Vacation Musings bring Insight and Patience

This morning I had my first cup of coffee on our son-in-law's deck in Minnesota. It was in the mid-70s with a slight breeze. Exhilarating after leaving Fort Myers 95 degree 90% humidity. We had to take a breather from the heat, so headed for Minnesota's cooler and breezier climes. Here the weather may change in an instant, but for now it is intoxicating.

We're on the go so much that I haven't been in one place long enough to blog. Today we're going to spend some time with my husband's great grandson Marcus. We haven't seen him, except for photos, since he was a few months old. Now he's walking. The family was eager for us to see their new home.

After 13 years in Fort Myers, my husband wants to move back to be near family. Now we've added house hunting into the mix on the condition that we can sell our villa. My online life is not affected in any way except for the transition periods, and the reason why this blog and others are super late.

Since my own children are scattered across the country, where I live does not seem to matter. The only change will be that they must visit us rather than have us fly out to see them. Aging does have its disadvantages. But more than getting older, ill health this year has cut a big swathe across my extracurricular activities.

We all have ups and downs in our lives no matter what age. How we handle the crises that come to us will determine whether we allow circumstances to get us down or to serve as a stimulus to our malcontent which motivates change.

Degas taped his paintbrushes to his arthritic hands so he could continue painting. Beethoven lost his hearing, but could hear the notes in his head and continued composing.

Countless other artists and musicians have overcome obstacles to create beauty with their feet or teeth. They have been blind and limbless, but have gone on to become famous using their internal gifts in spite of their disabilities.

Fall in Apple Valley, MN, water color on silk

Why not you? Why not me? You are more than the imperfect body you have been given. Your spirit and soul reign supreme. Your gifts are eternal and intrinsic to who you are. Don't give up on life just yet. Discover the power you have within. Test your limits. If you believe in a higher power harness your dreams to something greater than yourself.

The Joy of Creating Something you Love

"The Dance" 9x12 Pastel on Bristol

Whether it’s an article, a work of art, or a product, we can all relate to that feeling of pleasure and accomplishment that creation brings. Something of ourselves enriches the finished work and adds a sparkle of originality and freshness.

That’s why we keep doing what we’re doing. We want to repeat that feeling. We have something inside of us that will burst unless we share it. The more spontaneous and responsive we can be to whatever it is that drives us, the more authentic our voice becomes. Soon, our offerings are recognizable. Each new creation has our signature.

"Sand Crane Dreams" 18x28 mixed media on canvas

It takes years of craftsmanship to reach that level and a stiff upper lip and spine to get beyond the barrage of negative feedback we may encounter. If our style veers from the current norms, we are open to criticism. Some people “won’t get us.” Others are quick to criticize saying we have gone too far outside the box or outside the lines of accepted behavior. But we keep on doing what we’re doing, even though at times we weep inside.

Andy Warhol did. Picasso did too. Many, many others have tuned out the voices and listened to their own unique beat, going beyond the limits, knowing they were open to criticism but doing what their inner voice demanded anyway.

"With These Hands -- Hope" 16x20 mixed media on canvas

It takes courage to pursue our dreams when all we get is criticism. A few encouraging words can send us soaring, and keep us going for weeks at a time. When the darkness descends, review every accolade you’ve ever received, every accomplishment, every fine thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of your goals. Treasure these thoughts like gold. Bury them in your heart and cherish the memories.

Some day you will rise again. Something will click. New determination will descend from the heavens. Your star will shine and pull you from your pity party into new heights of achievement.

Fellow creators are cheering you on. Our united voices will pull you from the ashes of self defeat and give you the push you need to face exposure and criticism once again. Never give up. “The best is yet to come!”

Giving Yourself Permission to Fly

"Arabesque" 14x18 oil on canvas

Do you notice how often you hold yourself back with negative thinking? “I’m not good enough. I don’t want to make a fool out of myself. Others may think I’m weird. Who am I to compete with the “pros?” And on and on, we tear ourselves down.

