(My son and his family at Thanksgiving) |
When
the gift exchanges were opened, and there were no other presents under the
tree, I was listless and forlorn. My mother reached inside the topmost branches
of the Christmas tree. “Well, what's this?” she said pulling a small wrapped package from
its hiding place. She
read the inscription aloud: “Merry Christmas, to Carol from Santa.” My mouth
must have dropped open as she handed me this wonderful surprise.
My
fingers flew as I tore the wrapping from the box. Inside was the wrist watch I
had wanted. Although this strange Christmas started out badly, it finished on a
high note. I had always been told that “good things come in small packages.” Now I
believed it.
Memories, whether good or bad, accumulated over
time become the foundation that builds character and provides a springboard for
who we become. Our preferences and choices come from these early beginnings.
Like bits and pieces of energy, they mold and shape our personality; our likes
and dislikes.
(A walk in the hills of Georgia) |
When
people view a painting, they are drawn to a composite of colors and lines that
relate to their experience and inner vision. No two people are the same. No two
paintings are exactly alike. There are “vibes” that call out to us in a myriad of ways. Some
people seek excitement and brashness. Others may be seeking recognition of
something familiar. Still others may long for something hidden and long
forgotten that reaches out and calls them back home.
Whatever
the reasons, pushing a painting on someone else in a triumph of salesmanship
rarely brings contentment. Choosing artwork is much like choosing those
intimate objects of our lives that are selected because of some secret wish or
longing. The feeling is indescribable and personal. Sometimes we can’t explain the
reasons ourselves. We only know that we must have it because it already feels a
part of us.
(Work in Progress -- Peaches 'n Cream) |
Personal,
unforgettable and totally unexplainable. These are the reasons people make the
choices they do. Sometimes we do things for the wrong reasons and regret it
later. For whatever reasons we may buy, it is not always about the money nor the
beauty. The bottom line may be simply filling a void.
As
I’ve watched people, including myself, accumulate
goods and services, I’ve come to the conclusion that we fill up the emptiness of our lives with
things. Not a good reason for purchasing something.
As
we approach the holiday season, try accumulating pleasant and joyful experiences
that become fond memories. These may well fill up those empty spaces just as
well and for less money.
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