Planning for the Future While Living in the Momment

What a wonderful balance life is of planning for the future while savoring the moment. I’m futuristic by nature, according to my Strengths Finder profile: “You are a dreamer who sees visions of what could be and who cherishes those visions.” The profile goes on to say that people need a vision to “raise their sights and …

Come with me…

I scoop grandbaby in arms, eyes twinkling, grin pulled back, both hers and mine. And I hear the words of Peter Pan whispering, “Come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned.” But we are one, in this moment, when trust pools in her eyes like a soothing summer stream finding rest …

Use your Imperfect Talents

Use what talents you possess. For the world would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang the best. –Henry Van Dyke Self-doubt is definitely one of the main culprits that keeps me from using my artistic talents. Pressure to be perfect discourages me from sharing them with others: I can’t put that …

When Change Causes the Blues

Have you ever noticed that change can cause dips into depression? I sure have! In fact, even the anticipation of change can stir up sadness over leaving the old to pursue the new. And even though you are thoroughly convinced the new home or new job or new location is best, you might find yourself …

Lessons from a Tree

Did I lose my way because I didn’t write anymore, or did I stop writing because I lost my way? I mull these thoughts over in my mind as I sit in my favorite spot at the Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo. I’ve come to the Apple Farm Inn year-after-year for our grown-up …

The Ebb and Flow of Artistic Ambition

Every creative experiences the ebb and flow of artistic ambition. Whatever your creative expression is, you feel the phenomenon. One day you’ve got it—enthusiasm bubbles over and your art form flows. Then the unexpected happens. The desire, chutzpah, passion, or however you describe artistic ambition, evaporates until the once flowing stream becomes a dry riverbed. …

Awaiting Inspiration for 2015

I sit in my art room, waiting for inspiration… An idea A purpose worthy of my time A face to grace the empty canvas The New Year dawns, and I want to open wide to possibilities. Even though the wall before me reminds that God is able to inspire, the room feels like a barren …

A Self-Imposed Silence

The morning sun creeps up the wall of cloudy blue until it peeks through branches. I sit in my art room in silence. Eyes squint from the glare of new beginnings, a day fresh with possibilities. I could fill these moments with music or ramblings of what I want, but the silence seems raw and …

Fresh Starts: Invitations to Change

My favorite part of a painting is the beginning. It’s fun to see a face form on canvas—kind of like meeting a person for the first time. My recent painting in process, The Invitation, captivates me with those mystical eyes that peer into my soul as if extending an invitation. READ THE ENTIRE POST...