Many years ago, my ex-husband Tony and I had a friend visit us from Italy. We took him to Central Park, where he proceeded to take about 50 pictures of this one squirrel, capturing it from every angle.
We thought OK, well maybe he’s into squirrels. Or maybe he thought it was rare to have squirrels in NYC. It was only until more squirrels showed up, prompting a surprised expression on his face, that we realized he thought he had been witnessing something that was one-of-a-kind! Unico!
Recently, I thought of this story, as I started my “Sidewalk Flowers” series. It reminded me to look at something typical with a curious, new eye. Going in for a more intimate view, then stepping back to see the bigger picture of my surroundings provided an intriguing metaphor. Getting up-close and personal with challenges in our lives is necessary but can often become all encompassing. But then when you take a step back, and see the bigger picture, you realize the promise and the lesson that exists in that beauty of a nugget. And that my friends brings hope.
You know New York City is not just concrete, skyscrapers, grit, and crime (argh news media). New York has beauty, and nature is doing its thing while the rest of the city is bustling around it.
You can buy into the beauty or you can buy into the rhetoric. And whether it’s generated from outside sources, or comes from within - it’s your choice.
And while you’re mulling that over have a look at these to give you an example of what I’m talking about.
(note: click on photos for a close-up view)
Buon Weekend and Big Love, PatriciaG
NOTE: Big Mother’s Day Sales are happening over at PatriciaG’s Gift Shop! I’m excited to tell you that I’ve added new artwork which means lots of new items! And I’d be so delighted if you shared the Blog and my Gift Shop with those you know and love. Thanks so much! Grazie Mille!
Purple Hyacinth Tote Bag