Oh my gosh, Beth I am so with you on time. In fact, I was thinking as I was rushing to not be so late to my qigong lesson, why can’t we be on island time?
Even my 34 year-old daughter believes that time has sped up way too quickly, so that I know it’s not just an elderly feeling.
And of course, when I’m writing, there’s no such thing as time.
I’ve always said that pretty soon we will be putting out Christmas lights in the beginning of summer and here you absolutely point that out as well. Thank you for being on that present page.
Wishing you all the time in the world to create, to enjoy and to love life!
I'm so glad my essay resonated with you. Your daughter seems very perceptive about how time speeding up so very quickly.
It sounds like you experience flow when you are writing, a phenomenon that knows no sense of time. That's what I also experience when I am creating art.
It seems we are kindred spirits.
Thank you for your kind wishes. I wish you the same!
Oh, how I agree with you, Beth!. Time is relentless. It doesn't stop for our convenience. We learn how to capture moments with photos and art. But when we are living with illness that will eventually take us, time takes on a new meaning. Boy, do I appreciate every moment I have now! It's a beautiful silver lining to my cancer cloud.
I'm so sorry that you are living with cancer, and you are right: time does matter. A lot. Your points are well-taken, and there are far too many people who waste precious time and don't even care about it! This is really frustrating. All any of us can do is live our best life and appreciate our time on Earth.
Thank you so much AJ. I really appreciate your kind words about my essay. You did the right thing by not rushing the moments with your kids. It's so important to savor the important moments in life.
Beth, Mother and Child Reunion is so beautiful. It makes me wish my college kids were still babies!
I agree about slowing down. Driving home from work yesterday, I was shocked to see all the Christmas lights up already! I'm still planning Thanksgiving and ways to make it as meaningful as possible before turning to Christmas. Maybe that's what I object to—if we're always rushing to the next thing and looking ahead, how can we make any moment meaningful?
Also, yes time does move differently when we're fully engaged in our art, no matter what form that art takes. When I write, time flies by and I don't mind at all, and I come out of it so energized and peaceful at the same time. Needless to say, I don't feel that at work.
Thank you so much for your high compliment about my sketch. Now when I look at it, I feel the same way you do: I wish my 17-year-old was still a baby. It seems life was easier then because I could more easily watch over her. Now I'm at the point where she's going to college next year, and I'm hesitatingly having to let go.
Yes, it's wonderful that you get a sense of flow with the art of writing. Time does fly when we are engaged in a creative activity, for sure.
I love your point that "if we're always rushing to the next thing and looking ahead, how can we make any moment meaningful?" Exactly. If we rush through each holiday, that holiday seems to lose meaning. Savoring each holiday and each day, actually, is so worthwhile.
I know so many people who spend their lives, rushing around from one task to the next without ever stopping to appreciate the present moment. It seems like it’s an addiction to more and more and more of whatever distracts at the moment I always resented being forced to multi multitask. They used to expect so much of us as nurses, we never had time to finish up with one patient before we were expected to have new patients admitted I’m ready for their procedure or treatment-we live in such a sick culture. it’s such an insult to ourselves and to others when we cannot stay focused on one thing at a time.
I also don't get the value of the rushing around and pushing time forward. Your occupation as a nurse sounded so very difficult and abusive. Nursing is such an important field, yet rushing nurses and forcing them to multitask to the max does not seem conducive for the nurse or the patient.
I worked in Corporate America as a technical writer. Oh my gosh! The workload and the zillions of tasks that had to be done by yesterday! I was miserable there. A sick culture indeed.
Mother Daughter Reunion evokes a sense of sweetness, comfort and curiosity. Those big eyes. That cuddling in and watching the world over mom's shoulder. A gorgeous piece, Beth.
I relate so much to the rushing through the holidays to get to the next holiday. Because of recent surgery, the universe has made sure that I slow down. That being said, we stopped outlining our house with Christmas lights two years ago. The expense of putting up lights has grown with each passing year, so we decided to take that money and do something more Christmassy with it. We donate it to to the food bank.
Sometimes I feel like all the decorations (and there's a lot of over-the-top in my neighborhood) create an alter to consumerism instead of honoring the light and the story. I hope that doesn't sound too "bah, humbug." I'm in a place where I seem to be contemplating "what is enough?"
This year, I will hang a wreath and put some garland on the front porch -- but we aren't even at Thanksgiving yet, so I have plenty of time. Since I'm recovering this season, everything is a lot slower. I'm learning that there's a lot of room for humility and grace at this pace.
