Enthusiasm. . .

I  approached today with flaming enthusiasm and look what I received at the end of the day:
a flaming sunset!

Winston Salem Sunset October 28, 2010

Sometimes you have to run for the camera. . .but it's important to not get so involved in the picture taking that you don't just lower the camera and LOOK, soak it all in for as long as it lasts.  Thankfully I did.  Then I took a deep breath and paid homage to the natural world. . .the source of small miracles (gifts) that surround us daily to take your breath away, make you wonder like a child and become slack-jawed in awe.  In the South we become slack-jawed. 

Do you wonder if there are living beings out there in the Universe enormity?  One thing for sure, based upon evidence so far, they don't have our living room.  Our living room is gorgeous and decorated to the hilt with something for everyone, don't you think?

After the downpours (plural - several) yesterday. . .and please note, like someone had turned a fierce faucet on. . .today bloomed into a beauty, and none too soon as I was ready for it.  I swear Mother Nature has been cooperating nicely with my moods of late, keeping up with my rhythm as if she knows exactly what kind of week I have in mind to take boon of.  

I've been a seeker this week. . .a seeker of knowledge, new things and opportunities.  It takes time to research, investigate, delve into. . .find out all the important things that can take your art to the next level.  Yep, it's not all canvas time. . .it goes without question that the discipline of painting in your studio is your first priority.  But, the time spent away will also lift you up if you are curious and dedicated to the creating of art. 

I'm constantly amazed at what "shows up" to light the way and the simple sheer joy it brings.  These happenings are small gifts, much like the sunset tonight.  I do believe we don't always acknowledge them in our haste of daily living.  In my own particular solitude, they knock loudly at my inner door, I let them in and thank them for their timely visit!

"Indifference never wrote great works, nor thought out striking inventions, nor reared the solemn architecture that awes the soul, nor breathed sublime music, nor painted glorious pictures, nor undertook heroic philanthropies.  All these grandeurs are born of enthusiasm, and are done heartily."  - Anon.

Wishing you peace. . .with enthusiasm!