Opening the Door

Liz and I have been friends since we met as students at Georgian Court University. We both experienced what it was like to let art into our heart. And, we have been experiencing Art exhibitions and sunflower fields together for more then thirty years, now. Whether near or far our lives get pretty busy. But, we have been able to experience and talk about the different stages in our life. And, after every experience we leave inspired, and ready to face life with a new outlook. We talk about what we want to do creatively. Last, year we even had the time to paint together. This year has been the most challenging, since it is the farthest we have ever been from each other. But, we speak on the phone, frequently. And, we did see each other Memorial Day weekend. Last, week I shared lavender ladies in my life, who were the calm in my storm, last year. Liz is the sunflower in my life. Last year she really helped me stand tall and face the sun. She was the closest in location, and was moving at the same time as I. So, I watched her sell the hard things, like her Van Gogh books. It was a time we both needed each other to support one another. And, I am so thankful she and her husband were there for me. POST SCRIPT February 23,2023. 2023 has been amazingly good so far! I spent New Years with Liz as she was up to be with her daughter at Christmas. I went and had dinner with her while I was in Florida. I have been writing in free hand most of my time. And, my writing class has lit me on fire, creatively. Mostly, about inspiration with no action is just a dream. Two people in our group brought a book by Rick Rubins. I will put the name of the book with the quote. I bought it on audible. And, listened to it the night before, when I couldn't sleep. Yesterday, I awoke, and wrote. Then I painted a closet door, decorated a hutch. Arranged my antique seed catalogue and french fashion plates in a frame. (Trying to get everything out of boxes, to be inspired) Posted my first post on social media for the 100 day project. Arranged my french greeting cards and translated a few. (some looked like love letters but, they are Easter cards from a sister). Read more about my dad's ancestors. Collected all my Art Books and Prints of Impressionism. So, they are all in one spot. Made palmeiers (or elephant ears) from Ina Garten's book Barefoot in Paris. All with joy. But, I have to say by the time I drove to game night, I was exhausted. But, the support of friends, some laughs, playing a game of Sky Jo ( I lost) I had a very restful sleep last night. My next post will be a list of ten rules of success from Rick Rubins. It is like he is writing a play by play on my journey to joy and I am LOVING it!!!! He has great life advice. And, has the same philosophy of believing, meditating, and taking action which is very motivating for me. Most of all he believes everyone is an Artist. Which, is what I believe, too!!! But, the greatest part is the no suffering part, and doing things for the joy of it. I am going into Lent season full of positive energy, which is a change. That usually doesn't come to me until celebrating Easter. So, onward! Great article about the book: The Creative Act: The Act of Being by Rick Rubins Rick Rubins is responsible for Hip Hop (not my usual genre of music). But, believe it or not I love this song. I have struggled my whole life with the good rock and roll music brings to the soul. And, it all came with a fight. It was frowned upon in the beginning and brought some lifestyles that could be self destructive at the same time. Rick Rubins actually has some very important notes, which is resonating with me. I question my vulnerability, so much. And, why I want to share it so much? And, I have this Artist within that is SO scared to come out. I am not fighting with it, anymore. I am not suffering with it anymore. This year is about not just being inspired, but taking action. And, this song is my anthem. I don't have to fight with myself anymore. I have every right to let all out!!! You Tube: Beastie Boys: You Gotta Fight for the Right to Party