Day 35, Small Pause, "Red Delight"

Aglow, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

While out on errands early this morning, my husband called home to say we should drop everything and go for a little drive. We had recently experienced our first snowfall of the season, along with some icy conditions. Ian knew I wanted to breath in that beauty while the sun shone brightly. Soooo I set my to do list aside and ventured out on a little tour. Life has been so busy, it had been awhile since we did this together. 

We drove along admiring the glistening of icy branches and boughs that drooped from heavy snow. We oohed and aahed the whole drive enjoying our little interlude.  As we neared the end of our drive, I suddenly shouted "Wow" and asked Ian to stop the car. 

My pause was  the sudden and surprising vision of a myriad of bright red crab apples hugging the side of the road. These crimson globes dotted the space within their branches as they hung boldly without their greenery. It was such a delightful surprise to witness such abundance, while the vegetation surrounding the trees lay crumbled and dormant. 

These little apples stepped out of their sheltered existence and shone brightly in their natural beauty. I thought it was a great metaphor to ponder on. 

I loved how the ice rested on the top of the apples!

Another winter scene on our drive.

I hope your day allows you to take a short interlude from your busy life to appreciate small moments!

Warmly,

Debbie


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

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Day 33, Small Pause, "The Maker"

Summer Grace, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

Have you ever purchased a handcrafted item because you can feel the "maker's" touch imbued in the item? It might be a painting, pottery bowl or some other tangible item crafted by hand that elicits an emotion from you. I have purchased work because I feel this sense of charged energy or love as I hold or observe the item. There is something special present...almost like the artist is speaking directly to you. 

Being an artist, I have believed for a long time, that handcrafted items made with love and passion, are much different than big box store items. Not just because they are one of a kind,  but because the "maker's" own energy and love of craft becomes an intricate part of the item. 

This is one of the reasons I paint from life. Observing my subject from life, triggers my emotions and engages my senses. It helps me pour my whole person into my work. In the end, it is hoped that my love and passion for what I create can be felt by the observer. 

I recently watched a short video on this very thought, where Jonathon Fields explains this point beautifully. I have included it below. I hope you enjoy it and it gives you food for thought. The festive season will be upon us soon. Recalling this truth may aid in the type of shopping you do for your loved ones. Maybe, it will also entice you to create something handmade for someone, whether it be simple or complex. Handmade cards, baked goods, sewn items all come to mind. 

Warmly,

Debbie

Jonathon's Video 
(May take a moment to load)

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

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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!

Day 27, Small Pause, "A Sense of Knowing"

"As Summer Fades", 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. Painted En Plein Air in Grant's Lake, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

There is a sense of knowing, when one becomes engaged in the present. This can happen in numerous ways. Being still and paying attention to the breath or engaging in a meditative activity such as yoga, can induce this sense of now. 

For me, it is when I paint in nature. All my senses are engaged as I experience each brush stroke and moment. It is meditation in motion, allowing me to set aside to do lists and live fully in the present. 

I was reminded of this truth today while I sat on my doorstep reading Pem Chodron's book " The Wisdom of No Escape". Her words of wisdom were a catalyst for my small pause today.

"This sense of fresh start can be applied not only to formal meditation, but throughout your whole life. This teaching, one-pointedness, means that you can be thoroughly present. If you find yourself feeling distracted, you can simply come back and wake up and give yourself a fresh start."

May you enjoy a small fresh start today, living in a quiet present moment!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to leave a comment or add your own Small Pause in the comment section below!

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