the real work

I am borrowing the title of this post from a book titled, The Real Work, interviews with Gary Snyder, the poet.  It's a good title with a lot of substance.  It gives me a certain idea of limitless expansion, width, breath, space, fluidity, that which is intangible. 

The image posted above is part of my real work.  I started it last Monday, August 20 in the afternoon and I have been working on it, bit by bit, everyday.  It is permanently set up on my porch table with all the supplies I may need surrounding it.  It is a meditative piece full of gratitude for the time and space to sit and reflect, to gather and arrange, to identify and appreciate.  This piece in the making is symbolic of my process and being this week.  I have absolutely no idea where it is going or what will come from it.  I am, however, listening and doing one (small) thing at a time, putting one foot in front of the other (the real work).

It's interesting to not feel pressure or hurriedness to finish a piece of work.  I can't remember the last time I was able to work this way.  And, it doesn't really matter where this piece is going because it has already served it's purpose.  It has given me back the gift of process (the real work), the present - thank you for this gift.  More please...