Week 81

No one really wants to just pull over when they’re heading somewhere at 70 mph. 

At the same time, there are these magic moments. The first time it happened was right as I crested a hill; a pure white stallion turned from the fence shaking his incredible mane and turning his majestic frame defiantly so that the definition of each muscle was clearly visible. The sky was deep and moody and the green background made the composition perfect. But I passed it by. I deliberated over the lost opportunity, should I turn back and try to get the image? Would the horse give me the same look if he was still there? Would my 3 year old mutiny as I deviated from our destination?

The next time, it was a breathtaking inlet of bluebonnets, glowing with indigo in a mysterious low lying fog. Again, should I stop? I should stop. But my foot stayed steady at 70. As you would imagine, we are always scouting out perfect image /composition opportunities for the next painting. Why was it so hard to stop myself from barreling to my destination in order to enjoy the way?

Finally, I resolved to stop the next chance I had. Just outside of Fredericksburg there is a farm for wildflowers. The owners were actually our neighbors when I was growing up. I saw the massive red fields from far off. I knew this was my moment to stop, enjoy and capture the journey, even if it took me almost the whole way to change my habit. I took frame after frame of the gorgeous blooms. The poppies waved unabashed to the moody sky, looking up and daring the sun to come back out and play on their bright, water jeweled petals. They seem to say we will be what we will be, no matter our surroundings. We will be radiant and royal and proud. 

As I pull back onto the highway, I hope I stop more to listen to the beauty and strength of nature. Especially when it “interrupts” my journey.  

 Poppy Paths

28x22 l Oil on Hardboard Panel