Quote of the Day: The sky is God’s canvas.
Photo by Joey Halvorson, professional photographer in the Brainerd lakes area.
Today is another posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Go to his site to get involved. It is a great way to connect with other creative spirits who have similar struggles and celebrations.
I needed an inspirational photo for this post. All I could think of was white, white vapors, white roads, white salt on my vehicle, white snow, blinding white everywhere, so I thought that I’d find a snowy path to illustrate this post. Then, I looked at Joey’s photos and this one of the orange sunset popped out at me, as if to say, “Ha, even winter is not all white!” God truly does use the sky as a canvas. My friend Roxane often posts sky photos on her facebook page.
The moral of this post: All you need to do for inspiration is look to the sky.
My piano students are all quite imaginative, readers, of course, writers, some of them, and many love art. We were talking about clouds the other day. One girl saw a dog in the clouds. I told her that the best cloud image I ever saw was of a whale. It covered a large portion of the sky, perfect shape, complete with the wrinkles on the side.
If you’re like me, you might be feeling a little schlumpy after the holidays. We’ve had a loooooooong cold spell here in the Midwest. The kids finally went back to school today after a two week holiday PLUS two more days of school canceled because of extreme cold. On the brighter side, the sun is shining, the furnace works, the car runs, and my words for the new year are prosper and fun.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What are some cool cloud images you’ve seen? Do you take photos of the sky?
That is an amazing photo.
No matter how bleak, if we always look up, we will have hope.
And bet you are really happy the kids are back in school.
Yes, Alex, it’s about time!!!
I am so glad you are using this photo as it is one of the batch I lost, as you know…….so I am glad it has a life of it’s own. It could be in no better words than yours.
Your art lives on, Joey.
Some art does not last in its tangible state. Think about sand castles and chalk art on sidewalks that get washed away by the rain. Sometimes, they’re captured forever with your camera. Sometimes, we have to close our eyes and remember their beauty.
When my father-in-law was still alive, I recall visiting at his home and noticing that his favorite chair was positioned so he could look out of the window to the west. I always wondered about the view. It was just a view of the flat farmland of the Red River Valley covered by snow. One evening, I looked over his shoulder and realized that the setting sun had cast beautiful colors across the land. Muted blues and pinks cascaded across the snowy landscape and at that moment the scenery was spectacular. It was then that I realized what he could see each day when he looked out the window, he was not just seeing the land. He was seeing the pasture where his animals had once grazed. He was seeing the yard where his children had played. He was seeing the land that has sustained him, given his life purpose, and provided for his family. And each day, the sunset painted a different background to that scenery. Every day different than the others. And every day, appreciated for its unique beauty.
Love your post! Coming from Michigan’s -30 wind chill, I hear you. But tunneling in has it’s advantages – as long as you have power and Internet those days when you can’t get in to work, you can use the time to feed your muse either at the keyboard or just watching the snow fall. I’m a sky-lover too. All my travel pictures are filled with horizon and heavens, especially when on a cruise in the Caribbean, writing on my balcony at 5:00 waiting for the sunrise. Sigh. Oh, to be there now…
Tom, that is a wonderful description of your Father-in-laws favorite view.
Nancy, I’d love to join you in the Caribbean!
Hey Mary! Even before I saw my name, you knew I’d be digging that photo, and I really, really do! Wow!!! That’s a keeper. I love how Joey brought winter to life through borrowing the sunset. It changes everything, indeed. Yes, the sky brings so much vitality, so much variation, so much creativity. I just love the sky (if I haven’t already said so). 🙂 Thanks for this hopeful post. I agree. Cold though it may be, it’s sunny, not windy, and I’m in a warm home. Feeling blessed even if my toes are froze. 🙂
Hi Roxane,
So glad you popped over. I was going to tag you, soon, so you wouldn’t miss it. I thought of you as soon as Joey posted that photo! She is a gifted photographer. And, you describe well the inspiration of the Heavens.
Hugs to you, warm, warm hugs,
Mary
I did an entire post on sky pictures once. I love how clouds, sunsets, sunrises, full moons and stormy gray can elevate my vision. Yes lots of white stuff, for sure, but this too shall pass. Happy New Year to you!
I adore sunset pictures.
The best image I ever saw was a huge cloud that looked like a jet. 😀
What a beautiful photo!
Lovely quote – and picture! Sorry to hear you’re all covered in snow. It’s exciting when it starts, but if weather like that drags on it can be really oppressive. Glad you’re feeling sort of positive though.
Beautiful photo!
It sparks soooooo many thoughts… ideas… and it made me think of a song…
I have a flash fiction piece to write… and a deadline… and you’ve provided the PERFECT prompt.
Think I feel a free-writing session coming on…
I’m off to capture the moment…
Onward & Upward!
Writer In Transit
Loved the image. It is nice to see that some color can creep in when all there seems to be is blinding white.
Enjoy prospering and having fun!
Leanne ( http://read.wordpress.com )