Saturday, December 20, 2014

Nostalgia... is the salve of old age

The term nostalgia is defined in the dictionary as... "a sentimental longing for the past."

I don't quite prescribe literally to this definition. Within the context of this post title lies my own personal measure of the term... and my feelings surrounding its meaning and presence in my own life. While I do admittedly embrace a healthy respect for the past, I choose not to live in it... or be governed by it. I have painfully learned over the course of my own journey that tradition has its place. But that it should be pliable enough to offer new "possibility" in one's life for the enjoyment of it in the Present... and Hope ... for the future.

The tradition(s) of celebrating Christmas, above all other Christian rituals creates the greatest sphere of influence for nostalgia within our lives. From home decorating... through to carol singing... card sending leads right up to the gifts around the tree and the sit down Christmas turkey dinner... nostalgia grips all of us in similar fashion. Christmas too encourages a yearning for those we have lost .Christmas is a time fully dedicated to childhood and for many... childhood lies quite distantly in the Past... Nostalgia!

For many reasons, until most recently, Christmas was always a difficult season for me. The celebration of Christmas always seemed to be that single moment in the year... when the disparity between the fortunes of the "haves" and "have nots" eclipsed any feelings of "glad tidings" in my own heart. In our family, since my maternal grandparents created and taught us to celebrate Christmas... generosity through sharing with others has always a part of our tradition.

Individuals whom we met during our daily lives who would be alone at Christmas were offered a place setting at our Christmas table. Simple acts of charity were quietly offered to bring "Christmas cheer" to those whom Christmas offered little prospect of providing warmth and happiness. To this day, this part of Christmas remains more meaningful to me than the receiving of gifts. In practising "giving"... through small, simple acts of kindness and unexpected gifting, I find a truer sense of meaning beyond the commercialism that is thrust upon us by societal influence.

These unexpected gifting and simple acts of kindness can take many forms. Volunteerism is one source. Visits to those who cannot get out is another. Small unexpected gifts... such as a Christmas card requires only sitting down... writing and sending it. An unexpected Merry Christmas to a passing stranger can add warmth to the world we travel in daily. One's time can be a powerful and meaningful source for giving... and each of us has a larder to draw from.

I will always choose to celebrate Christmas in the manner in which I was taught. Those traditions reflect my healthy remembrance of "Those"... who first taught me about the true meaning of Christmas. However, each year I try to add to tradition by creating and adding something new and unexpected. I try to "pass forward" something new to add to what was before.

All families are finding themselves increasingly strung out far and wide. For many... it is virtually impossible for all family members to return "Home". We must devise ways to retain connection and to keep our family circles unbroken. Here is my new tradition... just launched... hopefully upon a lifetime trajectory of annual Christmas journeys into a "universe" of Christmases that I shall perhaps never see, or be present to celebrate. Or will "I"... at least in spirit?


                                     "River Spirit of Christmas" - oil on canvas 20x16 inches

This whimsical painting subject... though out of character for my painting "style"... embodies within in it so many aspects of my journey and my approach to living. Building snowmen with childhood pals and all of my children lives in this subject. So does the powerful spirit of this River that I have been blessed to have been raised on and lived on for the greater part of my life... is the very core of my "Being". The natural and unparalleled beauty of "Manitouana" continues to drive my artistic imagination. It as well offers "Me" a state of inner peace and contentment... and in a single word... the greatest blessing that an artist can retain... or have bestowed upon him or her - Wonder!

I believe that through living my life in this fashion... I have created an "extended" family of five highly unique and creative children. But just as importantly to "Me"... I have created five children who go out into life daily willingly sharing their generous spirits. And for this gift... I am exceedingly joyful - and proud!

"River Spirit of Christmas" has been placed in the hands of my daughter Allison for its first Christmas stay. Ironically... it will be within her home and will be sharing another 1st Christmas event. Our newest grandchild, Wee Malcolm Justin Michael Sherman will most likely celebrate part of his first Christmas with family there. His father, Andrew will "have custody" for the painting for next year's celebration after Allison's year own short term "ownership".


"River Spirit"... already hung... "in situ"... chez Allison and Joan... Christmas 2014.



