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. 

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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

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Day 39, Small Pause, "Spring Surprise"

Today's Small Pause...

Although we still have plenty of snow, the days are getting longer and the sun has more warmth. Mother nature is certainly taking her time melting winter's piles of white, and awaking dormant vegetation! Migratory birds are returning and are just as confused as we are to find winter still holds its grip on the land. 

Today the sun shone, melting began and hope was instilled that warmer weather would surely arrive soon. As I returned from a pleasant walk and was heading towards our front doorstep, a robin greeted me. To my surprise, he didn't budge when I rounded the corner. He pecked at the softer earth, hoping to find some source of food. 

I walked gingerly towards my doorstep, hoping I would not alarm him. I could sense he was well aware of my presence, but was either trusting or very hungry. Probably a little of both. We walked along together for a bit...both of us enthralled with our missions. His being attainment of food and mine finding amusement in his presence. 

After a bit of time had passed, I stealthily made it inside and quickly grabbed my camera, along with half an apple and raisins. Once outside, I placed his treats on the grassy area he enjoyed. Then I waited patiently on my front steps for his return. 

Suddenly, he popped out from under the doorstep right beside me! With my camera in tow, I quickly got into position to capture the antics that would occur when he discovered his treats. I laughed inside as he rejoiced in his winnings. He pecked vigorously at the apple and tossed the raisins skyward. It was fun watching him find delight in his special treat...I wonder if he will tell his friends?

Warmly,

Debbie

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Day 38, Small Pause, "Wall Play"

Welcoming Spring, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

Today's Small Pause...


 I  was chatting with my son in our kitchen late in the afternoon. During our conversation the light suddenly changed and wall shadows appeared. I gasped and said "Wow!" in the middle of our conversation. We both stopped to observe and comment on how neat they looked on the wall. Both wall shadows were from fresh flowers in bouquets I had in our kitchen. 

Quickly, I decided to sketch one of the wall shadows. Since I have been trying to fit in as much drawing and quick sketches as I can, this moment worked out perfectly. Sketching the wall shadow was fun and meditative. I loved observing the negative and positive spaces the shadow created. I am totally obsessed with shadows! They are so fascinating from an artistic point of view. They remind me of x-rays. 

Just as I finished my sketch the light changed position in the sky and the shadow disappeared completely. Accentuating the importance of taking "Small Pauses" in life, where you enjoy a small segment of time in your day that you might normally overlook. It's all about seizing the moment and paying attention! 

Hoping you get a chance to seize small enjoyable moments in your day as well!

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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Day 36, Small Pause, A Dramatic Moment

Happy 2015 to you! It has been awhile since my last small pause post--between holiday preparations and painting, life has been full! I have continued to acknowledge small pauses in my days, I hope you have too! 

Today's Small Pause...

As I bustled around the house tidying up this morning, I turned around suddenly to see a stunning play of light in a corner of our home. It was an extremely cold day, but the light was amazing. I love first thing in the morning when the light floods into rooms, creating beautiful patterns. Everything seems to transform into something spectacular and out of the ordinary.

Today the light flooded over floors, walls and a favorite stool. It created diagonals of light and stroked sections of the little stool. My artist mind came alive as I saw the potential for a future painting. I placed a small plant on the stool and loved how a long stem seemed to float into the space creating beautiful shadows on the brightly lit wall. 

My sketchbook was suddenly on my lap. I looked at my watch to see what time it was, knowing that the light would shift soon as it rose higher in the morning sky. My pencil moved quickly, as I explored the possibility for future work. 

Closer view

It was a moment that I envisioned later in the day. I could still see the vibrancy and beauty in that moment in my mind's eye. 

When you can...take time to stop, look and explore the fleeting sights that pass through your day on a regular basis! They will bring you moments of peace.

Warmly,

Debbie



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

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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 34, Small Pause, "A Sense of Contentment"

 A Burst of Light, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

Since November began, we have experienced an abundance of wet weather and gray moody days. Finally today, we were blessed with more sun than clouds. I could feel my heart sing as I witnessed the sun's cheery presence and warmth.

It was time to take a short pause in my day to sip tea and read in front of my kitchen window. I found my mind wandering freely, as I gazed up from reading and watched the clouds drift along. The sun peeked through for long moments, illuminating the space I occupied. My cat came to visit and sat on my lap. She enjoyed the pause as well, as I massaged her head and neck. Her purring made us both feel content and at peace.

It was a lovely small pause that set the tone for the busyness that would follow later in my day. I felt grateful for the sun and my quiet retreat, which brought me into a present moment. 

I hope you get to slow down for a few moments this weekend and just be present with yourself. Acknowledge what truly brings you contentment and what places you in present time. May all your obligations fade away, as you move in sync with your own small pause.

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 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.

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

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 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!