Gratitude

A Simple, Powerful Thought

I’ve been sitting here reviewing images of painting ideas and painting workshop trips Ann and I have organized over the years, and the feeling that keeps dominating all others is one of gratitude. “Thank You, Thank You”, I keep hearing as I flip thru one year after another, one special moment after another. Having paddled so hard for so long to keep this precarious artist’s life afloat, it seems that I haven’t noticed often enough just how lucky we are to still be here, doing what we love. That nearly came to an end suddenly last April and I suppose that near-miss event could be bringing these feelings and thoughts to the surface. All well and good! I am grateful. It is a privilege to make a living as artists, supported as we have been by the many art-loving people we have met over the decades.

We have also been supported and inspired by our many friends, near and far. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of surviving into our seventh decades is the accumulation of a large network of people from all walks of life and diverse occupations. Teaching and exhibiting has brought us many new friends and we always look for opportunities to meet new people and expand our circle. There is power and strength in a network of friends. We need them.

We are doubly fortunate to have two such good friends living next door to us here in the country. They are both artists and supremely creative people who share our interest in land preservation, gardens, art, beauty and a quiet, rural way of life. They are part of a larger circle of friends with whom we try to celebrate special moments together as often as we can. The pictures here are from one such moment—an elegant party celebrating lilac season in spring. Our neighbor is a lilac expert, has planted hundreds of varieties on his property and has even created new varieties which will be marketed worldwide. You can see some of them in this photo. What a joy that evening was! What an exceptional moment of light and new life after a long winter. The whole scene reminded me of John Sargent’s Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose painting. I was instantly torn by the urge to run home and grab my paints and get it all down or simply stay and enjoy the moment. But then I would have missed the experience of being in the warm company of people I love, relaxing in the cool evening light and enjoying sensational food, wine and conversation. That is not to be missed. It is restorative medicine for the soul. We all could use some more of that these days. Grateful for you all!