Beth, this is such a beautiful meditation on presence. I love how you frame creativity not as a pursuit of achievement but as a way of returning to the moment when life feels uncertain or heavy. Your reminder that simply being alive—and fully present in that life—is enough feels deeply grounding as I read this today x
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this phenomenon in our social media driven wealth-for-show culture. I only had a bucket list of races when I was running a lot. Now I no longer race and I am happy with what I did. I have a few travel dreams I hope to fulfill but the big one is to visit Ukraine and that will depend on world events… therefore I really don’t have a bucket list. Painting is also what keeps me stable. This moment in history is making me realize that nothing really matters except the present. I do hope we will somehow clean up and regroup after this horrible nightmare, though…
Painting is so wonderful, isn't it? Art is a cure for what ails us. At the same time, world events often get in the way of our enjoyment. The world is a dismal place right now, and, like you, I hope that this nightmare ends soon and that our country will recover, but to be honest, I have my doubts.
I guess that's why I'm so focused on the present -- because thinking about the future is scary, and thinking about the past can be depressing.
As you probably remember, I have no bucket list either. I've never had a desire to have one, and I doubt I ever will. I understand why they're meaningful and motivating for some. Just not for me. I even wrote a chapter about bucket lists in EMERGING!
I admire the way you live in the moment and how you feel by doing so you are living your dream, your best life. I feel the same. I'm happy without doing anything grand or visiting a multitude of places. I'm content, and what could be better than that? This is not to say I don't have goals or things I want to do, but a bucket list, count me out.
I love how art is such a huge part of your life. What a gift indeed. I completely get how you enjoy the process and value it more than the final result. The second draft of the AZ mountainscape is lovely. I like the addition of "cloud semblance" and look forward to the next revision. I'm still enjoying the beautiful AZ skies and mountains.
Thank you so much for the mention. I admire and follow most on your list, too. Keep writing and keep painting, my friend. The world is better for it. xo
I definitely remember how you feel about bucket lists. And, as you can tell, I totally am on the same page with you.
It's not always easy to live in the moment, especially given the tumultuous goings on in the world, but I'm trying to keep blinders on when I'm creating art; it helps me to focus on the act of creation.
Yes, the process is so very important to me, and this can be applied to any meaningful activity.
Thank you for your feedback on my Arizonascape. I'm trying to thicken the clouds and, now that I think about it, rework the mountain just a bit. Of course, foliage needs to be added.
I'm so glad you are enjoying your time in Arizona.❤
Beth, it's so lovely to read how much we are in alignment with how we see "making art" and it's always such a breath of fresh air to read your beautiful affirmations on this topic! I feel re-energized and ready to "create" when I see that not only are we taking part in self care we are completely engaged with "the ever-sacred present" as you proclaim. This particular portion of your essay feels engraved within me: "Engaging with art is such a wonderful gift, where worry doesn’t exist and the past and future fall away. It doesn’t matter to me how “good” a painting turns out or how “well-known” I become. Living in the present through art gives me a rush of joy. If you have been reading my Substack for awhile, you know I value the process of creating art over the final result." Thank you so much for kindly including me on your list--you continue to inspire me with your vision!
Thank you so much for your generous comment. I believe that making art is integral to self-care and so valuable to partake in regularly. I am glad to include you on the list; you inspire me, as well.
It is so challenging nowadays to maintain a sense of peace and of being in the present. However, the present is so important to embrace. Worries and regrets have no place in my creative utopia! Of course, utopias don't really exist, but I can pretend. LOL
I'm struck by the generosity in this post, the way you took time to name and honor the people who've affected you. That's its own kind of art, isn't it? Noticing who's shaped you and saying it out loud. It made me think about how we're all sort of painting each other into being through these exchanges, these little moments of recognition and resonance. You read someone's words and something shifts in you, and then you write something and it shifts in them, and none of it would show up on a bucket list but all of it matters more than most of the things that would.
You are spot on. I believe those in the Substack community learn from each other and are influenced by each other. This is one of Substack's greatest strengths.I totally agree with what you say here: "It made me think about how we're all sort of painting each other into being through these exchanges, these little moments of recognition and resonance." Very true, indeed.
As a life-long learner, I'm always amazed and grateful by learning through the Substack space.And I am grateful.
I love your goal: to live in the present. I think that’s the best ‘bucket’ list of all and maybe, the most difficult especially with all that’s going on right now. And letting into our life, the joys that are true to our hearts.
