The day after -- nostalgia and peace

 

 A fall bouquet at the window

Charcoal on bond paper

18 x 24 inches

Barbara Muir © 2010

(This is a sketch I did for a 

painting I'm thinking of doing.

Steven and I were at Todmorden

Mills, a historical site in Toronto,

examining the old houses there.

Steven was carrying a large bouquet

of fall flowers I'd bought, slung over

his shoulder.  I loved how this looked.)

Getting ready for a big family dinner is a huge

deal in our family.  We try to keep it light, but at
the same time there are so many details to remember
for even the simplest of occasions.  Yesterday
was our  Thanksgiving celebration dinner, and it
was fantastic.  We felt so lucky to have both our
whole family here, (Christopher and Megan, Sam
and his friend Nata) and to welcome friends
at the end of the night for dessert.  Steven's pumpkin
pies seemed even more delicious than they did in
anticipation.  And just before he popped the pies
out of the oven, he dashed out, picked the last of
the apples off our apple tree (there were some that
were late maturing), and made a good sized bowl
of incredibly fresh and delicious applesauce. Of course
there was turkey and stuffing, home made cranberry
jelly, roasted potatoes, salad.  And there are enough
left overs for quite a few days.

The great thing about holding the dinner the day
before the actual holiday, is that we were completely
free today.  After we'd dropped Sam off at the bus to
go back to university, we sat on the back porch eating
our lunch.  Then we took off for a walk with the dog,
and sat outside drinking decaf coffee in Forest Hill
village.  I love having my family together, and felt
a tug of sadness this morning realizing that we won't
all be together again for a while.  Yet I love having the
quiet, contemplative day too.  Both are wonderful --
I'm extremely thankful for my life.

Have a loving-your-family day.

Charcoal, errands and the happy list

Lending her hands
Charcoal on bond paper
8 1/2 x 11 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

Arghhh! (Sound of brief frustration). Okay I'm over it now.
I'd written my blog, and tried to do one other thing.
Pouf! Blog disappeared. But in true cheerful artist
style, here I go again.

Saturday for this household, as it no doubt is for yours
is a day of running around doing errands. True
I like to drink coffee and read the paper. But
today especially an absolutely perfect summer
day beckoned. 'Get out there!' screamed the blue
sky, puffy little clouds, waving leafy trees.

Check. I made it to the market with six minutes to
spare, and got fabulous peaches, field tomatoes,
baked goods from Alyson, and an breathtaking garden
bouquet from Pegann (pronounced like Megan).
Then I hurried home to have tea with a friend
at 2. After my favorite kind of conversation --
all about travel to Europe, Zoey (the dog) and
I walked my friend home. She'd arrived with
masses of flowers from her garden, and my mood
went sky high. Beautiful day, wonderful friends,
flowers everywhere.

I headed to the art store to get charcoal -- and
that explains tonight's medium. But not the
subject. Searching through my photos I found
an odd shot of my friend, Josephine, then
remembered. Struck by my frustration over
the reference for a painting I was working on, she
volunteered her hands as reference. In fact
she was trying to show me the hands of two
people. Impossible of course, but the photo
of her earnest effort touched me. I am so
blessed both with friends who want to help
me get on with the art, and with clients who
want to buy it. I conclude it's a great day.

The Happy List?

Start with 10 things, and work your way up.
Take today for instance. Always start with
"I'm happy because..." and repeat that
for every point.

1. I'm happy because it was sunny.
2. I'm happy because I bought delicious peaches.
3. I'm happy because I can make fresh
tomato and basil pasta tomorrow (one of my favorites.)
4. I'm happy because I read about a touching
book about friendship in the paper today, and
I plan to buy the book.
5. I'm happy because my friend brought me
hydrangeas and Japanese anemones. Gorgeous.
6. I'm happy because I blocked in a large portrait
yesterday (can't show you yet.)
7. I'm happy because I can hear Sam practicing
drama monologues down the hall.
8. I'm happy because I walked in the park at dusk
with Zoey and we saw the stars come out.
9. I'm happy because Fiona (the cat) is healing.
10. I'm happy because I know all of you, and if
I haven't commented lately, I know I'll catch up.
And I'm so delighted to know you and see the
amazing work you're doing.

Have a knowing-what-makes-you-happy day.