Tag: wisdom

Posted on by — 2 Comments

No Superwoman here….

So. It’s time. 

It’s time to admit that I am no superwoman. That life has gotten in the way and well, admit defeat. In a month I hoped to release my book, “Be Still and Listen”. I have set up social media for it, I have worked countless hours on it and still… I am not ready. 

It might be my fear of imperfection. It might be the rude and terrorizing inner editor, it might be…. goodness so many reasons! But the bottom line is still that I know it’s not right to push out a piece of work that is not where I want it to be. 

WELL! Doesn’t that just put me in a pickle! This feels like a failure to me. This feels like I have not kept my word. This feels sad. But like a pickle, sometimes they taste better if they have been in the brine for a bit, maybe my book needs a bit more stewing as well. 

There was a group at my studio a week or two ago. I shared with them my concerns about the book release. The calendar was ticking away the days and while I think the book is SO DARN CLOSE, it is not where I really want it to be. They were very supportive and suggested that the craziness in my personal life was a perfect excuse to not release the book as yet. While I appreciate their support, I believe the real reason is that it just not ready.

So, here is the irony- I FEEL so much urgency about this. But you know.. it’s not yet done pickling I suppose. I have issues with the fact that this book has been in the works for far too long. However, if I am following what I suggest YOU do in my book- the whole premise of the book is to, “be still and listen”.

So, dear patient and wonderful friends, that is what I am going to do. I suppose things will blossom on their own time, not when we wish to force it to. I am frustrated with this decision (again, that whole failure thing) but I do have peace with the fact that this is the correct decision. That said I shall end this missive now, as I have an anniversary exhibit to plan! Stay tuned, this book WILL be out soon. 

Thanks for your love, and your patience. 

My love and gratitude to you!

Susan

 

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Art heals

I have said it before, and I will say it again…

ART HEALS

It heals boredom in children, confusion in teenagers and pain in adults.

It reaches more than that, certainly, but that is a good start. I think the hard part is convincing people to try. With the current wave of coloring books all over the shelves of book stores and art supplies stores, I believe that the general population is taking notice.

Thursday evening, I had the great honor to invite women facing the dragon of breast cancer to my studio for a creative evening. The evening was focused on the well being of spirit. These wonderful ladies have faced heart breaking diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and more. They have faced darkness. They have faced fear.

While each had a unique journey, there was definitely a commonality there. I admired their strength. I admired their views on life. I was inspired by their world view, their desire to move on with life and cherish each moment.

We began the stormy evening with some simple drawings with white ink on black paper. They were like children in a candy shoppe. I so enjoyed watching their faces change and their shoulders relax. This seemed to open the door for them to share. as well as a certain wonderful calm. They didn’t want to stop! I needed to silence my need to push through to the next agenda item. I allowed them the control and took my cues from their desire.

1bccr 2bccr

Next we moved through a mediation I had written for them. It was oddly perfect even though I had never met any of the participants. It was meant to be a moment to breathe, to inspire some joy and to allow their spirit a moment to rest.

We moved on to a mandala after this. It was interesting to see the various ways they were created. While I gave a few guideline, I really wanted to allow opportunity to create without rules.

The conversation got very personal at different times. I almost felt as if I was intruding. The wisdom shared, the reality that appeared, the hope that was still fully instilled in these ladies was inspiring.

From all of this I took away two message.

  1. Life is short- do whatever the heck you want.
  2. ART HEALS- each and every participant shared their appreciation to me. Each remarked that they did not want to stop drawing. Each created beautiful art.

So…. I will continue the mission…. to share the tools of art- to open up Create Art 4 Good, and to be faithful to the view that everyone is an artist and it is good for us.

Be blessed this night and always.

Love & Peace,

Susan