Thursday, December 12, 2013

Winter Marsh

"Winter Glow" 
6x6 oil on board

I've been a bit reluctant to write about this but, this blog is about my real life, so I'll share. Little by little, I'm finding my painting mojo again. It's been a hard time and I am consumed with the chore of sorting and tossing and resolving the 'beloved flotsam and jetsam' of my dear Mama's and our family's life.
Report cards from grade school, every card/invite she ever received, newspapers containing momentous news events (Oy), bookshelves full of books and souvenirs. Precious family 'stuff' in the china cabinets. And photos, photos and more photos. 
I picked up some boxes and marked them with the names of my siblings and as I sort, I drop things into each box for them to enjoy along with things I think should be theirs. Because I insisted upon looking at every single piece of paper, they have left me to that and I don't mind except that the volume after 43 years in the same house is, um, voluminous. My dear husband is the God send to this whole task and is also on the receiving end of my prickly emotions :( Without his guidance (lists, lists, lists and advice and more advice)  I'd be lost. He is the left brain balance in my right brain world. 
So, I'm sad but, I'm grateful for my family and my dear friends near and far who continue to lift me up. Thank you all for your continued support.
About the painting. One thing I love about the winter is how the setting sun lights up the tops of the trees creating a beautiful complimentary color scheme. 


12 comments:

Bobbi Heath said...

A lovely painting, Mary, and equally lovely sentiments. I'm thinking of you. - Bobbi

Linda Popple said...

I agree with Bobbi. Beautiful painting and beautiful post. hugs .........

Autumn Leaves said...

Mary, this is just stunning! I can imagine your laughter and your tears as you tackle this monumental task. Wishing you more laughter as time goes on...

hmuxo said...

A very emotional post, Mary and lovely painting...Please know we're thinking of you.

Paintings by Patricia said...

Glad you are painting again. It is a hard task that you are doing, but so many memories flood back. Good healing.

Bruce Sherman said...

A BIG Christmas "HI" there Mary!...

Simply beautiful!... Plain and simple!

You have captured this wonderful ... but very elusive moment at the end of the day.

Good luck with your continued "purging process". Not easy to let go of one's precious accumulation of memories and keepsakes. Harder still... is the task of culling of a loved one's treasures.

Every one has meaning... and every piece you discard is a piece of them that you must eliminate.

I took down my Mom's kitchen... cried my way through it in three afternoons. It took me three years to re-direct or discard many finally.

I kept three of her daily work dresses right up until pour move to Rockport. One might call me silly... bizarre. But I could still smell her presence in each of them... and it gave me comfort. I felt less alone!

My grief has passed... mostly. But Christmas takes me back ... as I'm sure it does you Mary.

We were greatly blessed twice. Once to have special Moms who set us equipped for our own creative journeys. The second... a partner who loves us unconditionally... every step of the rest of the way.

Merry Christmas Mary!

Much Peace and rich blessings!
Warmest regards,
Bruce

Kim Vanlandingham said...

Many hugs....I'm thinking about you. I hope to see you again at the Von Liebig. I have a demo during one of the art festivals the first of January. I'll be there after that for classes. Im teaching on Thursdays and I hope to see you in person then. I hope all is well and I'm so glad your husband is there for you!!!

Mrs. C said...

Love from little Win!!!! ♥♡♥♡

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

What a very pleasnt and warm painting!

suzanneberry said...

This is a lovely painting Mary, i love the palette and feeling it evokes. i am so sorry i haven't been more present to witness and share your sadness. it is both heartbreaking and joyous to sort through memories of good times long gone. i'm so glad your husband as you so well said...is the left brain balance in your right brain world. i love that, beautifully put. i'll say more in my email!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

thank you all for your heartfelt and comforting comments. They mean so much.

art by Michael Perchard said...

Hello Mary!
Sorry late in commenting!
My heart goes out to you! You hang in there!
This snow painting is beautiful. The colors are outstanding! All of your paintings have great color!
Take care my art buddy!
Michael

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