#simplegrace

The simple grace of a tiny palette on a long  road trip

Each year, for as long as I can remember, I've chosen a word to define my goals or mindset for the new year. This year the word is grace. It's something I've been thinking about for awhile and intend to make it a continuing focal point in 2018. It has many definitions and should make for a year of interesting discoveries!

Grace(as defined by Merriam-Webster)

1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or
        sanctification

b: a virtue coming from God

c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

2 a: approval, favor stayed in his good graces

b: archaic: mercy, pardon

c: a special favor: privilege

each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage —Rudyard Kipling

d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e: a temporary exemption: reprieve

3 a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities
        he possessed the saving grace of humor.

b: a pleasing appearance or effect: charm

all the grace of youth —John Buchan

c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

danced with such grace

4 used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5 a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6 Graces plural: three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of
        charm and beauty

7 a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8 a: sense of propriety or right

had the grace not to run for elective office —Calvin Trillin

        b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful accepted his advice
        with grace

and Grace(as defined by me)
1      unexpected moments and insights that make us draw breath and smile 
        #simplegrace

Where Did Summer Go?

Time does fly when you’re having fun. Years ago I read French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. It’s one of my favorite books. I love the change of seasons and all it brings, the changing light and color, in season foods, special holidays.

Fall always seems to be a new beginning for me. Maybe it goes back to all those years of starting a new school year. I also like the realization that the fall "new" year resolutions can get a reboot in January if necessary!

Goodbye fresh peaches, barbecues, and sunflowers. Hello, falling golden-leaves, pumpkins, and mums!

“Live in each season as it passes;

breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,

and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Seven Simple Pleasures

I was tapped to join the FaceBook challenge to post one of my paintings/sketches every day for seven days and post them to my FB page. My challenge is complete. I thought I'd share the posts here, too.

I chose little paintings and sketches that focus on the little things that bring joy to my daily life. #simplegrace.

Day 1

Light and shadow play

Day 2

StreetWise vendor taking pride in his job

Day 3

 Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA), Elephant Automaton Clock in the Baroque gallery.

Day 4

Fish knife, such lovely tiny details

Day 5

A touch of color to brighten a gray day in Chicago

Day 6

Car sketch that brings fall color to another gray-Chicago day

Day 7

Little truffles to spice up another gray day!

I hope they bring a smile to your face and encourage you to see the simple graces and joy in the everyday.

See!

Each year I choose a word that sums up an attitude or encourages an action that I'd like to emphasize in my life. I've been doing this since I was in college. Some past words are grace, simplify, joy, draw, do, color, feed, marvel, savor, and intention. Do you notice a theme running through these words? I do. It's basically, a reminder to slow down and appreciate where I am. It's even more important today than those many years ago when I began with this tradition.

In today's multitasking world we seem to always be rushing from one thing to another often missing simple graces and daily little pleasures that are all around for us to see and savor. This year's word is "See."

It reminds me of a quote by one of my favorite poets.

"For how many years did I wander slowly through the forest. What wonder and glory I would have missed had I ever been in a hurry!"
  Mary Oliver (Leaves and Blossoms Along the Way)

Wishing us all a year of appreciating simple graces and ordinary miracles. 
#simplegrace