TIF April: Colors, Change, and Computers

The colors for the Challenge this month startled me a bit, as where I live the flowers of early spring are in full bloom, and the trees are leafed out. I had forgotten that Australia is heading into fall and winter. Anyway - my immediate thought was the wonderful Aborigine paintings I love - especially in the traditional colors of the ancients. I don't like change - would rather, sometimes, just roll around in the rut of the "familiar," but unfortunately time passes and changes happen. Thinking about this (thought provoking), I realize that there seem to be bridges that we use to get from one change in stages of life to the next - and I am just now seeing what these bridges have led to when I have used them well. My introduction to the Australian Aborigine art occurred when my oldest son decided to start his own law firm, and his receptionist is a collector - goes to Australia to shop, and has shown all of us the beauty and value of this art. My child's growing up, getting his law degree, and becoming an independent adult was, indeed, a major change for me - but a positive one, even though it hurt a bit. (I'm used to it now - been through it five more times. I have gotten over shedding a tear at the supermarket when going down the cereal aisle). The next traumatic change for me was the "empty nest" - at which point two of my sons decided I needed a computer to keep Granny busy and out of the dance halls and off the streets (their terminology). I never wanted one, refused to have anything to do with one - but now three years later, needless to say I'm hooked. Addicted. This is my research library, my recreation (jigsaw puzzles), my social life (blogs) and a source of inspiration for creativity. (Sharon B's TIF Challenge) So- the computer is another bridge to get to the next phase of getting older and slowing down a bit - in body but not mind. The illustrations are from my two favorite galleries in Australia - if not acquainted with them, do take a look and explore. I won't use these images for design work, as they are the property of the artists and the galleries who show them. Mbantua is the one my son-in-law (also a collector now) buys from. The other, http://www.jungara-aboriginal-art.com.au/ is one I discovered a while back on the internet - and I spend a lot of time browsing and admiring these lovely works. I don't accept change gracefully, but rather go kicking and screaming if dragged there by my children-who-are-not-chldren any more, but who probably have my best interests at heart. I think with this topic of "change" I will look more closely at the bridges I could find that would get me to the next phase with grace and gratitude and a more positive outlook.