of painting.  the pure joy of doing what I absolutely love!

growing an old friend

'let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~marcel proust

between old friends

artist note:  It was the early spring and summer months, my initial flower gardens would receive most of my time, energy and attention. I spent countless hours shopping for specific colored blooms. Determined to have the perfect and most beautiful flower garden, I spend a great deal of time arranging and re-arranging the flowers before actually placing them in the bed.

As season came to a close, my interest waned. I watered less, the foliage drooped and the weeds found a place to call home.

angle of painting 'between old friends'

After a few years, I noticed I would get such joy in the return of a prior year blossom or with the bloom of an unexpected color of a particular species. I transformed my beds from a collection of annuals, to an orchestrated assembly of beautiful, resilient perennials. I so loved and appreciated their dedication to returning.

To keep these beauties healthy and returning, I realized I had to continue to give my attention to the needs of these flowers thru out the entire season. Deadheading provided more blooms. Dividing the roots gave space for the flowers to grow bigger and better year after year. I would feed them and water according to their specific needs.I would spread a layer of mulch after the soil froze to prevent winter damage.

This lesson can also be applied to our relationships. To truly enjoy and appreciate those you love, one must not only be attentive, but be patient and nurturing in equal measure.

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." ~ John Leonard

I'd also like to add these words from Jenny Uglow, "We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us."

because you feel chosen

Eleta!

"I guess when someone tells you something that they usually guard, you feel privileged, not because you know something no one else knows, but because you feel chosen." ~Markus Zusak

artist note: this painting was inspired by meeting this gal named Eleta. there is just something about her that I could forget. she seemed quiet and reserved, but at the same time welcoming and certain about herself and her interactions with others.

not like those girls in the magazines..

most beautiful

"She was beautiful, but not like those girls in the magazines. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for that sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile even when she was sad. No, she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful, deep down to her soul."
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

painted trail

emerson was quoted as saying, "do not follow where a path may led, go instead, 

where there is no path and leave a trail."

where there is no path

artist note: i have to say, i am totally in love with this piece!!!

(i know, i know, i say that about all the work i do,

 but this is really affecting me deeply and to my very core!)

i love how it provides this 'space' to get lost in. i need space like this. i need miles and miles of endless sky and earth to wander; earth filled with tall grasses!  spaces like this give me

the time i need to: catch my breath, clear my thinking, 

process hurts, 

put things into perspective, 

get a foot-hold 

on gratitude and 

bury any regrets...

these days i am challenged to physically do any kind of wandering and especially in an open field with a compass pointing LOST.  but, i can (and do!) with my minds-eye. 

i wander so i can: refocus, reframe, reflect, rejuvenate,  

reassemble my broken heart or renew my trampled spirit.

so...i am leaving you with my painted trail. a trail offering hope, suggests that the 'best is yet to be'; a trail that may lead you closer to finding peace of mind or the realization of your dreams. or it might inspire you to go get lost and blaze your trail!

 either way, trust yourself to make the decision that is best for you!

your soul is alive!

Soul Progress

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,
if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,
if the simply things of nature have a message that you understand,
rejoice, for your soul is alive!" ~Eleanor Duse

stronger and more resilient

Refusing to surrender (glory-of-the-snow)

 "Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient." ~Steve Maraboli


artist note: I love living in MN.  I actually enjoy all the seasons...even winter. The snow doesn't bother me and it doesn't seem to get in the way of this bloom either.  The Glory-of-the-Snow spreads quickly, fills large areas with colorful blue, white or pink blossoms and regardless of drifting snow! Beautifully resilient!