Smile for a Selfie

Some photos just make you want to smile, as if somehow the shutter managed to snag  a little bit of pure happiness along with the image. The photo that inspired this portrait was one such picture. 

Smile! 2020

Willow charcoal 

18”x 24”

A few weeks back, my sister and I decided to take the dogs on an adventure. We leashed up Zia and Ornella and set out for the local trail system. It was a drizzly overcast day but Chelle and I were determined to enjoy some fresh air. After all, that is why they invented jackets. A mere fifteen minutes into our hike our perseverance was rewarded; the clouds parted and the sun prevailed. The beautiful scenery melted away the stress of the day and the dogs rejoiced at all the exciting smells of the wilderness. Each step gained a little more bounce as we walked along and each breath felt a little freer. 

We elected to take a break under the fragrant pine trees to enjoy the view and just sit for a spell. My dog, Zia, had other plans. It seems a flock of wild turkeys had recently passed through that area and they had the audacity to leave their plumage everywhere! Zia, being the natural hunter that she is, felt the need to inspect every feather that the fowl intruders had left behind. It quickly became obvious that “sitting for a spell” was not on her agenda. My furry companion and I were so enthralled in tracking those pesky turkeys that I almost missed an adorable moment. Apparently, while we were “busy,” my sister and Ornella were quietly sharing a relaxing cuddle on the trail-side. As if this moment couldn’t get any cuter, they then decided to snap a few selfies. I’m still not 100% sure whose idea it was to bust out the camera as they both seemed to be smiling and posing. 

It’s funny how smiles and laughter are infectious. Upon our return, Chelle shared the images with our family and everyone couldn’t help but giggle and smile. I think my grandmother put it best when she said “that picture of your sister and that dog just makes me happy!” As I pondered potential subjects for this week’s drawing I thought, “why not share a little happiness?” A subject doesn’t have to be serious to be significant. I think we could all use a few more reasons to smile right now and who doesn’t love a cute selfie?

This week I encourage you - share a smile, share a cuddle (even if it’s with a furry friend), and get out and get some fresh air! You never know what exciting smells and happy moments await you on the trail!