Sunflowers and friends
Acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
the world. I don't know the name of the singer, but
I loved the idea. I took that idea with me right into class.
Because I believe that that is part of our job here -- on
the planet -- to try and make things a little bit better, one
small step at a time, for ourselves, and for those around us.
Did you know that only 4 % of Canadians have sent money
to help the flood victims in Pakistan? That shocked me, and
I felt glad that I'd responded right away. 38% of Canadians
responded to the Haiti earthquake disaster. So I'm surprised
that this disaster has not elicited more donations. But the floods
in Pakistan have affected almost the same number of
people as the entire population of Canada. Their crops
are under water, and worse their seeds for next year's crops
are under water too.
Okay enough on that. I think we can all change the world,
by just being kinder, doing the small things like holding
doors open, physically, and metaphorically for one another.
Smiling seems like such a simple thing to do, but one
smile can work like a chain reaction. Understanding one
another helps. Listening changes so much -- hearing and taking
in our differences.
I had a great day today. I painted today's painting in part while
talking to a dear friend on the phone. What a joy it was to
talk to her, and paint at the same time. Her humour and
intelligence seemed to liven up my brush and the paint
leapt around and made these flowers sing. Me too.
Have a changing-the-world-without-even-trying day.
14 comments:
You certainly are, Barbara! Because you are one of the people that do change the world a little every day.
I have just caught up with your posts after a few days blog absence and enjoyed reading and seeing them immensly. My sister Pam asked me, what I was laughing about while reading your blog and I told her that you write so well and often with a lot of humour, bringing fun to my life. Thank you!
This painting is energy pure!! Love it!
Lovely painting, lovely words elegantly stated. I will be back to your blog again, Barbara. Thanks for sharing.
My, my, this painting is wonderful. It's got that 'in-your-face' drama with a 'look-at-me' enthusiasm that all flowers have without being arrogant. More, please, of these!
Love. It.
Yes, I'm right there with you on donating. I sent some of my art money in support. Is the world disaster fatigued, or is it something else?
And, wow, what a conversation you had...must have been fun!
;-)
The US is behind Canada in giving-so says a poll I just saw. But you are so right-little steps of compassion and generosity even if it's just a smile are a powerful force of good. And your blog is one of those powerful steps.
These flowers make ME sing! Beauty. You changed my world today (as you do many days!) XOXOXOX
I so enjoy your posts sent to me daily via email. So well written and blooming with inspiration... feeling blessed yet again with your lovely drawings and paintings.
You are changing the world, one post at a time. Pure joy.
'If I could change the world'.....
I love the concept.
This is a beautiful painting.
Hi Liza,
Thanks so much. You certainly liven up my world with your wonderful art, and exciting travel and great life.
I love your work. That made me laugh reading this. I'm happier than you could know that we share a sense of humour from thousands of miles away.
Isn't that fantastic?
xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
Hi Diane,
Thanks so much. I'm so glad you like my work and delighted that you like what I have to say.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Melinda,
I'm glad these flowers managed to convey some drama. Of course in the garden right now there's nothing but -- flowers parading dresses worthy of the Oscars' red carpet, bees hurrying to collect the last of the nectar, everything bolting, crawling, climbing, blooming. If I can capture even a fraction of that I'm blessed indeed.
Yes I had a very inspiring and
enjoyable call. So fun! <3
xoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara
Hi Chris,
It may well be that people just don't have any more money. I gave a very small amount because that's all I could afford. But Canadians are wildly generous as a rule, so that makes it really strange. Ah well.
Your kind comments are certainly a force for change in my world. I think the art blog world in general is a kindly force for change.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Laurel,
I always feel so happy when you drop by. I just love all of the work you've done this summer, and the tips from your work shop were super.
So kind of you to share your ideas with us. I loved your blog.
XOXOXOXOXBarbara
Hi Marilyn,
Thank you, and so are you one blog post at a time. Your art is magnificent -- a wonderful treat when I went to your blog.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Mary,
Thanks so much. Yes I think Obama proved that people's small actions can add up to a force for change.
I'm all for our positive actions making a happier atmosphere wherever we go.
Take care,
Barbara
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