Natural World, Bright Light daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Bright Light, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

I've felt connected to our natural world since I was a child.  I'd stop to smell the breeze on the salty air of Gloucester, MA, where I grew up.  I loved to find little a special rock, a beautiful leave, or a bits of sea glass for my treasure box.  My garden here contains many such "bits."

With so very many people in the world now, (we're approaching seven billion!) it's easy to lose touch with nature.  Our natural world needs the stewardship of those who care, and its hard to care if you are out of touch. 

No matter where you are, try to enjoy a "quiet moment" each day, outside.  Listen to the sounds of nature.  Is it quiet, with nothing stirring, or do you hear voices of birds, insects and other animals going about their daily business? 

Enjoy the magnificent beauty of the sky any time of day.  Notice how the color blue changes from the horizon to the zenith.  Mark the edges of day by greeting the sunrise or noting the day's end. 

What's the smell on your breeze?

Natural world, Inlet daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Inlet, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

I'm fascinated by inlets in the Everglades, places were the water and sawgrass disappear around a bend.  I wonder what's just beyond what I can easily see.  Who lives there and what are their lives like?  Could an alligator be lurking there waiting for his breakfast, or a great blue heron waiting to snatch up a fish.  And if they do, how will it affect the natural world THEY live in?

There is a whole natural world going on a level usually ignored or unnoticed by us. Like being in an elevator with foreign speakers--we hear something, but usually don't have a clue what is really going on.  

We may hear a crow outside the window, loud and raucous.  It might annoy us and we might try to shoo it away.  What's really happening?  Is he out to drive us nuts or does he see a snake or a cat and is warning his family of eminent danger.

Could it be that in the natural world, living things are going about their daily lives with many aspects paralleling human life?  What are we missing?  Drama?  Distress?  Or maybe just the hint that it's time for a nice nap.