I'll be the Flower - Contemplating My Golden Years at The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

"The flower doesn't dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes." - Mark Nepo

It's early morning, and I'm at one of my favorite spots in Raleigh - an urban oasis, the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at the North Carolina Museum of Art. I have discovered three chairs sitting on a wood platform overlooking a meadow hidden away off the beaten path,. It is nearly silent here except for the sound of a gentle breeze rustling the grasses, pleasant birdsong, and the distant murmur of traffic on the beltline.   The sun is shining, warming my skin. I am transfixed, watching a bee flitting about from wildflower to wildflower, industriously gathering pollen.  I used to be like that bee, flitting here and there, very busy, much to do, buzzing around getting into everything, heavily involved in my kids' lives. I had to gather the pollen.  Now I am the flower. 

As the flower, it is my job to simply be available to share what I have to offer quietly, patiently waiting to be of service. My kids have their own lives, and it's time to let them fly.  I'll be here if they need me.  They know where to find me.  I'll let them come to me.

It's easy to feel comfort and peace at this natural changing of my role as I sit in this beautiful spot, returned to it's natural state by people who understood the importance of preserving and nurturing a space in the midst of a busy world for people to sit and contemplate life.  I'll be the flower.  

Arianne

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Approaching the Blank Canvas, Real Talk on Fear, Inspiration and Not Giving Up in Art and Life. It’s full of true tales and tips from my 20+ years of making art for a living. It’s available on Amazon Books and you can also find the link to it and my other books on my DesignsbyArianne website.