dotty seiter: now playing diary of an artist at work

Meeting What’s in Front of Me

november 19
predawn, -1 celsius, clear and still.

my legs are pistons
pumping reliably
and efficiently,
my dan tian
a combustion engine:
intake
compression
ignition
exhaust.
soon the cab
of my body
is warm and cozy.
i can see
as far as
my inner light
shines
and that is precisely
enough
illumination
to navigate
into this day

—dotty seiter

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The Friend Who Is Up for Anything!
4.5 x 5.25″; pigment stick, ink, watercolor, oil pastel, and button on cardstock
Let’s Face It With Friends series
2025

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Notes on poem and art:
• “november 19” explores the loveliness—even in cold temps—of one of my predawn walks, and it touches on my growing awareness of my lower dan tian, or energy center, as I’ve learned about it through practicing tai chi and qigong. The lower dan tian is a focus for storing and circulating life energy (Qi).
• You might recognize The Friend Who Is Up for Anything! You saw her previously just after she’d rolled out of bed—still half-asleep, no make up or jewelry, hair stringy, little to show for herself. Today, though, she let me experiment wildly in sprucing her up for being in the spotlight. She insisted she was “up for anything!” and I took her at her word.

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Dotty Seiter

8 responses to “Meeting What’s in Front of Me”

  1. Joyful Puttering Avatar
    Joyful Puttering

    I’m so impressed with your dedication to your predawn walks….especially in the cold. Now I understand that it’s your inner light that keeps you warm and glowing!

    I DO recognize your friend who is up for anything….and love how she’s all spruced up now! How fun are those lips! And I’m wondering what all those thoughts are that are circling around her! I’m guessing they’re a little sassy!

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    1. Dotty Seiter Avatar
      Dotty Seiter

      Thanks for your affirmation of the predawn walks. They are definitely more challenging under current conditions, and the amount of time getting bundled up and then unbundled afterwards is considerable! One way or another, though, both Dave and I almost always find a way. I’m grateful for my inner light, and for moonlight when available, and for my (mostly) trusty headlamp.

      Oh, yeah, sassy thoughts circling around this friend for sure!!!

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  2. lolajovan Avatar
    lolajovan

    The internal combusion engine is a marvel! Your brilliant poem captures it deliciously. And that friend who is up for anything? I love her! I want to be just like her! Button earring and scribble face and all. Hmmmm, maybe if I wore my thoughts across my face I would never again be misunderstood? Teehee! xoxoxoxox

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    1. Dotty Seiter Avatar
      Dotty Seiter

      LOL—yes! Wear your thoughts across your face! You’ll be amazed!

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  3. carol lee Avatar
    carol lee

    Chanukah took over my daily workflow!

    Love your describing your energy to an engine! Thanks for the explanation of “ dan tian” and the energy center. Wish there was a class of qigong close by. Will suggest that they add one next year in our local “junior club”.

    Your friend who is up to anything is amazing! Her green hair and button earring, along with her smiley wonky smile! Love your block lettering that hold the piece together!

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    1. Dotty Seiter Avatar
      Dotty Seiter

      Happy Chanukah, Carol! I’m guessing you are dovetailing with family. Enjoy!

      Thanks for appreciating my dan tian poem. I’m grateful to be able to walk as energetically as I am, grateful to feel the pleasure of it, grateful to write about it, grateful for others to enjoy the writing!

      Wonderful and helpful to get your feedback of the visual language of this piece of art. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

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  4. Sheila Marie Delgado Avatar
    Sheila Marie Delgado

    Love this post! Your poem, and “as far as my inner light shines…”

    Love that, Dotty. You daily walks, amaze me. When it is that cold?? You are such an inspiration! I love your friend too! She looks like fun multiplied by 1000. Haha. I want to listen to all her adventures and I know they will be filled with laughter. :o)

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    1. Dotty Seiter Avatar
      Dotty Seiter

      Thank you for you appreciation of that “as far as my inner light shines” turn of phrase, Sheila. This poem began taking shape as I walked and then fell onto the page quickly as a draft, after which I focused my inner light on the revision/editing and thoroughly enjoyed the navigation.

      My walking, to the ongoing surprise of my younger self, continues to be a central piece of every day. The predawn walks began, I think, during 2020, and I really love them. Haven’t missed a predawn walk yet this season, but messy weather will no doubt soon change when I walk, since being in the dark with unsure footing is nothing I’m interested in!!!

      The friend in my painting is a venturesome sort! I’m glad to have her spurring me out of my comfort zone : )

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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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