Generosity 2.0

As you know if you keep up with this blog at all, I chose the word Generosity to move me through the next 12 months of 2016.

It has held a surprising kind of energy and there have been pleasant and unexpected results already.

I tend to be practical. By practical I mean that I’d pick Sears Toughskins  jeans because they would last literally forever. Why buy one pair of awesome fitting brightly colored adorable fashion pants that will make me happy for a short time when I can own a dozen pairs of  uncomfortable, stiff-legged but inexpensive britches that will never – ever – wear out? Verrry practical.

In other words, I am decidedly un-generous with myself.

2016 Patricia Scarborough  A Warming Breeze, 12x16 oil  This painting has been donated to the Fillmore County Hospital Foundation for auction on February 13th. Generous, eh?

When the word generosity was whispered gently in my ear I imagined selfless giving, donating gallons of blood or showering crowds of people with dollar bills. It never once occurred to me that I would be the recipient of my own new found benevolence. 

What does self-altruism look like?

I usually spend more time charging forward with my head down and my eyes closed than I do considering if I'm headed in the right direction. The first few weeks of the year it has occurred to me that personal generosity allows for time to consider which path, if any, is worthy of my bull-in-a-china-shop-ness.

I've realized a calendar is as much for opening up as it is for filling in. Rather than squeezing events in and around, I'm allowing empty spaces. Several exhibit opportunities have come calling recently and it was a surprise to hear myself say Thanks but no thanks. 

There has also been a new-found charitableness toward my own shortcomings. Suddenly I am willing to wipe out entire paintings and start fresh, just because. The paint in my drawer isn’t good for anything until it is squeezed out and mixed, beautifully or badly, but mixed and used liberally. My ear catches the whisper of generosity as I prepare my palette.

These weren’t planned events. I’m as surprised as anyone. As  my own private stash of generosity builds, I find there is plenty to share. 

Speaking of generosity, I really am donating the above painting to the Fillmore County Hospital Foundation. Show a little generosity yourself and call Christin at 402-759-2426 to place your bid.