I think it’s brave and wonderful that you focus on your art because it brings you peace. I can see it in your painting. The beautiful blue sky with clouds. The warm brown tones in the mountain range feels like an anchor. I can’t wait to see how the caves evolve. They give me a sense of mystery and potential.
I look forward to reading your words and seeing your art in my inbox knowing it will help me see the “real, true world” where people and hearts and words and art connects. I’m so glad we ‘met’ here on Substack, my friend.
In these turbulent days and times, all we can do to feel lighter is to turn to our crafts, to let in the joy and peace we feel when we are creating. Thank you for your kind words on the painting; I am also curious to see how the caves evolve.
I think you are so courageous. Despite life's adversities, you continue to create, to triumph. Not an easy task.
I also look so forward to seeing your posts appear in my inbox, my friend, knowing I will enjoy reading what you have to say and, of course, seeing your art.
You make such good points Beth, ones that I can wholeheartedly resonate with. I love that you’re living the dream right now, doing the things you want to do, being creative. Creativity is such a healing tool and one that I use often to calm me and help me find my centre by combining the two things I love doing, making photographs and being in nature. I too don’t have a bucket list – I’m just happy to be alive and able to experience some of life’s small wonders…I think I might find a bucket list a bit stressful if I’m honest and who needs more stress in this mad world right now!
Your Arizonascape draft already has so much of the essence of what I’ve seen of Arizona in photographs – those big blue skies and earthy coloured mountains. It feels like a picture of positivity with those rich colours and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished version.
Finally I just wanted to thank you for including me in your list – I’m very happy to be part of your circle of kindred spirits, we all learn from each other here :-)
I agree that creativity is a wonderful tool that heals us. And what joy to be combining photography and nature!
Like you, I probably would find a bucket list too stressful. There's lots of pressure to accomplish, accomplish, and accomplish. And you are right: what a mad world right now, such terrible things happening. It is times like these where creating is more necessary than ever.
I also am glad to just be alive and take in life.
Thank you for your kind words about my Arizonascape. I love working on this piece.
I'm happy to include you on this list. I learn so much from you!
I am so happy you find so much joy and peace in creating art. And I love how you have painted the sky in your new painting. It has so much definition to it. Thanks so much for the shout-out. I so appreciate it. One last thing -- we don't need no stinking bucket list. Just live.
Living in the present--why is this so challenging! I applaud how you strive for that being-ness, Beth. When you describe your painting flow, you sound so contented. I so admire this.
Over the past week, I, too, have felt overwhelmed by the world and its discontentments. Even when I set myself to writing, I keep hearing the blastings of battle in my mind's ear, smelling smoke in faraway places, seeing streams of people pouring out their homes to wander--who knows where. I don't know what's worse--following the news, or giving in to my imagination.
Some days it feels hopeless. But today, outside my kitchen, the sun is shining. There are buds beginning to sprout on the forsythia. The birds trill their songs.
I cycle through the dread of winter and into spring's daring, despite us all.
Thank you for all you do--and your gracious nod.
And to those of us so engaged, like the forsythia in early spring, keep creating and sharing your beauty!
Living in the present is definitely challenging. When I am not painting or contemplating art, I oftentimes feel a sense of dread when I think of the world's fury. And I hear you about the horrid news and the imagination that can seem so much worse.
These are such devastating times. But, as you remind us, there's the forsythia carrying buds and the shining sun.
By focusing on the world's beauty, which includes visual art and writing, we are creating a sense of sanity in an otherwise insane world.
Forsythia and sunshine. Yes, Beth. I'm feeling I need to go back to creating my Daily Joy Notes. I had been doing that last summer but let the practice lapse. A focus on JOY resets the mind and helps us root stronger.
"And that’s when I realized that I’m living my dream. Nothing more can improve my life." If any one of us can say this, we are living a great life! Your essay brings me home to myself; grounds me in the gift of creativity; speaks to the prayer that art is. And wow, I get to wake up in the morning and live the writing life. May we all live our dream. May we all find the ever-sacred present that you've written about; may we all remember during difficult times that our salvation is in the making of the things.
The take away from your piece... and I will keep it close by is: keep giving yourself to the gift of your art. Keep underscoring the pathos, beauty and poignancy of life. You do that so well, Beth. I'm grateful to be in your orbit.