Thank you so very much for your generous, kind words about my sketch and my essay. I think my daughter was two years or three years old at that time. We were at an event where there were many people, so I think she felt a bit overwhelmed and needed comfort.
I can understand why the holiday seems so materialistic to you, and you're not being "bah, humbug" about it. I think this time of year can be joyful, but also can bring up sadness. I saw a house tonight that was decked to the brim already, and I was wondering how much that electric bill would be.
Donating to the local food bank is a wonderful way to give. Last year, my family decided that we already have what we need, so we donate gifts to those in need.
You are recovering from surgery and from the gruelling recovery, so I understand why things are at a slower pace. And that's OK; there is nothing wrong with a slower pace. Just take it day by day.
One of my neighbors enjoys decorating way before the holidays. A few days ago they put up a really tall blow-up turkey. How tall? The turkey's head is almost as tall as the roof of their house! It dominates the neighborhood. LOL
I think I saw one of those blow up turkeys. It overwhelmed the front yard and the house. Made me laugh too. No turkeys in my neighborhood . . . yet, but the amount of Christmas decorating is at an all time high. For some of these homes, they take a month to decorate house and yard for Christmas. I'm grateful to be on a slower track right now. One day at a time sounds pretty good. Love and hugs from your forever friend and fan.
Beth thank you for posting this article--this has been a bugaboo of mine for a very long time--often when someone says they are killing time I will quickly respond to them by saying--"no it is time that is killing us--let's slow down and honor the time we have!" I guess people like to get prepared in advance for the holidays--I was shocked when I saw Christmas candy being shipped in to the stores in mid-October, here in Spain--before Halloween was even celebrated, honestly it's a bit much! What I'm feeling now is the need to slooooooow down and really be present in the moment. I've always been one of those people who have a hard time planning far in advance, I like to offer room in each day for spontaneity, the unexpected detour, the moment that life takes the wheel. I think that's when we can all be most creative and at our best! I LOVE the sketch you shared of you and your daughter--what a beautiful bond you share Beth! And this offering is a result of you taking good care of yourself and entering that timeless realm of art making. It's always so good to be part of your blog Beth--thank you for sharing so generously here!
I so appreciate your comment and love your response to those who say they are "killing time": "no it is time that is killing us -- let's slow down and honor the time we have!" Great response. I love your emphasis on slowing down and being present. I think if people would have that attitude, maybe they will have more serenity in their lives.
Wow, sounds like Spain is a lot like the U.S., as I started seeing Christmas decorations and a station dedicated to only holiday music, both in mid-October! Maybe people like to prepare for the holidays early because it's the one major time they are looking forward to each year. Don't get me wrong -- the holidays can be a lovely time, but it also can be so stressful.
Thank you for your kind words about my sketch of me and my daughter. I admit, I've been dedicating a lot less time to art, but that must change. Life has gotten exceedingly busy, but that's no excuse for not trying to incorporate art into my life more often.
Oh, yes, the rushing of time. I feel it, we all do, especially this time of year. To some extent, I get it. There's always a lot to do to "get ready" for the holidays - especially the ones fast approaching. I've always remained a bit nostaligic, or mabye it's stubborn, as I don't decorate for Christmas until Thanksgiving is in the books. Funny thing, though, this year I contemplated putting up my Christmas decorations as Husband and I are traveling to TX for TG. When I get home, it would be nice to have it all up and ready to turn on the lights and such. But I decided, no. I'll wait till I get home. Accept for the outside lights. I do put them up early because, well, you live in the Midwest, so you know why!
I love how art slows time for you and immerses you in flow. And that sketch is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for the important reminder to slow down and savor the moment. Thank you for sharing the sketch too. I love it.
I know quite a few people who are traditional like you in putting up their Christmas decorations after Thanksgiving.
I can totally understand why you'd want to go home from Texas and have the outside lights all up and ready to run, especially before the tough winter weather gets here. One thing I love about the holidays is seeing all the homes beautifully decorated and lit up. I think this year, we will check out the lights in various neighborhoods.
I know it's a long trip to Texas, but seeing your family will be so worth it. And the nicer weather will be a bonus.
Yes, I love slowing down time through art; it happens naturally. Thank you for your generous words on my sketch. I really need to sketch more, as it is fun. Life gets busy, as you know, and sometimes art gets on the back burner.
