Seriously?

I remember Donkey saying to Shrek that "Ogres are like onions. Or parfaits. They have layers." And I wonder if life might be like ogres, having layers and accompanied by a powerful, tear-inducing stink. Well, sometimes.

You know those layers. For example, you find yourself embracing that bad habit you worked so hard to get over. Or you gain back that 5 (20, 40) pounds you were so proud of shedding. Or you let that person get under your skin. Again. Or maybe your website needs re-working, for the 87th time. Or the aches and pains or allergies you thought were forever banished from your body have returned with a vengeance. Yeah,  THOSE layers.

I'm hoping you handle these layers with a maturity and grace that seems to escape me more often than I'd like to admit. I truly do. Because I know you have it in you to grow with grace. As you grow in grace. As WE grow in grace. Facing those layers together. Just remember, you are not alone in this. And I love you. Bunches.

(Materials used in above image:
gesso, acrylic paints, image from old art book, Golden gel medium, gel pens, Micron pens, Sharpie water-based Paint pens
Tools used to create above image:
credit card to spread gesso, bubble wrap for paint )

Never Too Late

My inspiration for this post was a note to self I saw on social media reminding us it is "never too late." What I found interesting was that it spoke across the usual generational boundaries. It seems feeling that the time for realizing dreams is past has little to do with age.

We've all heard stories of the unique, aged soul who accomplished amazing feats. At 70, Jack LaLane towed 70 boats with 70 people 1 1/2 miles in Long Beach Harbor while hand-cuffed and shackled. Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize at 69 years old. Grandma Moses did not begin painting until arthritis forced her to give up embroidery. She was discovered 2 years later at the ripe old age of 78. Lastly, my husband, The Professor was better know as a carpenter for 35 years. It wasn't until his 50's he returned to college to get his undergraduate degree. And countless other stories abound on Google if you care to search.

So why do we think it is to late for us? Here's my theory:  I think we compare the exploits of those rowdy dream-chasers to our personal misgivings. We think they were braver, richer, prettier, stronger, smarter, and generally had it easier than we do. We compare their glorious end-game with our small beginnings. 

But here's a little secret. They had our same challenges: not enough cash, time, encouragement, talent. The only difference between us and them is  they actually chose to do their own lives. They chose to keep going, putting one foot in front of the other in the direction of their dreams. No excuses, no blame. They simply kept going.

So, precious ones, please don't give up. Please keep writing your story. The blessing and the curse is you are the only one who can do it.

Just remember, though, that I am here cheering for you. I know you have it in you. Really.

And I love you. Bunches.

The Still, Small Voice

I've often been accused of having a hummingbird mind.  While my husband ponders and weighs his thoughts during a conversation, I have often flown on to the next interesting topic. When he continues with his take on our current conversation, I am lost. Thankfully, he no longer takes it personally when I look at him blankly and say profoundly, "Huh?"

My mind is rarely silent. Meditation without a moving pencil or brush is challenging. And although I'd like to tell you my self-talk is always on par with what I believe, the negative, faithless and cruel can enter periodically. Perhaps you're familiar with some of these yourself? These dreadful comments on our looks, our abilities, our reputation, our futures... that we would never ever consider voicing about anyone else. Yet we allow this inside our most private world.

 I am working to be aware of when I let my mind entertain these harmful thoughts. Left alone, they can become what I believe to be true. And once that happens, can shape who I am and how my life goes. I am working hard to hear that still, small voice  that speaks truth to me. And then, no matter how silly that seems, concentrate on that.

So don't you let nasty thoughts build a comfortable place in your head. They will break your heart. They are not your friends. The truth is you are precious. You are valued and you are worth being loved. Yes, you are.

And I love you, too. Bunches.

Embrace the Mystery

I admit it. I have mixed feelings about surprises. My Wild side craves  adventure, the latest challenge, trips into the unknown. However (and this is a BIG however),  poor little Much Afraid who also inhabits my skin likes to plan carefully and is more than comfortable with the predictable and tame. Sometimes my Wild side wants to throttle Much Afraid, but the feeling is completely mutual.

So the other day as I was considering the upcoming Art Journaling 101 class I was to teach, Much Afraid and my Wild side did heavy battle. Much Afraid predicted failure piled high and deep. The Wild One insisted it would be educational, inspirational and fun. When I worked in my journal that day, both had a voice as you can see...

EMBRACE MYSTERY

I'm finding that both voices bring something to the table. I can appreciate both the caution and the desire for adventure. It is my job to moderate these inner battles. Sift through all the information and make an informed and healthy choice. One governed by both wisdom and truth.

The class was a success, by the way. I met some incredible artists who had an enjoyable play date with their creativity. And they were inspired. I am so glad I did it, and I hope to do it again.

So, precious ones, remember:  we learn and grow through experience. Fear of failure can keep us from stepping up to that unknown task, but no one learned anything without a little bit of failure. Give yourself permission to do that new thing today. You know I'm rooting for you. Always.

Because I love you. Bunches.