Tuesday, January 1, 2013

"First Footing"... encore une fois!

Yes... it is indeed that time in the year... when according to the ancient Scottish tradition of "first footing"... one tries to be the first in the New Year to cross the threshold of a loved one, or dear Friend. It is both a gesture of deep love... perhaps even in computer terminology the act of  pushing the "refresh" button... renewing or updating what has been on the screen for a long period of time.

I wrote a post back on December 31st, 2009 describing this very same practice, a practice passed down from my now long deceased Grandparents Andrew and Christina Birrell and then through my Mother and Dad... as well passed on. The question back then and remains this morning ... "Who do I first foot?... given that I live a very long distance from any my relatives. Lisa, who lives just a short drive from here is spending her first Christmas in her new home in the Barbados. At the time of the original "first footing" post she was living in Jamaica. My daughter Allison at that time was in the process of writing her PhD thesis. She has that doctorate degree now... and at the moment teaches at Queen's University in her home town of Kingston and is marking exams and writing a post doctoral fellowship paper at the moment.

My point? Life changes... as it should. Our personal and business lives have changed dramatically with our move to Rockport from Hillsdale. We possibly risked a loss of revenue or clientele with that decision... and most likely did. But on the other side of the same toss of the coin... we gained a daily view of the River and a life closer to most of our family members. Both of these "pluses"... more than offset any potential and never to be known "losses." We put our heads and hearts together and  decided... then acted upon our intuition and our trust in our abilities and commitment to each other. Life is good... and we feel deeply blessed!

So today... I choose to "first foot" any one of my blogging Friends who visits my site... wishing them the same rich blessings... peace... health and happiness that are ours. Take the courage to see past just dreaming. Activate a plan of action during the next year to enrich your artistic life. Don't be afraid to try new things... with a resolution to pull your artistic plow... rather than merely following it.

And finally... in closing, I offer you lines from a Reggae tune by Bugle:

"Don't blame life.
Blame the way you live it."

Be the hero in your life story ... rather than  the victim of it.

 wish everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year... in every Season of 2013!

Good Painting ... to ALL!



I
"The Magificence of Algonquin Park Throughout  All Seasons"
  A four canvas wrap quadriptych 6 feet x 12 feet
6feet x12 feet

18 comments:

  1. Your eloquence paints wondrous scenes in the mind, while your paintings speak to the heart in a universal language of beauty, Bruce!
    I love that six foot painting...While it's a word I rarely ever use..."Awesome"!!

    Looking forward to another great year of visiting your blog! Happy 2013!

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  2. Good evening Dean!... Thank you for your many visits... friendship and encouraging comments!
    It is always a pleasure to share ideas and visits!

    I deeply admire your painting skills and your wonderful spirit!

    I too.. look forward to many visits back and forth in 2013!
    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. Hi Bruce, these are inspiring words, as usual. I hope your second year at Rockport is as good, or better, than the first.

    I'm glad you enjoyed your Christmas despite the change in plans. I'm sure the need for a bit of creative thinking helped to make it a memorable one.

    All the best
    and Happy New Year,
    Keith

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  4. Good Mornimng Keith!... Thanks for all of your visits and encouragement during 2013!

    I look forward to sharing more of our work... ideas and processes in the the New Year.

    Positive action and creative thinking always wins the day Keith! You know that well!

    Good Painting and Happy New Year to you and your family!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Happy New Year Bruce, looking forward to a new year enjoying your great work and inspirational words. Now excuse me, I must go back and enjoy your previous post.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  6. Hi there Joan!... Happy New Year back to you and Mike! I too... look forward to sharing visits... thoughts and ideas via our two sites in 2013! I look forward to a ton of new Sicignano gems!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Wonderful tradition, Bruce! I love your new place and cannot think it was a wrong decision. True friends will always follow you. Your work from this past year has been amazing.

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  8. Hi there Sherry!.... Thank you for visiting... and for your encouraging comments!

    This has been a banner year for Deb and I in so many aspects of our personal and artistic lives... a true blessing for certain!

    Our good friends have indeed followed us... and we them. At the end of one's life you suddenly realize that the journry is about the people and the adventures you have embraced along the way.

    We look forward to anot... and I personallher year of work and life here on this wonderful River of ours... and I personally look forward to many more visits and sharings with you!

    Where is that address that I requested?....Send it along via my email.... private there!

    Good Painting and Happy New Year Sherry!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Happy New Year Bruce! (and Deb!). Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your artwork! You truly inspire and motivate!

    Your Christmas seems to have been a success in spite of... Reminds me of the quote "the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft astray.".

    Thank you for giving me reason to pursue my passions.

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  10. Hi I'm Heather! Please email me when you get a chance, I have a question about your blog! LifesABanquet1(at)gmail.com

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    1. Hi Heather... youy can ask youyr question about the blog here on this blog... or at my email site bsherman@thepaintboxgallery.ca
      Cheers!
      Bruce

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  11. Hi there Wendy!... Happy New Year back to you and your family!

    I am most happy that my sharings on this blog help encourage others to let their own lights shine! Life and art are meant to be shared... and in my mind matter along with family and children the most!

    Thanks for visiting and for offering your own thoughts and ideas so openly here... and on your own wonderful site!

    Keep shining!in 2013!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  12. beautiful post in every way bruce. and the painting is incredible. happy new year my friend and thank you so much for everything.

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  13. Good Morninf Friend Suz!... So good to hear your "voice"!

    IT is always such a pleasure to share ideas and process with you and to be able to share even personal facts in our separate lives!

    Happy New Year to "You" Suz... Much Peace... more healing in 2013!

    Keep an eye on yer mailbox... a he(art) gift comin' yer way!


    Good Painting in 2013!
    Warmest regards,
    Friend Bruce

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  14. Hi Bruce. "First footing" is also a strong tradition in the north of England where I was born, and it is one we brought with us when we moved south. In our tradition, a homes first visitor in the New Year should be of dark hair, carrying a lump of coal and an old sixpence piece. It's sad that these traditions are dying out. Once upon a time you could stand in a street just before Midnight and the see the man of every house standing outside waiting for the stroke of twelve. Not these days.
    Great post ... and all the best for 2013.
    John

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  15. Hi there John!... Happy New Year!

    Thank you for dropping by and for adding your own experiences and English version of "First Footing."

    It is indeed sad when traditions are abandonned... especially when those traditions involve connecting people in kinship and good will!

    Good Painting in 2013!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  16. Hi Bruce, I have arrived a bit late to blogging land as I have been spring cleaning my home and studio and found lots to tidy and sort out. I am here at the library once more getting back to catching up on my friend's blogs. Thank you for your lovely posts they are always uplifting and thoughtful. I wish you a very Happy Year ahead with lots of fine painting and meeting new friends too.

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  17. HI there Caroline!... Gald to hear from you again!

    Happy New Year to you and your husband!

    Always a pleasure to share posts and ideas with you... in both directions!

    Thank you for your visit and encouraging comments about the posts and site!
    The cleaning is done... Let the painting begin! Back to work Lass!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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