I'm hoping your Thanksgiving is filled with joy and the love of family.
I paused at the part where you described people rushing from one holiday to the next. It stirred something in me. I grew up in a house where boxes of decorations came out before the leftovers were in the fridge. It always felt like we were skipping past the actual moments that might have held us. Reading your piece brought that memory right back.
There’s something tender about the way you describe time as something to sit with. It reminded me of afternoons when I used to draw with my niece. We’d both get quiet in that soft way that feels like the air thickens. Your story about sketching your daughter touched that same place. It’s comforting to be reminded that those slow moments still exist if we let them.
Thank you so much, Alex, for your thoughtful response. I think it's so important to savor each moment. And it sounds like you did that with your niece. Drawing is such an important activity that can be so relaxing -- and can help us savor these precious moments.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I always appreciate what you have to say.
Oh I can wholeheartedly resonate with you on this Beth - I can understand people who are perhaps unhappy in their work or just tired looking forward to each holiday away from the daily grind, but the commercialisation and money to be made by each holiday has meant that Christmas trees are in the shops in October, and the moment the clock strikes midnight at new year they start filling the shelves with Easter eggs! I think this gives people a message to start looking forward to that holiday and off they go on the rollercoaster! Haha not that I feel strongly about it!😉
Slowing these times down is the key - another way of looking at it is through Chronos and Kairos time...Chronos is the clock and diary time...your thoughts on rushing to the next holidays is the perfect example of Chronos, and Kairos is the time that we can stop and reflect, going within and being mindful throughout, that time of quiet reflection and appreciation that you mention (I wrote a little about these qualities of time in From Role to Soul in the Lakes earlier this year if you're interested).
Your art time is again Kairos time, and I find that the more I allow myself to be immersed in creativity the happier I am with the images that I produce...perhaps that's because I'm more deeply connected and so they're more an expression of what my soul sees. That certainly looks to be the case for you with the drawing you made of you and your daughter - I can sense the love and connection you had in the resulting sketch.
Thank you so much for your great insights. You have a great discussion of Chronos and Kairos time. As you can tell, I so prefer Kairos time.
I completely get what you are saying about the commercialization of each holiday. We swoop from holiday to holiday. Perhaps this is a reflection of our society wanting to always be happy and distracted -- by focusing on festivity after festivity.
And to your point about those who look forward to the holidays because they are weary and dissatisfied with their work, I wholeheartedly agree.
I think it's wonderful that you experience happiness with your photography. You are so incredibly talented, and your love for your craft shines through. I enjoy your photos immensely.
I will be reading your From Role to Soul in the Lakes in the near future. I'm very interested in your discussion in this essay.
Such wise words and questions, Beth. I agree we need to savor rather than ‘gulp’ time. But I have to be honest, I’m one of those who rush through it. I know I need to slow down and I want to slow down but it’s hard for me. I think it’s linked to survival. As a female in a male family and world, I think moving fast was/is a survival tool. Although when I’m in the studio, time changes speed from fast to slow.
You make an excellent point. Moving fast is a good survival tool, especially for females in a male world.
It's interesting that in the studio, time slows down for you. Perhaps you are more relaxed in the studio and therefore feel you can slow down? For me, creating art stops time entirely, as flow is prominent.
Definitely more relaxed and time stop allowing for flow. Not that it doesn’t have its periods of frustration, clay can have a mind of its own sometimes. And also I know I’m safe.
Beautiful, Beth! As a time traveler myself (see: edgeofyesterdaybooks.com) I have delved into many of times mysteries on the physical, fictional, spiritual and quantum levels. And as a writer, I love the magic of experiencing flow (and, by contrast, the agony when words—and time— do not flow but seem rather to stall out. Which, in turn, is its own experience).
My mother was a fine artist and she was never more herself than those moments in her studio when painting and perfecting. It was a joy to hear her wax on about “losing” herself to the Muse. I appreciate your Mother and Child drawing—Mom left many sketches and drawings of me, but never of her holding me. Now that she is 7 years gone, I would have treasured that. What a gift!
Thank you for your excellent, insightful comment. I checked out your link and wow! These books are awesome. A time travel series must've been fun -- and challenging -- to write. Yes, writing evokes flow, as I have also experienced. Like you, I have had words not cooperate. I have suffered the slings and arrows of writer's block, so I hear you.
I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. I'm heartened that she left you much of her artwork. What kind of painting did she do? I mostly create oil paintings, though I'm dabbling in watercolors from time to time.
