Day 32, Small Pause, "Passing Moments"

Upwards, 20x16in. Oil on wrap canvas. MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Today's Small Pause...

As I opened my front door today and looked up the hill, I was struck at how swiftly the clouds were moving across the sky. They moved along like a rapid slide show, changing continuously. At times there were patches of clear blue sky and cloud; while, other moments merged into a gray cloud mass. 

I thought it was a great metaphor to life. Life seems to move along swiftly by times, moving from sunny moments to gray ones. It maintains a continuous flow, where change is the only constant. Time pays no attention to our wishes. It marches on inevidentably. 

Thus, it is up to us to savor the moments of joy we experience, whether they be large or small. Be present with these times. Drink them in with your mind and spirit, because the memory of those times are what help us move through the gray clouds that pass through. 

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.

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Day 31, Small Pause, "Strangers?"

"Sending Cheer", 3x2in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

Today's Small Pause...

A cruise ship came into our area today, filled with passengers from various locations. I was invited, along with several other vendors, to participate in an event that would offer a taste of our county's local artistic flair and welcoming climate. The event only lasted for about an hour. The passengers were truly made to feel special with local entertainment, refreshments and the ability to browse tables filled with a variety of interesting and beautiful wares. 

I truly enjoyed small pauses of conversation I had with mere strangers. We shared smiles, chuckles and fondness within those few minutes. Although I was a vendor selling my  paintings, I made sure I did not just talk about myself. I loved finding out about them; engaging them in conversation that gives me little glimpses into their life or day. 

Circle of Hands

Later in my day, I found myself smiling at their kind words, facial expressions or interesting tidbits they shared with me about their lives. They were strangers in a sense, but in the big scheme of things, not really. We shared a human connection. 

I loved the following quote by Deepak Chopra, which to me, expresses this idea perfectly.

“Meeting a stranger can be totally fleeting and meaningless, for example, unless you enter the individual’s world by finding out at least one thing that is meaningful to his or her life and exchange at least one genuine feeling. Tuning in to others is a circular flow: you send yourself out toward people; you receive them as they respond to you.”
― Deepak Chopra, The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life

Don't underestimate the lasting affect of a warm smile or a pleasant exchange with a stranger. You might just add a ray of sunshine to their day and yours!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.

P.P.S. You may also like to Subscribe to my free Fine Art Ezine and Fine Art Blog. Thanks!

Day 30, Small Pause, "Residual Effect"

Autumn's Gifts, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Today's Small Pause...

Over the years I have come to learn that "Joy" does not arrive in our lives in one continuous swoop after another. Sometimes we must find moments or "small pauses" that are subtle, but just the same bring small moments of joy. 

I especially became aware of this fact when my son Brett was very sick for a span of ten years. My life was not made up of continuous joyful moments. Within the worry and stress, I managed to find those small moments. Some were gentle, like a kind touch or a knowing smile. Others were bits of beauty I saw in my environment; like beautiful shadows that swept over the hospital wall as the sun shone through the window. Some were in my passion, as my brush moved gracefully over a linen surface. 

Beautiful Autumn Shadows and Light!

These "small pauses" gave me a joyful break from the reality of life in general. They brought warmth to my soul and uplifted my spirits. They were a welcome retreat, much like a waking meditation. Their entry into my life has brought me much joy. Although they are sometimes subtle, they culminate over time, providing a beautiful residual effect in one's life.

Nestled In, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Sold
Painted from life--Alla Prima

As we head into this Thanksgiving Weekend, our family is experiencing much joy over Brett's new found health. We are very grateful! If you are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, I wish you many small moments of joy with family and friends. Pick up on the subtle joys that surround you everyday. Your heart will grow a little warmer.

Warmly,

Debbie

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” 

Mother Teresa

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Day 29, Small Pause, "Timeout"

Carefree, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel.
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here



Today's Small Pause...

After being very busy the last two days completing domestic chores and projects, I felt like I had been in continuous motion. We have been blessed with an extra warm October day, so I decided to set my to do list aside and sit quietly on my back doorstep for awhile. 

While I sat in stillness, I suddenly realized how the roles had switched. I was still and nature busily flitted on around me. If I had not become an observer, I would not have noticed the abundance of ladybugs. They were soaring through the air on my deck, landing on objects and even me. 

I smiled with amusement as they crawled along my arm, tickling me as they ventured along. Chickadees were extremely active and entertaining as they ate from my feeders. A large blue jay landed on our outdoor umbrella, initially unaware of my presence. It was rejuvenating to just " stop" and become aware of the present. To slow down the pace of life and sit quietly in time out.

Interesting Autumn Shadows

It is easy to forget the importance of becoming still when the demands of life drown out the silence. Remember to slow down;  your inner self will be thankful!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. If you have subscribed to my Small Pauses Blog, I apologize for my long absence. I was involved in a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and it kept me hopping! I literally did not have any extra time to write this blog along with my other one. However, I continued to observe small pauses on a regular basis. My posts should be more frequent again. Thanks for your patience!

P.P.S. You may also like to Subscribe to my free Fine Art Ezine and Fine Art Blog. Thanks!