At work, there is a breathtaking view outside the window (16th floor, top) of the city, the Bay Area, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate. And while it is a wonder and a lovely thing, at the same time, every time I walk by and fathom the expanse of beautiful land, water, grass, trees, and mountains of the Bay Area and beyond, I feel pangs of regret at the choices that have landed me here, sitting inside at a computer rather than out there exploring, experiencing, and digging my hands into that world. The Marin Headlands call to me especially - that point where the lighthouse is poised at what seems like the edge of the Earth. So after months of pining, husband and I made an excursion.
I felt a sense of rejuvenation after a chance to really take in the natural world, sit for an extended moment of pause in wonder and awe. I believe this is my new medicine, and something that is absolutely necessary if I'm not going to lose my mind. I could've stayed out there for hours in the cold, and will again.
I love that it is a different flavor, every one of these excursions I make, and each very different personality who accompanies me.
I want to learn to see the world in terms of light and shade, in terms of pigment and textures of paint.
Marina, I absolutely love this. I have the same sort of spiritual rejuvenation that I think you are hinting at when I go out and paint in the cold. My special place is Walden Pond. I have tentative plans to come visit your coast this summer so if I do we will definitely have to go exploring!
ReplyDeleteKatie - your photos from your outing to Walden Pond that you posted a while back were my inspiration to start doing this. You know what we're doing when you get here.
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