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Gentle, Buffy!

During the latter part of my growing up years, my family had a honey-colored cocker spaniel to whom we gave the American Kennel name Balmy Knight—Buffy to us. When he might get a bit rambunctious, trending towards out-of-control, our gentle command was, Gentle, Buffy!

Though decades have now passed without Buffy, my sisters and I still call on that command in any situation requiring it.

It’s been my mantra as I’ve re-entered routines and responsibilities at home following a vacation, with multiple appointments in my calendar, several projects with deadlines, and more than one undertaking way out of my wheelhouse. It helps me pause mindfully to assess each item on my trending-towards-out-of-control to-do list, to inquire, Will it nourish me or drain me?, Is it essential?

Back Home After Vacation
7 x 8.5″; acrylic and ink on paper
neurographic design
2023


9 responses to “Gentle, Buffy!”

  1. Joyful Puttering Avatar
    Joyful Puttering

    What a great family story….with a great mantra! And it sounds as if it has helped during your after vacation re-entry.

    This piece is amazing…so full of layers and detail. I hope it nourished you!

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    1. As of my return on the 16th, the first thing I jot down on any outline/to-do list each day is “gentle, buffy” : ) It’s a helpful reminder, has slowed me down, has led me to be more relaxed than I would otherwise be … and has resulted in all manner of things not getting attention!

      This piece of art alternately calmed me—as I did the neurographic linework—and challenged/frustrated me.

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      1. Joyful Puttering Avatar
        Joyful Puttering

        I love that you have woven this mantra into your daily routine. We all need reminders of what’s important. And…our art often calms, challenges, and frustrates us all at the same time!

        Like

  2. imajenationgmailcom Avatar
    imajenationgmailcom

    I love this piece of art – it so perfectly looks like my own “to do” list, which requires a “Gentle, Lola” cautioning. I will ask myself your questions! Nourish? Drain? Essential? Brilliant!

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    1. Thanks, Lola! It will probably come as no surprise to you that shortly after posting, I took this piece to my paper trimmer and now have several found-compo bookmarks! Maybe I’ll name them … Monday’s To Do List, Tuesday’s To Do List, Wednesday’s … hahaha!!!

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  3. I will adopt your mantra, using “Gentle Penny” Penny was my black cocker when I was a child. Why they named her Penny is beyond me!
    The intertwining neurographic lines are captivating. Piece really reads lots going on, but the lines manage to hold it all together.

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    1. Gentle Penny : )

      Carol, once again I thank you for your visual language feedback here.

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  4. Love this piece, and your reminder. Thanks for sharing, Dotty 🙂

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  5. Thanks, Sheila!

    I’ve continued to embrace this post-vacation re-entry mantra again and again : )

    Like

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My Story

In 2014, I grab an unexpected opportunity to paint.

To make art.

I get hooked.

In 2015 I start a blog—a diary of my life as an artist.

I post my paintings and their stories. The good, the bad, the ugly.

My compass points: bust through fear, be playful, get messy, trust my gut.

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