Wishing each of you a Happy and Healthy 2016
Today I heard someone say, "Darn, a whole 365 days and I am still the same person." Gee, I could not respond. I know I may look the same (ok, a year older), but I am not nearly the same person. I have had new experiences this year that were just the finest a person could hope for, and I have had a few learning curves, and a heartbreak or two. I am not the same, I have been enriched by experiences on both ends of the spectrum.
I was excited to journey to the west coast and meet other artists, and cultivate some new friendships. Some who extended great kindness when I hit a 'bump'. At home, I laughed and enjoyed time with my BFF's and partners in 'crime', you know who you are! We did silly things and are planning more. It feels great! Of course, I've been blessed with a wonderful family, small as we are.
I created art and was fortunate in being selected for several notable shows. I feel blessed that some 'saw' and understood what I translated to a visual format. I taught classes and learned so much from all of my students, as well as from the special ladies that believed in me and gave me the opportunity. What great creative souls they are. I thank them for the opportunity of allowing me to share my artistic intuitions and feelings about art. I truly want to see others reach their creative goals and find their voices.
I learned what a 'perfect storm' was, even though it took courage to accept. I was quickly reminded how fragile life is. I now have an extra memory to carry in my heart and a new star to wish upon each night.
I'm a better person for having all of these experiences, and I hope 2016 yields even more.
I am posting below something I post every New Year.
Times of gratitude.
I can always add to my list, but for now, here it is,
Strength to accept the things you can not change-shade at twilight on a summer afternoon-a heather plant to greet you-a friend who you are proud of-good hard work-one comfortable place to sit-your favorite music-warmth in winter-those old shoes-heat of the sun-ocean breezes-dark chocolate--cookies-a card from a friend-a single flower-windmills-funky cars-an infectious laugh-recycled stuff-people who let you be real-finding 10$ in a pocket-books that touch you-helping a stranger-pets-clean sheets- quilts- pleasant childhood memories-giggling children-drawing a picture-a favorite color-the things you belong to-a sunset-a sunrise-water-mountains-100% cotton-organic stuff-grass in the cracks-stormy skies-unicorns and mermaids-a clear pond-time change-peace-dinner and dishes by someone else-negative ions-clear counters-moss-time alone-warm a bath in a quiet house-a stranger saying 'Hi!' and believing it-dirty knees-laughing-a good cry-a box full of memories-picking and eating from your garden-a car you can trust-comfortable silence with friends-gentle children-giving unconditionally-making someone smile-setting a goal and accomplishing it-a toilet that flushes-standing tall-stamps-people with beautiful hearts-leather-plant and flower shops-old jeans-feeling good enough to be kind-a quiet faucet-ice cream-clean water-a friend that has one you can borrow-chimney sweeps-lightening bugs-evening breezes and bats-fantasies-being there-a heartache that is gone-a friendly tax appraiser-a friend that sings as she works-a cup of hot tea-lacy things-nosegays on the windwsills in summer-a single feather-the hours before the world wakes up-being gentle to Mother Earth-consoling someone-falling stars-spring aromas of honeysuckle-back scratches-no line at the check out counter-inner peace-an old t-shirt-a parking place-feeling the breeze-a time together-finishing a task-touch-feel-declared by mother nature-smell-hearing-seeing-ice on the window-a holiday-singing in a group-big men with little babies-remembering someone who loved you well-green apples-cheese-art that touches you-night sky-big trees-staying home-respect-affection-compliments you believe-a well deserved paycheck-big trees in little cities-motorcycles- Amtrack- airplanes- taxi's and busses-clean paper-giving something of benefit back to society-movies with gentle hero's-popcorn-the idea of enough-being able to read-being able to love-choices-saying' no'-saying 'yes' from deep down inside-babbling brooks-linen-a tax refund-the purr of a cat-and a meaningful kiss...
