Waiting

There is a lot of waiting in life. At one time or another, we have all had to wait. Particularly this time of year. We wait in line at the store, the bank, the post office or the doctor's office. We are waiting for the holiday to begin, so we can take a break from our work. The children are waiting until they can open gifts under the tree. The adults are waiting until the new year to begin their diets, the fair weather folks (like me) are waiting for warmer weather. There is so much waiting! I remind myself to be in the present moment, and not jump ahead to some awaited event or moment. But of course, that is difficult sometimes! Isn't it?

The definition of waiting is: "The act of remaining inactive or stationary." Ah, that's the part that drives me crazy - remaining inactive or stationary. So, perhaps the solution to all the waiting is to find things to do: action to take while waiting. Thank goodness for the smart phone, that magical modern device that allows us to while away those moments of waiting in line by playing "Angry Birds", or checking in with Facebook, or whatever else you might use your smart phone for. I have to wonder if that is really the best use of my time. Even if I am waiting, can I spend the time waiting in line doing something else? Maybe I can smile at the person in line in front of me. (or behind me.) Have you ever tried smiling at a complete stranger while standing in line? I think 9 times out of 10 you get a smile in return, even if it's only halfhearted. I have also been known to strike up a conversation with strangers while standing in line. Anything is better than standing in the line, feeling resentful that we have to wait. Because EVERYONE has to wait. 

I am still working on cultivating patience. 

In other, studio related news, there is a lovely little blue building in Old Town Yucca Valley called Eclectica that now carries some of my small desert animal prints. These reproductions had their debut during the Art Tours in October, and were well received. What I have done is a little new - I am printing on canvas and mounting the prints to a cradled birch panel. They don't require a frame or a mat, and they are ready to hang on the wall or perch on your bookshelf. The best part is that they are all priced under $100! If you are looking for that last minute gift, and think you might want to buy one of these new prints, stop by and see them for yourself. Eclectica Home Goods 55818 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, CA. 760-820-1119. Susan King is the owner, and you will love her!

Just in case I don't get a chance to post again before the holiday, I want to wish each one of you a very Merry Christmas!!! I am grateful you are out there, reading my posts and sending me comments and emails. May your holiday be a fabulous one!