from listening comes wisdom

I would like to show you another piece I completed in my "simple truth/simple reminders" series.  It is titled "From Listening Comes Wisdom".  Listening, really listening, is probably one of my most difficult challenges.  And you know what, I am not alone.  (that's why God gave us two ears and only one mouth!)  I always thought of myself as a good listener until I became more aware.  There is more to listening than just hearing words.  It's the feelings behind the words you hear that develops true listening. 

art is more fun when you can share it

On Saturday, my granddaughter, Delaina, and I spent the day in my studio creating art. 

Actually, she was creating art while I watched and smiled. (Elmo was watching, too)  

I loved every minute of it. 

I'll be sure to show you the piece we're working on when we're done.

I love it when a plan falls into place.

Understand that "this creative journey" is fairly new to me.  I am approaching my 1 year anniversary.   I have always dabbled in crafty things my entire adult life.  Yet it was on my 58th birthday that I knew I wanted to let my creative spirit out to play and pursue it with everything in me, my motto became "If not now, when?"  Thus my journey began. (see my first blog post) I had no compass and did not know what to do until I saw Kelley Rae Roberts artwork.     I can not clearly express the without a doubt certainty I knew I was on the right path.    I was inspired and continue to be inspired by her and her art.

The first time I drew this picture was in August 2011.
I had been having little whispers to draw and kept resisting.  Finally I gave in, sat down to draw, low and behold she appeared. I was absolutely floored and elated that I could do it!  It was at that moment it was affirmed that I was on the right path. 


In September 2011 came the second drawing.
I started to see progress and the excitement remained with me.







In November 2011 came 2 more.  I know these drawings are not perfect.
What they brought to me was the exclamation mark to my belief. I can draw!
                       
If you want to my other artwork that are on the right side bar of my blog.  http://www.asmilemaker.com/

I have been patiently searching, knowing I would find, someone who could teach me to draw.  My husband, John, had given me a gift certificate to for 2 trial lessons at this art class.  Last night was my first lesson.  It's often said, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear".  I know this student is ready and I believe I have found my teacher.  The sweet part is she is only 15 minutes from my house.

I look back at my life and the things I've done and I realize that I am officially a Late Bloomer.  Letting my creative spirit out play is without exception. 

Raise your hand and tell me your story if you are a Late Bloomer, too!

eyes opened a little wider

I went for my routine annual mammogram today.  I changed from my street clothes to the "ever so stylish white robe that opens in the front" and I made my way to the small waiting area where other women were seated.   We were all in the infamous robe waiting for our name to be called.  Normally I would pick up a magazine to leaf thru, this time I didn't.  I sat glancing at the other woman in the room.  In that short while, I formed a deeper appreciation of humanity. We may come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and be in different stages in our lives but when the exterior is taken away we are primarily the same. 
  It's just amazes me what can be seen when you open your eyes (and heart)  just a little wider!

And then.....I heard my name being called and ladies we all know what happened next!  

I had a choice to sit it out or dance.....I danced

My daughter, Tara, has always loved to dance.  When she was young I enrolled her in as many dance classes as I possibly could.  She loved it!  The classes coincided with the school year.  At the end of the term the students/dancers would put on this 2 day production in this an auditorium.  It was a big deal.

I would watch everyone of Tara's classes all the while secretly wishing I could do it.  It wasn't just about taking the classes that enthralled me it was, also, wearing the fun costumes and literally performing on a stage.

At the ripe age of 40 I became a Brave Girl, I got the courage to ask the dance instructor if I could take classes.  She said, "Yes".  I was exhilarated!!!!!!  The only problem was she didn't teach adult classes.  So the class she enrolled me in was a group of 14 year olds.  YIKES!  Imagine twelve 14 year olds  and one 40 year old.   (it makes me smile to think back at this time)  At first it was awkward because I didn't have pimples on my face or wear braces on my teeth and the leotards revealed areas of my body that I had worked very hard to disguise.  The positions and speed my body had to transition in the routines was definitely not for an out of shape 40 year old.  Then there was the issue of training my brain to remember the dance routine.  Whew! 

There were many times that I felt I had bitten off more than I could chew but I kept on going.  My daughter and several girls from my class spent many hours working with me after class.  Their words of encouragement kept me going.  Then the day arrived for us to perform on stage.  I was beyond excited!  The curtain raises and all my fears came hurling right in front of me.  I chose to put on the biggest smile I could muster and just dance.  I was in the moment!  You may be wondering if I messed up the routine?  You bet I did.  I messed it up big time . There was one point that the class went left and I went right.  But I kept on smiling.  I don't think anyone noticed.  What they probably noticed was a 40 year old woman who looked liked she was having a good time.

Todays post is an assignment from an e-course I am taking called How To Build a Blog You Truly Love.

what a surprise!

Thanks Debbie

I did.  This past October I met Debbie in Sedona, Arizona -we both were there celebrating our wedding anniversaries. There were several couples that John & I would regularly met up with  in the hot tub, at the end of the day with cocktails in hand.  We would have a good time, laughing and talking about our adventures from the day.   It was on the last day of us being in Sedona that Debbie and I really got to know each other.  Not sure how it all began.  I just know the subject came up about our dreams and aspirations and that was all it took for us to delve right into what we wanted to do with our lives.  It was a  instant connection, kindred spirits.  We began talking a mile a minute, barely coming up for air.  It was very exhilarating to share this excitement with someone.  Debbie readily  tells people that she thinks "she found a soul sister".  I'd have to second that motion.  I believe we will be there to inspire and challenge each other to be the best that we can be.  Debbie is creating beautiful and heartfelt greeting cards.  Read more about Debbie and the path she is on at  http://photographsmemoriesandmore.blogspot.com/.  

Debbie and her husband, Mark, came to visit us yesterday.  It was fun getting reacquainted since October.  I believe I can speak for everyone that we had a really good time. 

Debbie purchased 5 of my new 5x7 plaques that I will be selling on my new Etsy shop that is planned to open in February.

I can say that it is uplifting to know that you have "friends' who encourage you along  your creative path while making you dreams come true.  I am ever so grateful for each and everyone of you!  My strongest desire is that I can be that sort of friend right back to you.