It’s Lent – literally the days are lengthening (from West Germanic langitinaz long-days; Old English lencten springtime). And March has begun with cool nights but plenty of daytime sun. I can almost feel myself unravelling after seemingly spending winter in the foetal position of trying to stay warm. And its back to walks in the park, where the sight of swathes of dark purple crocuses echoes the colour of Lent in the Christian church.
I had assumed an association with semi-mourning since the Victorians introduced it in this context but not so, Lenten purple is rather a colour of solemnity, reflection, repentance and spiritual introspection in the 40 day run up to Easter.
Some of us fast in order to turn inward to the spiritual or surrender habits of distraction.
And I shall do both in varying degrees, certainly giving up the hours down the virtual rabbit hole of phone, tablet, internet, YouTube etc, Even posting to my two blogs will be severely restricted.
In the time space that ensues, I’ll be out of the house more – in the garden, with friends, walking with camera. Then on inclement days and some evenings, continuing to pursue the practice of abstract mixed media.
Note: The abstract here looks much better in reality not least because the light yellow shapes are in fact gold leaf! I’ve also framed it and hung it which means it has passed muster with the artist!
For this month I purchased a miniature watercolour book to daily journal whatever aspect of mixed media takes my fancy. Being so small there is no fear of the blank space and that in itself is freeing.
There’s also a 5-day course ‘learning to collage in abstract’ which I’ve signed up for and since its online can be done at whatever time suits (this being the positive side of the internet).
The rest of the week is due to continue feeling very Spring like but then frosts and colder days are due. Despite this, the days continue to lengthen and that will make all the difference.
“If I could cease delight in dense drifts
of diversion, the spun blur of a top’s rotation
each slippery slope where snakes are swayed
by charms – then reaching for the ladder
I would not turn to look below again..”
My poem “Kindling” 6th March 2019
PoetryPix 
Beautiful post,
thank you Selma
A wonderful and informative post Laura. Love the abstract work, definitely worthy of framing and hanging on a wall. And of course how can I resist liking the photo of the benches and the crocuses. I am a fan of both (and the colour purple).
https://traveltalk.me.uk/2025/03/02/bench-challenge-anniversary-21/
thank you for your encouraging words Jude and how apt the featured photo with your revived bench challenge. I followed the link and being a bit of a benchophile look forward to posting after each Sunday
I wasn’t sure if you knew about my travel blog. Not that I do much travelling these days.
I did but did not know how active it was these days and for some reason my Followings list does not seem to be as keen as it was once
Ah, yes, some blogs can drop off. I’m just sad that many bloggers I followed have stopped posting.
me too it’s becoming rather quiet 🤫
Enjoy the beautiful days ahead, lent, introspection, walks, creating [I agree about the small sketchbook!]… being!
That painting certainly deserves to be on a wall!
Hugs flying your way.
sending hugs back Marina – for the kind words and encouragement
I can identify with spending the winter trying to stay warm. I’m enjoying your visual arts journeys. Great organic feel in that collage.
We are still far from spring here, but the longer days always hearten. (K)
thank you Kerfe – I’m always interested in your art especially as collage features often
Thanks–it’s always an adventure, as I’m no good at planning.
Love your abstract, Laura, and it’s great that it passed your muster and you hung it!!
thank you Kiki – its good to hang our art if only to see what works and what doesn’t