Friday, January 06, 2012

Iceland Poppies

Iceland Poppies by linfrye
Iceland Poppies, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

Home. There are few other words in the language of humans that conjure up so many emotions and thoughts, images and memories. I feel as though I haven't seen my own for months .... and to finally sleep in my own bed, drink my own coffee, make order how of the remains of my hasty departure, are truly balms to the soul.

I chose flowers today, Iceland Poppies painted in between times of mom's wakefulness and sleeping; the quiet colors, simplicity and stark white of the paper to remind me of mom - her gentleness, simple ways, love of flowers.

She's finally well enough to be in rehab and moved there yesterday. She's still somewhat confused, and thinking she's in her former dwelling in Florida - but she's being looked after well and the stimulation of moving around more, exercising her new hip, eating with other people, should (?) we hope, give her a bit more liveliness and normalcy.

I too hope to return to a more normal schedule, but since her illness is long term, we'll all be preparing to repeat the last few weeks experiences.

What all this keeps telling me is how very precious each and every moment of our lives, the way we choose to spend each moment and with whom. I find myself even more grateful for those friends and loved ones who take the time to chat a moment, give a smile or a hug, have a cup of coffee, share their own lives. I have always found solace in the natural world and this continues even more.

The situation brings up the question, once more, of priorities, and how our lives are lived, and what is truly important. I've always been one to share such thoughts and ideas, and hope to do so here in words and images, as I too work through my own evaluations. I suppose we do this each New Year - resolutions of a kind. But I hope this 'evaluation' is far larger than dieting (again), keep off the cookies, and exercising daily!! LOL

Meanwhile, it'll be rest, a walk through the woodlands (isn't it unusually warm again???), and God willing, a bit of painting.

I'm thinking of starting a journal again - I used to keep one but I find it challenging to add one more thing to my day - so we'll see where my contemplations lead me.

Thank you once more for all your prayers and kindnesses. They have sustained me and my family more than you can know.

Biggest hugs ... and a heart of gratitude!

6 comments:

Shirley said...

Beautiful Lin. And I'm sending you a big hug. My 92 year old mother is not doing well, and everyday I wish I had siblings to share the process with. You are lucky to have them.

jsicignano2.blogspot.com said...

Dear Lin,
Once again your post is both lovely and your words an inspiration for all. You and your mom are still in my prayers.

Do start another journal. I find it so helpful on days that are hectic. My morning sketches in my journal is both calming and enjoyable.

All the best to you,
Joan

Joan Tavolott said...

Love the sense of peace and the color in this...maybe hinting of brighter days ahead.

I am glad to hear your mom is in rehab. That should help to revive her a bit. I am sure it feels good to be home, but with an ailing parent, or any loved one it is so hard to be a distance away. All the best!!

Lorraine said...

Thank you for the gorgeous flowers -- delicate, colorful and elegant in their simplicity. And your heartfelt words touched me deeply.

I often feel that I am wasting precious time but then we must do what our energy allows or we burn out -- as I well know.

Take time to rest and recuperate Lin -- you've had a very stressful time which will continue as your mother's progress goes up and down.

Keeping you all in my thoughts and heart.
Big comforting hugs,
Lorraine

Cora said...

Beautiful flowers. Take some rest Lin, you need it after those stressful moments. Hope your mother will continue to be well.

Teri said...

Beautiful blooms Lin. Your very introspective thoughts are right on.

Hugs