A Winter Gift
It’s been cold and clear here for the past few days. I walk or run my usual two-mile loop on a country road; Canada geese fly overhead, their calls ringing out in the chill sunshine. I find myself glad for blue skies and brown fields, for stark vistas, and for subtle details among the roadside’s remaining weeds. A curled leaf, a thorny seedhead, a bright berry—slim pickings alone, but together they make the winter seem special for its own stark beauty.
I send you my warmest holiday wishes and share with you these sentiments from the Christmastime letter of Renaissance pioneer and architect Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515):
“The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look!”
Drawn In 
Beautiful picture, beautiful sentiment! Thank you Jean for another year of joy.
Thanks for engaging with me throughout the year. I appreciate it! Merry Christmas!
Beautiful! I love the sentiments of the Giocondo quote, too. Happy holidays. May we all be agents of peace and joy and receive the same in this coming new year. Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork and workshops.
We can all use more joy and peace in the world! Thanks for your support Cathy!
Happy Holidays, Jean and thank you for the post. Your artwork brings me much joy and inspiration.
I’m glad to hear that! Happy Holidays to you!
Beautiful post, Jean. I share your sentiments. Thank you.
Hi Robin– Thanks! I’m glad we connected again this year. What a pleasure. Wishing you wonderment and joy! — Jean
Happy New Year, Jean! Enjoyed discovering you and your amazing work through Winslow Art Center. You’ve given me the gift of “really seeing”, helping me to discover my new NC hometown with fresh eyes and slower hikes. Now, there’s always something new and exciting to learn on the trails – love it here! Thank you!
Deb– Thanks so much — your words mean a lot to me. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the classes and are finding new things to discover close to home. Fantastic! Happy Holidays! — Jean
Thank you so much for these winter words and images, alive with what was and the promise of Spring! But first, Winter. Without this critical season, we most likely would’ve much to observe. And thank you, dear Jean, for creating and sharing these posts through the year. I really look forward to each, devouring the words …… absorbing the inspiration! May you and yours have a magical holiday season! Jingle!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season Barb! It’s nice to be connected with you here and through your blog. Thanks for broadening my world with your western views!
And thanks for being my favorite artist east of the Mississippi!
Beautiful pages Jean! The Christmas Eve letter is one I share every year with the women who attend my retreats. It is wise and incredibly moving to me as it speaks over the centuries. Thank you for taking the time to share during these busy days. Have a peaceful, joyful holiday season!
Thanks Starr– I was familiar with only part of the letter until this year, when I found the entire thing. I enjoyed reading the whole thing and seeing the larger context. It’s so meaningful to find passages like this that resonate through the centuries. It makes me feel more grounded. Glad it is centering for you, too. Enjoy the season!
Thank you, Jean. I especially love the quote. Every season has its own special beauty. You are an inspiration.
Glad you like the quote– it’s a good one. Look it up to find the rest of the letter…it’s all good. Happy Holidays!
Such beauty in simple things of nature. Happy Holidays, too, Jean!
Thanks much. I’m glad I was able to take the time for art during a busy week. Worth every gift I have yet to wrap.
Time for art is always time well spent – and good for heart and soul.
Warm holiday wishes to you & many blessings for 2024! You’ve captured some of my most favorite roadside plants so beautifully! Thank you for bringing us so much joy through your observations, tips, sketchbook pages & workshops!
You are very welcome. Thanks for following and being in touch!
One of my favorite quotes! Your Winter sketchbook page reminds me of the beauty of nature during this season . Thank you for inspiring me !
Happy Holidays, Jean 🎄
Glad you found your way to that quote. The whole letter is worth reading. Enjoy the season!
Thank you, Jean. A beautiful gift.
May the year ahead be kind
Jann
Beautiful and an important message to find joy and light in the world. Happy holidays and best wishes for a wonderful new year!
Thank you Trudy. Merry Christmas!
Thanks Jann– I’ll start with no broken bones.
Thank you for sharing your lovely observations along the roadside and the sharing it with us. I love your classes and look forward to the ones next year. It is a treat to have you share your outlook and talent with all of us. Winter Greetings!
Thanks Georgia– I’ll look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
By the way I like your new photo! That is really nice 👍
Jean, this beautiful post brought me such joy this morning! Love the quote too. I shared your post on The NOVA Nature Journal Club, and will be sharing your upcoming classes link there too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Elaine- Thanks for being so supportive throughout the year. Enjoy!
I LOVE everything about your image, Jean, and the words are just beautiful. Thank you!!!
Thank you Janet. I was pleased with how this turned out. There were plenty of prickers and small seeds on my desk along the way. Now time for wrapping!
Beautiful painting and beautiful sentiment. This is the first time I’ve seen beauty in dying weeds. So glad I’m on your mailing list! love, Nancy
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Thanks Nancy!
Thanks so much for sharing. I agree!
Since I have started doing art, and music, I am amazed how much more I can see and hear. A song I recently came across by famous bluegrass musician Jimmie Martin, “20/20 vision and going through life blind” really struck a chord. You can see and hear him play it live on YouTube.
Looking forward to your class. Lou Kandl
Thanks Lou– I’ll look up the song. Be sure to introduce yourself in the beginning of the class. I’ll look forward to “meeting” you and seeing your artwork. –Jean
A beautiful point of view for a lovely image. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Beverly! Happy holiday season to you!
Warmest, radiant wishes for a snug, healthy holiday season, Jean. This sketch brims over with life! One of many details I particularly like is the way the
“W”, the teasel stem and the pretty twig intertwine. I also love the way the rose hips come forward and the milkweed pods recede. Oh, and the way you have to hunt a little to find the text is a nice touch. I hope you have a great day on Christmas and all the best for 2024.
Thanks Lynn– Hope you’ve had a fine Christmas day and are heading toward the New Year with camera in hand and ideas in mind. I look forward to seeing what you create in 2024. Be well!
Thank YOU for another year of sending us beauty, wisdom and tips ! Wishing you many more wonderful new years to come :).
I love the composition and color combination of this sketch/painting very much and the delicate unobtrusive labeling of the species – sending us on a seek and find hunt!
Happy holidays and take care,
Meera
Thanks Meera! Hope you are well and enjoying the holidays. I appreciate your note.
Such a glorious greeting ❤️ Merry Christmas to you, Jean Mackay
Thank you Hanna! Enjoy the holiday season!
Wonderful drawings of fabulous objects! Love your work Jean – looking forward to seeing more in 2024! Very happy New Year to you!
Thanks so much– Happy New Year! Here’s to creative undertakings in 2024!