Saturday, January 02, 2010

Joy


Joy is my second word for 2010. I've allowed Joy to take a hiatus since Oct. 17th, the day of the stroke that struck my guy. My grandsons, Jack and Matthew, brought joy back into my life a little at a time until it started bubbling up again. I'm more determined to en-joy something every day. Jack and Matthew have that marvelous gift that children have of enjoying moments of "pretend play" that adults have lost over the years of dealing with life. Watching them play for three days while they were here for Christmas was a gift.

I'm reminded of the phrase, "Fake it until it becomes reality," or something like that.  Rather than faking joy all it takes is one small thing each day to make a difference, mentally, on how a day will take shape. This morning it was sitting on the patio with a mug of cafe mocha, two newspapers, and being warmed by the sun; it's about 75 degrees here in the desert today. This afternoon it was once again retreating to the backyard, this time in the shade of a Bottle tree, with my lunch of Quesadillas at my side and Sue Grafton's latest novel in my hands. Yummy!

Components: 5x7 inch wrap canvas textured with gesso. Coffee stained before writing Joy with black acrylic paint. I'm not sure this piece is done, but I don't feel compelled to add color, yet.

Quote by Sally Huss again. At the end of the day it is friends who make the day. Thank you my friends, especially Christina for the word "Joy."

5 comments:

queenopearls said...

I adore the golden color and the texture. Of course I love the roses. :) @>~>~ (<-a computerized rose)

Joy... oh great, now I have that song going through my head... sing it with me won't you?

"Joy to the world, all the boys and girls now. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, Joy to you and me."

Sometimes it takes courage to be joyful. Sometimes it feels joyful to see what courage can bring.

"We are family ..."

Anonymous said...

What I like about the neutral color is the reminder that joy doesn't need flash or splash- it is it's own thing- in and of itself- it is done. I'll take your lead and try to find joy in every day- the small moments. Joy to the world indeed! I haven't thought of that song in ages. Leave it to Christina!! And it gives me joy Gail to hear you have found some- perhaps that is a Christmas miracle.

ART*ticulation said...

Mmmmmmmmmmm JOY now that is the Gail I have known...I remember calling you and pure laughter began on you side of the phone that was contagious!!! With the art your doing and communicating from your soul, I know your year is going to be all you want it to be and more.
There is yoga in Hawaii called laughing yoga and they get together and laugh, it can be fake laughter and it still makes you happy. They have proven that fake laughter counts as real laughter so be joyous!!

Caterina Giglio said...

so sorry... I was missing that thread in your tapestry.
I am glad that joy is calling you back, we have those trials and the only way we know we win is when we come back to joy. Congratulations. your piece is not only fab, it is a touch stone. when my brother died last may, I created a painting and now when I look at it, I see that it took much of my sorrow from my heart. art heals. xo cat

Val Foster said...

This is a great piece Gail. I love the colors you used, and that it's simple. As in joy is not complicated. Although sometimes in our lives it can be hard to experience. I can definitely relate to that. I'm so happy joy is making an appearance again for you. That's light at the end of the tunnel, something to reach for.
May you have a joyful and blessed New Year -- you certainly deserve one.