Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Changing perceptions -- COVID love


Some of the notes for Father's Day
gathered together.
Marker on sticky notes
Not exactly art -- but hey! These
were all over our small house --
not clumped like this. It was a happy day.
Barbara Muir © 2021

At one of my early jobs I worked for a woman who was a sticky note freak.
I sympathize with her now, because I think she was massively overwhelmed
by working life, and thought she had to write every thought she ever
had down on a sticky note (also known as post-it notes) and put them on the
bulletin board.  She had a bulletin board that covered one wall of our small office.

I'd come in in the morning to see 50 new notes about that day's tasks, and
instantly feel nervous, and annoyed. 
We did our jobs, and she quit after a few
months -- but that experience "stuck" with me -- (pardon 
the pun). 

Until now.  (Trumpets playing.) My husband and I are each other's only 
companions in our house since one of the earlier Lockdowns.  We're on way 
different schedules. He's an early riser, I'm a night owl, and I usually teach
my once-
a-week class at night.  So one night I just started writing love notes
on sticky notes 
and put them everywhere I thought Steven might see them
in the morning.

He loved that, and wrote a bunch back to me.  On the milk carton in the
fridge I found 
"You sustain me."  I mean. Aw. So sweet.  

I'm showing you some of the Father's Day notes.  After this second set of
notes I thought maybe I better stop, maybe they're not recyclable, but
from what I've read they are.  Meanwhile this exchange made us happy.
Who knew -- younger self.

I moved from sticky notes to writing things like "You are awesome" on
big sheets of paper, or making cards, and I have even done posters.
Keeping the happy vibe going.  A challenge.  I can't wait until we get
our second vaccines, and break out of our house to join the wide world.
Until then -- as I tell my students -- words are powerful.

Have a loving your life day.

8 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

What a wonderful post!!

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Pam,

I'm so glad you like it. Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Jennifer Rose said...

its art, very personnel art 😀

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Jennifer,

Our house is one big art fest in that case, because it was our wedding anniversary yesterday, and I have to admit more notes went up. At the moment we're all alone because we haven't had our second shots, but when someone does come in they will be surprised. I guess we'll take them down before that happens! LOL. Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Jennifer Rose said...

happy anniversary!! nah i would leave them up
and thanks 😀

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Jennifer. You are funny. It is definitely a look. I’m sure when all is well it will
seem a bit much.

Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Evelyn Oldroyd - painter said...

What wonderful and loving ideas. Feeding ones love is so important and you two are amazing!

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Evelyn,

The power of words is always remarkable to me. I am very lucky to be in a loving relationship. Love your work.

Stay safe, and stay cool. This heat wave is severe.

XOXOXOXOXOXO 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!