Was there ever a more beautiful... and puckish elf in Santa's Workshop? One more beauty... to join the other three Sherman "Elves".. Ryan, Mica and Braden! Great adventures ahead Andrew and Melissa... much Joy and memorable Christmases to come! You are fortunate Wee Mac... to have been delivered into these two capable sets of hands. They adore you so... and I know already... will always "have your back". You will be a great Santa Andrew!!!... Get a good suit! This guy will be equally hard to hood-wink and bamboozle! HA HA!!!

Its passage to the next recipient late in 2015 will require that the two share time, or a meal to create the opportunity to pass it along. My "Hope" is that this painting will form the mucilage which will bind our family together in love and true Christmas Spirit... for years to come. Its journey has at least begun safely. I have done my part. "Time"... will be the final critic to its true success.

I have used the image for my "annual"... my Christmas Card gift to family and friends who have shown me love and generosity on my journey. I have almost completed my sizable list. The writing process takes me a while because I add a Christmas "cartoony" ink rendering coloured with pencil crayon to the envelope of each. Many of my friends have a rather large collection arranged upon their walls or on view throughout their homes each Christmas. Christmases passed... remembered!


Here is an "eclectic mix" of my Christmas "toons" - Couldn't resist.. HA! HA!


Here is Allison's 2014 Card. Symbolically "Me" and "Mr Peter Penguin"... one of Allison's many childhood alter egos... who refuse to disappear. May they live on... in our hearts forever Allison!


They are indeed... "priceless"... or rather "price-less" because they are true gifts offered from "Me".with no price attached. They simply offer my humble gratitude to those who are amongst my greatest life blessings to recognize and reward them for their gifts.

In my mind..."Tradition" need not be viewed as static. It can become a living thing... if one chooses to add to it with purpose and creative thought. In so doing, it remains a healthy force which encourages growth and makes it timeless... and less likely to be set aside and forgotten. Create your own tradition for Christmas. "build yourself a snowman"...and share it within your world.

In closing out this post...it seems appropriate that the intended joy of "River Spirit" be sent out to many more Friends through this marvellous blog medium - to those Friends that I have yet to physically meet. Your continual presence and encouragement continue to inspire me to share my thoughts and "dreamings" with a much broader audience of artists.

May your lives be richer in spirit. May your imaginations remain fertile catalysts in 2015 for new works that make the world a better place to live in. My sincere gratitude for your loyalty and honesty.

Merry Christmas... and Good Painting... to ALL!!!

16 comments:

  1. Bruce...I absolutely love this post, and the fun way that you have encouraged the sharing of this art AND the sharing of a meal amongst siblings! How do you come up with such great ideas??

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  2. Good morning Wendy!... Thank you for visiting and commenting upon the post!

    How do I come up with such great ideas? Well, I really just extended the creative presence and respect that my Mom placed upon creating inexpensive traditions for our young family as I grew up at her side.

    She truly made celebrating Christmas simpy "magical"... and she has singlehandedly kept the Christmas Spirit alive in "Me" even beyond her own earthly time. I merely add to her gifts... and "pass them forward" in a new way to my own flock. "She" lives on in the Christmases now... and perhaps for as long as there are Sherman children. She would smile and be happy ... I know!

    Merry Christmas to "You" and your Family Wendy!

    Warmest regards,
    Good Painting!
    Bruce

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  3. Bruce, your heart, your feelings...they have to come together to make a great man and I know your wife and family treasure you. Your gifts are amazing and I am always glad to be part of your circle of friends you've made through your blog. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  4. My dear Friend Sherry!...Despite what you might feel about my heart and my feelings... and my art... I am just a very ordinary man. But great things and good deeds have always been revealed to the world by many ordinary men and women.

    Sharing one's gifts unconditionally and with a generous spirit attracts the attention of those who search for Light. There is no single kind of "magic"or secret... it lies really just in being able to live by your convictions in Truth... and with a joyful spirit.

    I have learned this along my sometimes arduous and trounbled journey. It has been my art which has been my way to reach out and best express the joy and wonder that I live with in my life. It is the source of my inner Peace.

    My art through my blog has brought me far-flung new Friends ... just like you Sherry. I am greatly blessed.. to share time and Hope across such distance.

    I wish you rich blessings of Peace... Hope... Good Health and Happiness on the next leg of your journey. You already carry within "You" Sherry those things which will grant you what you wish. Work hard... and Sherry... Believe in your beautiful Self... as "I" do!

    Merry Christmas... to "You" and your Family!

