I had errands to run today, several things I should have accomplished, but the weather was clear and sunny, a lovely fall day. ...So, what did I do? I drove to Ridenour Park and painted a tree that always often catches my eye when I walk around the lake. I don't regret postponing tasks. Errands are always with us and can be accomplished on rainy days. Sunlit trees, however, on lovely fall afternoons do not wait. The tree arches out over the water, and in the afternoon light, the foliage has golden flecks of light that, combined with all the background fall color, is a visual feast. One of the obstacles to over come in plein air painting is the abundance of information. The sheer amount of details is so overwhelming that the artist is tempted to include too much, resulting in a study that lacks focus. Probably, I fell to that temptation, but I did enjoy myself. I recently have attempted to practice gratitude in a more focused way by recalling one specific thing about each day for which I am grateful. I am convinced that gratitude is paramount to happiness and contentment. Today's gratitude recipient was the time I spent trying to capture the likeness of that tree in the warm sun. Yes...errands can wait.
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