GIVE THEM WINGS

FEBRUARY 10, 2010

GIVE THEM WINGS

Painting by Barbara Santucci [mixed medium]

I have taken Patty Digh's challenge to journal for 37 days, every single day. I recommend her book: LIFE IS A VERB: 37 DAYS TO WAKEUP, BE MINDFUL AND LIVE INTENTIONALLY.

I am on Day 27. It has been fun and revealing to record a daily photo[s]and journal entry.

This painting, GIVE THEM WINGS, inspired me to reflect upon my new ideas for stories or paintings that are just beginning to blossom. New ideas are like tender babies that need to be nourished.

I must remember not to say bad things to them before they have a chance to spread their wings.

If I tred too heavily on them, they can be crushed. Or if I hold on too tightly, they can be strangled. If the ego's voice clangs too loudly it could just drowned out those tiny new voices waiting to be heard.

How much better it would be to cradle them in the palm of my hand, smile down on them and whisper, "You are beautiful." Then kiss their sweet little heads before setting them free.

Trust.

WINGS, February, 1, 2010

February 1, 2010



Painting: WINGS by Barb Santucci [mixed medium]

When I awoke this morning I thought about how silent it was outside. No bird song. I went into my yard and filled all the empty bird feeders in hopes some winged creatures would return.

I thought about a question I have pondered for years: "Must we leave before we can realize what we have left?"

The days pass so quickly, it almost seems as if they fly on the wings of birds. Everything changes and we can never go back to the way things used to be. You can't not know something once you've learned it.

Remember being a child when the days seemed to move at a snail's pace? We couldn't wait to grow older and be on our own. We didn't realize one day we would miss the slow, lazy days filled with playing and running with friends. Days when everything seemed new and exciting.

We can't be a child again, but we can play and love the world.

I think that is why I loving writing children's books and creating new paintings. Each new story, each new painting is like starting over. It's like seeing the world through fresh eyes, recapturing a new sense of the world and how I fit in it. Is this "hope"?

Barbara Santucci - Tools of Choice

As writers and artists we find a way to make our mark. By using our tools of choice, our voice sings out into the world, hoping to make a difference. Our voice speaks of how we love the world.

But this journey can be a scary one. Just take one step, then two. Start with just one word on the paper, one paint stroke on the canvas.

This art journey parallels life. At times we need to take one step out of ourselves--- out of the past and into the future. Feel the ground beneath our feet. It's holding us up. We're not sinking!

Next time we can try skipping.
[Art Doll by Brenna Busse from MN]