New Beginnings

Odd, I've used a shot of this little tree before in an earlier post and here I am, titling this post, New Beginnings. Tonight tho that is what comes to mind as I look at this recent shot of the same little tree. I took the prior post shot in the fall, no snow in the scene and the tree was camouflaged by brown and tan grasses that surrounded it. Now that same tree is highlighted by the bright white snow, it looks fresh and ready to grow.

I started a new set of classes this week, 6 groups in all. Its a new beginning as we explore the arts at ever deeper levels. Each person attending is bringing an appetite to grow this part of themselves, the artist that resides within. Its exciting to be a part of this process, reminds me of the importance of the journey. Just like my classes are off to a new beginning, so is my life as we re- group after a challenging December. I like this new photo of the tiny tree. Its all about new beginnings and possibilities. Just like my students in class and just like my life. New beginnings and new possibilities.

A Window In the Forest

It certainly has been a challenging 6 weeks, but lately a window has opened. I noticed this shot in my iphoto this morning and it spoke to me about where we have been since early December. Not exactly lost in the woods, but it was hard to see the trees in the forest. Slowly some things have cleared and a path is beginning to open up, much like this small framed window in the distance created by this stand of trees. I think we see a path out of the deep woods that we have been somewhat lost in. With high hopes, I like the image of walking towards the light in this shot. I'm grateful for both the mental and very real image this shot represents to me! Art and visual images really can bring clarity of thought

Classes Starting!!!!

If you are interested in drawing or painting classes, please contact me and I'll fill you in on dates and times. I'll be starting classes the week of January 23rd. Abeelbetsy@gmail.com or thegratefulartist@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you!

(Image via Simon Holden)

Choices

Definitely an odd holiday what with the sudden employment change in our life, but each new day is a new day. Our family was gathered at the cottage for Christmas and on one of the days we walked the beach. As always I had my camera with me. I've learned I never have to know what shots will become blog posts or what a shot may trigger for a post. I just need to be mindful and things will develop. I loaded the shots the other day into the computer and this is the one that became my trigger for today.

Its a rather unassuming shot, perhaps you might even say dull. But everything has a context, a frame of reference and today this became anything but dull to me. I know the history of these pilings pictured in the shot. They were once part of a pier that made loading logs from the nearby sawmill possible onto the great ships of the great lakes. All that lumber making the building of Chicago possible.

Today, only the pilings, the things that held up that docking system are all that remains. They could be viewed as just lonely abandoned sentinels to a past era. However, as I look at them today, I can see that view clearly, but this shot also gives me another vantage point from which to see them, if I choose. They can be viewed as stepping stones or a structure to assist in getting from here to there. From this angle they look like they can reach across the lake and into the future. I like this view of them today, its a hopeful filled view. I can conjure up the hustle and bustle that filled the dock years ago and I can also choose to see them supporting an invisible structure that leads outward and onward. I like that view, I need that view as we walk into a slightly less clear future than that of a few weeks back.

Instead of seeing cold, icy, lonely pilings, I'm choosing to see a path laid before me. I'm grateful for the calm water surrounding the path as we begin this new journey.

Spontaneous Happiness

Following the link below will take you to a recent NPR show about gratitude and happiness. It's an interview with Andrew Wiel about his new book. I particularly like his comments about gratitude.
http://www.npr.org/2011/12/02/143055122/combating-depression-with-meditation-diet