being outside, not IN

These pages were based on some art I did at the workshop. I am learning how much healing the earth gives, and I am making a point each day to make sure I go outside and feel that energy.
I spent the day yesterday in the city, and in the crowds and heat and noise, I just really longed for a green garden or a body of water. I did manage to sit in a few strategic spots as the day went on to rest and refuel, so I did find some park-like places with a few spartan trees who bravely carry the weight of green for the whole city.
I also ducked into Bloomingdales just to look, and, UGH, I just can't deal with the loud overbearing push of the consumer world to buy, buy, buy. I found all the ridiculously expensive makeup and perfume and accessories so redundant, like the last cry of materialism trying to be relevant.
but I know for many people (most?) THINGS are what bring happiness, they have bought into the advertisers myth that you are not good enough unless you have this outfit/jewelry/bag/car/cellphone. . . .
I am just so outside that way of thinking that the whole big store seemed like wasted space and energy.
I'll take a walk in the woods any day!
and creative doing, rather than consuming.


"We began as mineral. We emerged into plant life, and into the animal state, and then into being human, and always we have forgotten our former states, except in early spring when we slightly recall being green again." --Rumi