Kid Stuff: What Fun Thing Next!
I love it when a fresh, new idea pops into my head. The surge of energy and enthusiasm makes me feel balloon-light and uplifts my soul. Since I last wrote to you, I have been to France with Forrest and had the Best. Time. Ever! Each trip becomes easier to negotiate and subsequently more fun. (Kinda like life’s adventures, n’est pas?) As I write and reflect, I realize that everything I’ve wanted has come to be…just not as I had expected. (Different and improved versions I am happy to say.)
Me next to “Ancient Voices, Future Vision”, one of the paintings accepted into the Spring Hawaii Watercolor Society Show.
I talk a lot about being childlike and about the innate, expansive nature of children. Watching a bug make its way across a leaf can become a whole world of wonder to a child. Children are naturally open and receptive. The feeling of connection to all things comes easily and without thought. I hesitate to use the phrase “being in the now moment” as it seems trite with overuse. But, gang, giving full attention to the now moment adds value to your life in the deepest, most profound way. This is where your true self lives - your most powerful point of connection to the All That Is.
“Had Me Some Fun” first wash: Just laying down background color.
Which is where magic happens. And it’s where I’ve been for the past few weeks. Something shifted for me during the Sandra Duran Wilson workshop and I have been busily (contentedly) creating ever since. I am myself again, connected to my happy place, feeling loose and free and guided in and outside of my painting play time.
Second Wash: Adding visual texture with a fabric wash and more colors.
The cool thing is that this easy flow is available anytime to us all. The moment we slow down and let go, we open ourselves to that connection. It’s not about making anything happen; no action is required. Be present, be you, be quiet. What do you want? How do you want to feel? What would right now make you feel better? And then do or be whatever the answer is.
I remember as a kid being immersed in my moments and following impulses. Left to my own devices, I pursued one desire: What fun thing shall I do now?
Applied actual texture with paste. You can see the first layering of colors on the sunflower. I left the dot textures bare to show you what the paste stencil looks like.
I hear you. What about when the “real world” calls? What about work? Or chores? Or the needs of others?
I try this: I ask myself, what would make this “have to” moment more fun? I thought you might want to try this, too. Start there and repeat. Yeah, I’m nowhere near acing this; however, when I do remember to stop and ask, I feel buoyant. And that’s winning in my book.
“Had Me Some Fun” finished! This was a blast, let me tell you.
Feel as good as you can for as long as you can because that’s really all that matters. (The rest will take care of itself.) It’s all so much easier than we allow it to be.
Here’s to more fun!