Chasing Fireflies

Some people who know me gasped in disbelief when I said that I was attending a Women of Faith conference in Philadelphia this weekend, entitled "Grand New Day." I attended with childhood friends from Millstone and 18,000 other women:)( That's a whole lotta estrogen, power and creativity).I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I have opened my mind and heart to the possibility that learning and inspiration come from unexpected and sometimes unlikely resources.This weekend provided a wealth of experiences that genuinely inspired an abundance of new ideas for my art. The first painting will be entitled Firefly. As guest speakers, performers, authors, and musicians shared stories of their lives and their journeys toward discovering their strengths, talents and higher purpose, images flashed incessantly before me...images that will undoubtedly make their way into my paintings.

Author and motivational speaker Patsy Clairmont likened the people who enter our lives and impact us in a special way to the magical glow of "fireflies." They flicker and attract us to them, providing light for our hearts, minds and souls. These are the people that guide,motivate,instruct and love us. Gratefully,I have had many fireflies, flit in and out of my life, in the past three years. Although their glow may have dimmed or faded,I have stored the magic of them within me:) They help to light my way.

Be still.Welcome and appreciate the fireflies that grace your "moments".Capture their light in your heart and mind.Sometimes the faintest of fireflies can provide the most intense source of "light."I'm trying to pay a little better attention so that these glimmering gifts don't go unnoticed.

Fireflies,dandelions and children...these are a few of my favorite things! During the conference, one of the very dynamic women speakers said..."aging is inevitable,but growing up is optional." Words to live by:) I was reminded again of who I am and of the light that is within me. Maybe I'll get to create,share, shine and be someone else's firefly.Just maybe.

“His sanguine spirit turns every firefly into a star.”
Arthur Conan Doyle