    Warmest regards,
    Friend Bruce

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  5. Hi Bruce, what a wonderful idea. So much of Christmas tradition is being lost, or losing its relevance, and being replaced with things that have more to do with commercialism. Your idea of creating new traditions may be just what we need to rescue Christmas and put the family back at the centre of things. I'm sure this new 'Sherman' tradition will become a firm fixture within your own family.

    Happy Christmas,
    Keith

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  6. Good morning Keith!... It pleases me greatly that you appreciate this new "slant on Santa". Each of us... as artists can rescue Christmas through our own creative energy and unique cultural differences. It requires only a bit of imagination... and courage to kick start what might become a more relevant addition to the tradition of the past.

    Allison's Mom had it hung before Allison even arrived home. I think Allison or Andrew will have to work hard to move it along.... !! From figment... to fixture... already! Who'd have "thunk" it ! HO! HO! HO!

    Merry Christmas to you and yours Keith!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Your words are warm and spontaneous, full of life and love. May your 2015 be a year of sweet surprises and much joy. Thank you for this year of blogging and sharing your work and words with us, your very extended family of artist blogger friends.

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  8. Goode evening Rhonda!... Thank you for this visit and the many others that you made during 2014.

    Your interest... comments and the example of your own wonderful work inspire me to continue to create this blog for your enjoyment.

    The blogging medium is such a valuable asset for all of us and a ready tool for learning. We can learn a lot from each other's successes and even our failures. Good luck with your own blog and painting in 2015.

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Bruce, thank you so much for taking time to come by my blog. I greatly appreciate your comments and have to admit they struck a chord. Christmas is a difficult time for me mainly because of nostalgia. I read every word of your post on nostalgia and at a few points i had to hold back a tear or two. Christmas can stir up so many emotions. I lost my wife suddenly 20 years ago and ever since then Christmas has not quite been the same even though i have many loving family members and friends. Our task then is to focus on the present, On the grand babies. I have two new ones myself! Such joy! But your words have given me much to think about today. Amends to make. Reconciliations even and forgiveness. A letting go as it were. Your painting of the snowman is so gorgeous to by the way. I love the light which is what i strive for in my own work. Not always succeeding mind you but it is my goal. To paint the light. You have captured the light so well, in all of your work.

    May your Christmas be a brilliant one filled the light and wonder of our creator. Blessings always Bruce. I am grateful to know you.

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  10. My dear Friend Ross... It IS exactly the combination of your sensive spirit and your integral sense of honesty in both your work and your principles that I have been attracted to and drawn to enjoy .

    In those very aspects of one's physical make up...lies "the Light" = Truth!

    Your Truth is bright and is inspiring too Ross. Each of us should let our own Light shine. "You"... in your small corner... and "I".. in mine!

    Foregiveness is such a powerful enabler in life Ross. Especially... when we can learn... to foregive our Selves... as well as others!

    May your Christmas be Merry... Bright and be filled with the Joy of our Creator's promise! Merry Christmas!

    Shine on!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. What an exciting and adventurous year it has been with the little additions to our families growing fast. Wishing you and your family a very happy holidays and a happy, healthy and successful 2015.

    Much love x

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  12. God evening Lisa!... Good to hea from you again!

    T 'was exactly that - an adventurous year... with new wee faces on both sides of the sea!

    Wishing you as well... Great blessings of Good Health... Peace and Joy in your life! I look forward to more sharing with you in 2015!

    Merry Christmas from Rockport!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. Wishing you a wonderful festive holiday and lots of joy and peace for the New Year! I do enjoy your thoughtful posts Bruce.

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  14. Good morning Lass!... So good to hear from you at the year's end!

    As of late... I have much missed your more regular postings! Hope that all is well in Scotland!

    I too look forward to our many sharings. Wishing you many blessings of Peace...Good Health... Prosperity and rich painting adventures in 2015!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. Hello, Bruce and Happy New Year to you and your family - may it be joyful, healthy and filled with creativity! Thank you for the wonderful comment you recently left on my blog - your thoughts are greatly appreciated. I, too, think we have a similar style and artistic spirit.

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  16. Hello ... back to you Susan!

    I truly enjoyed my visit to you wonderful site. It pleased me greatly to discover yet another artist who shares a similar artistic journey and common values and princples.

    Good Painting and Happy New Year! I'll be around for a future visit soon!

    Warmest regards.
    Bruce

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