Thank you again for your readership and commenting. I so appreciate it.
I am in the midst of editing the fifth-and-final of my time travel adventures. Fun, yes! The process of wrapping up a new time travel adventure AND the series has been an added challenge. Here's about where musing about time traveling has gotten me: https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/past-present-future-widening-our
Thank you so much, Robin, for the links. I commented on your posts. The time traveling book on da Vinci is so interesting and quotable.
I was blown away by your beautiful tribute to your dear mom. Her artwork is simply amazing. I love the one done by her at the tender age of 14. And it looks like you've also inherited her creativity.
I share your mom's frustration with watercolors because they are unforgiving. I'm really a newbie at this medium, but I find oils more forgiving of mistakes. Of course, oils take forever to dry, but they are worth the wait, in my opinion. :-)
Thank you for your kindness, Beth. And glad to have you join with me on this miraculous journey on Substack.
As for art, she originally dove into oils, but it was the waiting. She loved to "potchke" (a Yiddish word, meaning "fuss around with"--Mom was something of a perfectionist and if it weren't for my dad, she would never consider anything finished) with her canvases. I think acrylics dry quicker, no?
Yes, acrylics are faster drying, although I think there are additives to acrylics that can make them dry more slowly, as well as additives to oils to make them dry more quickly.
I am so very glad our paths crossed here in the Substack space.
I'm very familiar with "potchke," as I am not only Jewish, but Yiddish was my first language! For the first five years of my life, my grandmother, originally from Poland, took great care of me. She only spoke Yiddish. So that was my language. Of course, I lost fluency once I was in public school, and I really have a hard time with Yiddish now. But I still love the language. Every once in awhile a Yiddish word from the past comes reeling into my mind.
Wonderful to meet another MOT. You may be interested, then, in why I first began Releasing Memory on Substack. I am working on an ancestor memoir about my Ukrainian Jewish grandmother's (Mom's mother) coming to America--in 1893--and the silencing behind her voyage to America. An altogether too common occurrence, and not just an American tale. https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/unearthing-the-past and https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/ghost-writer
I'm all for stopping the clock and not rushing through life. It seems to be going at warp speed. My husband and I often say we wish we had met earlier in life. We want more time together, however, we are making the best and most of it by savoring each day together and enjoying life. And what a lovely drawing of your daughter.
Right? Time does seem to be going so quickly. Sometimes I can't believe it's November already. Thank you for your compliment of my sketch.
I understand what you are saying about you and your husband wishing you had met earlier in life. The good thing is that you did meet and are spending precious time together and having fun. Frankly, I am in awe of you both -- taking boating trips, planting all those chestnut trees, collecting mushrooms in the woods. This is truly living one's best life.
This is so true. So many people get caught up in the "I'll be happy when" mindset. I hadn't thought about it as much related to holidays but it's a good point. Inevitably, when someone gets the thing they thought would make them happy...graduation, a job, marriage, children, or maybe even Christmas day, inevitably there is a crash afterward because so much time and energy was focused on that big thing they needed to happen. Once it's here, now what? Most go onto the next thing. You are so right. Art helps us to savor the moment we are in and time slows down. Maybe that's why I love it so much. Great post!
I so appreciate your comment and perspective. The "'I'll be happy when' mindset," as you put it is not really conducive to happiness, I believe. The holidays are to be savored, truly, but to anticipate the next holiday right after one is done with a holiday is a bit much to me.
We are both lucky to indulge ourselves in art. I can tell you love it and you are really talented at it, and I believe art is a true gift on how to live and slow down time.
Oh my gosh, Beth I am so with you on time. In fact, I was thinking as I was rushing to not be so late to my qigong lesson, why can’t we be on island time?
Even my 34 year-old daughter believes that time has sped up way too quickly, so that I know it’s not just an elderly feeling.
And of course, when I’m writing, there’s no such thing as time.
I’ve always said that pretty soon we will be putting out Christmas lights in the beginning of summer and here you absolutely point that out as well. Thank you for being on that present page.
Wishing you all the time in the world to create, to enjoy and to love life!
Hi Ruthie,
I'm so glad my essay resonated with you. Your daughter seems very perceptive about how time speeding up so very quickly.
It sounds like you experience flow when you are writing, a phenomenon that knows no sense of time. That's what I also experience when I am creating art.
It seems we are kindred spirits.
