I love the play of sun and shadows this time of year. My little library where I sit and type and read and ponder is lighter and brighter as the days get shorter and I am apt to appreciate the changing landscape a little more. As I sit here typing, the sun is pouring in, warming my shoulders and dancing about in the shadows it casts of the remaining leaves. Bright and sunny now, this room is dark in summer. A snowball bush blocks one window and Rose of Sharon the other. I love the cozy feel and the green and white and lavender of flowers that are visited by hummingbirds and sparrows and chipmunks come summer, but, I love this season as well and the new pleasures and beauty it brings.
I bought this watercolor a good many years ago. The gentle old man brought to mind the grandfather in Heidi. Do you remember Heidi called him “the grandfather”? This picture was done by an artist named Joseph Fettingis and it was one of those things in life that called to me to bring it home. In fact, it still does – call to me, that is.
I hope you are as warmed by the beauty about you today.
This morning, so many things were reflecting off the picture, and the grandfather didn’t seem to mind at all. He just kept reading. A steady ol’ soul he is. I appreciated the way the glass on the picture caught the images of another picture from across the room, the window, the shrub, and the leaded glass. It was a tender surprise this autumnal day and brought just a ray of contentment to me.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
Clever but beautiful too, Penny. What a wonderful picture…
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Thanks, Kate. I realized I should have shown the actual painting and give Mr. Fettingis’s work its proper due.
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Great picture! I like how it captures the room all in one shot, as you get the other things in the reflection there. It makes me want to come and sit in there with you, feet up on the recliner, sipping some tea and talking.
I took a walk awile ago and truly enjoyed the beauty of this time of the year as well.
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It would be so wonderful to have you here, reclining, sipping tea and talking, Katy. Sigh. When you are home for Christmas I will try to recreate the mood.
Glad you enjoyed your walk today.
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Wonderful photo Penny. What a friendly little place in your home. I wonder what The Grandfather is reading.
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Thank you, Janet. There are no words in the book but it is rather large. I think he is reading a a wonderful adventure story, or maybe he’s checking a list . . .
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What a lovely watercolor. I’m the same way about certain pictures and get so much pleasure just staring at them or knowing they’re in the room with me!
Your library sounds like heaven and how perfect for it to be dark in the summer and bright and sunny in the winter!
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Thank you, Janet. It is a favorite. What would our world be like without art? I dread the thought.
It is a wonderful room and where I spent a good part of my time.
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What a beautifully reflective painting. I love a quiet tones and the fact that the old man feels very contented and at peace with himself. Thank you Penny for sharing it. I am beginning a new book about ageing, and this painting really captures something I’m contemplating as well.
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Thank you, Juliet. Your words are kind. I agree with you that the old man seems at peace and I suppose that was what drew me to the painting in the first place. Best of luck with the new book you are working on.
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He does look like Heidi’s kind, loving grandpa!
I love the way you have described the reflections in the glass and I should take a lesson from this: shut out the distractions in life and focus on what is important 🙂
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Well put, Molly. As are you, I am learning some interesting life’s lessons from my camera. Isn’t it fun?
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Penny, This pretty much is the way I feel when I sit down to blog. “I hope you are as warmed by the beauty about you today.” Thanks for reminding me of the words. Barbara
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Thank you, Barbara. I think we all need to be reminded now and then, especially me. I am always inspired and illuminated when visiting your blog.
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