On this topic. Strange things happen all of the time, every day. Does that mean that I believe the world, God, those who have passed on, are sending me signs? A sign saying "watch out!" Or one possibly trying to tell me "I Love You." Or maybe the most popular I've heard, "I'm okay." Sometimes I think we can read too much into just about anything that is a little out of the ordinary, that happens during the course of our day.
Today "I Saw The Sign".. As Ace Of Base once sung to us all. On occasion over the last several weeks since Pepper's death, I have been praying, or at least hinting during my prayer, for a small sign. I asked God, if he could, to assure me that Pepper was okay and that he found those in our family whom passed away before him.
I was really waiting for a dream to come my way. One in which I was playing with or walking with him. I would have felt okay with this and most likely felt satisfied. Not that I or anyone else deserves a sign, or should expect it, but it would be nice. It is my belief and faith, that wanting a sign could be misconstrued as wanting proof. In my life, faith has to be enough. If it is strong enough then no 'Signs' are needed.
I no longer needed a sign, and was satisfied not receiving one. God gave me the assurance in other ways. Then along came today, and a weird sequence of events. I was at a clients home, taking a look at a possible project, when I smelled something truly wonderful.
I know this smell.. What is that awesome smell?? I think I know what it is.. Roses! And there it was, a medium sized Rose bush, with a few lingering blooms. I know what your asking yourself, How is this a sign? Keep reading and I'll answer that question.
Rose season is quickly coming to an end, but this (rough looking) bush had a few simple but beautiful yellow flowers. The fragrance is what really caught my attention. Even though these flowers were on the simple and small side, they made up for their lack of luster with an irresistible, natural perfume.
There were two shades of yellow flowers on this bush; a lighter and darker yellow.
The second part of the sign, was ironically, a sign! A sign that simply stated, "STOP ... and smell the roses" And that is just what I had done. That's funny I thought, but it still doesn't add up to the sign I was wanting a week or two ago. Anyhow, Pepper didn't have any feelings about Roses, that I am aware of anyhow. The story gets better, just wait for it.. keep reading...
The third part of the sing was also a sign. Right below the "Stop and smell the roses" sign was another hand made sign. This one read, "Dogwood Hill". AH!! Now we are getting closer. I only saw the word Dog and that sort of spiked my attention.
I was thinking that the rose bush led me to the sign saying stop and smell the roses. Something I was thinking about since Peppers death; I should slow down more and enjoy my life. Something we all may think after a loved one dies. Then I saw that "Dogwood Hill" sign .. It did contain the word 'DOG'.
After reading that, I turned around and headed back to the Rose bush once more. I thought to myself, Why not? Go back and actually STOP what I am doing and smell those roses! I leaned in and took a big whiff of the wonderful aroma. While I was breathing in, I looked down and notice the final piece of the 'Sign'.
There it was, if there ever was a Godly sign; A small hand made wooden cross, planted in the earth, not far from the roots of this lovely Rose bush. A Cross! It was as simple as they come. It contained no name or other markings. It was just a small, simple wooden cross, almost unnoticeable within the neighboring Hosta plant. A plant, by the way, Pepper would routinely pee on when embarking and returning from our nightly walks.
Today was one of those days for me. If you asked me this question today, I would answer you Yes. Maybe God felt generous, and gave me that sign I had prayed for. On the other hand, maybe I am just reading into things. Either way, I feel at ease today. I smiled after I put the pieces together, and visions of our nightly walks came rushing into my mind.
― Shannon L. Alder
My art work incorporates a wide variety of subject matter, including landscape, seascape, cityscape, and still life images. My works are the product of a continuing process of exploration through which I seek to portray personal and visionary interpretations of my surroundings. My paintings are impressions of places and events from everyday life, an interpretation of my imagination, and personal responses to what I see and feel on a daily basis. More recently I have invested generous amounts of time into my landscape painting. I am surrounded by natural and man made beauty, which inherently presents itself in the tri-state area, and almost demands that I paint it.
Not everything is art. Art is not everything, but it comes close. Art is everywhere and all the time. Art makes you experience the beauty of the world, the people in it, and the places we call home. Art itself is so influential that it can tell stories, show feelings, and express passion or fury. Art exists in addition to language; expression of sensations and thoughts, revealing a way of thinking too subtle and delicate for words.
For me art requires love, honesty and perseverance. In return, it reveals some personal, non-analyzable, and creative untamed passion. For the public, art with its magnificent beauty, improves mood and health and builds better human beings and communities. It engages the intellect, softens the heart, strengthens the soul and frees the spirit.
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If you don't see the piece in either shop, It may still be drying. Let me know and I can upload it as soon as possible to be available. Or you can always make me an offer (in HBD, Hive or any other crypto) in the comments section of this post. If we agree on a price, I will then ship the painting to you. (shipping costs will be determined by your location).
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