The world is becoming so fast. Decisions are “snap.” Instant gratification abounds. And as we get caught-up in it all, more and more…there is a pendulum swinging. People are taking notice and longing for a reprieve. There is a clinging to values that if not grasped, might be lost.
Slow Food, farm-to-table proximity, support local, shop small…sound familiar? And does it appeal? Why do you think? As Amazon gobbles-up Whole Foods and everyone finds expeditious shopping satisfaction in cyber-space at the click of a finger – why?
Last night, as the sun set and the lights penetrated the darkness with their warm glow, I found myself strolling around, taking photos and breathing in the moist night air. Seaside, tucked in a quiet corner of a significant marina in Nuevo Vallarta, I recognized the magic. I was experiencing such magic.
It’s actually all around us, but it often takes a change of venue to realize it. In your world there is magic all around, but you have to take notice!
As I strolled, I came upon the painting recently completed by a dear friend. As I learned of the intent and while studying this painting of “The Violinist”, the sensitivity of the artist is revealed. And later confirmed by him. Her tentative stance and demeanor begs the question he set the stage to ask: “Might this be her debut?”
The Violinist – a detail of the original oil painting by Federico Leon de la Vega
I then spoke to the sister-in-law of the artist, (chef/owner of the acclaimed Estudio-Cafe) and she reminded me about Joshua Bell. Although I had forgotten his name, his enlightening story was quickly remembered. Have you heard of him? He’s the world-famous violinist who participated in a little experiment prompted by The Washington Post a few years ago. The idea was to have him play a $3 million dollar 1733 Stradivarius violin incognito, in the Washington METRO, to see if anyone noticed. Disguised as a street musician, with a baseball cap, he played for 45 minutes and collected a mere $32.00!! This is a man who, two days before, played to a sellout crowd of pricey ticket-holders in a Boston theater. A world-class musician, with a priceless instrument, performing classical music of all of mankind and barely anyone notices!
Menu cover of Estudio-Cafe, Nuevo Vallarta
Coincidentally, I came upon another violinist-themed art piece last evening as I meandered through the patio among the quite varied artwork. Here a graceful bronze of a lithe, nude, mermaid projects imaginary sound wafting from her poised violin through the warm evening breeze. I was enchanted. And my imagination was running wild!
Ready for evening to begin Estudio-Cafe Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Passersby seemed not to recognize the art beside them. As they walked slowly passing by the patio, unhurried, but caught-up in conversation, hopefully enjoying the incredible setting in which they found themselves. Yet they were oblivious to the outstanding collection of art displayed quietly, unpretentiously on the patio.
One of a captivating series of the mermaids in bronze by Octavio Gonzales
Back to powers of observation and taking time to absorb all the beauty and experiences around you…Joshua Bell admits, in retrospect, that it was terribly noisy and very fast-paced down in the METRO as better than 1,000 people rushed to their appointments. But regardless, it illuminates the concern that if we don’t pause to listen as we pass by the world’s most beautiful music, what other amazing things in this life might we be missing?
My husband continuously observes that I am NOT very observant. I know that this is true and I think it is because he and I observe differently. He takes in a wide swath of his surroundings – all sensory perceptions – 360. While I zero in on things and can be oblivious to something right in front of me, in favor of something nearby that has caught my eye. I would not make a very good Columbo as he often points out! But I do enjoy the details as I encounter them!
From an interior design standpoint, I take in entire scenes and their context all the time. I “practice” this – I am practicing interior design. This is not spontaneity, it is the art of the study and evaluation of a scene. The challenging work of problem-solving. Until or unless something catches my eye that interrupts the study in favor of the unexpected!!!!
STOP and smell (or paint) the roses!!!!!
Federico Leon de la Vega with a previous commission of “Yellow Rose of Texas Bouquet” oil on canvas.
