Fall is always a time when I start burrowing. It’s the time of the year, when change brings about reflection. I wish I could say, that it brings about momentous change; but often times, it just brings the thought of changing. Maybe that’s how change starts, with just planting the seed.
Things have gotten quieter on the home front, with the “baby” away at college, the daylight time getting shorter and the temperatures starting to dip slightly. So today, I’m reflecting in my art journal and here are the pages that came out today.
After I finished these pages, while cleaning and putting art supplies away, I found this quote folded up in an old book. The quote fits perfectly with the first day of fall, my art journal pages and how I’m feeling…
“I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know – unless it’s to share our laughter.
We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.
For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves.”
~James Kavanaugh
What are your thoughts on this first day of Autumn? As the leaves change and the days start growing shorter, do you feel any shifts in your mind, body or spirit? I’d love for you to share them…
From my wildly passionate creative soul to yours in peace.
jennifer barrile said
How wonderful this post and words of J.Kavanaugh. Just yesterday I was feeling a little low in solitude or maybe some sort of shift within so those words written, "I am one of those searchers" touches a nerve within. Thanks for the post!
Indigene said
Thanks Jenn! It’s wonderful, when we find words that can articulate where we are or what we need! It’s the little miracles of life! 🙂
kimpdx said
I love Autumn and also find thoughts of change filling my head. This is the time of year when I want to start new projects, clean and organize, get things moving. But too often, as you mentioned, it's mostly just thinking about it. Thanks for the Autumn thoughts!
Indigene said
I love Autumn too! There’s something about the leaf colors, that inspire me. Maybe it’s that feeling before nesting down for winter. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
apaperbear said
Oh these are wonderful pages! Marvelous!
Indigene said
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such an encouraging message. I really appreciate it! 🙂
tami chacon said
Fall is always a new beginning in my mind – a time to reflect and start fresh – The changing light of day brings me such peace and warmth. And I too am one of those searchers. I LOVE the words from J Kavanaugh! Thank you for your words and your kindness in the wondrous world!
Indigene said
Tami, I hear you! I know many people get that feeling in the spring time, but it always happens for me at this time of the year! Sort of like a new Mom getting ready for her new baby’s arrival! Let’s see what we birth before the year is over! Thanks again for stopping by.
Jill Marie said
As always your writing and art touch my Soul. Thank you for sharing that quote…it is the essence of my Heart. You rock!
Indigene said
Jill, you’re a sweetheart. We’re like-minded souls, that’s probably why we often resonate with the same things! Thanks for being encouraging and inspiring! 🙂
Robin Heim said
When I look at the "eye" in that last painting, it makes me think of Prince. 🙂 Anyway, yes, the QUOTE! Love it and thank you SO much for sharing it here! Key words that stuck out to me were: Cities {how often are cities NOT seen as beautiful and rich in their own right?}, sadness {we need to feel sadness to embrace joy when it presents itself}, NOT needed to "prove" or "compete," and "gentle" –> so much depth in this quote. Ah, fall — I just wish it felt more like fall here in So California! Enjoy the season!
Indigene said
Thanks so much Robin! Every time I read this quote, I always get something different out of it. As a person, who suffers from seasonal affect disorder, I love California sunshine! 🙂
Elouise said
Wonderful quote from James Kavanaugh! Yes, I definitely go into another space and time in the fall. Especially now that I've retired and don't have the frenetic job to wake me up and get me going! This post and your more recent one about black and white give me a lot of food for thought. The restlessness and unexpected weariness of it all (short days, long nights) is real. I want to honor it.
Elouise
Indigene said
Thank you for stopping by, Elouise and commenting, it means the world to me, especially since your writing goes to the deep places in my heart!