Monday, September 14, 2015

Day 42, Small Pause, "Winged Signs"

 It has been awhile since I last posted here, but I have continued to consciously take Small Pauses in my day. I hope you have too. Today I am Sharing three Small Pauses together because they have come about in a related manner. I really think the Universe is trying to make me aware of something, as a common theme has been woven throughout their happenings.

My first pause was taken on the last day at a quaint and peaceful cottage we stayed at this summer. My second pause occurred unexpectedly while scouting around for painting locations and the third happened today while I was on my walk.

(P.S. Click on photos to view larger.)




First  Small Pause...


August 22/15

I have been vacationing at a quaint cottage in Guysborough, Nova Scotia. We are surrounded by a beautiful lake and wilderness. Most mornings my sister-in-law and I don our bathing suits and step out for a refreshing morning swim in the lake. 

On our last morning while Nancy and I were swimming, I turned around and gasped. A gorgeous loon was floating on the lake only a few feet away from us. We both remained very quiet as we watched him dipping his beak in and out of the water. After several minutes, he plunged into the water and came back up quite a distance away. We both felt so blessed to witness such an event on our last day!



Later that afternoon after Nancy and my brother had gone home, I decided to take one last swim. At one point I turned around in the water and yelped! There was my friend the loon again about 20 feet away from me. He was even closer than he was this morning.  I could see his markings clearly and enjoyed watching his movements. 

These were magical moments! Ones that I felt signified positive signs for future days. I searched for what a loon symbolized and found this description:

"The Native Symbol or Totem the Loon: A solitary bird of the wilderness, the Loon symbolises tranquility, serenity and the reawakening of old hopes, wishes and dreams. The Loon relies on water and water is a symbol for dreams and multiple levels of consciousness, therefore Loons teach us to pay attention to our dreams, wishes and hopes. A Legend says that to see a Loon is a symbol of a dream come true or an answered wish."

(Resource credit goes to Spirits of the West Art Gallery. )



Second Small Pause...


August  29/15


While scouting around looking for new areas to paint in Grant's Lake, I came upon an  unusual bird!  I rolled down my car window and he just continued to slowly walk along. I stopped my car, grabbed my camera and quickly, but stealthily followed him until I could get a photo before he hopped into the woods. 



After looking him up on google we found out he was a Chukar Partridge. My bird friends on Facebook say he is a rare bird if in the wild, but think he is probably an escapee from captivity somewhere.

I felt this was a very special pause and was grateful to have had this neat experience!


Third Small Pause...


Sept. 14/15

A few nights ago I had an amazing dream about a large flock of birds in a large tree with many limbs. They were busily flapping their wings and making bird noises. A couple of doves even appeared really close to me on the lower limbs. I awoke thinking how inspirational this dream was, then went on with my day. At the time I thought --"Oh another reference to birds, how interesting."

Today as I was walking home, something small and wispy floated beside me from the sky. As I turned to look at it, I smiled and thought, "Oh this is cool. Is it a leaf?" Then I realized it wasn't a leaf, it was a tiny grey feather floating down beside me. I immediately thought I have to capture this feather when it landed. It was so light the breeze kept scooting it along as it landed on the road. I finally caught it, nestled it in my hand and took it home. 



By this point, I have realized these are not all coincidences! There is a reoccurring theme happening and I am listening to the Universe! 

I looked up the symbolism for feathers. Most sources stated that feathers represented a higher spiritual connection, or were signs from guides or angels. A grey feather represented peace and neutrality. 

I am listening and have found all of these encounters most interesting.  All of these happenings affirm my belief of the importance of taking Small Pauses.

May your Small Pauses take you on interesting adventures as well!

Warmly,
Debbie



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Saturday, April 18, 2015

Day 41, Small Pause, "A Moment of Silence"

Return to the Park, 16x20in. Oil on canvas.

Today's Small Pause...

After a brisk walk, I sat in my sun filled living room to read for a few minutes. The sun  flitted in and out of clouds and my cat Marlee, drifted around me with affection. 

Marlee relaxing in the sun. Watching her always makes me smiles and feel relaxed.

After reading a passage from Mark Nepos' beautiful book, I sat quietly for a bit before the bustle of my day began. A moment of joy enveloped me, as I both watched and listened to the abundance of birds darting about and singing in chorus. A feeling of happiness ensued; knowing that warmer days were on their way.


 Nature allowed me to live within her presence without a care. I hope a moment of time stands still for you today. Remember to take breaks to absorb the subtle beauty in these elusive moments throughout your day. They can only be experienced when a heightened awareness exist. 

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. I just recently purchased Mark Nepo's Book "The Book of Awakening". It is set up in journal type entries for every day of the year. Each entry is filled with thought provoking truths and beauty that gently nudge one into experiencing greater awareness of these small meaningful moments. Highly recommend it! You can find it here. 




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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Day 40, Small Pause, "Renewal"


Calmness in the Park, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold


Today's Small Pause...

This morning I watched the robins and squirrels dart about. I could feel nature's long awaited desire to awaken. The winter had been harsh. I could sense nature's eagerness to embrace the change of seasons. 

























































She longed for wispy shades of green, warmth and the joy of  renewal. It is an exciting moment when the world is about to awaken from its deep slumber. It is a time to shed one's layers and dance to nature's beat!

Warmly,

Debbie


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Friday, April 10, 2015

Day 39, Small Pause, "Spring Surprise"




Today's Small Pause...

