UP IN THE CLOUDS

by Sharon Furner on 4/7/2010 9:28:17 PM1 Comment

When we were in New York what quickly caught my attention were the hundreds of people walking; to and fro, over and under, path or highway, park or business, jay-walking or patiently waiting for lights, but always walking, walking, walking. The �Walkers� for the most part had several things in common: one, they had earphones filling their heads with hypnotic sounds; two, the �Walkers� looked down to the cracks in the cement or just slightly ahead; and three, were usually alone-solo-aloof-self absorbed-single-solitary.

Walking is a positive form of exercise, inviting a new perspective on one�s surroundings, filling senses with sight, sound and smell. But for the most part the �Walkers� looked down absorbed in their ipods and world of schedules and expectations.

But to change one�s direction and LOOK UP there is an entire new world hovering above one�s head; surreal skyscrapers, gigantic cranes with cavernous mouths, deep green trees, stately cathedrals showcasing intricate carving, flags waving and flapping in delicious colors, carvings on fountains and statues, clocks that chime, signs clashing and competing for attention, LED screens on Time�s Square.

UP PUTS ONE IN ANOTHER WORLD.

But there is still another UP. The UP beyond the skyline of New York or any other city. And it is even more amazing, more imaginative, more breathtaking than any fancy human made structure.

This is the MAGICAL WORLD of our SKY, that outer world that poets and dreamers write stories and songs about. Remember Dorothy lamenting, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

The Sky is a mystical, nowhere land were rainbows dance, a land that we dream of, a place where we contemplate the mysteries of life.

In one month, our family has lost three cherished FRIENDS. Three months ago my mother passed away. Are they in the land that they dreamed of, have they discovered the mystery of life? I do believe that the SKY with its amazing CLOUDS hold part of the answer.

In honor of our beloved friends and mother, grandmother I share with you some favorite photographs of the sky and its dream-inducing clouds.

May they take you over the RAINBOW TO YOUR OWN DREAMS.

May your Sunsets be as beautiful as your Sunrises.

"It is not enough to stay busy. So, too, are the ants

The question is what you are busy about."
Henry David Thoreau

It is the middle of March. March. An appropriate name for how life seems to March by.
Where did January and February go?

Did I live like a dizzy ant scurrying in circles?
Time has certainly Marched by.

What I seek is balance. Balance that allows me to live in a state of soulful grace. It is not easy. Clearly it is up to me and me alone to clear the clutter from my path.
And yet I reflect. What would I remove?

January was spent absorbing, learning; spiritually growing as we traveled through Cambodia, India and Singapore. I realized that I loved the MOST who had the LEAST.

The beautiful people who live in the floating villages of the Tonle Sap River.

Their entire lives are spent on the river and lake. There you find a floating market, church and school. The children float in their twirling dented tin pans, like silver minnows dancing about.

The women, weathered-chafing hands extended, hoping for an American dollar. One lucky dollar will buy rice for dinner.

This is a nation recovering from a devastating genocide. The marks are still there, daily reminders of the destructive power of evil.
But the people are resilient. Happy. Productive.

An orphanage outside of Siem Reap. There are one too many orphanages.
The children are shy at first, eventually huge smiles warm up when they share their art.
Art is an universal language. It breaks down barriers and opens doors.

Indian school girls dressed in cornflower blue uniforms, taking a break from their studies. They share the open meadows with lazy, caramel colored cows and lemon drop hued flowers.

Bring your camera out, they become fascinated and eager to have their photos taken. Of course they giggle and are delighted to see their photo on your camera screen.

Then there are more GIGGLES and SILLIES.

As I sit here writing, I wonder what this beautiful girl is doing today. Is she happy? Did she learn something new? Did she play games with her school mates? How is her English doing? She is one of the fortunate children receiving an education.

Exploring Singapore with our Four Little Muggers....few stones were left unturned....few ice cream parlors missed....hours of play, parks and painting.

By February we returned to the states. Our daughter and husband, immediately left to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary....in Singapore. Grandma Cathy and Grammy Shar Shar spent several weeks "mothering and loving" the Funny Bunnies.

And time kept Marching on.

Our son who lives in Utah, came for a five day visit, which led to our driving to the eastern side of North Carolina to visit our daughter and husband.

When families are together who are normally states apart, the time visiting is precious and does MARCH by quickly.

Life is more than travel. It has its peaks and valleys. And so I search for balance. How will time play out through the coming spring months.

I have missed not having time to paint. To get back to yoga. To read.
Balance.

Two paintings are now started. Pages are done in my Art Journal.
I can feel that some balance, some equilibrium is pulling me in, like the tightrope walker who reaches the end of the rope and with relief steps onto the platform.

I will always be the busy ant, but hopefully not running in circles.

1 Response to UP IN THE CLOUDS

	Barbara Gilbert via sharonfurner.com	22 months ago
	Hi Sharon, Just got finished reading your blog and seeing your wonderful pictures. The one landscape picture reminds me of where we just were on the cape. Such a pretty place. I love the way the houses are all painted nice colors and the shudders are all different colors. Mack has decided we are going to paint our shudders and front door and pretty yellow. I am excited. We went to Provinctown and it was fun waling in to all the galleries. We asked about George Sovek, however all his works were in the basement of the PAA? library and they said they would fetch them if we gave them a day or two. We also went into a book store and found a CD with Mary Oliver most recent poems. She read them herself. I will make a copy of it for you and send as soon as I can. They said she still lives there however when her partner died she gave up her gallery. Still seems to be writing. We had a good time on the cape, in Boston and visiting with Wendy. The weather was never really good, always cool and when the wind blew it was cold. Visited with Wendy's friends that were going to run in the marathon the next day so that was interesting to hear their stories. Hope all is well with you. You keep so busy with all your painting and traveling. Have a great day. Love you, Barbara

You Should Leave a Comment: