Reporting In

Boy at the beach
acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
(This painting is almost finished.
I have a few last minute touches
to make.)

Okay, okay, so it's true I just couldn't stand being
away from you for a whole month. Besides
I have things to say. I read a woman's blog that
said if you wonder what she's been doing for the
past two weeks she's either been picking, pitting
or cooking with sour cherries. And I knew what she
meant. By the way picking cherries in the late
evening light is at least as calming as knitting, or
meditation. You can't possibly think about anything
but balancing, reaching and getting those jewel-like,
perfect, juicy, round, ripe berries, how many berries
you need for the next pie, crumble, cheesecake.

I've noticed the robins are crazy for sour cherries.
What else? Take a deep breath. Nothing is more
important than cherries, or picking fruit. It is
vital that we slow down sometimes and be completely
in the moment. Sometimes painting does that, and
when it does it is as good as picking fruit. The rest
of the world disappears, all worries are gone, bliss
enters vigorously bringing a whole cast of joyous
revelers along with it. If that's the feeling. Keep
painting.

Happy summer to you. It is here full force. Hot,
smoggy, thought defying. So I am not thinking very
much.

Have an it's- summer- it's-okay-not-to-think day.