Friday, January 9, 2009

The light returning

Someone on the radio today was asking when do
we stop saying Happy New Year? That probably
depends on how you view the year. The rule
the host offered was 11 days. I think we should
be able to say it for as long as we want to.
According to the experts we have to stop though
-- because we're getting ready for Valentine's Day
I guess. I love this period between the festivities
of the holidays, and New Year's Eve, and the
incredible newness of the year. It feels like we
are all awash in promise. And in the middle
of all that feeling of possibility up in the northern
part of the continent where I live the light starts
extending. Later and later each afternoon.

For an artist this is probably the greatest
gift -- more time to see what's out there, more
colour, more. In some ways whether we put on
airs about our talents, or our sophisticated
methods, underneath it all we are little kids.
And more to see is exciting to us. We are
just like the seven-year-olds who want to
stay up later when the days get longer --
we are soooo happy.


The light hits the lilies
Those huge fruits are
oranges and lemons!
I have never seen lemons bigger
than baseballs before.

I don't have a drawing for you today yet,
but here's how the light struck my kitchen
a couple of days ago. Yippee.

Stay happy.

Have a you-are-the-light-of-my-life-sweetheart day.

6 comments:

Theresa Rankin said...

That's right say it everyday if you like!! I love the photo!! Could I paint it someday??

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Theresa,

You can paint it today if you want. I'd be delighted.

Love Barbara

P.S. Happy New Year! It is!

Liza Hirst said...

Beautiful photo transporting a beautiful atmosphere! Here too, we are happy to notice that little bit of more light every day....

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Thank you so much. Part of the "light" in my life comes from the inspiration of seeing the art friends like you produce.

I love your snowscapes.

xoxoxBarbara

Melinda said...

I love your statement, "...awash in promise." Yes, the wishing for a happy new year keeps alive this promise.

A truly exquisite photo.

Happy, happy new year!
--a kid from the southwest...

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

I'm so glad to know this kid from the southwest. You have an incredibly
poetic way of writing, and I love your
blog.

Thanks for your wonderful support.

xoxoxBarbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!