30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day Seven

"Myrtle and Maude" - mixed media on reclaimed wood, 6" x 18".  Ready to hang.  To purchase this piece on Artfinder, click here.

The return of the duck.

We're surrounded by them here.  Likely because we provide them with a smorgasbord of goodies, but I like to think it is the good, nurturing energy of our home and yard.  There is a nest somewhere under a shrub nearly all the time.  New hatchlings and ducklings of all ages, sizes and personalities congregate in the lake at feeding time.  Thank goodness not all of these ducks hang around forever, or we would have to bulldoze the neighbor's house to expand our duck capacity in the yard.

So it is no surprise when a duck shows up in my art.  Maude is a sweet little duck, adoring and friendly.  Myrtle loves having her around.  And I love the deep grain and texture of this particular piece of wood, which made them both extra primitive (and also more challenging to paint).

But the universe had another message for me yesterday, when a dear friend encouraged me to be more duck-like in handling a frustrating situation.  She had me from the word "duck."

And of course that got me wondering...what does the duck mean as an animal totem?

Duck energy asks us to take notice of our surroundings and new opportunities.  It also asks us to explore our emotions and provides comfort and protection.  Instead of getting tangled up in the debris around you, duck energy allows you to handle emotions with grace.

As ducks float in groups, they always manage to maintain an easy space between them.  Keeping a space between yourself and others while maintaining a sense of community is one of the messages of the duck.  Create a sacred sanctuary (or "nest") in your home.  The duck tells you to spend time being prepared, as those who prepare reap the rewards.

Now I haven't heard any of the ducks outside my back door giving advice yet, but as I watch them floating gracefully together, never bumping or being awkward, I can see the message clearly.  Maybe today they will get a little extra treat for being so incredibly wise.