Friday, July 15, 2011


More on Moving

There are things in this house that have crept in unbeknown to anyone who resides here, - at least that is the story I hear.  Sometimes the memory is a little shaky and things that have come home in a pocket, or from yard sales, or things that were an attraction have ended up being mislaid and forgotten  anad are now turning up and  either dismaying or delighting us.

Such a one is this hand printed instruction on "How to be an Artist" - it immediately caught my eye at the Bargain Centre, but somehow ended up hidden behind a large desk calendar after I got it home,  and I have only just discovered it again.


It stirs me still, and I would like to share it with you, but now that Blogger has changed
I haven't been able to find the picture re-sizer
so here it is!

How to be an Artist

Stay loose.  Learn to watch snails.
Plant impossible gardens.  Invite
someone dangerous to tea.  Make
little signs that say Yes!  and post them
all over your house.  Make friends
with Freedom and uncertainty.  Look forward 
to dreams.  Cry during movies.  Swing
as high as you can on a swingset, 
by moonlight.  Cultivate moods.  Refuse
to 'be responsible'  Do it for love.
Take lots of naps.  Give money away.
Do it now.  The money will follow.
Believe in magic.  Laugh a lot..
Celebrate every gorgeous moment.
Take moonbaths.  Have wild
imaginings, transformative dreams,
and perfect calm.  Draw on the walls.
Read everyday.  Imagine yourself
magic.  Giggle with children.  Listen 
to old people.  Open up.  Dive in.  Be Free.
Bless yourself.  Drive away fear.
Play with everything.  Entertain
your inner child.  You are innocent.
Build a fort with blankets.  Get wet.
Hug trees.
Write love letters.

© SARK 90


There are lots of free spirits in Cawston, and I believe this appealing sign might
have originated there.
I will take it with us to our new home
 and practice being  wild and carefree and maybe wear purple and run my stick
against the railings....

Thank you to SARK




12 comments:

Penny said...

What a wonderful quote, I have jotted it down. I must go and hug a tree.
I hope the packing and moving is going well. I dont know what I will do when we leave here, all my married life and so much STUFF!

Hildred said...

Well Penny, you start out being really ruthless, but as the date draws nigh I find myself being more sentimental over STUFF - I have a suitcase and two boxes full of cards from children and long gone friends, and a LARGE suitcase full of old music that I am presently grappling with!!

The Weaver of Grass said...

I love it. May I copy it please to put on my wall in my study?

Hildred said...

Please do Pat, - I'm sure SARK would be pleased to know his/her work is appreciated.

Cousin Jane said...

Love your blog and read it regularly. Where are you moving to? Please do keep in touch.
Jane Finch Quigley

Hildred said...

Hi Jane - not moving far, - just down the hill and into town. Nice little house with a delightful garden, - more our size, and close to library, church, stores and senior's centre. Expecting Charles to really retire and enjoy socializing. Age catches up to us!!! nice to hear from you!!!!!!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

I love it - thank you for sharing. I am now looking forward to giggling with my grandchildren! A x

Dimple said...

I love "Plant impossible gardens!"

In Blogger, if you click on your picture, the resizer now seems to appear at the top of the screen, instead of right below the pic...
At least, that's where I found it!

Hildred said...

Thank you Dimple, - found it!

Barb said...

Hildred - What wonderful advise. I intend to follow it, too. Why do I sometimes forget? Hope you are soon finished clearing out the STUFF. Today, I took some items out of my kitchen cupboards (edibles) way past expiration. I felt a sense of accomplishment. Now, I am vowing to buy only what I need and WILL consume. (Why did I think I'd use Plum Sauce?)

Charlotte Wilson said...

That quote really stirred me. Thanks for sharing!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

That's great advice~ and I would take that one with me to the new home!

We have great-grandkids in town right now, so some of that advice is very easy to follow at the moment.