I was talking with sister Marjorie Ellen today. On the phone. Her life path took her to Norway after art school. Mine took me to California. Sisters by birth, sisters of the heart and yet for most of our adult lives, sisters by telecommunications. That’s just the way it is.
Fortunately I’ve found an uber cheap phone plan. PennyTalk. At two cents per minute we could talk all day and not break the bank.
Both of us are artists. Of course we talk family, jobs, weather, health, politics, all manner of things…but most of all we talk ART. What we’re working on. What we want to work on. New materials. New ideas. In other words…we talk shop.
Today Margie said something that really hit home for me. She talked about making art from the heart. Being true to what you really want to do. Which is what I’ve been doing ever since I began painting again last summer. Experimenting. Playing. Parking my ego at the door.
But it’s not easy. I have a degree in art. I have training. And an employment history as an illustrator and art teacher. I knows me the rulz. And I know there’s good reason for a lot of them. Like balance. Proportion. Contrast. Fill in the appropriate term here ____.
But…and this is a BIG but…THEY. CAN. BE. BROKEN. Yes indeed! Stretched. Bent. Twisted every which way…if only I’m brave enough.
Which brings up another question. Can I be brave, can I be bold and STILL be financially successful as an artist?
I’m saying yes. In fact, I’m shouting YES!!!
I’m putting my intention out there. I’m putting my heart out there. My big, brave BEAUTIFUL heart that’s willing to take a chance and create the life I want.
Now here’s your assignment. Assignment? Yes, really. Go to Jennifer Richardson’s blog and read her yummy luscious beyond WONDERFUL poem Dear Heart of Mine. And check out her Etsy shop while you’re at it. Because she’s got some good stuff and you should buy it.
Then come back here. Yes, come back here. It’s all part of the assignment, remember. Come back and join in the conversation about being brave hearts. There will be a conversation, right? Because you are the best of the best, my sweetums! Every one of you. And I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Jennifer’s poem was fantastic wasn’t it. Her writing amazes me, I can’t imagine be able to do that. I have a hard time just writing blog posts that seem somewhat interesting.
How lucky you are to have a sister that you can share your art life with, that understands you and just “gets” you. That is very special.
I knew the first time I read Jennifer’s poem that I had to share it, Sue. Maybe because I find myself heading in the direction of self-love and acceptance. It’s a much nicer place than self-doubt.
As for sisters, I’m lucky enough to have two of ’em. I’d put one of those heart symbols here but I haven’t been able to figure out how to do that in wordpress yet.
Another resounding “yes!!!” joining yours
along with big thanks,
HUGE thanks,
for including me in this brave beauty!
I really love what’s happening over here:)
cheering wildly in your corner,
Jennifer
And YES!!! to you, dear Jennifer!
Did she write the poem? What was the Carly Simon credit about? Whoever did the honors, kudos to you!
Yes Pam, Jennifer wrote the poem. The Carly Simon credit was for those last few lines that were in quotes.
She does a great job, doesn’t she?
Wow, awesome, beautiful poem! I hope you are lovin’ LifeBook as much as I am. I am so glad for the chance to see your blog, & Jennifer’s too. You two ladies have it going on, & I’m Lovin’ It! Thanks.
Jennifer’s poem is fantastic, isn’t it? I read that and knew I had to share it with my little part of of the world. Thanks for stopping by Dawn. Hope to see you here again!
Yes!! You have me feeling excited this morning : )
YAY!!! Jumping up and down! It’s GOOD to be excited in the morning, right Jen?
Hi Susan,
I found you when I was visiting with Jennifer over at her blog. She is amazing, isn’t she?
I am so glad to have found you. Your art and the words you share are very inspiring. I’m looking forward to visiting with you again, soon.
XOXO
Eydie
Hi Eydie,
Welcome to Arty Life. So fun that you found me through Jennifer, who is amazing–yes!. This truly is a world wide web.
Glad to have a new voice joining in the conversation! xo