It’s been a week since, I published the blog on my latest adventure, Shingles, and I wanted to give you an update.
I am in that space that is between no change and better. So I guess anything better than it was is good news right?
Doing my best to look beyond what are the obvious roadblocks and seeing the beauty of the moment. And that brings me to why I make art. It is not about just copying what I see on the surface. I want to invite you to look beyond the obvious and see what else exists. Like the above drawing of the door knob. Yes, it is a beautiful doorknob. We can wonder at the beauty of the craftsmanship and the care and thought to create it. It may make us think about the history and the moment in time it was used to embellish a home that was built in a desolate empty landscape. It is a symbol of affluence that doesn’t really fit. Then there is the view of the spacious, empty desert landscape that reflects in the knob itself and again in the window of the door as well. If I think about the harshness of the landscape and what life must have been like trying to create a life in such a harsh environment, I know there must have been many hardships and challenges for the people that chose to live in this place. They believed in a new future for themselves. They believed in the prosperity that the Gold Rush would bring. And I believe they surrounded themselves with small things that had meaning to them to remind themselves of that dream in their future.
I was thinking about a book I read many years ago by the author Alexandra Stoddard. She has written several and I can’t remember which one I read, but here is her website. The important thing for me was my take away of her writings, and it changed my life. At the time I was going through some life challenges, and I was struggling to stay positive and out of depression. What I learned from Alexandra is that even in times of trial we can surround ourselves with little things that bring us joy, that make us feel special like drinking my coffee out of a special cup that makes me happy, or wearing a scarf or a hat that makes me feel pretty. It is the little things in life that keep us moving forward and get us through the hard times.
So I am doing little things that bring me joy when I can’t do the things I love to do like making art or working in the garden. I can still visualize new drawings and imagine the process and I can sit on the front porch and watch the mama hummingbird feed her new baby, while I am surrounded by flowers ( and weeds) and loved by 2 darling dogs. Of course I can still drink my coffee out of a special cup and wear pretty things! I can be grateful for what I have and the full life I have led, and I know that will continue for years to come no matter how this current challenge turns out.
Doing my best to stay positive and hanging in there. I hope all is well with you and whatever challenges you are experiencing are small and moving in a positive direction. Don’t forget the little things that make you happy. They are so important.
Have a Happy Day!
On to the Next Adventure 
I totally agree on the little things making you happy! I have many of those, such as fun cups to drink my drinks out of, and I employ them as often as possible, especially right now as my mom is getting sicker in her old age sadly 😦
LikeLike
You are absolutely right – life is made of all the small things. Those equal the big picture…keep those small things coming!
Singles will go away – trust me, I know!! Get back to what you love and do so well – making art!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops, shingles!! – Well maybe singles too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laughing out loud! Thanks Dana!
LikeLike
Your words are so inspiring Cheryl…………you really put so much out into the world.
Am so sorry to hear that you got Shingles…..in/around your eye ! That’s a scary situation….I’m not sure I would be handling it as well as you are even though it’s taking its toll.
I feel a bit down myself due to all the distress in the world these days. And wondering if the disintegration of our country is happening before our eyes….and how will it all end. And poor Ukraine…..beyond tragic. And our babies….a shortage on the only thing that they can eat to live and grow – and….the stress on their poor mother’s to find food to feed them- happening in the USA!
I’m in awe of your ‘glass half-full’ approach ……it’s definitely the best way to get through life! I do believe that Bob and Carol said that you have now made a decision on where you’ll be moving to when the right time arrives. Good to at least have that settled.
All the best Cheryl and hug those 2 cuties for me. We love our little Shih Tsu’s – our perfect little Besties 🧡
Sincerely,
Vicki
________________________________
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Vicki our world is full of tension and overwhelming change. The news brings us endless crises endlessly. I don’t turn away from being aware of it as some do. If I can help or at least send prayers and good energy, I do. We all have challenges, no one is immune, and we all have to deal with them the best we can. It is also not our job, thankfully to deal with them. I know that the best thing I can do for the world is take care of me and my little corner of life, earth, and loved ones, and that helps keep me grounded remembering that. Stay positive Vicki, the world needs good positive energy and love to run on and it is up to us to do what we can. ❤️
LikeLike
It certainly is the little things! For me it’s my dogs, Mexican Primrose blooming outside my kitchen window and watching the baby squirrels tumbling at play with each other and the joys of seasons changing and good books to discover while breathing in that first morning beverage from the favorite stoneware mug given to me by a dear friend. At those times, the feeling of just being alive is enough — as it should be! Every life has periods of sadness and dark tunnels. Getting through to the light is the best part of living. Wishing you light!
LikeLiked by 1 person