This blog started as New City New State, not to be a travel blog about new cities and new states, but for a newly empty nested mom of three to explore her new city (New York City) in her new state of mind (empty nester). After Covid-19 arrived in the U.S., and NYC specifically, this blog evolved into a travel diary of exploring new cities and new states.
When we were traveling through Scottsdale this winter, I saw a piece of artwork that hit me in my soul and brought me back to my original “empty nester” theme.
The Empty Nest, with the birds and the cloud partially covering the woman’s face, spoke to me unlike any piece of artwork before. I purchased the unique photo collage composed of the artist’s original photographs even before reading the artist’s words speaking about this piece. It’s as if she looked straight into my soul. With this new nomadic lifestyle and the corresponding blog, I’m trying to “reflect, rest, reset and renew”, but evolving for me is never easy.
Please read Elisabeth Ladwig’s words and think of the seasons of life, nature, or parenthood. Whatever your choice, please enjoy.
“Looking out the window this December day, I am reminded that the leaves have dropped, the vegetation is sparse, and many of the birds have migrated. Over the next few months, creatures large and small may peek out from their warm burrows only on occasion. Mother Nature has worked hard over the last three seasons and has come full circle, back to an empty nest, but one that is still full of colorful memories. Wasn’t it just yesterday that she cradled them in her arms? It is a bittersweet milestone, but it also presents the opportunity to reflect inward, to rest, reset, and renew. It is a time for discovery. What wonderful new beginnings will fill her nest again?”
New City New State 
Loved reading the article about the painting you bought at Kristin’s gallery. I also forwarded it on to her – I’m sure she will appreciate it too! Looking forward to reading more of your blogs of your adventures these last few months! Miss you guys and looking forward to your next stop through this part of the country!
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I probably should’ve tagged Xanadu gallery. Let me know if she’d like me to tag Xanadu on the blog post and/or Facebook!
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Beautiful picture. Powerful words.
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Thanks, sis!❣️
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Beautiful. Touching. Hopeful. I’m struck by the reminder of the true cycle of a bird’s life here. It’s good and right for the chicks to grow up and learn how to fly away on their own. But it still leaves an empty nest when winter arrives. Almost harsh, but good. On this Palm Sunday morning I can’t help but remember Jesus death on the cross. So very harsh. So much worse than harsh! But (and you knew there was a “but”, right?😉), then came Easter morning, life restored! Spring always comes with its own beauty in newness. I look forward to seeing more of the unfolding of your new life.
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I love how you view this work as both literal and figurative. And on Palm Sunday, too! How very appropriate!
Thank you for reading, and also for sharing your thoughts! 💕
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Wow, what a wonderful comparison! We all need to have those reminders that spring will come again but know that nest will be empty again and it is up to you to fill it again! But know that many many memories are always at reach in our memories! Sometimes you just need to clear out the nest as best we can to let new come to be
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You say it quite well yourself!❣️
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