The Arizona landscape unfolds in heat, sand and piercing blue sky. My eyes are drawn to the blue sky and wispy clouds, an eternal promise lingering on the horizon.
We are both lucky to be living the creative life. It is something to be treasured and savored, and I'm so happy that we get to create. It's a wonderful feeling. As you say, "...may we all remember during difficult times that our salvation is in the making of things."
So true. And I am so grateful to be in your orbit, as well.
I'm glad you are enjoying my Arizonascape. It is so much fun to work on.
Years ago, I used to get stressed even during the creation of an art draft; I'd wonder constantly if it was good enough. That stress has since fallen away, and it's been replaced with non-stop joy. And my heart is happy.
Dear Beth, your reflections feel like such tender, hard won truths! I resonate deeply with all that you share. That after everything I’ve lived through too, simply being here, writing in this present moment, is already the dream. Thank you for finding the words and bringing me back to "Here."
I love that you’re living your best life not through striving or future lists, but through presence, colour and the steady creative courage of returning to your art table when the world outside feels too loud and heavy. I know a little of the peace you speak of and how clock time dissolves.
Your Arizona landscape draft carries that same grounded joy ... a kind of quiet breathing space on canvas. Following your art in these instalments is such a joy. And from one campfire‑girl heart to another, I’m delighted to be part of the glow you tend. Thank you for keeping the fire bright. 💖🙏🔥
Yes, I love the way you put it: I'm living my best life -- just by being present. I believe that enduring hardship can help us appreciate the life we are living now. And, yes, "here" is the best place we can find ourselves in amid the world's noise and unyielding sorrow.
I love when clock time disappears, to be replaced by the flow state.
I'm so glad you enjoy seeing how my paintings evolve in their various stages of revision. I find so much solace in and am so glad that you are part of my creative tribe.
Beth, this is such a beautiful meditation on presence. I love how you frame creativity not as a pursuit of achievement but as a way of returning to the moment when life feels uncertain or heavy. Your reminder that simply being alive—and fully present in that life—is enough feels deeply grounding as I read this today x
Thank you so much, Marie. I so appreciate your kind words.
Unfortunately, too many people view achievement as proof of their worth. Our worth cannot be measured.
Being present in this life is what matters most at this time to me.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this phenomenon in our social media driven wealth-for-show culture. I only had a bucket list of races when I was running a lot. Now I no longer race and I am happy with what I did. I have a few travel dreams I hope to fulfill but the big one is to visit Ukraine and that will depend on world events… therefore I really don’t have a bucket list. Painting is also what keeps me stable. This moment in history is making me realize that nothing really matters except the present. I do hope we will somehow clean up and regroup after this horrible nightmare, though…
Hi Alene,
Painting is so wonderful, isn't it? Art is a cure for what ails us. At the same time, world events often get in the way of our enjoyment. The world is a dismal place right now, and, like you, I hope that this nightmare ends soon and that our country will recover, but to be honest, I have my doubts.
I guess that's why I'm so focused on the present -- because thinking about the future is scary, and thinking about the past can be depressing.
Art keeps me centered.
Hi Beth,
As you probably remember, I have no bucket list either. I've never had a desire to have one, and I doubt I ever will. I understand why they're meaningful and motivating for some. Just not for me. I even wrote a chapter about bucket lists in EMERGING!
I admire the way you live in the moment and how you feel by doing so you are living your dream, your best life. I feel the same. I'm happy without doing anything grand or visiting a multitude of places. I'm content, and what could be better than that? This is not to say I don't have goals or things I want to do, but a bucket list, count me out.
I love how art is such a huge part of your life. What a gift indeed. I completely get how you enjoy the process and value it more than the final result. The second draft of the AZ mountainscape is lovely. I like the addition of "cloud semblance" and look forward to the next revision. I'm still enjoying the beautiful AZ skies and mountains.
Thank you so much for the mention. I admire and follow most on your list, too. Keep writing and keep painting, my friend. The world is better for it. xo
Hi Nancy,
I definitely remember how you feel about bucket lists. And, as you can tell, I totally am on the same page with you.
It's not always easy to live in the moment, especially given the tumultuous goings on in the world, but I'm trying to keep blinders on when I'm creating art; it helps me to focus on the act of creation.
Yes, the process is so very important to me, and this can be applied to any meaningful activity.