Thank you for your kind wishes. I wish you the same!
Yes, it does seem weird kindred spirits. I’ve always gotten close with women named Beth for some reason.
My daughter is a very old soul as my son-in-law and they both embrace, welcome and allow slow eating lots of music and connection.
Although my family is small, I am so blessed and relish them like no other.
Good hearing from you and wishing you a lovely, loving and connective Thanksgiving.
I never said weird. My phone seems to have a mind of its own when I speak to it.
No problem. I love that your family comprises people who cherish time. So wonderful.
Have a beautiful Thanksgiving, filled with love and peace.
Thank you, Beth and you as well.
Oh, how I agree with you, Beth!. Time is relentless. It doesn't stop for our convenience. We learn how to capture moments with photos and art. But when we are living with illness that will eventually take us, time takes on a new meaning. Boy, do I appreciate every moment I have now! It's a beautiful silver lining to my cancer cloud.
Hi Marilea,
I'm so sorry that you are living with cancer, and you are right: time does matter. A lot. Your points are well-taken, and there are far too many people who waste precious time and don't even care about it! This is really frustrating. All any of us can do is live our best life and appreciate our time on Earth.
As someone who’s lost a lot, when I had kids I made a conscious decision not to rush the moments—to store up every one I can. Love your reflection!
Thank you so much AJ. I really appreciate your kind words about my essay. You did the right thing by not rushing the moments with your kids. It's so important to savor the important moments in life.
Beth, Mother and Child Reunion is so beautiful. It makes me wish my college kids were still babies!
I agree about slowing down. Driving home from work yesterday, I was shocked to see all the Christmas lights up already! I'm still planning Thanksgiving and ways to make it as meaningful as possible before turning to Christmas. Maybe that's what I object to—if we're always rushing to the next thing and looking ahead, how can we make any moment meaningful?
Also, yes time does move differently when we're fully engaged in our art, no matter what form that art takes. When I write, time flies by and I don't mind at all, and I come out of it so energized and peaceful at the same time. Needless to say, I don't feel that at work.
Hi Patty,
Thank you so much for your high compliment about my sketch. Now when I look at it, I feel the same way you do: I wish my 17-year-old was still a baby. It seems life was easier then because I could more easily watch over her. Now I'm at the point where she's going to college next year, and I'm hesitatingly having to let go.
Yes, it's wonderful that you get a sense of flow with the art of writing. Time does fly when we are engaged in a creative activity, for sure.
I love your point that "if we're always rushing to the next thing and looking ahead, how can we make any moment meaningful?" Exactly. If we rush through each holiday, that holiday seems to lose meaning. Savoring each holiday and each day, actually, is so worthwhile.
I know so many people who spend their lives, rushing around from one task to the next without ever stopping to appreciate the present moment. It seems like it’s an addiction to more and more and more of whatever distracts at the moment I always resented being forced to multi multitask. They used to expect so much of us as nurses, we never had time to finish up with one patient before we were expected to have new patients admitted I’m ready for their procedure or treatment-we live in such a sick culture. it’s such an insult to ourselves and to others when we cannot stay focused on one thing at a time.
Hi Alene,
I also don't get the value of the rushing around and pushing time forward. Your occupation as a nurse sounded so very difficult and abusive. Nursing is such an important field, yet rushing nurses and forcing them to multitask to the max does not seem conducive for the nurse or the patient.
I worked in Corporate America as a technical writer. Oh my gosh! The workload and the zillions of tasks that had to be done by yesterday! I was miserable there. A sick culture indeed.
This country does everything the worst way.
Yes.
Dear Beth, Thank you for this sweet pause. I'm savoring with tender love.
Awww, thank you so much, Prajna, for your kind words. I so appreciate you.
Love Mother and Child Reunion!
Oh, thank you so much, Eileen! I so enjoyed creating it. :-)
Mother Daughter Reunion evokes a sense of sweetness, comfort and curiosity. Those big eyes. That cuddling in and watching the world over mom's shoulder. A gorgeous piece, Beth.
I relate so much to the rushing through the holidays to get to the next holiday. Because of recent surgery, the universe has made sure that I slow down. That being said, we stopped outlining our house with Christmas lights two years ago. The expense of putting up lights has grown with each passing year, so we decided to take that money and do something more Christmassy with it. We donate it to to the food bank.
