Diverging from the routine is commonplace for most artists. In fact, maintaining a routine is quite challenging. This week is more divergent than usual. Every invitation to do something different requires a decision. One makes the choice joyously or begrudgingly. Joy takes less energy. Rather, joy energizes.
Rescheduling
So. with that in mind, the planned schedule for this week needs revising. First, Hallowe’en. The finished costume for our three-month-old granddaughter does not fit… Too small. Priority number one following the publishing of my blog.
Setting aside
Second, I engaged in the commitment to finish another painting by the end of this month. Although well on the way, this may just take a back seat for a while.

Le Francothon
Third, I said ‘yes’ to “Le Francothon” in which I will be creating a finished painting in “my style” within the three hours at my disposal. The painting becomes the property of Radio-Canada and will probably be used to raise funds at an auction for one of the participating groups. The event will be televised live on the Radio-Canada website.
My style
Unfortunately, “my style” requires about thirty hours rather than three. To overcome this technical problem, I will endeavour to bring the painting to the point where I can comfortably finish it within the three-hour time slot. This means studio time. Yes, well….

Diverging paths
In the meantime. bigger questions than my weekly schedule are afoot. Diverging paths are opening before us with regard to how we treat our common home, Mother Earth, and those living here.
Paradigm shift
“We’re reaching a fork in the road; two paths are diverging on planet Earth, and the one we choose will make all the difference for the life of the planet. Shall we continue our medieval paradigm and mechanistic culture and undergo extinction? Or shall we wake up to this dynamic, evolutionary universe and the rise of consciousness toward an integral wholeness?” Ilia Delio, The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution, and the Power of Love (Orbis Books: 2013), xxii-xxiii.
Evolving
The thought I am evolving along with the whole universe is comforting. Although difficult to live in the unknowing of our times, hope remains in the basic goodness of all creation. Even though I do not always embrace changes with joy, I can with more regularity in the future. It is not about me. It is about us, becoming whole, becoming one. Life is good.