The Elders

 

As the sun rises and gives me another day of existence, I appreciate this new day. I set intentions in the morning. I get into the practice of art and writing in the mornings I’m not catching up on sleep. I wake so early sometimes that I must rest at some point. But this morning, the coffee and tea seemed to work well so I’m up. I find that staying disciplined is something I can do about art, photography, and writing. Of course, it ebbs and flows, but I know that slow and steady wins. I do not know what I will paint today. I’m not sure if I will be in the studio or outside today either. But the goal is to exercise and practice my artistic skills. I’ve been itching to do a more significant piece so I may invest in a big canvas one of these days. Not now, but I am thinking of what I want to create. 

I planted two pawpaws yesterday. That brings my total to four. It may be a while before I see fruit. My uncle plans on giving me pomegranate saplings as soon as they grow. He set them for me so in some months I will have something to bring home. We are a family of gardeners. My grandfather raised his children to appreciate the land and it stuck in many of them. After losing my grandmother early in life, my mother and her siblings were raised by my grandfather. They love sharing stories of him. He loved my grandmother dearly. The children remember that. He was a school principal. He served in the military during WW II. He was a leader in the community, and everyone respected his wisdom. He shared a love of music and academics with his children. I think of him often. I feel he loved his family so much that I’m still reaping the benefits of that love. I feel loved. We are not afraid of expressing that. 

As I go into this day with goals, I feel my ancestors encouraging me and guiding me to complete these goals as best as I can. Even if everything doesn’t get done, I know I tried and will try again. Each rotation of the earth is a new beginning. And I will appreciate that blessing and do my best to be intentional about my day. In my family, I have good teachers that remind me of how to feel fulfilled and active. I learned happiness is from within. I practice that every time I practice a skill.  I’m trying to teach my girls that as well. I’ve had good teachers in my family. My paternal grandmother reminds me to give thanks every morning for the breath that sustains me to see another day. Her prayers are strong, and her faith is the foundation of her life. That has guided me as well. Her love for her children and grands gives me my own foundation of support. I learn. I grow. I keep going. The elders have wisdom and I learn from them. They passed down so much. I give thanks for that.