Pausing to paint in the middle of a crowded market in Cahors, I took in more than the scenery, I met new friends. The owner of the produce stand before me brought her young daughter over to meet the artists.
My friend and I were shown images in the girl’s personal sketchbook and we were gifted the most delicious apricots I’ve ever eaten.
I am certain that this encounter would not have happened if we merely breezed through the market, or even if we had stopped to buy apricots from their stand. There was a beautiful level of intimacy created through the connection of the arts. Despite our limited French and their limited English, we had a wonderful conversation filled with laughter and encouragement.
How often in life to you move through without being fully present to the experience and the people around you? Where can you invite more intimacy and connection?
