Monday, September 6, 2010

Staying happy is no joke


Sun lights up Cherrywood
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 20 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
(stages 1-10, a few more to come)

It has only dawned on me in the last few years
that working on being happy is a choice. I now
know that the smiling people who greet you in
stores, teach you in schools, run in races, work
in hospitals -- happy people -- did not get there
by magic. They woke up every morning making
the choice to be happy with what they're doing,
what they have, who they know, how they act,
or to look for a way to change it. That action taken
by so many people I know who are seriously ill,
perhaps dying, who are terrified about money
worries, or just plain frightened about some big
decision they have to make in their lives, I see
as a supreme act of bravery, and one that impresses
me again and again.

It turns out as I've said before that this act of courage
spreads, and the people who are encouraged and
touched by this depth of love for the world, become
happier too.

I have to get up early tomorrow, so I'm showing you
a painting that needs some work. It was a rescue
canvas that I picked up in the shelter of an upstairs
bedroom and dragged out onto my front porch to see
if I had more vision, or better thoughts than when I
started the piece about 6 months ago. I did, but I
kept losing energy, and had to talk myself out onto
the porch about every five minutes, and give myself
apples, and celery and hundreds of cups of coffee.
So now. It is almost done. It will take maybe two
more porch sessions and dappled sunlight. I am
ready for the heat to return tomorrow (it's so
freezing tonight) and then we'll take it to the next
level. How does this relate to being happy? I decided
that the best thing about this painting is its happy
light, and whatever else is going on, I do try to see
my world in a happy light.

Have a seeing-your-world-in-a-happy-light day

12 comments:

Carol Wiebe said...

It's so true, happiness is a choice ~ and often an act of bravery.

I kept seeing your comments on my friend Flora's blog (Bear River Adventure) and had to come see what you do. To find fabulous work and good writing, as well, is a great treat. Thank you!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

I agree with Carol, and want to add that the work of an artist is often, in my experience, accomplished with a great deal of bravery, a never-say-die attitude about recalcitrant paintings, and bribes of food.

Thanks for your positive outlook, Barbara, and for reminding us how important it is to everyone around us, too.

SKIZO said...

Thank you for sharing
This fabulous work with us
Good creations

Karen Bruson said...

It is a happy light in your painting, and it brings happiness to others.

Linny D. Vine said...

And, it is a happy painting! Your shadow, (the shadow in the painting) creates a beautiful pattern, Barbara!

Lisa Daria said...

Absolutely - you stated this painting needed some work - I hope you'll show it again when it's finished, I like where it's at and can't wait to see where you take it!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Carol,

Thanks so much for your kind comment. I'm glad you like my work and my writing. Your blog is wonderful too. Just terrific.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Elizabeth,

I agree with you. I really love your work, your sense of humour and your colour and design.

Thanks for that -- your inspiring art.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Skizo,

Your work is fantastic, provocative and brilliant. Thanks so much for your kind comment.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much. You are certainly the creator of happy light. I love your work more than I can ever express properly. It is just magnificent.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linny,

Thank you so much for the sweet comment on the shadow. I am trying to simplify the painting, but sometimes reality gets in the way of
synthesizing reality. There is just so much to look at and be dazzled by right out my front door! Love your work big time.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Lisa,

Thanks. No doubt I will put this piece back on as it moves along. I'm glad you like it so far. That will motivate me to get out there and get her done.

Take care,

Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!