Day 20, Small Pause, "A Few Minutes"

Freshness of Spring, 6x8in. Oil on linen/panel Sold

Today's Small Pause...

It is amazing how just a few minutes by ourselves doing something enjoyable can pull us back to our center. After a much needed yoga class tonight, I pulled into my driveway with a feeling of upliftment. Jasmine Thompson's soulful voice filled the space within my car as I observed and felt grateful for the presence of  sunlight again. Our days have been cold and bleak, life has been busy and filled with responsibilities, but for a few minutes all stood still as I enjoyed this moment. 

Spring's new growth and greens shone brilliantly as the sun brought them to life. Spring is like a song. It rejoices in new birth and makes promises of new beginnings. It passes quickly; thus, we must take small breaks from life to sing along with her.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

Day 19, Small Pause, "Comic Relief"

Today's Small Pause... 

The other day when I was getting ready to travel two hours to see my son in the hospital, our cat offered comic relief. As I bustled out to the kitchen in my preparations, I noticed Marlee peering intently at the feeder hanging outside our window. Upon inspection, I noticed our resident squirrel busily arcing around the feeder. He twisted and turned nibbling on seed and tantalizing Marlee with his presence.

It was too much for Marlee. She began making little plaintive noises and finally decided she was going to capture Mr. Squirrel. She dove upwards, stretching out her body and pawing at the window. Mr. Squirrel carried on with his acrobatics; ignoring Marlee's presence. Perplexed, Marlee exited the premises leaving her annoyance behind. 

It was a welcomed comic relief that made me chuckle. 

Warmly,

Debbie

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

Day 18, Small Pause, "Quiet"

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

"Some days, we just need to turn the quiet up."

~Dr. SunWolf


Today's Small Pause...

Once again we have been greeted with stormy weather. Its gift is that it slows down the pace of life and allows time for rejuvenation. During a quiet time today I was reminded of how small items, scents or sounds can bring a sense of centeredness and comfort. 

As winds gust about and freezing rain pelts upon my window pane, I find comfort in feeling cozy inside. I am thankful to be safe in my home and protected from the outside elements.

A small candle fills the room with an apple, cinnamon scent. It is a memorable scent of homemade baking and family. 

I love watching its flickering light and how it glows within its glass encasement. A warm glow of orange dances about happily. Its dance is mesmerizing...its glow happy and warm.

Today's small pause reminded me of the truth, that even when life has brought challenges, little nuggets are woven within to bring relief. Quiet is the vehicle which allows their entry.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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. 

Day 15, Small Pause, "Light Dance"

Welcoming Spring, 4x4in. Oil on linen/panel.

Today's Small Pause...

I love late afternoon light as it enters my kitchen. It transforms objects into statements of beauty as it strikes their many shapes. Today the light transformed fresh tulips into a spectacular vision as it danced between crevices and folds of petals. It illuminated sections of petals until they appeared translucent. Interesting shadow patterns added to the drama as they contrasted with brightly lit areas. 

I have always found the striking of light fascinating. Today tulip greens became a brilliant lime green, while light pink petals shimmered and glowed. My eyes roamed up and down long stems and over petals as I observed the affects of  the late afternoon light. It was a moment to relish as it would be short lived. Soon the sun would shift and the light dance before my eyes would fade.  Being open to these brief moments adds depth to one's day allowing joy to step in.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

Day 14, Small Pause, "Unplug"

Window to the Sea, 7x5in. Oil on linen/panel. Powell's Pt. Park, N.S. Available

Today's Small Pause...

Sometimes it is essential to unplug from the noise of life. Leaving everything man-made behind and seeking out nature provides a welcome change of pace and solitude. Today I crunched through a snowy path to reach such a spot. 

Once I arrived I sat quietly on an empty picnic table and allowed nature's pace to envelop me. Trees wavered in a gentle breeze as nature sounds soothed. It was a peaceful, centering moment that brought calm waters to my soul. 

Warmly,

Debbie

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