Open my eyes that I may see........

I have always loved nature and its various forms of life. The ordinary rabbit brush here in New Mexico is one of my favorites. I love the yellow blooms. Yellow to me represents joy and light.

Rabbit brush is also known as chamisa here in New Mexico, at least.

After completing my painting, "Chamisa Glow", I decided to search out the meaning of chamisa. Of course the practical meaning is a deciduous shrub with silver-blue leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in autumn, also known as rabbit brush, but I also found a poetic meaning that I really liked. Chamisa - Song of Joy.

Song of Joy seems fitting for chamisa. It's a strong brush that survives the hot, dry summers and it takes time to show its joy, the bright yellow blooms.

It reminds me of becoming an artist, it takes time to develop the skills to translate the song of joy in your heart, onto your canvas and then strength to share that with the world for fear you might be ridiculed.

Our unique song of joy though, is truly what makes one special and interesting. It takes time, experiences of life and discovering our hearts to find what our unique song of joy is and then strength and courage to share it.

Let your song of joy be your strength and go share it with the world.

We need you!