There is nothing more aggravating than when we are talking and we think the other person is in outer space! We want to be heard and know that they are listening. On the other hand-no one likes to get accused of not listening-so it is a two way street!

Have you ever felt invisible in a group of people? They are all talking, you try to say something but no one hears you. Or you are in a room at a party, someone comes up to the person next to you and talks to them like you are not even there. Or you are in a line at the fast food restaurant and the cashier doesn’t even acknowledges you and waits on the person behind you?

This happens to me all the time. I am not sure if it is because I am short and taller people can’t see me or are there just people who don’t get noticed? We need to speak up, find our voice and tell people what is in our minds. It may take a little practice. One step at a time. First someone we trust. Then just speak up. You do have something important to contribute to this world.

Another thing to think about, did you speak loud enough? Did they have something else they were doing? Most importantly- Do YOU listen?

Painting Process: I wanted to have one Grackle looking at the other like-What's going on? The birds were fairly easy to do. It is the background that took more time thinking. Putting the rock cliff behind the bird that is wanting someone to listen to him to represent the bird feels like it hit a brick wall. The light shining from behind the birds so they would have big shadows to cast more of a mystery in the painting. Finally, having they stand on a rock surface so it was sturdy footing for the scene.

Quote - No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever” - J.K. Rowling

I Am Listening

by Vic Mastis

Being in a crowd of people

You have something to say

But they are already twelve topics away

Seated at a restaurant for spaghetti

Two couples enter and sit down ready

Waiter brings their drinks and orders first

Am I invisible? Will I die of thirst?

Not speaking up to cause a scene

Or look at you like you are obscene

Your inner voice you need to find

And then the opportunities will shine

Practice slow and steady is the key

If you can learn to let your voice free

Boundless horizons will shred your doubt

You have so many gifts to try out

Your talents are just glistening

And remember I Am Listening

All words are written and copy write and sole ownership of Vic Mastis. No reproducing without permission of the writer.