My feet are crunching across the floor, covered with crinkled wrapping paper and bows. Pine needles not only scent the air, but the now-dry tree is shedding them where I step, en route to the smell of a fresh pot of coffee.
Yesterday, I barely left my spot on the modern blue couch in our living room. I pick that spot because I can see everyone as they open their gifts and can get a good angle for photographs. I always take more pictures than I need, because I love remembering Christmases past, and this too will become a memory.
Christmas Eve
As a child, visiting my grandparents for Christmas Eve, I’d stand on the stairs in the small living room and read the story of Christmas from the Bible. We carry that tradition forward, always remembering the reason we’re here before we terrorize the gifts under the tree. And to make it last, we open one at a time, taking turns so we can all pay attention to the person opening. Then we all hang out together all day, eating cookies and snacks, playing with our new gifts, and just enjoying yet another wonderful Christmas.
A Sweet Farewell
Tears welled up in my eyes yesterday, and again today as I remember that this is the first Christmas without my dad, who left us in March. I’m also melancholy about the loss of an aunt, uncle, and cousin this year, plus a few friends. My dad loved Christmas so much that he was the first to get his tree up and would not take it down till February. When the pandemic hit, he decided to leave it up year round since there would be no guests to wonder why it was there. Of course it turned out to be the last year of his life, so he had Christmas all year, which made him happy.
Being Present in the Moment
If there is an upside to these losses, it’s that I’m paying closer attention to those I love, trying not to pretend they will always be here and instead being present, knowing they are a true gift in my life, and knowing at such times that it could be our final Christmas together. I pray not.
Perhaps the loss of loved ones, or the prospect of more losses from the pandemic, is making me softer, more responsive, and more tuned in to connect with the people I love and admire.
This past week, when things were a little slower, I made a point to pick up the phone and chat with people I’ve missed talking to, because I cherish them and don’t want to look back in regret that I did not take the opportunity.
Going Deeper
I’ve asked myself, What would I say if I knew this was the last time I’d speak with them? The result has been some conversations with a deeper connection, more careful listening. Instead of dominating the conversation or trying to make it all about getting in the things that I want to say, I’m simply absorbing, listening to their voice, to their personality, and admiring them for who they are.
Why haven’t I done this all along?
Life is so busy that we tell ourselves we will get around to connecting with people. When they are gone, we regret not doing it.
I’ve noticed that when I’m intentional about absorbing the love of others, I’m more patient, more interested, and just simply basking in the moment, quirks and all.
Though Christmas has now officially passed, the absorption continues. And, hopefully, it will continue forever. If anything good has come out of the past two years, it’s the appreciation of seeing people we could not see, talking with people we cannot visit, and being more deliberate listeners and absorbers.
What if we lived every day with an absorber mentality?
What if we lived as though today was our last?
What if we treated every conversation and encounter as if it was the last time we would see our friends and loved ones?
I tend to be busy and wanting to get on with things, always checking my phone, always wanting to be busy or productive. But deliberate absorption of others is a gift. It’s changing who I am and how I behave.
What about you?Who do you need to absorb?
Eric Rhoads
PS: If I had a magic carpet or a reindeer-driven sleigh, I’d visit you personally today, just to learn more about you, absorb who you are, and to personally thank you for the time and attention you’ve given me. You have given me a gift, knowing that I can reach out most Sunday mornings, share my thoughts, and know that some mornings you’re paying attention, or even sharing them with others. For that, I thank you. Since I don’t have any magical transportation, please know I’m thinking about you today, and I’m grateful.
From time to time I mention my faith or quote a Bible reference. For some that is politically incorrect or offensive, which has resulted in a couple of people refusing to read any more Sunday Coffee. Please know I never want to offend anyone, but It’s just part of who I am. From time to time I’ll even share something I heard at my church that moved me, like this sermon.
Years ago I asked a mentor of mine if business ever gets easier, knowing he had been in business for 60 years. He said it never gets easier, but it always changes. The past two years have been the most challenging and difficult in my career, though there have been many difficult years. But I’m thankful we got through it, though it was not easy because we’re still surviving without in-person events, which is where we make our money. Our virtual events have helped us survive, and I want to thank you for attending. Hopefully they have been good for you too. Our next one, Watercolor Live, is in January, and it would make a great after-the-holidays treat.
Here are some other things going on in the business…
- Last week we released our Kevin Macpherson Magic Grid Landscapes video, which is beyond amazing and has become the biggest seller for 2021. Another top seller is our new Camille Przewodek video on color.
