"Button", my son's long-outgrown and good-natured pony, was good enough to tolerate the taking of this holiday-inspired photo of her. Truth be told she was not thrilled with the hat: possibly any self-respecting pony would choose not to wear a Santa cap, given the option. It proved to be a challenge getting more of her in the shot, as I found it necessary to hold the cap on her head with my left hand, while taking the photo with my right...........as each time I let go with my left, she dumped the Santa cap. Bah humbug!
As Christmas Day fast approaches and I reflect over the past year, I am struck by how much my (usually well-ordered) life has become interspersed with change, emotional and spiritual growth, and milestones. There have been first-time goals reached in relation to my art, such as the Hudson Gallery Exhibition and attaining signature status in the CPSA. I have had the opportunity to develop tremendous bonds with people I cherish, and have also experienced agonizing losses. Ever-present on my mind, whether at the edge or in full-awareness, is the fact that my son is a senior in high school and applying to colleges. In many ways, life may never be the same. The new year may bring many changes.
I began this blog in June of 2009 -- a mere six months ago -- feeling uncertain and self-conscious. It had been many years since I had written much of anything for any reason. However much to my surprise I have found that I actually enjoy blogging -- in fact, I enjoy it a great deal. So what I originally planned as a year-long 'experiment' (which went something like, "I'm sure it is going to be a horrible experience, but I'll try it for a year............") will now go on indefinitely...........or until I have nothing further to say!
I thank those of you who stop in and take a few minutes to read my blog, those who take the time to leave a comment, those who share their wonderful sense of humor or a bit of their own experience. As is probably the case with many types of endeavors, I am finding that making serious pursuit of one's artwork (for the first time) in midde-age is not for the faint-hearted. Consequently, whether we be dear long-time friends or more recent acquaintances, I so appreciate your support and validation. It is a pleasure for me to become acquainted with others in the blogging community, and I look forward to continuing to follow your careers and journeys. Blogging has also warranted me the opportunity to correspond with persons in other countries - Canada, Australia, France, and Scotland, to name several - and what a joy it is to expand the perameters of my own world in this way.
May your life be an inspiration to yourself and others. Merry Christmas to you and yours. As always, thankyou so much for reading.
I too have enjoyed this experiance of blogging, coming up on almost a year. I've found that it encourages me to work so that I have something to show off to whoever might be passing through. But like yourself I never realised how I would have got so caught up on other lives.It's been a joy to follow other artists. I'm on my last Christmas commission, which I admit is difficult to concentrate on, panic hasn't set in just yet as it is going to someone who lives in the village. Anyways enough nattering I'm glad I found your blog or was it you who found mine, lol, anyways here's to another years blogging and creating :))
ReplyDeleteHere's to middle- age and college apps! Cheers! With my girls all gone away to college life has quieted down in the Holland house and I finally feel I can get some traction with my art as well. It's a very exciting time for us artists peppered all over the globe, with the ability to communicate and share ideas via the blog. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your posts over the coming year!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll have now post a picture of my cat wearing her Santa hat and beard on my blog!
Merry Christmas, Lynda!!
Elizabeth, I am beginning to experience what you describe. I find myself increasingly feeling a sense of responsibility toward my blog -- a very good thing. since I often have the tendency to put my artwork last in line behind all the various other things I have going on. Good luck on that last commission, and have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteDenny, I strongly suspect that by the end of this school year my son's senioritis symptoms will have put me over the edge to the point that I too will be singing the praises of 'middle-age and college apps'. lolololol. I am really looking forward to seeing your cat in the hat and beard! Please post..... unless it would cause irreversable emotional damage to your cat of course!
Enjoy your sense of humor Denny, as well as reading your blog. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Lynda, your thoughts echo my own where my blog is concerned. I've always enjoyed writing but have had little opportunity to do so before the birth of my blog so, in that sense, it's an end in itself. Like you, the enjoyment I've had through making contact with other artists in far-flung places has been an unexpected bonus. Another benefit is that writing about the decisions I make as an artist forces me to think more critically about the process and helps me crystallize vague ideas.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Christmas Lynda, and I'll "see" you next year!
I feel like I should write a blog post about the past year now too! Except I would never encapsulate anything half as well as you just have. As always, I enjoyed your post. But the photo of Button won't load, and I REALLY want to see Button!!!
ReplyDeletePoor Button - the indignity of it all! :-) My dog acts all hard done by if I even want a picture, never mind a Santa hat.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your posts immensely so I am glad to hear that your 'experiment' has been deemed a success and that you plan to continue!
May you and your family enjoy a very blessed and joyous Christmas together and I wish you all the best in 2010!!!
Its interesting Peter, this writing thing. A couple of close friends, both artists, had tried to talk me into starting a blog: and I was stubbornly adamant that I was NOT going to begin blogging! Hahahahaha! I was SO concerned I would not know what to SAY......when what I have found is that I may start at one place, and each post just seems to take on a life of its own! A very enjoyable process......Anyway, I look forward to seeing upcoming updates of your egret. Very nice work!
ReplyDeleteWell Debbi, thank you very much. I will just EMAIL you that pic of Button as soon as I am done here. I wonder why that won't load on your end?.......Incidentally, I got your package today. Those pics of the vintage cowgirls are PRECIOUS; thanks so much. I have not opened the other yet: I am working on issues of delayed gratification. hahahaha
Okay Teresa: I was in a book store today and came across a book entitled, "Pets Who Want to Kill Themselves". (Ever have those in-public moments when you burst out into loud laughter? It was one of those.) I came home and checked, and their is also a website. http://www.petswhowanttokillthemselves.com Show your dog: he will be very grateful that all you want is a normal picture.