One of our favorite activities to do on the weekends
together, my wife and I as a couple, is to go to brunch. We both love breakfast
food, sleeping in, and not always cooking. I think for us, brunch is the ideal
meal to share. This last weekend we enjoyed our usual brunch at our usual
place, and decided to talk a walk afterwards. We discovered a new greenway in
the city to walk along right near our favorite brunching location. In case you
do not know, a greenway is a dedicated trail that cuts through the city, with
the surrounding land left undeveloped and in its natural “green” state. This
particular trail was about 2.5 miles round trip, affording us some exercise and
a chance to talk while we walked.
For those of you regularly follow my blog, you will know
that my current series of abstract paintings are inspired by reflections,
particularly those on a body of water. We were pleasantly surprised to round
the bend of the path, and find ourselves walking along a beautiful pond, smooth
a glass, reflecting the stormy, overcast sky above. It was chilly that morning,
the beginning of steep drop in temperature that has occurred this past week–finally feels like winter here in North Carolina. Trees lined the water on all
sides, casting clear, beautiful, and dark reflections onto the still water. The
path went along the perimeter of the little pond, allowing me to take photos
from various vantage points. I have included the best of these here for you
viewing enjoyment. I hope that you find them to be as inspiring as I do.
Complete View of the Pond. Photo by Charles Wolf. Charles Wolf Studio © 2016.
As an artist, there is nothing quite like the inspiration I
draw from being in nature, enjoying it’s beauty. A find that for me, it reminds
me of what is important in life and what is superficial. It is so easy,
particularly with all the entertainment when can get though technology, to stay
in own little bubbles, inward and self-focused; as a millennial, I love
technology and would not want to live at any other point in history. In fact,
you would not be reading this right now with out technology—but my point is:
when I am outside and in nature, I reminded that I am part of a larger world. I
also reminded how insignificant I am in the grandest scheme of things… and this
is ok! Life is short, and taking time to appreciate your environment, enjoying
each moment can greatly improve your own satisfaction with your life.
Pond Bank and Reflections. Photo by Charles Wolf. Charles Wolf Studio © 2016.
When I walk among the pines, I am encouraged to share my joy
with others, to stop focusing on my own problems, myself, but to put other
first. In the end, making a difference in someone’s life is more important than
being successful, kindness is more important over gaining popularity, and when
I think about other people over myself, I am happier for it. When I can make someone’s
day a little brighter with one of artworks, blog articles, YouTube videos,
photos etc. then I know that I have meaning and a purpose in life. Because I am
just a passing speck, a blade grass bending in the wind, what greater joy can I
find then have a positive impact on those around me?
Reflections with Overhanging Branch. Photo by Charles Wolf. Charles Wolf Studio © 2016.
Let me summarize it like this: nature allows me to savor the
moment, take time to appreciate the wonder of creation, to get out of my daydreams,
plans and ambitions, and to think about other people. Who’s life can you
improve today? What can you do think about someone else before yourself? The
funny thing is, if you do this, you will find that you are all the happier for
it, because, “it is better to give than to receive.”[1]
Reflections. Photo by Charles Wolf. Charles Wolf Studio © 2016.
I hope you have a fantastic weekend! I am looking forward to
another brunch and walk this weekend with my wife, getting out of my home,
being reminded once again of place in the universe and getting inspired by
nature.
Grassy Bank and Reflections. Photo by Charles Wolf. Charles Wolf Studio © 2016.
—Charles
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You can follow this blog each week via my Google+ Page, Impulsive Artistry Facebook Page, Via Email Subscription (top-right sidebar), and on Twitter @ArtImpulsive.
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