Sleightholm Folk Art

Not long ago, I was walking in the light rain of a most beautiful autumn day….through a very old cemetery….with one of my very best friends.

Is that not something everyone does? 😉

Well, it seems to be for me! It seems I cant go anywhere interesting without traipsing through a cemetery, and when I was in Albany a few weeks back helping my best gal Patricia with her oldest daughter’s wedding, we stopped by Albany Rural Cemetery the morning before I headed back home. The cemetery is over 175 years old, set into acres of lush rolling hills boarded by woods. When we were there the foliage was just at peek, and the rain and dampness gave the whole place such a moody, contemplative air. I am so glad we got to take those moments to walk through– even when the drizzle turned into out-right rain. It’s a true friend who will walk with you in such weather among acres of the silent dead….one who understands that it isnt scary, but poignant and a bit bittersweet to be amongst all those lives lived so long ago.

Just last week we observed All Souls’ Day, and put out photos of our loved ones who passed away. A photo that was new to this collection was one of my grandparents- who both died this year. My granny passed away in February, the day after her 88th birthday. My grandpa followed just 4 months later. It’s been a huge loss….and a hard journey. But it is a relief to know that they are together again (they were married for 67 years, something Grandpa was always quick to remind us) and no longer in any pain or confusion. It seems like it happened so terribly slowly when we were in the midst of it all, but looking back it seems so quick. Just a matter of 4 months, and everything so changed….

November lends itself to easily to contemplating these things, doesn’t it? Beginning and ends; finishing a book, picking up a new one…death of those dear followed by weddings and births… I seem to be caught in this space in a lot of ways.

I know things have been relatively quiet and subdued this year with my art. It definitely wasn’t my plan. But it’s how life worked out for me in 2022, and instead of racing frantically to get on with things again, I am taking a long moment to pause. Perhaps my heart and my paint brush needed some rest. Or refocus. Or a little bit of both. There have been some very hard things to grapple with in these past few months– but also very good things. We’ve had some wonderful changes too— new opportunities and pivots. A new, adorable nephew, a new business opportunity for my husband, further explorations into school at home. But it takes time to readjust. These things always do.

Thanks for sticking with me, and following along as I meander down some new paths. I am still very much loving to create and paint. Time at my painting table is very much savored. I am working on some little pieces to share with you very soon. I also just restocked my Christmas Cards in my ETSY SHOP, with plenty of St. Lucias for everyone!

I will be back soon, and will have things to share with you…..

Until then, thanks for being here! And always remember to–

Take Joy~
H