Tag: Beauty

2025 New Beginnings

I have chosen themes to drive my aspirations for the year in recent years. One of my aspirations this year is to learn more about paintings.

In recent years, I’ve been fortunate enough to immerse myself in some of the most stunning artwork the world has to offer. Each piece captivates and inspires me, yet I often find myself puzzled. What exactly elevates Van Gogh’s iconic sunflowers above my son’s colorful creations (see below)? The mystery of art continues to intrigue me!

Priceless

In my inform my appreciation for art, I recently picked up a daily art calendar. My aim is to carve out a little time each day to observe and learn something new about the world of creativity.

Kicking off this artistic journey, I’m excited to share the January 1 selection: The Oy Valley, a piece by Alexej von Jawlensky from 1912. What grabbed my attention first were the vivid pastel colors. Although it beautifully captures a valley in Germany, it instantly transported me back to a hike I took in the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland (see below picture). It’s amazing how art can evoke such personal memories!

Puntland Hills, Scotland

Below is what ChatGPT can tell me about the painting.

Alexej von Jawlensky (1864–1941) was a key figure in the Expressionist movement, known for his use of vivid colors and spiritualized abstraction. The Oy Valley, painted in 1912, reflects Jawlensky’s fascination with landscapes as a means of expressing inner emotions rather than replicating nature.

This particular painting is characterized by:

1. Dynamic Composition: The scene features a mountainous landscape rendered in bold, angular forms that suggest the natural contours of the valley while emphasizing emotional intensity over realism.

2. Vivid Color Palette: Jawlensky employs a spectrum of bright, saturated colors—reds, purples, greens, and blues—to create a striking, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The color contrasts are meant to evoke a sense of awe and spiritual transcendence.

3. Expressionist Techniques: The brushstrokes are bold and textured, lending the painting an energetic, almost raw quality. Rather than detailed realism, Jawlensky focuses on the essence and emotional resonance of the scene.

4. Symbolic Undertones: Jawlensky believed color had a spiritual power. In this work, the interplay of light and shadow, alongside the vibrant hues, suggests a symbolic representation of the divine presence in nature.

During the period this was created, Jawlensky was closely associated with Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), an avant-garde group that sought to explore spiritual themes through modern art. This painting exemplifies his contribution to that movement and his desire to transcend the physical world through expressive art.

Day 24

Traveling has always been a passion of mine. There’s something magical about exploring new places and immersing myself in diverse cultures. I find great joy in chatting with locals, and hearing their perspectives is fascinating. Often, they highlight the challenges and downsides of their surroundings, which contrasts my own experience. For me, every destination holds beauty and positivity, waiting to be cherished.

It is ironic that when I describe the places I’ve lived, I often focus on the challenges and downsides. The reality is that there are good things and bad things no matter where you live. There are many good things about where I live and where I grew up.

I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a stunningly beautiful area. The people I grew up with were truly outstanding. My current hometown also has many positive attributes. There are several beautiful parks where residents can walk and enjoy nature. We have excellent restaurants and many good people living here.

Today, take a moment to look around you. Notice the positive things happening, and list three things for which you are grateful.

Day 15 Gratitude Challenge

Death is inevitable. It leaves a trail of sorrow for those left behind. There are so many unanswered questions. Yet, one thing is certain . My brother is dead. We buried his remains today. Jason Harris

I wrote the quote above just over four years ago on the day I buried my oldest brother, Jeff. I vividly remember writing those words and can still feel the pain, anger, sadness, and confusion I experienced. I will always remember. I don’t believe you ever forget the pain of losing someone you love so deeply.

The five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are commonly understood as a sequential journey, often thought to unfold in a specific order. However, since the loss of my brother, I’ve found myself navigating these stages in various sequences and sometimes experiencing them all in one day. Most days, I come to a place of acceptance, though it’s a difficult journey, and I embrace that feeling as best as I can, knowing it’s a part of the healing process. Yet, I often wonder: is it truly possible to fully heal from such a profound loss?

