Chimes

Chimes

Oil on Linen

24x24

This painting has been keeping me company at my easel for the last two weeks.  I listen to music while painting and if there are others around, I close the french doors to my studio.  I love painting in my own little world.  In fact, I need to be alone when I paint and find it difficult to concentrate when there are others around.  But that's just me.

When my kids were young,  I didn't have the luxury of solitude while painting.  Even if they were at school, I always answered the phone.  What if it were the school nurse or something else popped up concerning the kids?  Now that they're adults (and my son no longer lives at home), I have the peace required to create.  I envy other people who can multi-task.  Some people can write, read or paint no matter what is going on around them.  

Are you one of those people or do you need solitude?

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lincoln Marsh River June

5x7

There are voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world.    Ralph Waldo Emerson

From reading my blogger friends' posts, I've noticed something in the air lately.  Blogger burnout.  Over the past few months,  people are saying that they can't find the words, don't have time to post, too busy.  Just too much on the plate at the moment.  Something has to give.

I've been there myself.  Which is why I intend to ruminate on the above quote this summer.  It's only in solitude that we hear our own authentic voice, whether it's daydreaming, journaling or quietly pursuing our interests and hobbies.  It's time to fill the well.

Solitude

Meadow

16x20

I had a rare gift fall in my lap this weekend.  The gift of solitude.  I didn't plan it. The circumstances of my life just fell into place with my loved ones.  Everyone had other plans.  This is an event that only happens once in a blue moon.  My husband is on a fishing trip with my son, brothers and friends.  My daughter is caught up in the single scene in the city.  And my brother is diligently working on his sailboat.

Sometimes I just need to be alone.  To hear myself think.  To plan and dream.  Write in my journal without interruption.  I'm sure I'll be listening for footsteps coming up the steps by Sunday evening.  I'll be looking forward to hearing about how my husband's weekend went.  But for now, this is heaven.  Doesn't everyone need to be alone sometimes?