Beyond the Fence

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PAINTED FROM WHAT WAS LEFT – LIMITED COLORS, GUIDED BY WHAT SURFACED. A QUIET CROSSING – BEYOND FAMILIAR LINES – INTO PAUSE, PERSPECTIVE, AND THE GRACE OF BEING UNNOTICED. (acrylic on cartridge paper)

NANCY CHICHIOC0-RAZON

I did not plan this piece.

I worked with what was left—colors from previous works, traces of earlier intentions. There were limits, and within those limits, a freedom I did not expect. As I allowed my hand to move without urgency, something gentle surfaced. A sense of crossing—not loudly, not defiantly—but quietly, beyond a fence I did not know I was ready to leave.

This piece feels like a New Year invitation: to see from a different angle, to soften perspective, to pause long enough to hear what silence offers. There is comfort here in being unnoticed— in not performing, not proving, not explaining.

Just being present, attentive, and open to what unfolds beyond familiar lines. During Simbang Gabi, this insight deepened. As I listened to the Gospel and sat in the stillness of the Mass, I was struck by the humility of Mary and Joseph, while waiting for the birth of Jesus—present, faithful, and largely unseen. No grand gestures. No need to be recognized. Just quiet obedience, trust, and presence.

In that moment, the message felt whispered rather than spoken aloud.Hence, I begin this year with what remains. Not with grand plans or loud declarations, but with fragments—colors from past seasons, lessons that still linger, questions that have softened with time.

Today, I choose to cross quietly. Beyond familiar fences of expectation, urgency, and visibility. I want to see more clearly by slowing down, to understand more deeply by pausing, to live more honestly by allowing silence its full voice.

This year, I give myself permission to be unnoticed. To find joy without witnesses. To grow without needing to explain. To trust that what unfolds beyond the fence is enough— even when it is gentle, even when it is quiet.

I step forward with openness, humility, and grace, ready to see differently, ready to receive what comes.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Mother Mary pondered things in her heart. May your quiet spirit continue to resonate with hers.

    May your openness continue to allow you to respond fully to God’s grace.

    What a beautiful way to start the year. Thanks for sharing, Nancy!

  2. Nancy, you are a very good role model for me – even if I am older than you (i admit). Tagos sa puso ang words… teach me how to be like you please….
    Quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life..

  3. What an intense reflection, simple yet so deep. It is going on …“unnoticed”, “hear what silence offers” so profound.

    Please continue sharing us your reflections, it sounds God is talking to me too.

    Appreciate you Nancy.

  4. What a beautiful and profound reflection, Ma’am Nancy. To unfold quietly and to fully trust in God’s loving hand. That you be your true, unique and beautiful self. To be what God wants you to be. So lovely, Ma’am Nancy. And glorifies God.

  5. Truly a heartfelt reflection accompanied with a decision of blissful surrender. Most of the time we are pressured by the noise for fear of being silent – and hearing, truly hearing His voice. What a beautiful message po that resonates for a gentle and intentional start of the year, thank you for sharing Ms Nancy!

  6. I’ve always wondered how artists come up with such beautiful pieces. Thank you Nancy for sharing your reflection. It gives those of us on the outside a deeper appreciation not only of the artwork, but of the heart of the painter as well.

  7. My dear Nancy, your quiet reflection echoed to many of us who have been feeling the call of God wherever he deems us to be in. You inspire others to do the same.
    After the holidays, and after quietly listening to the deafening silence of the house, when all our children once again left the coop, I also felt a call to just be. I was invited not to rush back in the call do but to be still. Your reflection drew me to seek deep in my heart what God must be inviting me to do. And in your words, not to be afraid and seek that which awaits me. God bless you dear Nancy. — Marivic

  8. What a beautiful & inspiring reflection Nancy! Teaches us to focus on what is important in our lives. In the busyness & noise of of everyday living, it is important to pause to see what really matters! Best wishes for a meaningful 2026!!!♥️

  9. Dear Nancy, it is by God’s design that we are reconnecting after many years through your inspired and inspiring work. Thank you for sharing your deep reflections as you shared your God-given talent with us. Your message tugs at my heartstrings as I, like many who are in the twilight years, move on with my simple life, hoping to give glory to God in my daily ordinary ways. Blessings, Josie

  10. Your reflection feels very sincere and peaceful. I love how you show that God can work even with what is left, and that there is freedom in choosing to be quiet and present. It feels like a gentle invitation to trust that grace often moves most deeply in silence, when we stop striving, stay present, and allow ourselves to pass unnoticed. It invites us to set aside our ego and forget ourselves.

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