Day 41, Small Pause, "A Moment of Silence"

Return to the Park, 16x20in. Oil on canvas.

Today's Small Pause...

After a brisk walk, I sat in my sun filled living room to read for a few minutes. The sun  flitted in and out of clouds and my cat Marlee, drifted around me with affection. 

Marlee relaxing in the sun. Watching her always makes me smiles and feel relaxed.

After reading a passage from Mark Nepos' beautiful book, I sat quietly for a bit before the bustle of my day began. A moment of joy enveloped me, as I both watched and listened to the abundance of birds darting about and singing in chorus. A feeling of happiness ensued; knowing that warmer days were on their way.

 Nature allowed me to live within her presence without a care. I hope a moment of time stands still for you today. Remember to take breaks to absorb the subtle beauty in these elusive moments throughout your day. They can only be experienced when a heightened awareness exist. 

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I just recently purchased Mark Nepo's Book "The Book of Awakening". It is set up in journal type entries for every day of the year. Each entry is filled with thought provoking truths and beauty that gently nudge one into experiencing greater awareness of these small meaningful moments. Highly recommend it! You can find it here. 

Quick Links:

Fine Art Shop

Fine Art Blog
Creative Rituals

Twitter 

Facebook

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter/Blog Posts sign up--Love to have you join me on my artistic journey!

Day 40, Small Pause, "Renewal"

Calmness in the Park, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

Today's Small Pause...

This morning I watched the robins and squirrels dart about. I could feel nature's long awaited desire to awaken. The winter had been harsh. I could sense nature's eagerness to embrace the change of seasons. 

She longed for wispy shades of green, warmth and the joy of  renewal. It is an exciting moment when the world is about to awaken from its deep slumber. It is a time to shed one's layers and dance to nature's beat!

Warmly,

Debbie

Quick Links:

Fine Art Shop

Fine Art Blog
Creative Rituals

Twitter 

Facebook

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter/Blog Posts sign up--Love to have you join me on my artistic journey!

Day 17, Small Pause, "Curve Balls"

Today's Small Pause ...

When life throws you curve balls, it is within the storm you must find calm. I was reminded of this truth recently with my son's hospitalization.

Today nature exemplified this point as a winter storm whirled about outside. My winged friends sought refuge today as strong winds tossed them to and fro. They fought their way to our feeders taking small pauses to rest and feast. 

Within the storm, they found delight in a common routine. They took time to rest before they ventured back into the snowy air. Their rest stop provided sustenance to endure the driving snow and navigate challenging winds. Renewal was part of their plan in order to withstand stormy conditions. 

Nature always whispers truths... we just have to pay attention in order to hear her whispers.

Warmly,

Debbie

"The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over. 

~Aesop Quotes

I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below. 

Day 16, Small Pause, "Snow Bubbles"

Within the Breeze, 7x5in. Oil on canvas. Sold

Today's "Small Pause"...

This morning I decided to relish in some quiet time to practice yoga and read. With a nice hot cup of tea, I sat by my kitchen window and continued to read "The Wisdom of No Escape...". After reading a particular passage that really resonated with me I gazed out my window to reflect on what I had just read. 

Tiny snowflakes floated about in the gray sky. They reminded me of tiny bubbles as they bobbled about in the breeze; catching flight and moving in whatever direction the wind took them. They were decidedly happy as they dipped and dived without care; tossing their worries aside and drifting along. 

Their carefree nature reminded me of childhood when we ignored the world and danced about in nature. We blew bubbles, spun in circles and laughed in the delight of small occurrences. I think if we all took time to run about in nature without a care, the world would be a more joyful place!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. The excerpt in Pema Chodron's book that gave me pause was: "There's a possibility of what Rinpoche used to call "gap" at the end of the out-breath: you're mindful of your breath as it goes out, and then there's a pause as the breath comes in. It's as if you ... pause."

I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below.