Autumn Expressed
November 13, 2018
It was cold and raining when I crossed the parking lot to the studio for my painting class at Brookhaven Community College on Saturday, November 3rd. It was one of those days that I was not in an artistic inspired mood.
The empty canvas was on the easel and the colors of fall on my palette. I began to create with the bittersweet memories of November running through my mind.
My Mother’s birthday is November 14th, and mine is November 22nd; although she has been in heaven for thirty-one years, this time of the year always brings back the memories of when she would come to celebrate our birthdays and Thanksgiving.
Often she would stay and we would decorate the Christmas tree with Shannon and go Christmas shopping. She was one of my best friends and I miss her. I have no regrets as I spent a lot of time with her in person as well as on the phone, and writing her letters.
NO INTERNET…..Regular dial up phone……Stationery, pen, paper……..Stamps and the good ole USPS…..
I treasure the letters that I saved and sometimes I re-read them…..yet they most always lead to tears…..Joyful tears……
Listening to Ed Sherran’s Autumn Leaves, painting with tears filling my eyes.
The canvas revealed the above painting as I remembered those November days long gone like the falling leaves of Fall with all their glorious, brilliant colors imprinted on this canvas as the memories imprinted on my soul of the joy that I shared with my Mother on so many Novembers years ago…….
No Repeats…….Just Memories……Grateful for Them
As Thanksgiving 2018 draws near I hope you are making memories with those that you love (family and friends and perhaps even strangers) for our days cannot be repeated……Open your hearts with a deep gratitude that goes beyond the word, thanks.
We all have lost and just as the seasons change….so can we…. for losing never leaves us the same….Enjoy the colors of the falling leaves for they will not last for long…..Autumn is here; however winter is coming…….
I just wonder what you would say Mom, about me becoming an artist at the autumn of my life…I can see her smile and hear her voice as it is painted in the treasured place of my heart…..
Dedicated to you Mom……Missing you on this cold November day…..
Gratefully,
Martha
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!?
I still have some of my mom’s letters and her last address book I salvaged after she passed away. Seeing her handwriting, I can almost hear her voice. This was her favorite time of year starting with the Trick or Treaters and ending with Guy Lombardi on NY’s Eve. To those who still have your moms, treasure each moment.
One of your best. Your emotion transferred to canvas.
Carolyn
So beautiful, Martha. And what wonderful memories you shared. I still have my mother at 94, but she has difficulty talking and often seems a little confused. Mostly we just sit together holding hands and somehow that is enough. Your painting is so expressive and the colors depict fall so beautifully. Thank you for sharing.