Cape Breton dinner
(work in progress)
Acrylic on canvas
14 x 18 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
(I worked today on
Flora's face, and dress, and here
and there on other things -- It
feels like it's coming along.
I was very comforted
the other day by Belinda Del Pesco
talking about all the unfinished
paintings in her studio. This is
one of the things I'm working on in mine.)
Hi everyone,
I'm coming up to a pretty big occasion in my blog life.
In 25 days I'm going to be at the 1,000 mark. Thanks so
much for being with me on the wild and sometimes simply
present ride that's been writing this blog.
Why do I like blogging? There are so many reasons, that
it would be hard to list them. The number one reason is you.
Meeting you has been incredibly exciting, and you've given
me so much. I feel like I'm learning, I have
a supportive community that spans the globe. Plus I get to
see your work every day, and feel so delighted that I do.
I'm a fan of Mike Dooley who sends out The Notes from
the Universe, five days a week to people who subscribe
to his newsletter. I met him when I attended his seminar in
Toronto this summer with Steven and two friends. In
my car I listen to the Notes on CD when I feel like I
need a boost in my positive outlook. I used to listen to
the part about friends all over the world waiting to meet
me, and think -- "Now come on Mike I don't know if
that's true. And do I need more friends?" I was suspicious
then of the very bounty I now enjoy. So the blog has
changed me, and transformed my world completely.
Mike also says on the CD that wonderful surprises
and great events are going to happen, that you cannot even
imagine. And although I went along with that thought in
principle, I might have been skeptical about that possibility
too. Not anymore.
If you'd told me In December 2007 "You're going to write
a blog, and because of the blog you'll meet people from England,
Ireland, France, Norway, Italy, Germany, India and all over the United
States, I would have said, "don't be ridiculous!" Well wasn't I
proven massively incorrect, and I am so lucky that it's true.
So...about the 1,000th blog. I'll have to think of something. It's
a month away now until Christmas Eve, and it's Thanksgiving
Eve for my American friends. So Happy Thanksgiving to
everyone in the United States including my family and friends.
Eat some turkey for me. We had our Thanksgiving a month ago,
and we know this is a family occasion that matters.
Eldon Warren asked me how I was going to celebrate. I might
have to wait until the New Year for the celebration event. But
he has got me thinking. Too bad you all couldn't come to Toronto
and we'd have some Veuve Cliquot and celebrate.
Have a loving-your-friends-one-thousand-times-day.
You write one of those blogs I think of when I think of the strengths of the blogging community. You always have something positive and insightful to say, along with the fabulous artwork.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts.
It will be a grand accomplishment, Barbara, when you reach that 1,000 mark.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your tenacity, optimism, and talent.
It's been such a thrill to know you and to view your full-of-life paintings.
It would be great if we artist bloggers could have a celebratory conference! I'd love to be there and taste some of the Veuve Cliquot!
Interesting word verification:
lumetu
Barbara, I know how to commemorate it: write a book called "1001 Things to Read and See on Barbara Muir Paints!" (I guess the extra "1" would be the book.)
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, wow, what dedication and generosity you have demonstrated. Each post you make is a gift to us. Good on ya. (I'm not going to say "Keep up the good work," because I don't want you to feel pressured or anything.)
The painting is coming along beautifully. I really like how the circular table cuts into the space, and the rhythm of the patterning on the surface.
Barbara, this is so exciting for you - WOW - you are just 25 shy of 1000 posts! - un mille - the largest number in Greek antiquity beyond which they did not count!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the famous Chinese proverb that both my mom and my friend Lan, were fond of quoting: *A journey of 1000 miles begins with just one step" March on dear Barbara - you are inspiring me!
And predictably you are making great strides with this wonderful double portrait of Flora and Larry.
love, Marcia
You are so inspiring in your art and commentary! So on this Thanksgiving Day I am grateful for you and all these fantastic friends in the blogging world. Your 1000th post will be a time of celebration for everyone! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a huge milestone coming up for you, Barbara. I know I am certainly glad I found your blog through Edward B. Gordon's. You say you go to Mike Dooley for a boost in your positive outlook. Well, that is exactly why I come to your blog! And as a huge bonus I get to view your fabulous artwork!
ReplyDeleteNicki XO
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Your blog of course would easily produce several books. I love your bird paintings and stories, and have been thinking you probably aren't eating turkey this weekend. And there's the strength of the blogging community that here in Toronto I am wondering about you and what you've eaten for Thanksgiving. Strange but true, and also great.
XOBarbara
Hi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteI am a big believer in dreams coming true. Maybe we need an international grant system that funds our travel together. Maybe Google would fund it. The big deal of 1,000 is that it proves 365 can happen, or 400, or a book. It opens the door to more creative possibilities for all of us. Bit by bit, day by day we're making something. That is so wonderful. I love your work, and I am more grateful than I can ever adequately express for meeting you in blogland.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara
Hi Edgar,
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you here. Thanks so much. Yes I like the book idea, but I think 1,001 is a bit ambitious. There is a guy here who has written a book on happiness and I think it's 1,000 reasons for joy. I'll have to look it up. They wrote him up in The Globe and Mail, and I wrote to him. He wrote me back and he was just a sweetheart -- but that book has been written. Still I am thinking about some kind of book. Maybe an art book?
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Marcia,
ReplyDeleteI think of that journey axiom often and usually see it cropping up in my
mind when I'm on the brink of despair and feel like I'm at step 999 and not getting anywhere. But a journey of adequate exercise requires 10,000 steps, so I know I'm working on my patience daily. That's a good thing eh? As my dear friend Martha Stewart would say. Now that's a Thanksgiving dinner I'd like to experience, except I'd feel badly about avoiding the walnuts in the salad. I am so ferociously allergic that I accidentally ate one in a sandwich last night and really thought I might expire. Then I rah rahed myself back to health and here I am getting ready to paint.
xoxoxoxoxLoveBarbara
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for you, for your kindness and encouragement. You keep me blogging.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
I hope it's a good one.
XOBarbara
Hi Nicki,
ReplyDeleteAnd I go to your blog for the same reason -- that and your magnificent paintings. These water paintings you've been putting on lately just make me sit in wonder. Wow. You go girl.
XOBarbara
Almost there! Your are a truly an inspiration, Barbara! I remember this painting from earlier and I'm still loving the table - even more now!
ReplyDeleteHi Linny,
ReplyDeleteIn my case you are the inspiration, and I think of you often when I paint. Someday I will see your work in person, and you'll have to drag me away because I'll just want to stare and stare.
XOBarbara