Thank you for your feedback on my Arizonascape. I'm trying to thicken the clouds and, now that I think about it, rework the mountain just a bit. Of course, foliage needs to be added.
I'm so glad you are enjoying your time in Arizona.❤
Beth, it's so lovely to read how much we are in alignment with how we see "making art" and it's always such a breath of fresh air to read your beautiful affirmations on this topic! I feel re-energized and ready to "create" when I see that not only are we taking part in self care we are completely engaged with "the ever-sacred present" as you proclaim. This particular portion of your essay feels engraved within me: "Engaging with art is such a wonderful gift, where worry doesn’t exist and the past and future fall away. It doesn’t matter to me how “good” a painting turns out or how “well-known” I become. Living in the present through art gives me a rush of joy. If you have been reading my Substack for awhile, you know I value the process of creating art over the final result." Thank you so much for kindly including me on your list--you continue to inspire me with your vision!
Hi Gerry,
Thank you so much for your generous comment. I believe that making art is integral to self-care and so valuable to partake in regularly. I am glad to include you on the list; you inspire me, as well.
It is so challenging nowadays to maintain a sense of peace and of being in the present. However, the present is so important to embrace. Worries and regrets have no place in my creative utopia! Of course, utopias don't really exist, but I can pretend. LOL
I'm struck by the generosity in this post, the way you took time to name and honor the people who've affected you. That's its own kind of art, isn't it? Noticing who's shaped you and saying it out loud. It made me think about how we're all sort of painting each other into being through these exchanges, these little moments of recognition and resonance. You read someone's words and something shifts in you, and then you write something and it shifts in them, and none of it would show up on a bucket list but all of it matters more than most of the things that would.
Hi Alex,
You are spot on. I believe those in the Substack community learn from each other and are influenced by each other. This is one of Substack's greatest strengths.I totally agree with what you say here: "It made me think about how we're all sort of painting each other into being through these exchanges, these little moments of recognition and resonance." Very true, indeed.
As a life-long learner, I'm always amazed and grateful by learning through the Substack space.And I am grateful.
I love your goal: to live in the present. I think that’s the best ‘bucket’ list of all and maybe, the most difficult especially with all that’s going on right now. And letting into our life, the joys that are true to our hearts.
I think it’s brave and wonderful that you focus on your art because it brings you peace. I can see it in your painting. The beautiful blue sky with clouds. The warm brown tones in the mountain range feels like an anchor. I can’t wait to see how the caves evolve. They give me a sense of mystery and potential.
I look forward to reading your words and seeing your art in my inbox knowing it will help me see the “real, true world” where people and hearts and words and art connects. I’m so glad we ‘met’ here on Substack, my friend.
Hi Susan,
In these turbulent days and times, all we can do to feel lighter is to turn to our crafts, to let in the joy and peace we feel when we are creating. Thank you for your kind words on the painting; I am also curious to see how the caves evolve.
I think you are so courageous. Despite life's adversities, you continue to create, to triumph. Not an easy task.
I also look so forward to seeing your posts appear in my inbox, my friend, knowing I will enjoy reading what you have to say and, of course, seeing your art.
You make such good points Beth, ones that I can wholeheartedly resonate with. I love that you’re living the dream right now, doing the things you want to do, being creative. Creativity is such a healing tool and one that I use often to calm me and help me find my centre by combining the two things I love doing, making photographs and being in nature. I too don’t have a bucket list – I’m just happy to be alive and able to experience some of life’s small wonders…I think I might find a bucket list a bit stressful if I’m honest and who needs more stress in this mad world right now!
Your Arizonascape draft already has so much of the essence of what I’ve seen of Arizona in photographs – those big blue skies and earthy coloured mountains. It feels like a picture of positivity with those rich colours and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished version.
Finally I just wanted to thank you for including me in your list – I’m very happy to be part of your circle of kindred spirits, we all learn from each other here :-)
Dear Lin,
I agree that creativity is a wonderful tool that heals us. And what joy to be combining photography and nature!
Like you, I probably would find a bucket list too stressful. There's lots of pressure to accomplish, accomplish, and accomplish. And you are right: what a mad world right now, such terrible things happening. It is times like these where creating is more necessary than ever.
I also am glad to just be alive and take in life.
Thank you for your kind words about my Arizonascape. I love working on this piece.
I'm happy to include you on this list. I learn so much from you!
