It Is Christmas Eve ..
And it is now Christmas Day and I see that this post never posted as it was scheduled to. User error! lol.
Seventeen years have elapsed .. And yet the allure of this particular painting continues to captivate my thoughts. It has become a cherished tradition within the Hive community for me to pen an annual blog post dedicated to this timeless piece. Crafted on canvas with oil paints in the year 2005, the passage of 15 years has done little to dim the vivid memories of its creation. Even now, I find myself reminiscing about the moments when the fear of painting faces led me to depict their backs instead—a recurring theme that remains surprisingly unchanged. The apprehension surrounding facial expressions persists, as I confess to still grappling with the challenge.
This artwork serves as a visual narrative .. Portraying a duo—perhaps parent and child, siblings, or close friends. During our yearly Christmas gatherings, the painting often becomes a topic of conversation, prompting inquiries about the identity of the depicted individuals. One such query once posited, "Are these you and your brother?" In response, I explained that the essence of the painting transcends specific individuals; it encapsulates the spirit of Christmas—the warmth, unity, and optimism that permeate the season. The depicted pair stands in shared awe of the "All is Calm, All is Bright" spectacle in a storefront window on a serene night.
While I could envision myself as one of the portrayed figures .. I tend to perceive myself as the observer on the periphery. My role is that of an appreciator, marveling at the beauty of two souls embracing the Christmas spirit while window shopping at the 'Ironstone,' especially during our annual Christmas Party. In truth, I find solace in the background, preferring to absorb the festive ambiance rather than being thrust into the limelight. Perhaps this inclination stems from my unique perspective on the painting and the sentiments it evokes.
Merry Christmas!
This year I added a poem, since I have been on a poem writing kick lately. I wrote this closer to summer believe it or not, and knew that I would use it here, in this post, this morning.. Christmas Morning.
A Christmas Moment
Poem By B D Miller
In the hush of Christmas Eve, 'neath the moon's soft glow,
A mother and child strolled through the town in tow.
Bundled in warmth against winter's cold might,
Yet their hearts aglow, wrapped in love's sweet light.
Hand in hand, they wandered through streets glistening,
Storefronts adorned, with ornaments listening.
To the whispered dreams that danced in the air,
As snowflakes pirouetted, a magical affair.
The town adorned in its yuletide best,
A tapestry of lights, a celestial jest.
Their breath visible in the crisp winter air,
As they ambled along, a cherished pair.
Tiny mittens held a mother's gentle hand,
As they paused by windows, a wondrous land.
Of dolls that nestled in blankets of lace,
And teddy bears snuggled in a plush embrace.
Eyes wide with wonder, the child would inquire,
About tales spun in each festive attire.
Moments suspended, like snowflakes in flight,
A symphony of love, this silent night.
The shops beckoned with warmth and delight,
A haven of treasures, each twinkling light.
Yet, it wasn't the gifts, nor the shimmering array,
But the bond they shared on this magical sleigh.
Through the town, they meandered, a tale to unfold,
Of Christmas enchantment, a story untold.
With each step, memories etched in the frost,
A love unspoken, but never lost.
The child's laughter, a melody pure,
Resonating through the night so demure.
Wrapped in scarves and love's enduring charm,
They weathered the cold, their hearts kept warm.
As they turned for home, the snow gently fell,
A cascade of blessings, a tale to tell.
In the quiet of night, 'neath the stars' soft gleam,
A mother and child, a Christmas Eve dream.
Through the chill, they walked, love's beacon aglow,
Their footsteps etching joy in the snow.
For on this silent night, 'neath the heavenly dome,
A mother and child found Christmas, their own sweet home.
There is no 'White Christmas' for us this year, but the memories of Pepper and Molly in the new fallen snow, are fun and cherished ones. I am missing them both this Christmas but had to chuckle when I was looking outside at the lack of any white stuff, remembering how they hated the snow. I really didin't enjoy shoveling the grass either, but did enjoy watching Pepper run around like a mad fool. I am pretty sure he had no clue what this cold stuff was and why he was now limited to a 10 by 10 foot area of the yard. I don't know, it just made me laugh and my day a little happier for envisioning that. Miss them both something terribly this Christmas Morn. Love ya Molly and Pepper!