Willow Oakes #WillowOakes

01/01/2026

10/18/2025

♥️♥️♥️

According to an old Native American legend, one day there was a big fire in the forest. All the animals fled in terror in all directions, because it was a very violent fire. Suddenly, the jaguar saw a hummingbird pass over his head, but in the opposite direction. The hummingbird flew towards the fire!

Whatever happened, he wouldn't stop. Moments later, the jaguar saw him pass again, this time in the same direction as the jaguar was walking. He could observe this coming and going, until he decided to ask the bird about it, because it seemed very bizarre behavior.

"What are you doing, hummingbird?" he asked.

"I am going to the lake," he answered, "I drink water with my beak and throw it on the fire to extinguish it." The jaguar laughed. 'Are you crazy? Do you really think that you can put out that big fire on your own with your very small beak?'

'No,' said the hummingbird, 'I know I can't. But the forest is my home. It feeds me, it shelters me and my family. I am very grateful for that. And I help the forest grow by pollinating its flowers. I am part of her and the forest is part of me. I know I can't put out the fire, but I must do my part.'

At that moment, the forest spirits, who listened to the hummingbird, were moved by the bird and its devotion to the forest, miraculously they sent a torrential downpour, which put an end to the great fire.

The Native American grandmothers would occasionally tell this story to their grandchildren, then conclude with, "Do you want to attract miracles into your life? Do your part."

“You have no responsibility to save the world or find the solutions to all problems—but to attend to your particular personal corner of the universe. As each person does that, the world saves itself.’"

- author unknown

Art by Laron

10/15/2025

Check out the wonderful exhibition of the art gallery's originator, Lajos Matolcsy!

EXPANDED HOURS! Gallery hours have been expanded on Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00 through the end of the month! Also open from 12:00 to 3:00 on fridays! Western Maine Art Group

10/13/2025

“When You Realize You’re No Longer a Priority” — A Conversation I’ll Never Forget

Today, during a simple, casual chat, an elderly woman shared something that stopped me in my tracks.
Her husband had passed away not long ago.

There was no funeral. No memorial. No gathering of family or friends.

When I gently asked why, she smiled faintly and said,

“We decided not to have a service. Our family was always too busy to visit or even call. We didn’t want to trouble them now.”

Her words carried no bitterness — just quiet acceptance.

Then she told me something that broke my heart: she hadn’t even told them he was gone.
When I asked how she thought they might react once they found out, she paused for a long moment and replied,

“They didn’t care enough to see or talk to him when he was alive. Why should they speak about him now that he’s gone?”

Her husband, she said, loved cooking. He used to invite their children and relatives over for dinner, always hopeful they’d come.
But the same excuses came every time — too busy, maybe next week, forgot to call.
Holidays passed quietly. Birthdays came and went.
Silence became their new family tradition.

After he died, she made a brave decision.
She sold their home, their belongings, and moved into a small apartment in the city — not out of sadness, but to start again.
To reclaim her peace.

Before we said goodbye, she looked at me, eyes steady and kind, and said something I’ll never forget:

“Darling, when you realize you’re no longer important to someone — even family — you have to make yourself the priority.”

That simple sentence struck me deeply.
It wasn’t spoken out of anger, but wisdom.
A lifetime of loving, waiting, and finally learning that sometimes, the most courageous act of love…
is choosing yourself.

She left me with a powerful reminder:
Cherish those who make time for you, and don’t chase those who don’t.
Because love should never feel like begging for attention —
it should feel like coming home.❤️

***Copied from a friend 🧡 ***

10/09/2025

"Gateway to the Creek"
This Plein Air painting was done looking onto my front yard on Stonybrook.

10/09/2025

My Artist Profile

10/01/2025

"Harvest Moon; Bootiful Rave"
This painting captures the rich essence of an autumn evening through layered textures and bold color contrasts. At the center, a vibrant orange pumpkin commands attention beneath the glow of a full moon, whose warm yellows and ambers illuminate the scene with a soft, inviting light. The composition’s dynamic energy is enhanced by two black crows perched on slender, twisting branches, their silhouettes adding a touch of mystery and movement. Deep blue tones in the background create a stark contrast to the warm hues, emphasizing the crisp, cool atmosphere of nightfall. Details such as curling green vines and leaves contribute depth and intricacy, inviting viewers to explore the interplay of natural elements. The textured brushwork and thoughtful layering bring a tactile quality to the painting, drawing one into a vivid celebration of the season’s quiet power and beauty.

09/13/2025

There are no words. RIP