- Last week I mentioned that it’s a good idea to get signed up for the coming Plein Air Convention & Expo, which is planned for May in Santa Fe. We think it will sell out early because we’re all ready for a family reunion. This past week we sold a huge number of seats, and the hotel is telling us we might have to limit the number who can come. If we have to take 200-400 fewer people, you’ll want to register now to make sure you’re able to go. And, to make you more secure, there is a 100% refund in the event we have to cancel or you don’t feel safe. Also, we have a pre-convention workshop with Kevin Macpherson that will sell out even faster.
- My Russia painting and museum trip will happen next September. We just changed the dates slightly; the new dates are now posted on the website. We were sold out and will be again soon.
- Last week I wrote about a man who became an amazing painter just from watching the videos we produced. I met with him this week (he was visiting Austin) and was blown away to hear his story. Zero in-person art instruction other than in childhood. Yet today he is producing incredible artworks (he showed me many). He is living proof that you can learn to paint well from video training. If you want to see our library of artworks, you can see them at PaintTube.TV.
- This week I sent out a note to all of our friends about a big change. Years ago we started Streamline Art Video, and later acquired Liliedahl and Creative Catalyst. This week we announced all three brands will become PaintTube.
True wisdom. Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts and experiences with us, they are valuable. May 2022 be a rich and fulfilling year for you and your family.
I like reading your Sunday’s….hope you had a good Christmas, AND Happy New Year….
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your, writings, enthusiasm, and especially your encouragement to continue painting, and make yourself go past the roadblocks one has placed in front of their success. I can’t thank you enough. I pray that life continues to bless you and yours continued health and happiness. I have found that frequently these are followed by ‘enough’. Take care of yourself, too.
I love your Sunday coffee and greatly appreciate your faith references. My thought is that the offended ones are missing out. I’ll bet they think that’s offensive too. Oh well. Merry Christmas and thank you very much for your “Sunday Coffee”. I always enjoy it.
Dear Eric,
At 2:30 in the morning this Monday, Dec. 27, I’m writing to you because of the emotions you stirred up with this column. As a painter all my life, these past two years gave me the solitude to work on many pieces and live every minute of the process, but at Christmas, our little family — husband, daughter and her husband — spend time together, help one another, and listen to one another. My Mother, Dad and Brother John are all gone, yet Christmas brings me closer to them and the spirit of the season. This week and next I’ll plunge back to work, but I want to let you know your videos, especially painting the Grand Canyon, gave me the courage to paint large, return to oils, and grow! Thank you so much! Happy New Year!
Bless you Eric for not flinching about Christianity being a part of you! I’ve always known just from your inviting, enthusiastic support for folks all over the world and the tenor of your words.
Thanks always for being true to that part of you — I love Sunday coffee!
Eric there’s nothing more important than the spiritual in someone’s life whatever firm the spiritual takes. If anyone gets offended it’s only because they don’t see what you see. If they’re fortunate, they will at some point find the spiritual in their own lives, and then will wonder why they were ever so angry.
Well Eric, once again, the words and thought you have had these past days, have also been mine! Like you, have lost family and close friends…and each day, I treat as if it is my last. Each night upon retiring, I thank God that me and my little Dog Pepper, survived that day, And when I awake each morning, I thank God, that He has given us “one more day”. Take care. God Bless. Always, Betty Jean Billups
Hello Betty Jean from a former Big Arm, MT, student and hostess! Great to see your name in here and share a prayer for a better 2022.
Thank you! Just got through watching the “sermon” and am thanking the Father for your testimony and courage to stand up for your faith in Jesus.
It’s interesting how we evolve as time passes by and we hopefully become wiser in our interactions with others. Relationship over task was something my wife was exposed to when she did ministry in a school in Africa. That’s what their culture espoused. The western mentality of strict time management took a backseat to conversation and interaction. I’m trying to find a middle ground in my life. Good for you in realizing your evolution and claiming it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. I appreciate you taking the time to share and I enjoy reading what you write. Keep up the good work. You are an encourager!
I always enjoy reading your Sunday articles although, it is Monday morning in Australia when I read them – they are always thought provoking. This Year we made the decision to attend the Christmas morning service at St David’s Cathederal with family. Walking through the city without the hustle and bustle of shoppers, observing mixture of old and new buildings and hearing the church bells ringing. The calmness upon entering and knowing that somewhere in this building my great grandfather worked as a stonemason. We can all become too busy instead of appreciating what we have and sharing quality time with family and friends. Thankyou Eric
My Condolences to you Eric on the loss of your father and other family members. They are looking down at you from above with a smile on their faces knowing how you are helping others with all that you do. I for one and I know for many of us, we so enjoy your biblical quotes. Happy New Year and am always excited to see what you have for us next to learn.
