I have spent many summers up here in Centerville as a temporary resident, but now I really live here. I have been here since October. I can’t believe that it is already the middle of July. There are so many reasons that I am happy here. Some of the reasons are simple and others are a bit complicated. The simple ones are because it is good for my soul. Although I have been busy involved in setting up the Studio and growing the business, I have also slowed down to appreciate this wonderful gift. It is not easy to slow down, or at least I find it challenging. I am still working at it. My tendency is to always have an intent and purpose to accomplish my latest goal.
But I am learning, I am learning …
Now every morning I sit on the front porch looking out over the property. It is so peaceful and yet so full of life. There are often deer feeding at the edge of the woods. I try to be quite so as not to startle them. They are magnificent creatures. The birds are so much fun to watch. The bluebird family had two broods this summer. The last fledgling left the nest just this past week. A Great Horned Owl family shares the woods with us. We watched the other evening as a youngster flew low, landed not more that 5o feet from us, then took off for a low branch on the next tree. We watched as the young owl ( I think it was a Great Horned), repeated the ground to tree routine across the front lawn. There are two rabbits, we have named them Rebecca and Rachael. They feed at the edge of the woods. It is fun to watch them run and play with each other. Maybe it is Robert and Rachael–who knows.
After I drink my coffee, I am able most mornings to close my eyes, and meditate. I find this a wonderful way to start my day. Then it is off to the Studio.
I either have a student or need to work on one of my paintings. I just finished the painting for the Methodist Church in Centerville.
36 x 48
Oil
Artist: Susan Tyler
I always have a hard time giving up a project that I work on like this. It was a commission and as I thought about their community and what I thought they wanted painted, I became very attached to the painting and my feelings about them. They are a special group of people. I delivered it last week. I hope that the parishioners will enjoy it.
Til next month, Susan
