Llano Quemado, New Mexico
“Forward and backward I have gone and for me it has been an immense journey…..Perhaps there is no meaning in it at all, the thought went on inside of me,save that of the journey itself, so far as men can see. It has altered with the chances of life, and the chances brought us here; but it was a good journey – long, perhaps – but a good journey under a pleasant sun. Do not look for the purpose.”
Loren Eiseley, Naturalist – The Immense Journey
4 November 2024 – Heavy snow clouds on the mountain this morning. Snow on the foothills across the field from my window. Predictions for two days of snow.. What a blessing. The Almanac forecasts a La Nina winter, which usually means a very dry season; this early storm is a very welcome surprise!
Learned to love the quiet isolation of a winter storm when I lived on the horse ranch in Truchas. A panic attack at first – no noise, no goings or comings – just me, myself and I – plus piles of canvas, fat tubes of paint and many brushes large and small.
6 November 2024 – Yes, shocked and saddened by the results of the election. What now? How can we prepare for Project 2025 and all the changes and chaos to come? Darkness – retribution! Real life is full of both good and bad surprises – some heavy-duty shocks! What to do? Where to turn? How to cope? I looked around my studio and NOTHING HAD CHANGED! A blessed numbness set in and I realized that the only changes I could make were in my own mind, my own way of dealing with darkness – just get through it one day at a time. Focus on ordinary things that bring peace and joy, create something, practice kindness – don’t let them win. Deciding to move forward – I don’t have a map to lead me out of this wilderness – need to make a list to find my way….
Walk into the Storm eyes wide open! When in doubt, stock up the pantry! Wednesday is grocery day – up early to make my list. Daughter is stranded in New York and upset about election news. Unable to return due to 3-day heavy snows predicted – over 12 inches. Sent grocery list to my helper – blizzard began while he was at store. Felt lucky to be stocked up. Was once stranded on the horse ranch over two weeks – it was the holiday season, schools were closed and the plows didn’t come through until after the New Year. Had a little Sears freezer stocked with homemade soups and essentials. The wood pile was low. Breathed a big sigh of relief to see that big snow plow huffin’ and puffin’ down that narrow dirt road!!!
Remembering the catastrophic Chicago snowstorm of 1966. 46″ snowdrifts in the front yard. My twins were 3 weeks old, my son 18 months. Their dad was supposed to bring groceries. No food in the house, no formula for the babies. Beyond fear. A total stranger showed up at my door asked me what I needed. He walked about a mile with with a sled loaded with two cases of Similac. That man was my very shy next door neighbor – my hero. In these times I am reminded of Miracles – and I still Believe that we will get through this time!
Organize my thoughts. clear my mind! Stop watching the news. Don’t read the headlines. Making piles of all my favorite books – each one helped me through my dark days. Maxine Hong Kingston The Fifth Book of Peace, Thomas Merton, Behaving as if the God in All Life Mattered! Words that calm and uplift my spirits!Focus on Today. Make some art! Order my paints to get me through the winter. About 12 canvases already have images assigned to them in my mind – even the frames are ordered. Will just keep on keeping on. When in doubt, get very quiet – hunker down. Don’t give in to fear!!! Amidst the chaos, put up a “do not disturb” sign, create your own little corner of peace. CELEBRATE THE ORDINARY!!!
Create Sanctuary!
