MICHELLE LOUIS
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"Hello, Hello, Hello"

10/24/2017

12 Comments

 
Picture
"Daylight, (Connected)" (sold) 44"x 61" acrylic on canvas. ©2017 Michelle Louis
    A couple of miles into my morning wander and I'd been jolted from solitude several times to practice what used to be considered common courtesy - “Hello.”  Hikers are a generally a friendly lot, so "hello" can morph into an actual conversation- what's blooming, the sorry state of public lands under current political leaders, or an extra moment to scratch a furry companion behind the ear. I've chatted with folks whose ancestors used to live on the lands I was walking, hunters out scouting game trails, and kids whose curiosity was infectious. I've never left these encounters without a genuine good feeling.
    So when did it become okay to pass by another human without a greeting, essentially pretending they're not there? I'm not talking about bustling streets where greeting every passerby is impossible. I've noticed people starting to take on big city behavior out in the woods. I don't like it and here is my rule- you don't get to pass by me on the trail without a greeting. Don't even get me going on people wearing earbuds or talking on their phone. You're still going to get my attention, like it or not. (And by the way, you're missing an incredible symphony of soul-soothing wild sounds and interactions.)
    Paying attention to others in small ways, like saying "hello," matters. It's an affirmation. It signals respect. It takes time, and sometimes, courage. Paying attention requires a willingness to be open and to learn something new. It is non-judgmental. Paying attention to ourselves, our surroundings, and each other, is a foundation of healthy being, and indeed, a healthy society.
    So please don't think walking by your fellow humans without a greeting is normal.  For most of us, in many circumstances, it's not. It's a symptom of “dis-ease," disconnection, and distraction.
    Civility, courtesy, grace, even “good-breeding,” call it what you will. Please pay attention  to  others  along  your  path.  Kindly  acknowledge  them.  A  simple  “hello”
will do.

For more of the paintings I've been working on, click here.

Picture
Happy autumn from the trail! ©2017 Michelle Louis
12 Comments
Roni link
10/24/2017 09:47:54 am

Michelle, I am in total agreement with you. I try to maintain that doctrine as I travel the Brooklyn streets. Even on my own block some people walk with their heads down not acknowledging passers by. Those who do respond to my greeting, however, leave with a smile on their face.
Getting to know you!

Reply
Michelle link
10/25/2017 09:05:39 am

So glad to hear it, Roni. And a greeting from you is worthy of a smile! Take good care.

Reply
Karen Douglas
10/24/2017 02:57:53 pm

Hi Michelle! ;-)
Well said!
'nough said!!
(Unfortunately) needed to be said!

Reply
Michelle link
10/25/2017 09:06:45 am

Helloooo, Karen!

Reply
Barb Athas
10/25/2017 05:24:45 am

Why would one walk in the woods with earbuds? Howdy Michelle! :)

Reply
Michelle link
10/25/2017 09:09:12 am

I just have no idea why people wear earbuds in the woods. Can't fathom it. Oh, and "hi" to you, Barb!!

Reply
Jane Tuttle
10/26/2017 01:22:35 am

Sad when people need music, podcasts, books on tape to be alone. They are missing out on all the sounds and beauty of the world! I don't get it and relish a walk on a trail and the sounds of nature, the wind, the silence. As for speaking, just sad. I see both types, but many more non-greeters as the years go by. Sad, so much you can learn from each other.

Reply
Michelle link
10/27/2017 07:59:35 am

Well said, Jane. So much we can learn, indeed. Hope you have a chance to get outside this weekend!

Reply
Fred Bendheim
10/26/2017 09:40:40 am

HELLO!

Reply
Michelle link
10/27/2017 08:00:58 am

Hellooooo, Fred. Love the work in your current show!

Reply
Maureen
10/26/2017 09:47:18 am

Hello!

Reply
Michelle link
10/27/2017 08:02:06 am

Maureen! Hello. I bet you'll be out enjoying nature sometime soon!

Reply

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    Artist and naturalist Michelle Louis has a vigorous curiosity about the natural world. Her abstract landscape paintings cultivate connection to the lands she explores.

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  • Home
    • Paintings >
      • Elemental Series
      • Verge Series
      • Oh Yes Series
      • Of Land and Sky Series
      • Earthscape Series
      • Blue Series
      • Trailblazer Series
      • Invisible Trails Series
      • Yin Sides Series
      • Geometric Series
  • Contact/Shop
  • Meet Michelle
  • Blog