Take a Moment
I have a paper cup that tells me it’s ’time To take 5’. It came from a pop up cafe and I remember looking at it and deciding that I would take time to sit and sketch.
The unexpected break lifted my spirits as I sat in the sunshine, appreciating both my tea and the view.
We need these little reminders to help us press pause on our busy lives and enjoy some opportune moments.
A friend and I prayer walk round our village. Every now and again we are rewarded by a moment that stops us in our tracks.
On one occasion, a seal came right up to the harbour wall where we stood. He seemed to be upright, treading water as if he wanted a conversation.
It was one of those moments of awe where nothing needs to be said.
‘Take a Moment’, became the inspiration for one of the pages in my art journal. It began with some beautiful pink tissue paper full of rambling flowers.
Tissue is easy to cut and tear and seems to melt into the page when glued down. Having no end result in mind, I could enjoy the process and let the scene emerge.
I sketched a tentative figure in the background, thinking that this ‘Paradise Garden’, needed a heroine. Her appearance intrigued me and prompted me to wonder who she might be?
The dynamics of this scene had changed and I now had a story to weave.
The page progressed over a period of time with collaged flowers and a winding path but I felt it needed something else. Thinking about the way the little birds in our garden captivate my attention, the idea came to give the young lady something to focus on.
As I looked through my collection of old birthday cards, I came across a hummingbird and decided it was the perfect choice!
Are you taking time?
Time to be quiet, to be still?
Time to write a poem, a song or a prayer?
Time to make a sketch or play with puddles of ink?
Time for a walk in the garden to see what might catch your attention?
Let’s remember to press pause on all the busyness and noise and like the lady in my journal…….
‘Take a Moment’.