I am so happy you find so much joy and peace in creating art. And I love how you have painted the sky in your new painting. It has so much definition to it. Thanks so much for the shout-out. I so appreciate it. One last thing -- we don't need no stinking bucket list. Just live.
Thank you so much, Nancy. Like me, the painting is a work in progress (LOL)! Yep, we don't need no stinking bucket list!!
Living in the present--why is this so challenging! I applaud how you strive for that being-ness, Beth. When you describe your painting flow, you sound so contented. I so admire this.
Over the past week, I, too, have felt overwhelmed by the world and its discontentments. Even when I set myself to writing, I keep hearing the blastings of battle in my mind's ear, smelling smoke in faraway places, seeing streams of people pouring out their homes to wander--who knows where. I don't know what's worse--following the news, or giving in to my imagination.
Some days it feels hopeless. But today, outside my kitchen, the sun is shining. There are buds beginning to sprout on the forsythia. The birds trill their songs.
I cycle through the dread of winter and into spring's daring, despite us all.
Thank you for all you do--and your gracious nod.
And to those of us so engaged, like the forsythia in early spring, keep creating and sharing your beauty!
Hi Robin,
Living in the present is definitely challenging. When I am not painting or contemplating art, I oftentimes feel a sense of dread when I think of the world's fury. And I hear you about the horrid news and the imagination that can seem so much worse.
These are such devastating times. But, as you remind us, there's the forsythia carrying buds and the shining sun.
By focusing on the world's beauty, which includes visual art and writing, we are creating a sense of sanity in an otherwise insane world.
Forsythia and sunshine. Yes, Beth. I'm feeling I need to go back to creating my Daily Joy Notes. I had been doing that last summer but let the practice lapse. A focus on JOY resets the mind and helps us root stronger.
So necessary in these times!
Totally agree that such a focus is so needed -- especially now. We need to look for joy whenever we can.
One of my joys today: our conversations on Substack!
"And that’s when I realized that I’m living my dream. Nothing more can improve my life." If any one of us can say this, we are living a great life! Your essay brings me home to myself; grounds me in the gift of creativity; speaks to the prayer that art is. And wow, I get to wake up in the morning and live the writing life. May we all live our dream. May we all find the ever-sacred present that you've written about; may we all remember during difficult times that our salvation is in the making of the things.
The take away from your piece... and I will keep it close by is: keep giving yourself to the gift of your art. Keep underscoring the pathos, beauty and poignancy of life. You do that so well, Beth. I'm grateful to be in your orbit.
The Arizona landscape unfolds in heat, sand and piercing blue sky. My eyes are drawn to the blue sky and wispy clouds, an eternal promise lingering on the horizon.
Sign me, as always, your forever friend and fan.
Hi Stephanie,
We are both lucky to be living the creative life. It is something to be treasured and savored, and I'm so happy that we get to create. It's a wonderful feeling. As you say, "...may we all remember during difficult times that our salvation is in the making of things."
So true. And I am so grateful to be in your orbit, as well.
I'm glad you are enjoying my Arizonascape. It is so much fun to work on.
Years ago, I used to get stressed even during the creation of an art draft; I'd wonder constantly if it was good enough. That stress has since fallen away, and it's been replaced with non-stop joy. And my heart is happy.
"And my heart is happy," just makes me smile BIG. Thank you.
Dear Beth, your reflections feel like such tender, hard won truths! I resonate deeply with all that you share. That after everything I’ve lived through too, simply being here, writing in this present moment, is already the dream. Thank you for finding the words and bringing me back to "Here."
I love that you’re living your best life not through striving or future lists, but through presence, colour and the steady creative courage of returning to your art table when the world outside feels too loud and heavy. I know a little of the peace you speak of and how clock time dissolves.
Your Arizona landscape draft carries that same grounded joy ... a kind of quiet breathing space on canvas. Following your art in these instalments is such a joy. And from one campfire‑girl heart to another, I’m delighted to be part of the glow you tend. Thank you for keeping the fire bright. 💖🙏🔥
Dear Deborah,
Yes, I love the way you put it: I'm living my best life -- just by being present. I believe that enduring hardship can help us appreciate the life we are living now. And, yes, "here" is the best place we can find ourselves in amid the world's noise and unyielding sorrow.
I love when clock time disappears, to be replaced by the flow state.
I'm so glad you enjoy seeing how my paintings evolve in their various stages of revision. I find so much solace in and am so glad that you are part of my creative tribe.