Fall is here and I love it- it is my favorite season! Every year it brings back memories of my intact early childhood in the Midwest. Skipping down the sidewalk as red leaves skittered along before me. Jumping into huge piles of leaves our parents had carefully raked together – only to be scattered by our exuberance!
Now, in Southern California, I drive around to the deciduous trees I have discovered through the years and gather up their Fall bounty. I spread them down the middle of my dining room table. I paint them every year. There is something soothing to me in this repetitive change of seasons – life goes on, and each year we can count on the seasons’ graceful return.
The seasons also remind me always of the steps of our creative process – shorter days to move inward and reflect, warmer days to expand and open up, the birth of new ideas, the laying to rest of those that have run their course.
Nature herself is our role model. We do not have to chug along at the same pace all the time. We can trust that new things are brewing during the down time. We can mark the changes with celebrations knowing that we, too, are evolving and growing.
Life is full of unexpected changes we cannot control. They may seem to come out of the blue and shock us with their untimely arrival. We grow through meeting challenges and changes. And we also grow through embracing the recurring natural changes that surround us and give us a blueprint for our creativity.
Ask yourself-
What is my favorite season? Why?
What can I learn from cherishing it and making the most of it?
Are there seasons I am uncomfortable with? How are you taking care of yourself? What are you open to learn?
Wherever this finds you, enjoy the bounty of this autumn season! Patty & Suzanne
News Updates:
We are starting a fun new beginner’s watercolor class in November at the Ojai Art Center. Details here