Inspirations

Weather-wise, it hasn't been very inspiring.  Tax time does nothing to inspire me either!  I'm updating the ledger, ugh!  If I can use the word 'hate' for such a task, I'm not sure it would be a strong enough word.  'Loathe' sounds better!

On the other hand, the despicable job of preparing for tax day, balanced with my amazing, awesome, inspiring sister's sketchbook-project-idea, has prevailed upon my imagination.  I have been a sketching maniac!  I have been coming up with serious painting ideas!  This is even more amazing when you stop to think it's been nearly a decade since my last serious painting.

I had my first baby placed in his playpen beside me as I put the finishing touches on.

And that was all she wrote, now seven years ago.

This state of affairs could be rather depressing.  However, life with my Miracle Worker and our family has been a remarkable journey.  I am humbled by the experience and the opportunity. 

Now, fast forward to the present day when I received this exciting challenge on Christmas day from my Amazing Sister.  The sketches started out stiff and even stifled.  It took only a few sketches to start loosening up.  And that's when the magic started.  Actual paintings have been conceptualized, now waiting to be given full form.

This gives me the strength to endure the tax ledger because once I've done a decent amount of work in it, I go pet some watercolor paper, do some sketching, or peruse imagery in magazines.  It feels great.  And the best part of it all is that I have noted how my art is still growing.  It isn't stagnant.  I have somehow cultivated the ability to expand on past painting experiences and run with it.

Maybe it's got to do with all the unconditional love, being useful, and doing something that will have a lasting impact on the future of our boys and even the world...  If I could put words to it I would be a poet.  At least a picture is worth a thousand words!

Wonderful memories, experiences, fears that have been overcome, and new challenges to grow through, all add to my growing constitution.  My art must be reflecting that!  Thanks to my family!

And now for a long over due dose of pithiness!  Here are two quotes that I think sum up my growing peace...

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.  -Dr. Seuss

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.  He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.  There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us.  When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.  -Martin Luther King Jr.