Today marks several significant events. It’s the 15th day of the gratitude challenge, which means we’ve reached the halfway mark. It’s also 10 days past the election. Most importantly, today is my brother’s birthday; he would have been 64.

Today’s challenge invites us to transform a negative experience into a positive reflection. Let’s take a moment to think about those who are no longer with us. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, and acknowledging the impact they had on our lives is important. We can hold on to the gratitude for the moments we shared with them, cherishing their memory. Although we may not be able to thank them directly, we can honor their legacy and the positive influence they brought into our lives. This act of remembrance allows us to celebrate the love and lessons they imparted, keeping their spirit alive in our hearts.

Day 4 – 2024 Gratitude Challenge

As I take a moment to write this, I’m gearing up to spend a few cherished hours in the here and now, watching my beloved Minnesota Vikings. I know how important it is to focus on the present, which means setting aside the distractions of past regrets and future uncertainties. It’s a gentle reminder that being fully present can bring joy and connection. This was the challenge for Day 3.

It is also important to spend time reflecting on the past. We often overlook the true value of a moment. Consider the memories that brighten your life—what are the ones that make you smile, laugh, or even bring a heartwarming tear to your eye? Take a journey down memory lane and share those beautiful moments with your family and friends. Remember to reach out to those who played a part in creating those memories with you. Celebrate the connections that make those memories so extraordinary!

At the top of this post is a picture that holds a special place in my heart. It is from the Black Hills, a region I haven’t called home for a while. Nevertheless, the memories I’ve created there are vivid and alive, each serving as a beautiful reminder of the adventures and moments that have shaped me.

2024 Gratitude Challenge Day 3

“Mindfulness is the ability to be aware of what’s going on around us and in our bodies….it is the continuous awareness of our bodies, our emotions and our thoughts.” Thich Naht Hanh

How did Day 2 unfold for you? Were there any little details or standout moments that truly grabbed your attention? It’s so important to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate those small, beautiful aspects of life that often go unnoticed. They can make all the difference!

I wandered outside for a refreshing walk and stumbled upon a group of fishermen reeling in a stunning catch. The thrill in the air was palpable, and it was a joy to witness their excitement firsthand. I’ve included a picture of their impressive haul at the top of this post—don’t miss it!

Today, embrace the present moment with mindfulness and gratitude. By immersing ourselves in the here and now, we free ourselves from worries about the future and reflections on the past. Let your focus shine on today.

2024 Gratitude Challenge Day 2

How did your Day 1 turn out? I found myself slipping into complaints a few times, but I quickly caught it and shifted my focus. Honestly, it made such a difference! Embracing positivity really turned my day around. How about you?

I apologize for getting this post out later than usual. I decided to embrace the joy of sleeping in. Last night, I attended a fantastic basketball game that stretched past my usual bedtime. Appreciating the little things, like giving ourselves the gift of rest is essential.

Today’s challenge is to embrace the beauty of life’s little things. Imagine how different life would be without them. With the weather promising to be lovely, I plan to take a long walk outside, observing the small and the big things around me.

Day 30 Final Day of Beautiful Things

This experiment started 30 days ago. It has been 30 days of searching for something beautiful. Today, while walking my dog along the bike trail, we saw a small white-tailed deer. It stood and stared at us before gracefully walking away. It was a moment of beauty.

Day 29 Beautiful Things

On days 1 and 2, I shared images of adorable ducklings. Today, I revisited them and was amazed by their growth and transformation over the past month.

Day 28 Beautiful Things

Life’s most beautiful moments are often the ones we least expect. During my walk today, I stumbled upon some vibrant red leaves on the ground. When I turned around, I saw this tree.

I don’t remember ever witnessing a tree in full autumn colors in the middle of August. Despite being unusual, it was truly breathtaking.

Day 27 Beautiful Things

Day 26 was an absolute whirlwind! While I didn’t get to spend as much time with my wife as I wanted to, I had some fantastic business meetings and organized a few meals with people who mean the world to me. There’s nothing quite like spending quality time with those you hold dear.