Sunday, October 30, 2011

October in St. Augustine



11x14

(This painting received an Honorable Mention at the AGOP "Through the Looking Glass" juried exhibition.)

When I visit my favorite city, I can’t help but wonder what it was like to live there before all of the tourists, gift shops, and trolleys.  The Spanish Quarter is the area’s “living history museum” and it is the one place where you can easily imagine what life was like back then.  As in many areas of St. Augustine, it is beautiful.  It’s full of tall oak trees, interesting old buildings, and it has been kept in an authentic condition.  It feels a bit like stepping back in time.  But what I especially love about it is the feeling of peacefulness that comes over me when I am there. 

My life is usually very hectic.  I’m the mother of 3 children who are in 3 different schools and who all are involved in sports and activities.  There are days when I’m needed to be in 3 different places at once.  I wouldn’t trade any of this, but there are times when I long for a quiet place (did I mention I also have 4 dogs?) and this painting represents that place where time slows down, all is quiet and peaceful, and I can just sort of take a deep breath and relax.    We all need that now and then!