endless beauty
by Elouise
Final —
A heavy word
for dreamers of today
Shuffling through
the watercolor exhibition
my eyes fall on a small tangle
of blue-greens and light pinks
composed and serene
within a gothic arched mat
Exquisite detail sharply defined
invites my eyes to linger
on each small leaf,
each tiny stem and blossom
flourishing at ground level
within trailing vines of small ivy
The work of yesterday’s dreamer
who found endless beauty
lying at his feet
Yesterday D and I were at the Philadelphia Art Museum to see a special exhibition of watercolors from the 1800s and early 1900s. I was captivated by this artist’s vision and clear determination to paint the small things. In part because the possibilities were endless, no matter where he looked.
I couldn’t help thinking about my writing–especially now, as my world seems to be shrinking. I found this artist’s vision challenging and encouraging. He gave up trying to paint the big things. Partly because so many were already doing that. More than that, he was captured by his love for painting ‘into’ the small things.
There’s nothing final about vision, is there? Seeing into the smallest details of life gives me joy and a sense of purpose. A way of connecting with others as I’m connecting more deeply with myself and my spiritual development.
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 13 May 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, May 2017
Ivy-covered wall inside the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens
Response to WordPress Daily Prompt: Final
You remind me of the wonder I sense occasionnally when I see a small exquisite little flower in a country field among rocks and weeds and know that no one else will see ever see it. It is one of the ‘small’ beautiful things that go unnoticed by man.
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Yes….virtually invisible unless we take time to look. Sort of the way some of us might even feel from time to time. Unnoticed and unappreciated. Thanks for your comment. 😊
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This is beautifully written.
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Thank you, Herminia! Hoping your Mother’s Day (I know–you’re not a mother) is happy and filled with beauty in the teeny tiny things. 🙂
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Likewise! Haha, maybe in several years I will be.
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😍🤢
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Sorry, H! My finger got way ahead of me….😍🎶🎼🎺🎉
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No worries!
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Is Herminia an Australian, I notice she uses the phrase “no worries” which I always think is a peculiarly Australian expression. It’s used here all the time and I’ve never seen it used anywhere else.
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Guess what? You’re part-way there! Would you believe Canada? Check out her website: https://aspiringwriter22.wordpress.com/ 🙂
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Checked it out and hit the follow button, I might enjoy her posts, always nice to find someone new to follow
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Yay! 🙂
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it’s always about the little things, for little things make up the image of the bigger things <3….yet never sweat the small stuff….but it's all small stuff that turns into mountains….I'm learning to jump over the speed bumps too ❤
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“small stuff that turns into mountains”
Precisely. I could help thinking about you when we were going through the exhibit. Too bad you can’t time-travel or just tell Scotty to beam you up! 🙂
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Thank you for the thoughts, and the “wall” which (I think) might be the one at Longwood). I always gravitate there to bask in its green-ness! I hope that you will enjoy this lovely day, and the warmth of the week as it unfolds!
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Undoubtedly the same wall! 🙂 So stunning and unexpected. Thanks for your comment and good wishes. Most appreciated.
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This is a beautiful post, Elouise. It is the small things that are often overlooked and enjoyed. It takes a lot of little things to make a big picture.
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Thanks, April. Yes to the ‘invisible’ little things (and little people, too)–that together make the big picture. So well said!
Elouise
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I’d loved to have seen more of “Philly” trouble is there is not one person in my family who’s the least bit interested in history, bar me; and Philly is full of it.
Too late for me now. 😦
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I feel for you. There’s nothing like being there and actually seeing and touching the remnants of history. Unless they’re behind glass, of course. I’d love to visit Australia before I die, but I’ve probably lost that possibility. Have to settle for films and documentaries instead. And dialogue with good blogger friends like you. 🙂
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I admit to tears rolling down my cheeks when standing before the Bell. I refused to insult it by having my photo taken with it
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It’s pretty awesome. Some items don’t make respectful selfies. 🌹
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The War Office was wielding the camera. makes a change from her battle ax
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I know this has nothing to do with your post but have you ever read any of this lady’s work, this may interest you, it is I think right up your alley 🙂
https://goodgentlewoman.wordpress.com/2017/05/12/elizabeth-st-john-puritan-pioneer/
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Thanks, Brian! I’ll check her out. 🙂
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Let me know what you think, she writes lovely posts whenever she does write them
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