I was recently inspired by an image I saw that sparked the idea to add a mirror behind this snail animal oracle art piece I just completed.

Made even better is the fact that someone who saw me working on it said that Snail immediately spoke to her and she knew she wanted to have it to take with her and her impending move to another state. She shared she is going to put it in her art studio as a reminder to take it slow and enjoy this new chapter of life she is embarking on in her late 60s.

To have a destination for Snail and know it was already touching the heart of someone, well, that made the process of creating her even more special.

Snail also feels fitting for me and why I felt called to create her in the first place. The older I get, the more I don’t want to rush and simply want to savor what is being reflected around me. This time of year especially, there is so much beauty in nature that fills my soul with such joy.

As I took my walk this morning, which I can sometimes go at a brisk pace, but because it is hot and humid today, I reminded myself to be like Snail and not overdo it.

This allowed me time to feel more into my senses and I took note of how good the breeze felt against my skin. I also stopped at a local pond and simply enjoyed watching the geese families floating on the water, imagining the water as if it was cooling me off too.

And Snail, not able to see well, but must feel their way to where they are going, well, such a poignant message. And somehow they find their way – and that is truly remarkable and inspiring – as I remind myself that those times I may not know where I am going – that by allowing myself to feel it all – this is the true and rich experience of life.

xo

Barb