Quote of The Day

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Paint Party Friday Small moments

The original acrylic

Sometimes things go wrong, very wrong.  Often there is nothing we can do but hold our breath and wait for it all to play out. During which time there may be pain, loads of pain, either physically, fiscally, or emotionally. Somehow, with friends and family support,   a small switch in perspective I`ve been able to change things up to make life a little more comfortable. For me finding gratitude in the smallest things helps take my mind off the larger issues at hand.
Digital color edit
Just the other day I was reminded of how I felt twenty years ago while my mom was dying.  During that time I  had  complained to a friend how things were falling by the wayside with me spending so much time at the hospital. Weeds were overtaking my beautiful gardens. 

A few days later two of my friends showed up at the door.  Garden gloves and cinnamon buns in hand prepared to weed!  Instead I threw on the coffee  and refused to let them weed. I needed  my friends for comfort, a few laughs,   to feel normalcy in a world out of control. As I write this, tears stream my face at the importance of that pivotal day which will be embedded with gratitude in my heart forever! 

In those hours of darkness my dear  friends picked up my shattered heart off the ground, pieced it together, kissing it with their friendship. My complaints were never about the weeds. In fact a few days before they arrived I opened the door to see a vibrant yellow  dandelion bloom. Despite the  nemesis  to my garden, it was beautiful, alive and growing.  Unlike my poor mother, who was way too young,  suffering cancer on her death bed.
Digital collage of my original
Life is like that sometimes. Finding those simple pleasing moments to thoroughly bask in,  got me through the difficult stuff  to find peace, joy and the true magic of life.  It was no different with my hard  divorce, an illness, and terrible fiscal blurps!
Digital collage with re-sized trees all
 done in microsoft paint program

A few adjustments in perspective, a heart full of gratitude and I could find happiness in a giggle with friends, a burst of color in a store front, a good memory, a card game with my daughter,  the smell of coffeebrewing, and a delicious meal! Because no matter where I looked, no matter how bad I felt I always knew it could be worse so I should appreciate what is!
Color edits done at photobucket
 I never forgot and hold dear to this day what my moms best friend said to me just after she died, " I promise you, it will get better!"  And it did...... over the years I hear myself repeat that to others because it truly helped me so much! Christmas is a time of celebration, although I am fortunate to feel the spirit  this year not everyone can.  Some people are into the season carrying a very heavy heart, I am wishing them love and a few simple moments of peace and joy.
It's not every year I feel the spirit of the season! How about you do you have the spirit this year?
I missed the party this week,  please forgive me and  visit my sweet artist friends at Paint Party friday you won't be disappointed!!

22 comments:

Janet said...

I think I have about 95% of the spirit this year. It could be a little better but over all I'm getting in the holiday spirit. Tonight we're going to a holiday craft/music/shopping festival. That should be fun.

Mary C. Nasser said...

What wonderful artwork and such a touching post. I can smell the cinnamon rolls and coffee and feel the warm friendships in your writing.
So glad you and I have become friends through Paint Party Friday!
Your encouragement has meant the world to me!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Nora MacPhail said...

It's very interesting to see a shape repeated and played around with in colour and size. Inspiring too!

Denise Mulligan said...

Hi giggles! It's Always fun to read your posts, even though this one was much more poignant. It really Struck a chord with me. Christmas time although is filled with magic and joy for most people, is a very, very hard time for me.

I have an alcoholic mother who Has made most Christmas' most unenjoyable. My father, who was the life of the party, has passed away and it always feels so empty now At Christmas. But I always manage to enjoy myself and have fun. I refuse to let any past experiences or bad experiences get in the way of my present moment now. My focus now is to bring joy to others.

Also in remind myself how blessed i am . I am aware of the many people that have such terrible lives, and terrible things happen to them, much worse than what I've ever experienced. Perspective is everything.

Art is one thing that helps me get through this time. Besides my husband and children, It truly is the sweetest gift that I've ever been given.


GlorV1 said...

I'm the type of person who doesn't look back. I'm always reaching out to what is up next. If I kept looking back at all the awful things or heartbreaking things, I'd be lying down on a couch in a head doctor's office. I am in the spirit of things every day although there are bumps in the road, I don't let them slow me down. Very nice work giggles. You always have great pieces to show. Happy Holidays and put a smile on your face. They say it increases one's face value.:)

Christine said...

lovely trees, digital and otherwise!

I have some of the spirit although sometimes I feel like I'm just busily going through the motions.

sharon said...

Your post touched a chord with me, this Xmas season is going to be hard for me as my stepfather died in tragic circumstances in June and my Mum has severe Alzheimer's and is many thousands of miles away. Even if I could get to her, sadly she wouldn't know me. So you gave me a lift by reminding me that things do get better and I have a lot to be grateful for. And your atwork is wonderful yet again!

Linda Richardson said...

love how you manipulate your creations. THoughtful post about the difficulties of Christmas ... I get through by lowering my expectations - not everything has to be perfect! xo L.

Catharine said...

Well written and heartfelt post. I feel the
Christmas spirit slowly arriving I'll be in the groove about two days after Christmas :)

lorik said...

What a lovely post.Beautifully written and illustrated. I just love those last eye dazzling images!

Jez said...

Such beautiful digital art, and your colourways are always uplifting.
Your sympathetic thoughts and wishes of peace are so much appreciated by me at the moment, full of a very heavy heart. Brings a lump to my throat just to receive your gentle goodwill. Jez

Virtual Boy said...

Loving the look of your tree! It's almost like a mushroom... and I love mushrooms! ^o^

//Virtual Boy

Faye said...

Giggles, your post is so meaningful for those of us who have had losses at holiday time. Each year part of us grieves again, even if just a little bit. Thank you for the lovely thoughts about gratitude. It's a good reminder for all of us. And you didn't miss PPF. I love your art, especially the original colors.

Nancy McCarroll said...

Just hang in there and keep creating your beautiful works!

K J D said...

Beautiful words and art.....

Karenx

Netty said...

Beautiful post and shows the importance of good friends. Loving your artwork. Hugs Annette xx

Ritu Dua said...

Interesting,bright and cheerful...that's your art !

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

Your post is very heartfelt and compassionate.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words and art

aimee said...

I love your perspective on life. Even in despair you are optimistic and uplifting! xo

Lynn Cohen said...

Your words will heal a lot of hearts, as they are as bright as your paintings!

denthe said...

I love all the different versions of your crooked tree. Special and sweet. In combination with your words it looks to me like he's been weighted down with troubles or sadness, but doing his best to keep upright and be shiny and bright. It will get better .... Great way of looking at things. I am not at all in the Christmas spirit this year, but I have good hopes that it'll come once we put up our tree and start playing Christmas songs ....

Unknown said...

What a wonderfully inspiring post, with such a valuable life lesson for us all. I love the image of your friends with their gardening gloves and cinnamon buns. And I love that you were eventually able to celebrate that dandelion. Stopping by late from PPF!

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