contemporary collage paintings
the process
Leslie Avon Miller

My life flows when I'm in my art.


Jean De Muzio

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Today You Get A Telegram



Heart Beat, collage on watercolor paper, 6 inches by 6 inches, by Leslie Avon Miller

Today began like many others. A list of things I want to accomplish waited for me. Sitting down with my warm mug, about to begin, I felt suddenly compelled to find a poem I once knew - about broccoli and sunlight - two things I love.

I’ve spent a pleasant morning hour reading poetry, this new task at the top of my list made easier by the internet search function. I found the poem which I share here with you.


Down near the bottom

of the crossed-out list

of things you have to do today,


between "green thread"

and "broccoli" you find

that you have penciled "sunlight."


Resting on the page, the word

is as beautiful, it touches you

as if you had a friend


and sunlight were a present

he had sent you from some place distant

as this morning -- to cheer you up,


and to remind you that,

among your duties, pleasure

is a thing,


that also needs accomplishing

Do you remember?

that time and light are kinds


of love, and love

is no less practical

than a coffee grinder


or a safe spare tire?

Tomorrow you may be utterly

without a clue


but today you get a telegram,

from the heart in exile

proclaiming that the kingdom


still exists,

the king and queen alive,

still speaking to their children,


- to any one among them

who can find the time,

to sit out in the sun and listen.



Tony Hoagland


I want to let you know that you are invited to a gathering of like minded people, of creative souls who love art and, most probably, poetry.


You are Invited to The Greatest Creative Year of Your Life (so far)


What: A complementary one hour Creativity Renewal Teleclass - my gift to you


Who: For Creative People who want more


When: Tuesday March 9th

7 pm Eastern, 6 pm Central, 5 pm Mountain, and 4 pm Pacific


Where: From the comfort of your own home.


Why: If you want to turn up the heat on your creativity or you need a creative boost this call is for you. If you are a life long learner who loves your creativity, then this call is for you. We will explore the things that compel us to create so we can tap into the energy that pulls us forward. And we will touch on dispelling negative energy like self talk that does not serve our purpose.


How: Simply send me an email to coach leslie @ olypen.com (remove the spaces) and let me know you want to participate. I’ll send you the details. If you can’t be on the call live, I will send you a recording.


My list is still here, and I still have time to accomplish these things today. The birds are singing and I am refreshed by touching in with the poets. What beautiful word will you write on your list today?

20 comments:

  1. Love the poem and the reminder to make sure the important stuff is top of the list!!

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  2. Oh, lovely to see some of your line work in this collage Leslie! I like the poem too...and will sit in some sunlight this morning, in between making lunches and doing some washing :)

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  3. Your work is so amazing! I love to look at it. The poem is just lovely!! Thanks for sharing it today.

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  4. Wonderful collage. And yes, the kingdom still exists!

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  5. Love the collage-- the marks are getting only better. and the poem is wonderful-- I am going to ask you to send it to me so I don't have to copy it down as I am too lazy.

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  6. hello Leslie, what a lovely sharing of your collage for the day and a wonderful poem which reminds of sunshine and those special things which make each day a treasure. I don't think I touched enough sunshine today, but there is always tomorrow. I almost bought tulips, but my daffodils still have enjoyment left in them...must remember to take them in.

    I have my art group and an art panel on the 9th...I'll be thinking creativity during our gathering. Thanks for the invitation.

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  7. What a beautiful collage, poem and blog!.

    Thank you for share all inspiring things.

    Saludos!

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  8. love your work! really like the poem... and love broccoli and sunlight too!

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  9. How VERY generous of you, this gift of a telegram. Unfortunately, I will be out of town on the 9th.
    It's a super inspiring poem,,,,I love the spare tire line.
    And a lovely collage with a mysterious shadow of a ghost face.
    See where your images take me?

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  10. What a beautiful collage... I can almost hear your heartbeat. And thank you for the generosity to share both the beautiful poem and your teleclass! You are truly giving.

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  11. Hi Leslie,

    Super name for your collage! Good luck with the link up.

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  12. Lovely poem Leslie and what a great way to start your day.

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  13. That was a lovely poem, Leslie. I read it last night and it's been in my thoughts all day today.

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  14. Hi Leslie, thanks so very much for your kind comment about my work in my Dolce Shop. You made my day! mille grazie!!!

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  15. This poem and your painting give me wonderful energy for today!Thank you!
    So many details makes our life so rich.
    With lots of love
    Magdalena

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  16. love your art, your poem, and your gift . . . .

    Amelia.x

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  17. Just love the poem. Touching and so cleverly written!

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  18. wow, Leslie, congrats on your life coaching business going so well!

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  19. Beautiful. And frankly, the following is extremely poetic: "Sitting down with my warm mug, about to begin, I felt suddenly compelled to find a poem I once knew - about broccoli and sunlight "

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  20. Leslie - thank you for this poem - it is so poignant. I sent it off to my husband. I know he'll love it too.
    Have a great day!

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