Noticing the Small
...but beautiful...
Anyone who knows me ‘in real life’, knows that I am normally a chatty person; usually, I have plenty to say, I talk to anyone and everyone…words come easily…
However, as I sat to write this post, I didn’t know what to say, or even, how to begin. I questioned ‘Who would want to read about my life? About my travels? About my inspirations…about my art, when the world is in chaos?’
So I did what I always do; I procrastinated. I read. I pottered about in my studio. I walked. I pondered…. And then I recalled the story of the starfish; of how a young man was questioned as to why he was bothering to throw the starfish back into the ocean, when there were so many stranded on the shore.
‘At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said,
"It made a difference for that one.”’ (Loren C. Eiseley)
I am not for one minute thinking I can broker world peace - wouldn’t that be fantastic? - but if I can share some joy or inspiration with you, well, hopefully, I have made a small difference…
Despite the global events, our own worlds, for the most part, keep turning, and mine is no exception. September saw us in West Wales, along the Pembrokeshire coast. Weather wise, it was a mixed bag; from howling winds and lashing rain, to blue skies and sunshine…but we still managed to get out and about, and walk some of the Coastal Path…
We were lucky enough to see some seals and pups hauled on the shore, recovering after being battered by the storms the day before - I didn’t manage to get any photos as this would have entailed leaning very precariously over the edge of a cliff! This poem by Gillian Clarke describes the landscape and the animals far better than I…
Seals at Dinas at Head - Gillian Clarke
All too soon, it’s time to return home. Back to all that stuff that gets put on hold. A sudden, dawning realisation that the year is fast slipping by; that it will soon be December, and soon time for our Art & Yoga Soirée (Friday 1st December 6-8pm if you’re interested!), spurred me into action - contacting local magazines, organising flyers, making posters etc…
It’s the first time Ann's Yoga Lounge and I have collaborated so we have everything crossed that it will be successful! Do pop in if you are in the area - we would love to see you!
I find having deadlines for events a great motivator! Through experience, I have learnt that it is best to have artwork in a variety of sizes and prices. And to that end, I set to and began creating some small squares…
I also took the opportunity to experiment with a new watercolour: Gustav Doré Marron by Wallace Seymour. It’s from their Highland collection, a set I was lucky enough to receive as an early birthday present! I can see this becoming a new favourite; a fabulous earthy colour, it creates the most wonderful neutral shade when mixed with the Payne’s Grey acrylic ink, and it granulates beautifully, which is a big tick from me!
The squares which make the grade will be trimmed and mounted on to watercolour paper, and be available to purchase at the Soirée.
What else has caught my attention…
September - (I know, it’s now October….) saw a profusion of Crane flies, or Daddy Long Legs. Trying to catch the ones who came indoors, without crushing their delicate limbs, is when I wish I had slightly larger hands…
Watching a heron fly over from my kitchen window - an early morning fly past, its wings cranking up and down…
A near perfect rainbow after a recent deluge
Cooler mornings, some of which are misty; wraith like tendrils, or blankets, swirling over the landscape
Conkers; polished spheres of nature’s harvest emerging from their spiky shells
White feathers floating by - mirroring the white clouds dancing their way across the sky
Wind chimes and crows - definitely a contrasting chorus
A bare, worn wreath on the side door of the church - waiting to be adorned once more
I shall continue to notice the small things, to keep taking small steps; small things that enrich my life…and have hopefully brought you a little joy too!
P.S. I’ve got my fingers crossed that all the links work and the videos play; obviously going away on holiday hasn’t improved my tech skills!!
I really like your writing and noticing small, ordinary things is something I've always done. Your paintings are lovely too.
Thank you for introducing me to the beautiful poetry of Gillian Clarke and for memories of Pembrokeshire. We spent Christmas there last year and, like you, were blessed with some wonderfully sunny days before the true winter storms took hold. I will continue to seek out and treasure the little things in life.