Sunday, September 7, 2008

more thoughts about leaving

Just home from a run on Newcastle Island with Trudy, Denise and Liz. A big high pressure system has settled over the coast, lulling us back into summer. The grasses on Newcastle are golden and the trails smell of dry, crushed arbutus leaves. Soon the maple leaves will join them, big yellow handkerchiefs which turn to something like soggy cornflakes as the fall rains set in. I will miss the Newcastle year, all the seasonal markers we always notice on these runs. And I will miss very much my running buddies and other island friends like Frances and Carol. As well as town friends like Darcy, Judith and Mary Jo and Victoria friends Jane and Hazell. Looking back, a year has passed so quickly; looking forward it seems to stretch slowly into something longer than it's measure. Is that part of the theory of relativity?
I'll also miss my students, some of whom I have been painting with almost every year for more than ten years. For my part, I'm going to try to work on the art of the quick watercolour sketch and will try to post some of these on this blog. Meanwhile I wish all you painters an artful year. And remember PAINT AS IF NEITHER YOUR TIME NOR YOUR MATERIALS ARE VALUABLE.

5 comments:

materfamilias said...

See? I knew you'd catch onto the blogging thing easily. Yours already looks wonderful, with that delightful watercolour of "Kim's" skull (I'm assuming that's your watercolour). I'm very pleased that we'll be able to follow the adventure vicariously and that the sting of missing you will be compensated for by the wonders your discerning eye and talented hands (with both pen and brush)will bring us over the next year. I'm off now to subscribe to your blogfeed so I don't miss a post!

Alison Watt said...

Materfamilias
you really inspired me! I'm so excited about this perfect way to chronicle the trip, as well as stay in touch. As you can see you are my first commenter (is that a word?) being an old hand at blogging. hope the fall term is going well....

Unknown said...

Well hello Goldilocks! I am uncertain about this blog thing, but hope I can do it

Maureen said...

Alison and Kim
May the winds be fair and I know the adventures will be memorable. I will be following them.
Cheers
Maureen

WESTERN said...

My sympathies to your family on the passing of Kim's father.I know how hard this time can be, but spending a year together on the ocean might be a blessing to reflect and to comfort each other.Following you on this wonderful adventure gives a chance to finally travel the oceans blue through your eyes. Have a safe and spiritual trip and enjoy!!