My Winter Studio

I am sitting before my sketchbook page that is filling up with wintering bird sketches, daydreaming about them gathering at the feeder. I am grateful that they have food to sustain them in the cold and minimal winter landscape.

The bright red cardinal waits patiently allowing the titmouse, chickadees and the cedar waxwing to take their turns at the feeder, before his arrival. The vivid colors of their feathers stand out against the stark colorless palette of the season. It is a winter ritual and one that brightens the chilly short days this time of year. It brings me joy. Sweet simple memories captured in the blink of an eye and ones that I cherish.

Winter is here and with it comes the opportunity to rest and reflect. Unlike most of my life which was dictated by a fast pace and hectic schedule until recently,  I am making a conscious choice to slow down and savor these moments. I choose to breathe and reflect quietly. I truly want to practice living in the present moment for a while. 

I have to say that I feel differently about embracing slow living and cherishing the small things and simple moments in my life, than I used to. I know I’ve always loved the words but had no idea how to live them. 

I can’t pinpoint the exact time that this shift in my thinking took place. I just began seeing a softer side to things. 

I began to embrace the value of thoughtful reflection, in taking the time to rest.

I want to take some time to reflect in gratitude, for the things I value and plan the art I will create this year. 

I want to spend time doing things I love to do quietly.

1. Finish a few books I started and didn’t make the time for

2. Bake banana bread with my husband Grant.

3. Paint florals again and read seed catalogues to inspire spring

4. Take photos of winter coastal storms

5. Search for vintage treasures.

I WANT TO SIMPLIFY.

And do you know what, I think I know what i’ll do with that blank sketchbook page that was staring back at me while I daydreamed? Why not create a whole winter scene filled with colourful birds? It’s my daydream so why not?

Maybe daydreaming is a form of inspiration.