My dear Eric,
Today’s post was truly profound. I felt like I was reading what I would say if I could. To observe, be present and absorb – and store it up as a treasure – it’s a gift that costs nothing but our own attentiveness. Thank you for the reminder. We can’t always be so focused and intense, but we need reminded to do so when we can.
May you always cherish the present and the special memories you are careful to collect. It brings much joy.
I love your articles, Eric!! Don’t change a thing about them. I love your comments about faith and God! Thank you for sharing the sermon. Thank you for all you do to provide so much instruction and wisdom all year long.
When you are in Russia, be sure to check out Nicholas Roerich 1874-1947. .I recently discovered him, and a Russian friend told me she had seen his work in St Petersburg museum. I also found out there is a small museum of his work in the West Side of Manhattan. 319 W. 107th St. A remarkable human and artist. I hope to to to New York in the next year and see the museum.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! I look forward every Sunday morning
to reading your thoughtful email message. Sometimes I feel like I have been to church, sometimes to a seminar, sometimes to a family dinner at your house.
Thank you for your steadfast dedication, your descriptive scenes, and your obvious love for those around you.
Wishing you many blessings in 2022.
I am an intermediate level artist who enjoys colored pencil and watercolors. I like your articles here and I am also a follower of Jesus Christ. May God bless you in your art endeavors.
Eric,
Today’s conversation moved me to tears. Everything you said is so true.
Our human frailties are so challenged during the times we are living in.
The holidays bring out so much that is lacking in us all year.
Thank you again. Looking forward to Watercolor Live.
Dear Eric, once again I find myself completely blown away by your Sunday Coffee. I am so thankful for the insight and wisdom you share – I can truly see Christ shining through and that is so wonderful and inspiring. I also appreciate your transparency in these talks – such integrity is displayed ! I have learned so much, sharing it with family and incorporating some of the wisdom into my life. I am always blown away by your dedication and hard work and you serve as a fantastic example! My heart is always glad to read your emails! Thank you and I thank the Lord for you, your family and team as well. Happy New Year to your and all those you hold dear.
Frances
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these Sunday morning talks. I enjoy them so much. Some of them, like the one today, bring tears to my eyes, as I know exact what you mean. Merry Christmas and God bless you, Eric.
Bonnie ( a fellow painter)
Dear Eric,
Thanks for sharing that deeper Love for this Christmas and the rest of our lives. May your new year be filled with much Love and Blessings.
Thanks also for the connection to Austin Ridge Bible Church.
Mary Lois Brown
Thank you for your Sunday reflections Eric. Since discovering your Streamline postings this year, I have watched and practiced new techniques on the tutorial s everyday. I feel that they have not only improved my artistic skills but have given me a new philosophical outlook. Many thanks!
I have been blessed with your Sunday morning commentary. It always starts my day off with something to ponder and explore. Thank you for the time you take to share your life and thoughts with all of us.
I loved this morning’s article! It’s a ‘keeper’ reminding me of how important it is to listen and to be present to others; to be (as you said) less concerned about inserting into the conversation what I want to say, and to hear, in the deepest sense, what the other person is saying. Such good advice! I appreciate that you share your faith because what you share is positive, inspires hope, and speaks truth in a gentle way. Thank you for taking the time and giving serious thought when writing these weekly Coffee With Eric articles.
I appreciate your comments and enjoy reading your newsletter. I copied a couple of sentences to post on my Facebook page about reaching out to friends and relatives more often. It is something I have talked about a lot in the past three years if not longer. I lost my Dad in July 2018, and my Mom just this past June. As you said, you never know when the last time is. And, if you don’t make the effort it is sad. Thanks Eric!
As for the references to the Bible, we should feel like we can talk about our faith, or lack of it, without being criticized. Allowing people to follow their own path is important and does not make them an unworthy friend or relative. We should practice love of our fellow humans. That is what matters in our life!
I truly enjoy your Sunday emails. Your faith doesn’t offend me though I am agnostic. I always learn something from you and so I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Eric, I always LOVE and enjoy reading your Sunday article, especially when you quote things from the Bible. My eyes are also tearing, because I lost my mother this past May. Merry Christmas to you and to your entire family