10.18.2008









I have been quiet lately, here and in my daily life. Not sure what to do about it but to accept and wait for the tide to turn. I have gone for days only painting in my journals, or making tiny threaded knots on pillows, but unable to write any words. I am moving through life, making lesson plans and baking bread, meeting deadlines (but just barely) and yet I am doing it all with minimal sound. Once I take off my "mommy" or "teacher" hat I become a silent observer, mostly content, but sometimes unsure and unsteady. I have been in this place of stillness before and know that it passes. Perhaps you have been here before and understand.
Tomorrow I will take a walk. (I have been inspired by Misty's video.) Or do a yoga session. Movement would be a good thing, I imagine.

Just finished reading---The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (really liked) and The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque by Jeffrey Ford(LOVED)
Tonight I will dive into---Life is a Verb by Patti Digh

Blessings to each.

35 comments:

Valaine said...

Yes, I have been very quiet... and I am trying to be patient with it :) I decided to move as well, yesterday I took my camera out with me, something I hadn't done in almost a month! It felt good to act and be consumed with the search to discovering the beauty around me again. I missed that. I haven't been keeping up with my journal either. I should get back to that too. You inspire me with your beautiful art and words. I'm glad you found some to write today.
Blessings to you and your sweet family!
Valaine

Rella said...

It's affirming to see that there is a stirring of your spirit to become quiet and still. As I begin new chapters of my journey, I often wonder if others 'out there' are experiencing the same movement within. A quiet changing. Your post tells me "yes". Patti Digh's book will alter your thinking and your life once again DO write me of your thoughts. Love to you xo Rella

Pilar said...

This is a time for silence. We go within to prepare the hearth for the darker months. Sometimes we need the stillness so we can go forth and bring light. xoxoxoxo

Sharon Tomlinson said...

I have been where you are too. Just breathe and embrase it. It is a nice place to be.
In the meantime, I do wish I had time to read as you do. Your journal entries are beautiful. I can seldom put words in my visual jorunals.

Susan said...

Hey Tricia, Just popping in to say Hi and thanks for your sweet comments. I know you wouldn't believe it from being at meetings with me, but often, I am the quiet one at our house. I'm ok with that. I sometimes enjoy the solitude that comes with the quiet. I am teaching myself to knit and that either leads to silence or low muttering. I especially like this shot of the frosted pieces with the wording on them. Great pictures all. Take care and hugs. Susan

Anonymous said...

Those tiny knots are gorgeous. I hope you don't move through the quiet too quickly, because it is from that place that goodness comes. And I hope you will love Life is a Verb.

Jo Wholohan said...

ohhh tricia so beautiful!!! you have inspired me to play with watercolour since your stunning tree swap peice arrived :)) lovely as always... just be in the moment xx Jo

Relyn Lawson said...

So glad to hear from you again. I've missed you, but I do understand quiet seasons. I am wondering how Able is doing in this quiet time of yours? I am also reading Life Is a Verb and loving it so far.

I loved your comment on my blog about family read aloud. Hugo is one of our favorite books - EVER. In fact, I am in the middle of a post about it.

Do you know Good Reads? I really enjoy it. We seem to be such reading kindred spirits. I thought you might be interested in it.

Take care. Enjoy the stillness.

Valaine said...

Hi Tricia ,
If you have the time I have tagged you over at my blog :)
Valaine

Unknown said...

I find this time of year keeps me quiet. But I just keep on going and I too know it will come to an end of some sort.

beth said...

being quiet and just observing....we could all learn a lesson about life if we did this more often....

Ruth Rae said...

your pile word pile on beach glass is sublime!

Quite time within is sometimes very necessary... I find when I am lost in the quite part of my mind is when some of the best ideas come out of me!

your blog and your art is stunning!

Ruth Rae said...

your pile word pile on beach glass is sublime!

Quite time within is sometimes very necessary... I find when I am lost in the quite part of my mind is when some of the best ideas come out of me!

your blog and your art is stunning!

Susan Tuttle said...

