Silencing the Noise

As I sit quietly this morning and watch the falling snow, it feels soothing and soft. There are no hard edges, and the dark winter landscape is alight with a wash of clean white canvas. Under it lies all the color and texture. There are seeds waiting to germinate and dead matter that will go through unpleasant phases before it feeds the flowers and life, but for now, it’s hidden under a blanket of quiet snow.

Snow has such a magical power over us. It stops us in our busyness, forcing us to slow down. There is so much information coming at me these days. It’s not just that much of it is unnerving...it’s just the sheer quantity of information that needs to be digested. Each new piece needs attention...needs to be researched for truth, and that just brings on new information. It’s no wonder humanity is more afflicted with mental health issues than ever before. When do we turn it off and let our minds rest like the falling snow? The earth takes that time to slow down in such a beautiful and graceful way.

I bow to you, winter. You are telling me to stop and listen. Stop and look. To take the time to think about all the noise...to remember that most of it is just that...noise.

There are words here, hidden in the trees....as though they are absorbing them for me. (look closely) Most of my paintings tell two stories..."up close" and "afar". This painting and 20 others will be on display at the Lawrence Gallery in Westminster Canterbury in Winchester from March-April. More info to come in my newsletter.