Although we still have plenty of snow, the days are getting longer and the sun has more warmth. Mother nature is certainly taking her time melting winter's piles of white, and awaking dormant vegetation! Migratory birds are returning and are just as confused as we are to find winter still holds its grip on the land. 

Today the sun shone, melting began and hope was instilled that warmer weather would surely arrive soon. As I returned from a pleasant walk and was heading towards our front doorstep, a robin greeted me. To my surprise, he didn't budge when I rounded the corner. He pecked at the softer earth, hoping to find some source of food. 

I walked gingerly towards my doorstep, hoping I would not alarm him. I could sense he was well aware of my presence, but was either trusting or very hungry. Probably a little of both. We walked along together for a bit...both of us enthralled with our missions. His being attainment of food and mine finding amusement in his presence. 



























After a bit of time had passed, I stealthily made it inside and quickly grabbed my camera, along with half an apple and raisins. Once outside, I placed his treats on the grassy area he enjoyed. Then I waited patiently on my front steps for his return. 




Suddenly, he popped out from under the doorstep right beside me! With my camera in tow, I quickly got into position to capture the antics that would occur when he discovered his treats. I laughed inside as he rejoiced in his winnings. He pecked vigorously at the apple and tossed the raisins skyward. It was fun watching him find delight in his special treat...I wonder if he will tell his friends?

Warmly,

Debbie




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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Day 38, Small Pause, "Wall Play"

Welcoming Spring, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

Today's Small Pause...


 I  was chatting with my son in our kitchen late in the afternoon. During our conversation the light suddenly changed and wall shadows appeared. I gasped and said "Wow!" in the middle of our conversation. We both stopped to observe and comment on how neat they looked on the wall. Both wall shadows were from fresh flowers in bouquets I had in our kitchen. 






Quickly, I decided to sketch one of the wall shadows. Since I have been trying to fit in as much drawing and quick sketches as I can, this moment worked out perfectly. Sketching the wall shadow was fun and meditative. I loved observing the negative and positive spaces the shadow created. I am totally obsessed with shadows! They are so fascinating from an artistic point of view. They remind me of x-rays. 




Just as I finished my sketch the light changed position in the sky and the shadow disappeared completely. Accentuating the importance of taking "Small Pauses" in life, where you enjoy a small segment of time in your day that you might normally overlook. It's all about seizing the moment and paying attention! 

Hoping you get a chance to seize small enjoyable moments in your day as well!

Warmly,
Debbie



P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.




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Sunday, February 8, 2015

Day 37, Small Pause, "Outside My Window"


Upwards, 20x16in. Oil on wrap canvas. 


Today's Small Pause...

We have received a large quantity of snow over the last couple of weeks. These snowy conditions have brought an abundance of feathered friends to my bird feeders. While I prepared breakfast this morning, I took great joy and many pauses to watch their antics. It was delightful to watch such an array of birds swoop back and forth from nearby trees to feed. 

Love seeing the Evening Grosbeaks arrive! Such a gorgeous bird!

Male and female Evening Grosbeaks. plus a Common Redpoll

I often drag the men folk in my home to come witness the grand event occurring on our back doorstep. I have to admit, I think I am the most enthused with our winged friends' visits. I have the impression that the males in our family get more entertainment from my antics! lol

Our Persian cat Marlee, also got in on the action this morning. She suddenly realized that  there was a large amount of activity happening just beyond the window! Her head swivelled about as she made little plaintive noises from the window ledge. It was almost too much for her when a little Redpole landed on the window ledge outside. 

Marlee and a bird on the window ledge outside! Lots of plaintive noises happening here. 


The most exciting part of my small pause today was when I discovered the "beauty" had returned! I haven't seen him since last year.  A gorgeous pheasant decided to join in on this Sunday bird feast! He scuffled about on the snow with chicken like behaviors, adding to my further entertainment. 

Always so exciting to see this magnificent bird! 

Yes, it was  a delightful pause this morning. I could have ignored the hustle and bustle outside my window today and hurriedly prepared breakfast, but look what I would have missed out on! What will you take time to notice today? One small pause can uplift your whole day. I hope you take time to enjoy being present in one small moment. 

Warmly,
Debbie




P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.




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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Day 36, Small Pause, A Dramatic Moment


Happy 2015 to you! It has been awhile since my last small pause post--between holiday preparations and painting, life has been full! I have continued to acknowledge small pauses in my days, I hope you have too! 





Today's Small Pause...


As I bustled around the house tidying up this morning, I turned around suddenly to see a stunning play of light in a corner of our home. It was an extremely cold day, but the light was amazing. I love first thing in the morning when the light floods into rooms, creating beautiful patterns. Everything seems to transform into something spectacular and out of the ordinary.

Today the light flooded over floors, walls and a favorite stool. It created diagonals of light and stroked sections of the little stool. My artist mind came alive as I saw the potential for a future painting. I placed a small plant on the stool and loved how a long stem seemed to float into the space creating beautiful shadows on the brightly lit wall. 

My sketchbook was suddenly on my lap. I looked at my watch to see what time it was, knowing that the light would shift soon as it rose higher in the morning sky. My pencil moved quickly, as I explored the possibility for future work. 


Closer view

It was a moment that I envisioned later in the day. I could still see the vibrancy and beauty in that moment in my mind's eye. 

When you can...take time to stop, look and explore the fleeting sights that pass through your day on a regular basis! They will bring you moments of peace.

Warmly,
Debbie



P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.





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