Hello my friend. Beautiful faces -- and the rocks in your hand -- I love them!

The idea of minimal sound and quiet is very appealing to me -- my days are filled with a lot of sound and very little quiet. I enjoy a balance between the two. Thinking of you.

Susan
xo

Anonymous said...

Stunning!!

K said...

Your blog moves me. Happy Tuesday to you.

Deirdra Doan said...

Hi I found you through Sharon. Your painting let go of your sorrows is wonderful....I am a little pioneer of the Homeshcool movement...I like to think...was taken to court for child custody for homeschooling....had Raymond Moore as expert witness...paved the way in the courts....
Come see and walk in my Fall dreams...Misty is my friend to..

Anonymous said...

Tricia - this is BEauty and peace,
reveling in yours...

xox - eb.

Anonymous said...

Silence..
What a wonderful thing.
There was a time I would go there often...but it has been a long time.
Thank you for such a lovely reminder...
In the silence is where you hear the still, small voice....

e.beck.artist said...

quiet times and places make the loud ones noteworthy, different, exuberant, joyful ... if every day was the same, where's the interestingness in that ....
you are picking the most fabulous quiet book to read ... but sometimes it is loud ....

Anonymous said...

Hey girl...

It has been quiet for me too...
Maybe there is something going on.

I am thinking of you... as I always do.

Brandie

Anonymous said...

Stumbled upon you blog, nice things you have going on here! Pretty collaged paintings:)

Unknown said...

I discovered your blog last night in Artful Blogging and had to come visit your site. I'm really struck by your way with words and do hope to hear more from you.

Relyn Lawson said...

I have been wanting to stop by and congratulate you on being published in Artful Blogger. I was so very excited when I picked up the latest issue and found you. Yippie!! I'm so pleased for you!!

Susan said...

Just stopping in again, to wish you Merry Christmas. Take care. Susan

Barb Smith said...

I love your blog and hope that the tide turns soon...I would love to read more of your beautiful words along with your gorgeous art.
Happy Holidays!
Peace & Love,
~Barb~

wildflowr said...

You are reading Life is a verb!- I just finished it on New Year's eve... I received it in the mail exactly 37 days before the New Year so I thought... hmmm... must be a sign! I read an entry a day. It was a very refreshing way to end (or I guess) begin a new year. The artwork throughout is really touching because you know it came from readers' reactions. What a neat project that must have been- to see how so many people responded to the things you said in a visual way- pretty cool.
I hope you enjoy it!

Jamie said...

"Life is a verb" is so wonderfully wonderful! I can't say enough about Patti Digh's book. Enjoy the journey. I look at your art piece "Winter" everyday in my studio sweetie. It was so nice seeing you on the cover of Sommerset. Congratulations:) Love, Jamie

Anonymous said...

Hi Tricia...i can understand and encourage the quiet time. I pray you are doing well. May 2009 bring you peace and comfort. sue

Heather said...

So happy to have found your little corner here! Such beautiful things...I have been feeling much the same as you these last few days. Perhaps its the weather, Im not sure. I loved The Lace Reader, havent read such a beautiful book in a long time. I will be back to visit you!~
Heather

Lisa said...

Hi Tricia! I received an email this morning from Violette Clark. She saw you in Somerset and noticed that you live in Roanoke! I can't believe I share this beautiful city with you but am just now finding your blog. It's definitely the treat of my day! I often pick up Venue but I missed the one with your feature. I'll have to look around and see if there are still copies available. I'm just around the corner from the Co-op. I think they have them. It's nice to meet you!

Jen Crossley said...

Hi Tricia,
Just thinking of you and thought I would drop by .Hope all is well with you
Jen

2 Junkie Girls said...

Hi Tricia!!!
I just had to pop over and give you a big hug and hearty congrats for your article in the newest SS. I LOVE your drawings and wish you'd teach an online class (hint hint)!

xoxos

Le lapin jaune said...

tus dibujos son increibles :)
lindo blog
paz♥

Hena Tayeb said...

your paintings are lovely