Daddy's Christmas Angel

Friday, February 4, 2011

Finding Kindred Spirits

"Kindred Spirits in a Garden" - MMSikes
Finding "kindred spirits" is like making an unexpected discovery of a lovely piece of art. You don't find them often, and when you do you relish in the discovery.

Last summer, by complete chance--is there really such a thing?--I found Daisy Hickman's Sunny Room Studio and there I discovered a kindred spirit. Since then I have found other spirits kindred to me while visiting her site.

What an amazing thing this Internet is! Daisy and the other special people I've discovered using the electronic wonders of our world live far across the country or even across the globe from me. Without the Internet, it is doubtful we ever would have known one another.

What are kindred spirits?

"Kindred Spirits" is a painting by Thomas Cole created in 1849. It's from the Hudson River School--among my favorite paintings because of the mystical feeling generated by that series of works. This painting may be the best known of the glorious, evocative work by an adventurous group of artists.

For me, kindred spirits are those people with like thoughts and interests. I hope I shall encounter many more as I travel and make notes along the way...

18 comments:

N. R. Williams said...

Well said, Monti. Since I started blogging, I have found several kindred spirits.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Daisy Hickman said...

Oh, this is just lovely, Monti!! The sentiment, the art, the recognition that kindred spirits are alive and well in this vast wilderness of space we inhabit ... together. My next blog post will be about the 1 year anniversary of SunnyRoomStudio, and of course the wonderful kindred spirits met along the way have been the best part of the journey! Finding that meaningful connection is so joyful and memorable ... I hope your next series of paintings somehow captures this idea of kindred spirits (it could be fascinating). But creativity can take its very own course, I realize. Thanks again for being such a lovely guest, Monti, and bringing rays of sunlight to SunnyRoomStudio. --Daisy

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I've met so many in the past year! A big bonus of blogging.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Nancy and Alex, thank you for commenting. You two are among the special spirits I've met since July!
How very much I've enjoyed getting to know you through your outstanding blogs!

And, Daisy, what a journey you have stimulated with your wonderful and sunny blog filled with nothing but kindred spirits! Perhaps my next series will be about kindred spirits of the universe! Thank you again for having me as your guest!

The Yard Bard said...

It amazes me that a two-dimensional screen lets me find people who have such depth. Here's to kindred spirits, wherever they may be!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

It is amazing! Here, here!

Thanks, Yard Bard!

Dani said...

Only several, Nancy? I've found dozens if not hundreds of kindred spirits online. In real life, I seem to instantly connect with other military brats. It's as though we have built-in radar.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Interesting about the connection between "military brats," Dani.

Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post and beautiful photo to go with it. Very uplifting :O)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Madeleine!

Anonymous said...

I feel I've met many kindred spirits in Blogdom. And this pic is great. I've often thought I would have liked to open a nursery. I think this would be a fun and rewarding endeavour.

BodieP said...

OK, that did it. You reminded me of my childhood kindred spirit. I must blog about her this week. As for now, I feel like I've met so many out of that blog marketing class. I don't know if it's like that every time, but we seemed to have a particularly congenial group. You're one of mine, in case you're wondering.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, Stephen, for commenting. You can always have a nursery business on the side to go with your writing! I took my photo at the Lewis Ginter Botantical Gardens in Richmond, VA.

Bodie/Sherry, that has to have been one special class. Wonder if Dani would agree, but it was an amazing group. And I met Daisy indirectly through that class. You are one of mine as well! Thank you!

Katharine E. said...

Hi. Glad to read your blog, Daisy sent me over. I too have found people who have touched something in me via the internet, more than I can count and in more ways than I describe. Wonderful image from Thomas Cole, whose paintings I love, saw a great series about the journey of life in the National Gallery in DC several years ago that has always remained with me. Thank you for your blog.

Unknown said...

I, too, have been enriched by the kindred spirits I have met the past few years via the internet. It refreshes the soul and I am constantly reminded that the world is filled with beautiful people. THank you for your post!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, Garrett and Susan for your kind comments.

I shall now be ever more aware of those I meet along the way!

Anonymous said...

You describe a journey so similar to mine. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to meet and share my life's journey with so many amazing people. We are able to catch a glimpse of the lives of creative spirits everywhere and allow ourselves to be inspired and uplifted. I look forward to following your journey.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks for visiting, Dorothy. Creative spirits. Joyful thoughts.