Simply Sunday - Purr-fect Repose

 "Never be in a hurry; do everything in a quiet and calm spirit.

Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,

even if your whole world seems upset."

~ St. Frances de Sales

"Don't be anxious about anything

Pray about everything

Then God's peace -- which passes all understanding --

will stand guard over your heart and mind."

 (my paraphrase from Philippians 4:6-7)


I found a lovely song and video that fits perfectly with this theme.
Click here for the link to "I Will Rest In You". 

Peace be with you all!
Brenda

What An Impression He Made

"I would like to paint as the bird sings."

Claude Monet 

First, I started reading the novel Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell.  Immersed in the love story between the Impressionist artist, Claude Monet and Camille Doncieux, I realized I wanted to see the paintings described in the book. For example, I wanted to see the Woman in Green, and imagine Claude falling in love with his model as he painted.

It's been a while since I studied anything Monet, so during my visit to the library this afternoon, I found Eyewitness Art: Monet, by Jude Welton. Just 64 pages (so it's not overwhelming), it's filled with lots of photos and descriptions of the artist's work. And, it turns out to be a perfect accompaniment to my novel reading.

Woman in Green

Monet's Palette

I find it interesting that his palette almost looks like one of his painting, but then it has all his favourite colours. From the mid-1860's onward, he worked with a limited range of bright, pure pigments, often mixed with white.  At the centre of the palette is cobalt blue (my all-time favourite colour), a pigment he favoured throughout his career.

The Artist's Garden at Giverny, 1900

Waterlilies, 1916-19

The Waterlily Pond, 1899

Although Monet and his Impressionist contemporaries received so much criticism for their new ideas and work, I for one am glad he persevered. He endured poverty and hardships during the early years, but in the end the art world came around and Monet became one of the most celebrated artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

This artist made an impression on me.  If I was compelled to select an all-time preferred artist, Monet would be right up at top.  His waterlily works are some of my favourites.  I hope one day to visit those famous gardens in Giverney.

On that note, I am off to continue my absorbing novel.

A beautiful day to you...

Brenda

Variety Takes The Cake

photo from Martha's site

I love those delectable mile-high desserts that often preside at special occasions on footed glass cake stands. It's been ages since I've seen such a cake, never mind tasted one -- you know, one where between layers of cake various flavors burst on your taste buds in wild surprise.

 

Now there is nothing wrong with a one-layer cake, but oh my! it is so much more exciting to savor a variety of flavors in that one 'heavenly' experience.

In my search for a multi-layer cake recipe, I found Martha Stewart and Paula Deen baking a Hummingbird Cake on video. Curious name, but it looked and sounded super-delicious. I figure if Martha and Paula are whipping up such a cake, it must be good! Have you tried it?

* * *  

I think life is a lot like a multi-layer cake.  As the baker of such a dessert, I can choose what to put between the layers of my daily existence.  Some days end up being a one-layer cake  -- especially if I'm trying to get something done.  But it's also delicious to be able to experience days that are layered with several different flavors, textures, and experiences.

Layers of reading, scrapbooking or birdwatching. Doing the crossword, writing a new blog posting, baking a special birthday cake. Country drives, reading a magazines, meditating. Visiting an exuberant family gathering, taking a quiet walk through leafy woods, sharing a cozy coffee with a friend. Layering the passionate stuff between the more tedious tasks.  Lazy moments alongside crazy busy ones. Up and down, out and in, square and thin. Chocolate with coffee, tea with cucumber sandwiches, toast with strawberry jam.

It may be an old cliche, but I do believe it when they say: Variety is the spice of life. Those times when I layer my days with an assortment of activity, people and experiences, my life really does burst forth with more flavor... anticipation... joie de vivre.

Want a slice?

Brenda

Stuck For Words...Dreams...

I ask myself, how is possible to be stuck for words when there are so many from which to choose?  Yet, that is where I find myself when I sit to write a posting this week.  Do you ever find yourself in the place where the thoughts you're pondering well up inside, but there's no key yet to unlock the door so those thoughts will make sense to the next person?

For the moment, I'm busy with a writing project that pushes me out of my comfort zone.  I'm reading books that challenge my imagination to see realms of new possibilities.  I catch glimpses -- but still it's so new I can hardly imagine it, never mind articulate it in words.

And, somehow in the mix of that, I pick up a new novel at the library Claude and Camille, A Novel of Monet, by Stephanie Cowell. Which "paints a dazzling portrait of a passionate young man struggling to become the towering Impressionist we revere" (quoted from Ellen Feldman, back cover). 

In order to accomplish his dream to paint in a bold, new way, he had to 'push the envelope' of tradition. Perhaps he gives me the courage to push my own envelopes and dream dreams I've never quite had the courage to unfold before. Maybe reading about Monet will give me a key to unlocking the words that don't want to come.

What do you do when you're stuck for words?

Brenda    

Simply Sunday - Emily Dickinson on Love

Image by JCGuimaraes from Pixabay

Who has not found the heaven below

Will fail of it above.

God's residence is next to mine,

His furniture is love.

EMILY DICKINSON

If I imagine God's love is like furniture in his heavenly realm, then every time I sit or lay down, I can sink into His perfect love for me. I feel the comfort....the cozy....the protection....the bliss!

Sending peaceful thoughts your way,
Brenda