Mindful, Summer's Clouds daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Summer's Clouds, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Time is flying, and summer's clouds are all but a memory.  While writing my book, I searched for a word to describe the way the Everglades landscape responds to winter, spring, summer, fall, while retaining two distinct seasons, the wet and the dry. While the flora and fauna of the glades environment are driven by the wet and dry, the change of light and heat as the earth revolves around the sun also have an effect.

I finally settled on "mindful." It means "aware" actively attentive, or deliberately keeping something in mind. 

We are coming into the dry season. As more and more humans journey to South Florida for the dry, warmer weather, the animals and plants of the Everglades are taking actions to help them survive without much water for the next few months.


If you like knowing more about the Everglade environment, and enjoy looking at images of my paintings, you'll enjoy my book, Embracing the Everglades. Is it on your holiday gift list? It can be purchased online directly from my website and is available at my studio in the Esplanade.   

And for the holiday season, "mindfu' seems to fit.  I'm asking you to be mindful as you shop this season. 

You can be mindful of the meaning of Christmas, a time of kindness and sharing and joy and giving.

You can be mindful of the gifts you select.  Who made them?  Are they made by a real person, with love and care? Can someone answer your questions about how the gift was made?

You can be mindful of where you purchase.  Will you get great customer service from someone who knows how hard you are working to get just the right gift?  Will you get help when you want/need it?

You can be mindful of the merchants on Marco Island this year who might be suffering in the dismal economy and will appreciate your business. Bonus to you--no traffic, plenty of parking, and great customer service!

So, be mindful that you're getting exactly what you want this season, and that your money is going where you are pleased to have it go.
 
Please join the Artist Colony at the Esplanade for last Wednesday's ArtWalk, Wednesday, November 30, 5-8. for our Holiday Open House.  I've got something special for you.  Check in on Tuesday to learn the details! 

See my next post for information about my first ArtWalk SNOWMAN EXTRAVAGANZA!  I'll be serving a great mulled beverage and delicious cookies too!