Vietnam, fires, and Christmas.... my excuses for disappearing from the blogging world since late October! (Lots more dramatic than saying my dog ate my rough drafts... although that could happen.) Vietnam: Still can't believe I got to do this - absolutely amazing trip to Vietnam with a Hope's Promise Connection Team in early November. We witnessed the…Read more Vietnam, fires, and Christmas…
greyhounds
Racing for Joy
That moment when you run… not because someone told you to, not for any tangible benefit, not to prove anything to anyone (not even yourself). But simply for the sheer joy of surging through the grass, under the sky, alive in this moment. When every cell of your being trembles with the present. When you…Read more Racing for Joy
The Deaf Dog Who Heard What Matters
Strange that I would start painting again, after falling off into deep discouragement earlier this year, with Henry as my subject. But Henry was truly special. He was completely deaf. In a household clattering with four active kids, that was a blessing for him. And in a family with special needs kids, his disability endeared…Read more The Deaf Dog Who Heard What Matters
Henry the Star
As I begin painting in earnest again, I find myself drawn to a place of simplicity and happiness. I drag out from the shadows a painting I began last spring. At first I think it's a "light" theme, a "warm-up," with deeper visual ponderings to come. And then I realize, the most treasured offerings in…Read more Henry the Star
Space and Creativity
Together we romp through a stream, climb sunflower hills, and criss-cross wildflower fields. The beauty of the place feeds my soul, even as my "creatures'" happiness and freedom lifts my spirits. Here, ideas incubate far below conscious thought. There must be space for creativity to flourish. Here, these accomplishing-nothing-hours are worth more than a million of production.…Read more Space and Creativity
Joy Comes in the Morning
Early in the morning, “joy” lingers at the door and howls longingly to come in. I can’t resist. I crack the door, and he slips through eagerly. I settle on my chair, and he nestles his silky head on my lap. His front paws creep up to join his head. He lifts his lanky back…Read more Joy Comes in the Morning
Savoring the Simple Things
With every passing year, I grow increasingly thankful for the simplest of things. For blue-gray sky sinking low with snow, for burnished ochre grasses lifting proud rounded heads, for stately tree silhouettes, empty of leaves, but cradling dreams lying latent through cold. For growing children scampering after dogs of gold, brindle, and black with shy…Read more Savoring the Simple Things
Colleen Briggs Art & Writing 