Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Unqualified abundance



Three in green
acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir

Today we're so mesmerized and in love with this
place that we're having our normal nearing-the-end-
of-the-trip talk about moving out here. I would love
to see fields with sheep grazing, and cattle trudging home
to be milked every day. I would love to walk on the
beach by the ocean in all weather, except when the harbour
freezes. I would love to hear the squawk of seagulls, and
to paint in my huge space of a schoolhouse. I would love
to be able to drop into the Chatterbox, to gather shells,
and rocks and pieces of sea glass. To not know what's
going on in the world, to see my friends out here for
much longer than one or two conversations.

But Steven reminds me that when we drive home,
even though my heartsick homesickness for the
Maritimes lasts a couple of weeks, I am so happy to
see my house, my children, my friends and animals,
that when I'm asked if I'd move out here permanently
I sigh and say, "Maybe not...yet." He's right.
I will probably not be making any big changes this
year.

The little painting today is of people in a crowd
in Quebec City watching a one man band. It
was quite the sight. The man had a drum strapped
to his back, and sang Paul Simon songs with a thick
French accent -- delightful.

Have an overcome-with-love-for-where-you-are day.

6 comments:

Melinda said...

It's so nice to hear that you are having a wonderful time way up there in Nova Scotia. What a magical place you describe.

Perhaps you've documented a successful vacation when you consider moving there permanently. Perhaps, this is how we know for sure that we've had a good time--and that home is a good place too.

This painting is full of life and rich color. You've really captured the push and density of the happy crowd.

eldon warren said...

If you move back permanently, where would you go to have a great vacation? I know what you mean tho, when I'm on a painting trip and have to go home I want to paint everything on the way because I know it's nearly over. it's hard letting go.
EW

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Thanks so much. You're right -- it's the sign of a happy vacation. As Steven points out when I'm in Florence this year, I may want to live there.

xoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

Thanks so much. You're right, it's a symptom. Maybe we'd have to vacation in Colorado!

Take care,

Barbara

eldon warren said...

that's not a bad Idea. :)
Eldon

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Eldon,

Not it's not!

Take care,

Barbara

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!