Yup too much naval gazing lately.
That’s what happens in the studio, door shut, silence, just the whisper of my paintbrush on the canvas. I thought this WordPress weekly photo challenge was a bit right on the spot for right now. Evaluating what is “mine” in this past September month of loss, was something that, if you’re me, is a slightly dangerous thing to be doing.
I offer this: a shot from my studio.
If I take it philosophically I can truly say there are very few things that I consider as mine. Definitely not possession or people. The greatest treasure I “own” is my talent. My ability to put paint to canvas, my ability to put words down on paper, my ability to recognise a light quality and grab the camera…and most importantly, these are the things which please me, soothe me, bring me joy and peace. This is mine. Mine uniquely and, since I can create art out of sand, pebbles, bits of found wire and twigs and find it fulfilling, cameras, canvases, paints, paper, all could be gone and I still would have my talent and that would be enough to make me happy. (Although you might be stuck listening to me recite!) :0
My friend Jane Ann Mc Lachlan has issued an interesting challenge; to reflect on my past over the month of Oct. Twenty five posts in 31 days. I’m thinking that maybe I can’t do it but I’ll give it a try for now and include this poem as a reflection:
Wandering in the wood the ghost of my thoughts delivers letters to the trees.
The trees reply by shaking their heads and sighing above the constant music of their branches.
On the ground the needles whisper beneath invisible feet.
In cracks and crevices the mushrooms clear their throats and declare on the merits of loss.
The ghost flits sadly away and is lost to view among brambles and clumps of dead bracken which crackle softly by its passing.
The trees drop the letters on the soil to be carried by excited beetles snickering at the sentimental words.
Till squirrels pounce and grab the letters for themselves and dart away.
Ok, it’s as good as it’s going to get right now.
Edit: My friend Sara very gently informed me that it’s navel not naval unless there’s an ocean in my belly button…lol…I’m such a numpty!
Thank you Sara 
I like this. Good interpretation of the theme – and you write well.
I really like those thoughts about what’s truly yours. I hadn’t quite thought of it that way, but I think that works for me. Thanks!
Thank you Joy.
Aww, thank you Pat, lovely of you to say so. Off to see your blog now.
Very well written post. We surround our self with so much ‘Mine’ things it’s difficult to pin point just one. Yes your talent is all yours but you can share it by helping others.
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Very true Indira.
I’m not sure looking too much at the past is a good thing. of course we should learn from our experiences and such, but dwelling on them has always struck me as not very healthy. I say look forward…the next canvas, the next poem, the next moment of perfect light. of course they’re built on the past, but they are also the future.
Good advice Julie.
Are we seeing throught your canvas? You have wonderful light in your studio. I love this poem…I can visualize it so well. I had an animation going on in my head.
through…it should be.
That’s the way Sabra; the sunlight from the skylight is shining right on the canvas and I took the photo from behind. I’m glad you can see the visuals and I’m not surprised; your poems are very visual for me too.
Love to think of beetles snickering–they are not a sentimental lot, for sure. Quite a lot of talents! And apologies in advance for…whatever…it’s “navel” not “naval” (got a sea in the belly button?)
LOL Sara…I’m such a numpty…Love the thought of having the sea in my belly button though!
This post shows a funny side I hadn’t met… I love your work space too.