Saturday, January 30, 2010

"It was a sunny day, not a cloud was in the sky, not a negative word was heard by the people passing by."



The garage of a house of the same colour
that I've always loved.
(These photos were taken through the car
windows as we drove by -- forgive the quality.)



People skating north of the city -- a beautiful sight.

These are the words of the Paul Simon song, playing in my head
as I climbed the narrow stairs in my cold, dark house to sit in
front of the computer in the coldest room in the place to write
to you. But it was a sunny day earlier today, not a cloud
in the sky, and we took a drive in the country to see landscape,
and snow which is completely absent in the city on this 30th
day of January.

It's been a strange winter so far. It isn't warm, but there is
no snow. It makes me nervous to say that, because I am so
not fond of driving in snow, but at the same time I worry
about the plant life that needs that big snow cover, and the
changes in the world's ecosystem.

It's been a great Saturday, but I haven't worked on painting
because Steven and I took advantage of the sunlight (it feels
like it has been grey for a long, long time), to spend time
together going for a drive, having a great supper,
and heading out to a romantic movie. It was just perfect.

Have an enjoying-the-sunshine-of-your-life day
at

10 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2010 at 6:49 AM

    I hope you get lots of snow in February. It seems to warm up the city, doesn't it? As well, you know I share with you that sense of ominousness about the planet's future.
    We had a 3 foot dump 2 days ago which means a $25 plough-out for our long, long driveway. I don't begrudge it though. It's impossible to shovel and it's an economy stimulus! lol.

    We are experimenting with heating the house with 2 high efficientcy wood stoves on the main floor. They work well...but this ocmputer is in a room that isn't where the stove is, AND in a corner where there are 2 outside walls. The logical thing to do would be to move it into the kitchen or LR......ha ha. But instead, I have one of those oil heaters plugged in. It looks like a radiator, and is filled with oil, so it stays warm longer. It really keeps my legs warm!
    Barbara, thanks for your wonderful blog. It's so nice to have this daily visit with you!
    xoxo Flora

    ReplyDelete
  2. lauraJanuary 31, 2010 at 8:34 AM

    We must be getting your snow, Barbara. I live near the shore in southern NJ and usually the Gulf Stream keeps the temps warm enough that snow is rare, but yesterday we hard our second big snow of the winter--about 8-10 inches.
    It's just beautiful, everything is hushed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Janie BJanuary 31, 2010 at 10:01 AM

    We are covered in snow (which has been rare for years here in Arkansas), but it's very bad timing for me. I don't like to drive in it either, but I may risk it today.

    ReplyDelete
  4. eldon warrenJanuary 31, 2010 at 2:23 PM

    R&R. Good and good for ya.
    EW

    ReplyDelete
  5. Barbara MuirJanuary 31, 2010 at 6:38 PM

    Hi Flora,

    You are sweet. I don't know when I got so fussed about having art every day, but I've got to let that go. Even if I do art every day, there really isn't art for the blog everyday, and having seen Michelangelo and Botticelli, I doubt that their work would produce daily postings.

    I am terrified of those oil radiators. We've had several electric ones but they conk quickly and boy is it cold in here tonight.
    Need another layer -- maybe a snowsuit.

    Love you,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barbara MuirJanuary 31, 2010 at 6:40 PM

    Hi Laura,

    It was snowing earlier tonight and seems to have stopped. It does have that hushing effect and I so love that.

    Are you back from your trip?

    Take care,

    Barbara

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  7. Barbara MuirJanuary 31, 2010 at 6:45 PM

    Hi Janie,

    Snow tires are the answer. I drove for 12 years in my old car without them, and since I've had them, could not do without them. They really make a massive difference.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barbara MuirJanuary 31, 2010 at 6:46 PM

    Hi Eldon,

    I hope you are well. Thinking about you and thank you for your kind, kind
    support. It means the world to me.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  9. Liza HirstFebruary 1, 2010 at 8:17 AM

    Thanks for the beautiful photos, Barbara! I am happy for you that you had such a nice day. As you know, I am all for letting go that pressure to produce art every day. I absolutely need a day without it every now and then, just to gain some new energy and inspiration. Artists also need their "weekend" even it isn't necessarily Saturday or Sunday...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Barbara MuirFebruary 1, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Liza,

    Thank you. My weekend is usually on Saturday and Sunday, and I do need it.
    I seem to work around the clock almost during the week, and the weekend is my breathing space.

    We had more sun today, and what a complete pleasure it was. Also the light is getting longer, so I don't come out of my afternoon class into the dark. Hallelujah!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

    ReplyDelete

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