WOW!!! That means so much more to me than ever before. Yesterday I got my front and back planted. Dodging snow showers and frost warnings I finally accomplished my planting. Now it’s time to grow. That’s how I feel with my growing new perspective on our new normal. Grow into what’s ahead.
Reading this passage in Austin Kleon’s book “Keep Going“ inspired me to change my blog header from artist to maker.
Make things is what I do. I am a maker. That is the true me.
… Safe and protected with the sun setting and the moon rising.
Reminds me of sunshine, surf and sand – my place of calm.
“Calmness is trust in action. I should seek all things that can help me to cultivate calmness.” 24 hrs.
Quiet is not my strong suit, especially my mind. I have come to understand it and appreciate it. At times it is a real struggle. “Safety” is a trigger for my busy mind to go into overdrive. This pandemic is the perfect storm for my noisy, agitated, loud brain. Reminding myself over and over quiet, quiet, quiet, be still.
I need to remember to get rid of what doesn’t serve me any longer so I have time/energy for what does matter. When I deadhead my geraniums it takes work to get rid of the faded blossoms. Then I’m gifted with many new, fresh flowers. It’s worth the work.
This is so important to me now in this time of aloneness. Every little connection is good for the whole!
Three and a half years ago Sally and I went parasailing while visiting my dad in Florida. I was very nervous about flying around in the sky. It was not something I dreamed of doing, but wanted us to have a special memory together. I knew Sally would like it. Most surprising of the whole adventure was how quiet it was! Shockingly quiet. I need to remember, listen to the quiet, to be still, all is well and let the crazy world float away for a few moments. This is a tool I have.
Barbara Bergsten - Artist 