Sometimes I feel like all the decorations (and there's a lot of over-the-top in my neighborhood) create an alter to consumerism instead of honoring the light and the story. I hope that doesn't sound too "bah, humbug." I'm in a place where I seem to be contemplating "what is enough?"
This year, I will hang a wreath and put some garland on the front porch -- but we aren't even at Thanksgiving yet, so I have plenty of time. Since I'm recovering this season, everything is a lot slower. I'm learning that there's a lot of room for humility and grace at this pace.
Beautiful piece, Beth. Thank you.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you so very much for your generous, kind words about my sketch and my essay. I think my daughter was two years or three years old at that time. We were at an event where there were many people, so I think she felt a bit overwhelmed and needed comfort.
I can understand why the holiday seems so materialistic to you, and you're not being "bah, humbug" about it. I think this time of year can be joyful, but also can bring up sadness. I saw a house tonight that was decked to the brim already, and I was wondering how much that electric bill would be.
Donating to the local food bank is a wonderful way to give. Last year, my family decided that we already have what we need, so we donate gifts to those in need.
You are recovering from surgery and from the gruelling recovery, so I understand why things are at a slower pace. And that's OK; there is nothing wrong with a slower pace. Just take it day by day.
One of my neighbors enjoys decorating way before the holidays. A few days ago they put up a really tall blow-up turkey. How tall? The turkey's head is almost as tall as the roof of their house! It dominates the neighborhood. LOL
I think I saw one of those blow up turkeys. It overwhelmed the front yard and the house. Made me laugh too. No turkeys in my neighborhood . . . yet, but the amount of Christmas decorating is at an all time high. For some of these homes, they take a month to decorate house and yard for Christmas. I'm grateful to be on a slower track right now. One day at a time sounds pretty good. Love and hugs from your forever friend and fan.
Beth thank you for posting this article--this has been a bugaboo of mine for a very long time--often when someone says they are killing time I will quickly respond to them by saying--"no it is time that is killing us--let's slow down and honor the time we have!" I guess people like to get prepared in advance for the holidays--I was shocked when I saw Christmas candy being shipped in to the stores in mid-October, here in Spain--before Halloween was even celebrated, honestly it's a bit much! What I'm feeling now is the need to slooooooow down and really be present in the moment. I've always been one of those people who have a hard time planning far in advance, I like to offer room in each day for spontaneity, the unexpected detour, the moment that life takes the wheel. I think that's when we can all be most creative and at our best! I LOVE the sketch you shared of you and your daughter--what a beautiful bond you share Beth! And this offering is a result of you taking good care of yourself and entering that timeless realm of art making. It's always so good to be part of your blog Beth--thank you for sharing so generously here!
Hi Gerry,
I so appreciate your comment and love your response to those who say they are "killing time": "no it is time that is killing us -- let's slow down and honor the time we have!" Great response. I love your emphasis on slowing down and being present. I think if people would have that attitude, maybe they will have more serenity in their lives.
Wow, sounds like Spain is a lot like the U.S., as I started seeing Christmas decorations and a station dedicated to only holiday music, both in mid-October! Maybe people like to prepare for the holidays early because it's the one major time they are looking forward to each year. Don't get me wrong -- the holidays can be a lovely time, but it also can be so stressful.
Thank you for your kind words about my sketch of me and my daughter. I admit, I've been dedicating a lot less time to art, but that must change. Life has gotten exceedingly busy, but that's no excuse for not trying to incorporate art into my life more often.
Hi Beth,
Oh, yes, the rushing of time. I feel it, we all do, especially this time of year. To some extent, I get it. There's always a lot to do to "get ready" for the holidays - especially the ones fast approaching. I've always remained a bit nostaligic, or mabye it's stubborn, as I don't decorate for Christmas until Thanksgiving is in the books. Funny thing, though, this year I contemplated putting up my Christmas decorations as Husband and I are traveling to TX for TG. When I get home, it would be nice to have it all up and ready to turn on the lights and such. But I decided, no. I'll wait till I get home. Accept for the outside lights. I do put them up early because, well, you live in the Midwest, so you know why!
I love how art slows time for you and immerses you in flow. And that sketch is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for the important reminder to slow down and savor the moment. Thank you for sharing the sketch too. I love it.
Hi Nancy,
I know quite a few people who are traditional like you in putting up their Christmas decorations after Thanksgiving.
I can totally understand why you'd want to go home from Texas and have the outside lights all up and ready to run, especially before the tough winter weather gets here. One thing I love about the holidays is seeing all the homes beautifully decorated and lit up. I think this year, we will check out the lights in various neighborhoods.
