What is the first thing that comes into your mind when you read the title? I think about this time of year and breathe in the scents of Pumpkin Scones and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The aroma of these smells will live in my memory forever. This is probably due to the fact that most of my memories that happened in the fall season have been pleasant. Making memories is vastly important and can help develop compassion as well as empathy. Thinking about the importance of this and how certain smells can help people remember their happiest moments, I was very excited to share the smelling of Ponderosa Pines with our next generation. Hiking up Fletcher Trail was a magical experience in itself. There were so many rocks to captivate the young mind of a child and myself. The tree branches blowing in the soft wind above us were beautiful. The young oak trees producing tiny acorns were a joy to find, like a scavenger hunt for example. This hike was just a wonderful experience and I am glad I can share it with all of you in these blogs and the two Tiny Paintings I created. I hope my paintings help people connect and bring fond memories into their minds.
After the hike was over, I wondered what our daughter may remember. What feelings and emotions did she connect to this hike or experience? About a week later, my husband and I took her to a local park and she walked up to smell a tree, then looked at us and smiled. It amazes me how children are far smarter than a lot of people assume. They truly watch everything we do and listen to everything we say. How they interpret it is very different for each child and it is a wonder to watch her little mind work. We also took her to the Redwoods in California last winter and she got to touch the needles feeling them between her fingertips. Every Time we are out in nature she loves to touch the trees. We always make sure there are no thorns on the bushes of course. The desert life can be unforgiving as they all protect themselves from the harsh conditions of their climate. We hope to teach her well and how to respect all living organisms.
Here are some new paintings I created with the memories of the Redwood forest where our family visited last winter. I can still close my eyes and smell the crisp coastal air. I hope these paintings bring people happy memories and spread peace. We are all connected! Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for reading!
-Karen Hilliard