These cheerful painted birds perched in the sun outside a village store near Queensland, New Zealand last February.  It was summer there and  they seemed to be enjoying the sunny warmth as much as we were - and all so nicely balanced on their small beam.  Well, all except one, who looked a little precarious as he worked to keep from toppling over!  I can identify with that one!

I'd like to think that I go through the day as nicely balanced as the other three birds, but sometimes it's not so easy!  I have been reading a number of art newsletters lately and balance seems to be a frequent topic.  While we strive for balance in our paintings, it is usually much easier to identify and make corrections when they are unbalanced than it is to realize our lives have gotten out of balance and then to be able to make adjustments.

Hopefully, we can hang on and not take ourselves too seriously as we negotiate to find the sweet spot that keeps us moving forward while making time to feel the warmth.  

Balancing Act is the first of  many paintings I plan to do from the trip to New Zealand.  After spending a few days in Auckland, the remainder of our time was spent on a hiking tour covering most of the spectacular South Island.  The hiking trails there are the best I've ever seen and the scenery is breathtaking.  I have enough material to inspire many landscape paintings, as well as a few whimsical still life's!