I know it's a long trip to Texas, but seeing your family will be so worth it. And the nicer weather will be a bonus.
Yes, I love slowing down time through art; it happens naturally. Thank you for your generous words on my sketch. I really need to sketch more, as it is fun. Life gets busy, as you know, and sometimes art gets on the back burner.
I'm hoping your Thanksgiving is filled with joy and the love of family.
I paused at the part where you described people rushing from one holiday to the next. It stirred something in me. I grew up in a house where boxes of decorations came out before the leftovers were in the fridge. It always felt like we were skipping past the actual moments that might have held us. Reading your piece brought that memory right back.
There’s something tender about the way you describe time as something to sit with. It reminded me of afternoons when I used to draw with my niece. We’d both get quiet in that soft way that feels like the air thickens. Your story about sketching your daughter touched that same place. It’s comforting to be reminded that those slow moments still exist if we let them.
Thank you so much, Alex, for your thoughtful response. I think it's so important to savor each moment. And it sounds like you did that with your niece. Drawing is such an important activity that can be so relaxing -- and can help us savor these precious moments.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I always appreciate what you have to say.
Oh I can wholeheartedly resonate with you on this Beth - I can understand people who are perhaps unhappy in their work or just tired looking forward to each holiday away from the daily grind, but the commercialisation and money to be made by each holiday has meant that Christmas trees are in the shops in October, and the moment the clock strikes midnight at new year they start filling the shelves with Easter eggs! I think this gives people a message to start looking forward to that holiday and off they go on the rollercoaster! Haha not that I feel strongly about it!😉
Slowing these times down is the key - another way of looking at it is through Chronos and Kairos time...Chronos is the clock and diary time...your thoughts on rushing to the next holidays is the perfect example of Chronos, and Kairos is the time that we can stop and reflect, going within and being mindful throughout, that time of quiet reflection and appreciation that you mention (I wrote a little about these qualities of time in From Role to Soul in the Lakes earlier this year if you're interested).
Your art time is again Kairos time, and I find that the more I allow myself to be immersed in creativity the happier I am with the images that I produce...perhaps that's because I'm more deeply connected and so they're more an expression of what my soul sees. That certainly looks to be the case for you with the drawing you made of you and your daughter - I can sense the love and connection you had in the resulting sketch.
Hi Lin,
Thank you so much for your great insights. You have a great discussion of Chronos and Kairos time. As you can tell, I so prefer Kairos time.
I completely get what you are saying about the commercialization of each holiday. We swoop from holiday to holiday. Perhaps this is a reflection of our society wanting to always be happy and distracted -- by focusing on festivity after festivity.
And to your point about those who look forward to the holidays because they are weary and dissatisfied with their work, I wholeheartedly agree.
I think it's wonderful that you experience happiness with your photography. You are so incredibly talented, and your love for your craft shines through. I enjoy your photos immensely.
I will be reading your From Role to Soul in the Lakes in the near future. I'm very interested in your discussion in this essay.
Thanks so much for your generous words on my photography - it's very kind of you Beth.😊
Such wise words and questions, Beth. I agree we need to savor rather than ‘gulp’ time. But I have to be honest, I’m one of those who rush through it. I know I need to slow down and I want to slow down but it’s hard for me. I think it’s linked to survival. As a female in a male family and world, I think moving fast was/is a survival tool. Although when I’m in the studio, time changes speed from fast to slow.
Hi Susan,
You make an excellent point. Moving fast is a good survival tool, especially for females in a male world.
It's interesting that in the studio, time slows down for you. Perhaps you are more relaxed in the studio and therefore feel you can slow down? For me, creating art stops time entirely, as flow is prominent.
Definitely more relaxed and time stop allowing for flow. Not that it doesn’t have its periods of frustration, clay can have a mind of its own sometimes. And also I know I’m safe.
Beautiful, Beth! As a time traveler myself (see: edgeofyesterdaybooks.com) I have delved into many of times mysteries on the physical, fictional, spiritual and quantum levels. And as a writer, I love the magic of experiencing flow (and, by contrast, the agony when words—and time— do not flow but seem rather to stall out. Which, in turn, is its own experience).
