When I come down the stairs in my house, I see two artworks by Jethro Gillespie. On one is written, Glory and on one is written, Woe. I often think, yep, that's it, that sums it up.
I very much enjoyed the questions people wrote in about what they would ask if they visited the studio. I have some of those same questions for other artists. There was one email I received that's been on my mind. It's from a lovely someone who is concerned about loosing herself in the glory and woe of motherhood. This is how I see it...
Each season of our lives offer different opportunities. Some of those opportunities might fall under the woe category at first glance, but at closer inspection they might indeed be part of the glory. For instance, winter is a drag. I'm tired of being cold, the short days cut down my production level and I don't feel as healthy because I'm not riding my bike. On the other hand, it's an excuse to stay indoors and knit, watch movies and make soup. Another example that has been a big surprise to me is that on weekends, Dan Barney and I often find ourselves home because teen kitten, middle kitten and the tom cats are playing here at our house. I'd never thought that I'd enjoy stepping aside and watching them be happy, but I do. It's crazy.
In my last post about the pen, I was having woe about forgetting so much. Really though, maybe that's alright too. If I remembered everything that I wanted to do all the time I'd be wiggedy trying to get it all done.
So where ever you are at, you won't be there too long and there are always opportunities to embrace. If there was too much glory and not enough woe, there wouldn't be anything to push against and learn from. Plus, other fruits will be in season coming up so soon, so enjoy the ones you've got, the glory and the woe.
A note to Jethro- keep painting, you're onto a good thing.
1 comment:
Thanks Cass, you're fabulous. I'm glad you feel a connection to those paintings.
Post a Comment