I fell in love with this garden statue in the fall of 2016. This precious little girl embodies several qualities I aspire to always possess and prioritize.
- A sense of wonder. Nearly every day of my life, something in nature captures my attention so completely and I can't believe how perfect it is. A cloud formation, a sunset, an earth worm, a flower, the smell of fresh cut grass... oh I could go on and on. When is the last time you were driving and had to pull over to really soak something up or take a picture? Or stop in the middle of a walk to examine anything up close, or perhaps take several deep breaths of a wonderful smell before
continuing on? Don't miss it, whatever "it" is!
- A pursuit of joy through simple pleasures. I may have said previously I love to wear my paintings on my hands and apron. And, what a bonus to end up with paint on my elbows, face, legs and feet. To me it's proof that I've indulged in passion that day and really lived. The other thing I love to be covered in is... dirt. Love it. Can't get enough of it. I relish any opportunity that involves anointing my hands and any other part of me with something so sacred as earth, holy
dirt.
I've been busy filling up an area on the side of our driveway that "someone" (oops!) accidentally drove through a few times and caused a big rut. The top soil we had wasn't working well so I just started digging up the back yard dirt and transporting that. It's taken several days of effort. Not even the rain could stop me. If fact, it only made the party better. I'm sure it took me longer than necessary, but what's better than making a few mud pies?
- A willingness to embrace time and circumstance. My little friend was brand new when I bought her, pristine, not even a smudge of dirt on her. This photo is how she looks three and a half years later. Some might say, wow, she's dirty and needs a bath, but I wouldn't dare wash her! I love her just the way she is: weathered and wearing signs of life.
This little girl has so much more character to love than when I first placed her in my garden. I love how she is wearing time and circumstance. Her dirt and imperfections make her all the more endearing to me. Can we accept our own imperfections and the effects of time and circumstance on our bodies and souls? Not as something we have to endure, but as something that has contributed to and even enhanced our loveliness?
For today, stare at something that stops you in your tracks and fascinates you, makes you think or takes your breath away.
Get covered in something! Paint, dirt, flour, cookie dough, grease, whatever excites you. Enjoy the tactile union of you and something worth having under your fingernails.
Finally, love and appreciate every sign of life you see in your physical appearance and that you carry within your spirit. You. Are. Lovely. And perfect just the way you are.
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Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share with a friend. Until next time...
To your gifts!
Angela
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Book Reviews Really Help!
Getting people to leave reviews is harder than herding cats. (And I can herd cats!) I'm so close to my goal of 100 reviews. Please help! Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thank you! That's one of the easiest things you can do to help an author you love keep writing books.
Abstract Painting of the Week
If you'd like to see my art, please visit my website! I've added thirteen new paintings recently! Send a message if there is something you're interested in. I also offer commissions. I don't deliver (I wish I could), but I do ship!
Morning Dew 30" x 30" Very textural acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.
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