My mother was a fine artist and she was never more herself than those moments in her studio when painting and perfecting. It was a joy to hear her wax on about “losing” herself to the Muse. I appreciate your Mother and Child drawing—Mom left many sketches and drawings of me, but never of her holding me. Now that she is 7 years gone, I would have treasured that. What a gift!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for your excellent, insightful comment. I checked out your link and wow! These books are awesome. A time travel series must've been fun -- and challenging -- to write. Yes, writing evokes flow, as I have also experienced. Like you, I have had words not cooperate. I have suffered the slings and arrows of writer's block, so I hear you.
I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. I'm heartened that she left you much of her artwork. What kind of painting did she do? I mostly create oil paintings, though I'm dabbling in watercolors from time to time.
Thank you again for your readership and commenting. I so appreciate it.
Thank you, Beth. My mother dabbled in many media but her main medium was acrylics. Personally, I loved her watercolors, but she always got frustrated that they were so unforgiving. Here's a more about her and her work: https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/what-is-art-a-century-of-impressions.
I am in the midst of editing the fifth-and-final of my time travel adventures. Fun, yes! The process of wrapping up a new time travel adventure AND the series has been an added challenge. Here's about where musing about time traveling has gotten me: https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/past-present-future-widening-our
Would love your thoughts!
Thank you so much, Robin, for the links. I commented on your posts. The time traveling book on da Vinci is so interesting and quotable.
I was blown away by your beautiful tribute to your dear mom. Her artwork is simply amazing. I love the one done by her at the tender age of 14. And it looks like you've also inherited her creativity.
I share your mom's frustration with watercolors because they are unforgiving. I'm really a newbie at this medium, but I find oils more forgiving of mistakes. Of course, oils take forever to dry, but they are worth the wait, in my opinion. :-)
Thank you for your kindness, Beth. And glad to have you join with me on this miraculous journey on Substack.
As for art, she originally dove into oils, but it was the waiting. She loved to "potchke" (a Yiddish word, meaning "fuss around with"--Mom was something of a perfectionist and if it weren't for my dad, she would never consider anything finished) with her canvases. I think acrylics dry quicker, no?
Hi Robin,
Yes, acrylics are faster drying, although I think there are additives to acrylics that can make them dry more slowly, as well as additives to oils to make them dry more quickly.
I am so very glad our paths crossed here in the Substack space.
I'm very familiar with "potchke," as I am not only Jewish, but Yiddish was my first language! For the first five years of my life, my grandmother, originally from Poland, took great care of me. She only spoke Yiddish. So that was my language. Of course, I lost fluency once I was in public school, and I really have a hard time with Yiddish now. But I still love the language. Every once in awhile a Yiddish word from the past comes reeling into my mind.
Wonderful to meet another MOT. You may be interested, then, in why I first began Releasing Memory on Substack. I am working on an ancestor memoir about my Ukrainian Jewish grandmother's (Mom's mother) coming to America--in 1893--and the silencing behind her voyage to America. An altogether too common occurrence, and not just an American tale. https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/unearthing-the-past and https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/ghost-writer
I'm all for stopping the clock and not rushing through life. It seems to be going at warp speed. My husband and I often say we wish we had met earlier in life. We want more time together, however, we are making the best and most of it by savoring each day together and enjoying life. And what a lovely drawing of your daughter.
Hi Nancy,
Right? Time does seem to be going so quickly. Sometimes I can't believe it's November already. Thank you for your compliment of my sketch.
I understand what you are saying about you and your husband wishing you had met earlier in life. The good thing is that you did meet and are spending precious time together and having fun. Frankly, I am in awe of you both -- taking boating trips, planting all those chestnut trees, collecting mushrooms in the woods. This is truly living one's best life.
This is so true. So many people get caught up in the "I'll be happy when" mindset. I hadn't thought about it as much related to holidays but it's a good point. Inevitably, when someone gets the thing they thought would make them happy...graduation, a job, marriage, children, or maybe even Christmas day, inevitably there is a crash afterward because so much time and energy was focused on that big thing they needed to happen. Once it's here, now what? Most go onto the next thing. You are so right. Art helps us to savor the moment we are in and time slows down. Maybe that's why I love it so much. Great post!
Hi Pam,
I so appreciate your comment and perspective. The "'I'll be happy when' mindset," as you put it is not really conducive to happiness, I believe. The holidays are to be savored, truly, but to anticipate the next holiday right after one is done with a holiday is a bit much to me.
We are both lucky to indulge ourselves in art. I can tell you love it and you are really talented at it, and I believe art is a true gift on how to live and slow down time.