Never Too Young... or Old to Learn!

" I pray every day that God make me a child, that is to say that He will let me see nature in the unprejudiced way that a child sees it."

-Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796 - 1875)
French Impressionist Painter

I share Corot's uncomplicated desire to go out to the world with the unprejudiced mind.... actions and heart of a child. I have always tried to do so in both my personal and artistic lives. I continue to work with that principle... and yet at every turn, I find it more and more difficult to achieve. While I can still manage to handle the unpleasant task of limiting adult intrusions with the pettiness and edgy competitive needs that are present around me... it is increasingly painful for me to bear witness to the the disconnect that is occurring between the world of adults and the children. At its worst... I bear witness daily to atrocities being carried out and directed at an alarmingly increasing number of innocent children in every part of the globe... including my own country. And yet still... there is Hope... and I choose to embrace... celebrate and nurture that Hope, using my gifts and my heart.

Today's post is dedicated to two very beautiful minds... already "artists" in their own right at such a young age simply because they express themselves without reservation... fear or rules which limit expression. They paint... draw... act ... and think with complete freedom - a Utopia which the rest of us yearn for and search for endlessly. We had it once... but we either chose,  or were forced "to grow up"... and to "act our age" and leave this kingdom of Joy and Mirth.

This post records their excitement... their joy and as strange as it seems... my own recovery from the sadnesses which have visited me too much as of late. I lovingly dedicate this post to you both... dearest Ava and Ella. Thank you for touching my heart and soul so. You never set out to do so... it merely happened without any of us realizing... and that is indeed the magic and blessing which comes only out of offering "unconditional love." I thank you too Spencer and Jody... for leading your Mom and I  "beside still waters" and allowing us to share in your beautiful children's lives. They speak so eloquently of the consistently loving parenting that you provide these wee souls daily. I can already sense the adventure and success that they will undoubtedly find because of your gifts to them.

Enough said really. I'll let the pictures do the talking from here on... and they surely do in my heart and soul!

 The plein air set up in our yard.... acrylic primary colours... a round... a flat  and a rigger brush... sun screen ... hats...clear recycling bag smocks... and plenty o' room!

Gramma's tender support... always an arm length away!!!

Notice any adults ... snoopervising???? Not required!

Ava yanks all of her subjects from all around her.... this one a robin nesting under the nearby eave of the Gallery

Colourful Ella loves to compartmentalize... then fill spaces with joyous colours that she choose and mixes. Perhaps another Gramma making stained glass! HA HA!! Could she also become a Piet Modrian??.... I wonder......

 An unexpected visitor.... Carl the Duck joins the fun. Interesting.... BUT....

.

.. Back to my easel!

See ya later Carl!

                                                           Subject # 1 - Robin Nesting

Subject number# 2 - Gramma's Garden Flowers... and as always... "Mr Golden Sun" right where he should be... tucked carefully into the corner 

This is our Cranbrook Marginson family. Spencer, Ava, Ella and Jody at Islesview. Thank you for the heart filled with memories Guys! Miss you!

In closing... a line from a favourite Mormon hymn which I continue to sing and keep in my heart:

"There is beauty all around... when there's love at home.

Here is a love letter... a "thank you"... an unconditional declaration of love left on our refrigerator door by Ava. Kindness does matter... more precious a gift than anything else we can offer or dispense. And yet... ironically... offering it costs nothing at all... except conscious effort and time. This will hang on our refrigerator for a very long time. But it is indelibly etched and will be carried in our hearts .... Forever! Thank you Ava!!!

 Love you Gang... "To the moon and back"...

Mom and Bruce
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