Two Tents

I was listening to someone talk about contentment. There are two kinds of tents, they say, contentment and discontent. Discontent is not necessarily bad. There are some things we should be discontent with such as injustice or racial prejudice for example. So this got me thinking. What is contentment for me? I truly do not believe it is about things. Although I am as guilty as anyone that has way more art supplies than I need. For me it is being out in nature, being with family and friends and creating my art. 

What makes you content?

Beaches, Storms and a Dash of George Costanza

  The stay at the beach was good for the soul as I had time to sit and marvel at the magnificence of a God that created such beauty. So often, and true this trip, the weather is gorgeous on the day I have to leave. I pondered that a moment and I think it is so we have good memories and will look forward to our return with hopeful hearts.

 One of the things that amazes me at the coast is how peaceful it is and then how quickly violent the ocean and sky can become...and then once again...beautiful.  There was one afternoon when "the sea was angry that day my friend, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli".

 I have never liked thunder and lightning too much and one big bang was a little too close for comfort. Soon sirens were heard approaching and we discovered that the house two doors down had been hit by lightning. Fortunately no one was hurt and the skies cleared by the next morning.

Here's a few more of those memories I want to share with you. Bathing suits not required.

There were many little found treasures I picked up while on the beach which I'm sure will inspire my art work.  In fact I see my bench is calling me....

A Walk and Yard Art

Since I have not been teaching school this summer I have tried to begin a habit of walking everyday. I could walk at the gym; and do if it's too hot or raining. However that is boring and I don't feel I'm getting anywhere. I am certainly not seeing my neighborhood up close and personal. Today I decided to do just that. I went armed with my camera with the plan being to take time to really look. Really see all the things I pass by each day. Before we go any further I have to confess. I have a thing for yard art. Not the ticky tacky plastic junk. I live in an older, more gentrified neighborhood but I learned today that many of my neighbors must have a sense of  whimsy.

 Isn't this just the cutest house? Not technically yard art, but if you look just above the porch there is a lizard.

I remember the rock group Iron Butterfly, but I don't think this one is singing "In a Gadda da Vida". Much more attractive anyway.

I love this little birdhouse with it's own flower pot of lantana.

And a porch hare

We don't often see many deer in these parts.

My favorite. Doesn't he look so noble, so protective?

Yes, I know, my furry friend is not really yard art....he just wanted his picture taken.

All this yard art is really about just being in the moment and being observant. I've walked by these things many times and have never seen them.  I think I'll take myself and my camera for a walk again this week. How do you keep yourself in the moment?