c. Susan Sorrell Hill
The Illustration Friday word of the week is carry.
A neighbor dies, war breaks out, a town is flooded or flattened…the list of possible, painful events and situations is virtually endless, isn’t it? The big, positive events (marriage, birth of a child, completion of a major project, a big promotion or sale) can be just as unsettling and disruptive. Yet even with all of those things tugging at our heartstrings, attention spans and pocketbooks (did I mention the 3am panics?)…life does goes on. Eventually, we realize that these challenging things are part of the very definition of Life.
Wonder what kind of stress level you’re living with as ‘background noise?’ Check out the Holmes-Rahe Scale of significant events correlated to stress level. It’s very eye-opening…
It’s easy to get caught up in the big, dramatic moments, and forget that life is mostly comprised of the little things: making the bed, taking a walk, watering the garden, preparing dinner, giving our child or spouse a hug, doing the laundry. Life is mostly about the creative ability to carry on gracefully and mindfully, despite the dramatic ups and downs. Fortunately for those of us who are currently less-than-perfect, every moment is a chance to do Life a little better.
“The Trees Carry On” (watercolor, pen and ink, gouache)
What a lovely, thought-provoking post and so very relevant to me right now. Carrying on, gracefully, is something I’m aiming for, but that in itself can generate it’s own stress!
Beautiful picture as well. x
Hi Susan, I think it’s been years since I came to your blog, but it’s always a pleasure to see your art!
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I just love the painting, and wonderful insights as always! It’s always a joy to see one of your posts. I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
I’ve found that living in the present moment and feeling gratitude has helped carry me through the daily rigors of life. It doesn’t stop major drama or trauma, but those present moments of gratitude and living in those moments before any of life’s swerves let me know, that peace will come again. Your art and the writing, conveyed a strong message filled with subtle, yet powerful symbolism.
Beautiful words and illustration
Wonderful, wise post, Susan. I love this illustration (and is timely–I just watched “The Hunt for Red October” last night
Interesting post Susan, I do hope you are not too stressed.
It’s great to have you back posting again!