When we let ourselves go, when we “let it all hang out,” so to speak, we acknowledge that we trust our own instincts and ideas. We give ourselves permission to try, to experiment, and to create what is uniquely ours. This requires boldness and courage on our part. But there is no other way.

"Anhinga in Paradise" 16x20 watercolor

If we want to excel, to soar, and to release the grandeur that is in us. We must let go of fear, doubt, and dependency. We must stand alone and seek our own place in the sun. We must value our own opinions and ideas at least as much as we value others.

Skill cannot be increased if we decrease the motivation behind it. We add fuel to our dreams when we fan the flames of confidence and hope. Strength comes gradually as we forge ahead in spite of fear. We keep working toward our goal, letting go of the things that weigh us down or hold us back.

"Loggerhead Shrike in Springtime" 16x20 acrylic on panel

The adage “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” may be old, but the concept is still fresh and new. We must pick ourselves up after we fall or fail, and try again. Repeating this behavior over and over again will eventually lead to success.

Hard work, blood, sweat and tears are still the only way to achieve anything worthwhile. If you take the easy way out or cheat on the principles, you end up hurting yourself.

A friend of mine had a mentally disabled child.  She started standing and walking before she learned to crawl. There were many things she did “out of order” and her brain had devised alternative patterns that slowed down and impeded her mental development.

Volunteers came in each day to work with the child. They moved her young legs across the floor and taught her how to crawl. They worked with her hands, and played games to provide new patterning for her brain.

"Berry Christmas" 16x20 acrylic on panel

In God’s wisdom, a person must learn to crawl before he can walk. He must learn to read before he can gain knowledge. He must practice before he can play or perform.

These are the same patterns and “models” for success. Developing skill is difficult, but it is essential. Talent is a plus. Love and desire are important components. But practice and hard work are the wings on which we fly.

"Sandhill Cranes at Twilight" 24x30 mixed-med on canvas

Featured Artist
Light & shadow video by Stan Prokopenko

Enjoy What You do and Success Will Follow

Do you believe the above statement? Do you truly believe that if you have a passion for your work, if you enjoy doing what you’re doing that success will follow? If you don’t, then perhaps you should change course. Why? Because enthusiasm shows. Passion resonates. Enjoyment promotes health, longevity and determination.

With These Hands -- Wonder

Let’s face it. If you’re work has become a drag, something’s wrong. You need a new angle, a fresh perspective. Try something new, even if it’s short term. When you come back to what you’re doing, you may see things differently.

We all need to take a break once in awhile to recharge our emotional and spiritual batteries. It might be as simple as going to a movie, reading a good book, or exercising. Yup, that old demon exercise gets your cells producing, returns health to your body, rejuvenates your soul, and gets your blood flowing.

With These Hands -- Hope

Christian churches talk about the blood, the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I firmly believe a long healthy life depends upon the blood. Every organ and cell in your body requires nourishment pumped by the blood. As we age, our blood transport system slows down and may get clogged up with plaque and fat. Without blood to renew us, vitality diminishes and cells wither. Exercise, especially walking briskly each day, keeps the blood pumping.

I have osteoarthritis. When I get up in the morning, my feet and legs are stiff and I feel three times my age. Even though it’s painful, I take my morning walk. The first block or two seem sooo long. My limbs bark at me, begging me to quit. But I know from experience, that if I keep on trucking, in another ten minutes, I’ll feel young again.

With These Hands -- Love

Why is an artist blogging about exercise? Because everything on this earth benefits from exercise or practice. Repetition builds either good habits or bad. If you repeat good habits long enough, success is sure to follow. I must “practice” my artwork each day or lose touch with the motivation and knowledge that inspires me. I may even forget what I learned yesterday or the day before and have to relearn it. Persistence, practice and follow through pay off!

When the blood flows through your body, you may have a break through, and what you’re doing may give your life new meaning. You may not have a “come to Jesus” moment, but you may have a physical and spiritual rebirth through practice, determination, and hard work.

Carol’s online gallery is packed with examples of her passion for life and color. http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com/