Flying Colors

...a light in darkness.

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...The sign of Christmas is a star, a light in darkness.
See it not outside yourself, but shinning in the Heaven within,
and accept it as the time of Christ has come.

 

"Blessed Be All"

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He comes demanding nothing.
No sacrifice of any kind, of anyone, is asked by Him... 

from “A Course in Miracles" (page 327-329) combined volume, third edition.
Chapter 15, The Holy Instant, Subchapter XI, Christmas as the End of Sacrifice.

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Winter Solstice... today!

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” ~ William Blake

 

The word Solstice, means in Latin Sun stands still. This is so because, the arc of the sun's visibility in the sky seems to stabilize for the winter solstice - making the sun rise and set in the place for several days.

So why is the solstice on December 21st and Christmas held on December 25th?

Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time. And as long as there is a Winter Solstice there is the promise of life renewed.

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IF • Undone

Life creates itself in delirium and is undone in ennui. ~Emile M. Cioran

 

original painting - private collection - Chicago, IL  - USA - "Overflowing"
watercolor, wax, rice paper, quilted • 38"H x 38"W • © Lisa Rivas
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Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials. ~Lyn Yutang

IF • Hatch

Boredom is the dream bird that hatches the egg of experience.
A rustling in the leaves drives him away. ~ Walter Benjamin

digital •  2009 © Lisa Rivas • "Crevice"

Sing to us in the early dawn; 'Tis then thy scarlet throats have drawn
Refreshing draughts from drops of dew, the enchanting concert to renew. — C. C. M.

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I enjoy the cleaning up - something about the getting of things in order for winter
- making the garden secure - a battening down of hatches perhaps . . . It just feels right. ~ David Hobson

IF • Crunchy

“Meddle not in the affairs of the dragon;
for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.”

original painting - private collection - Caracas  - VENEZUELA - "Into The Blue"
watercolor, wax, rice paper, quilted • 38"H x 36"W • © Lisa Rivas

Crunchy: Adjective used to describe persons who have adjusted or altered their lifestyle for environmental reasons.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crunchy