I’ve been off the grid for a few days between Christmas and New Years creating and preparing to embrace 2017. I like to pick a word at the beginning of the year to set the tone for my goal setting. It keeps me somewhat focused as I head into the bliss of a new year. The new year always feels like a new beginning, a fresh start. I like to think of placing all my past years ugliness in a suitcase and setting it out for the man in brown to pick up and take to the land of let it go. That baggage is gone, thank you my wonderful man in brown!
My word for 2016 was Vulnerability. I pretty much killed it with that word. When I stepped into the Montana Artrepreneur Program I placed myself in a very vulnerable position. I knew going into 2016 I would be facing a ton of fears with my art journey. I’m sure that is why I picked the word vulnerability. Many times it felt like I stepped off the edge of a diving board into the deep end of the pool. Coming close to drowning, only to be pulled up and resuscitated by my support team. They do good CPR apparently because I needed their support often in 2016. Towards the end of the year I finally realized that all that time my fear was knocking hard on me, pushing me again and again. That is what vulnerability is about, facing your fears. I struggled endlessly, turmoil in the depth of my soul, until finally I admitted to my peers that I was struggling. At one point I felt I no longer wanted to be an artist. It wasn’t until in November that I told my sister I wasn’t sure I wanted to create. The stress of it all was becoming unbearable at times. She said she could not imagine me ever not painting. Imagine, imagine, again, imagine… I had to chew on fear and spit it out. Damn, she is such a great sister to love me that much. I needed straight forward talk and she is good at that with me. She said a few other personal words I want to keep for myself cause I just love her that much too. There will always be struggles but my heart tells me I’m over most of the fear. To get to this point I needed to be vulnerable, to face my fears, to begin to heal I had to hurt first. It’s a different hurt than a physical injury, sometimes that might be easier. I have the MAP, all my family, all my artist friends and all my personal friends to thank for helping me pack up my baggage this year and send it off to the land of letting go. You are amazing, you know who you are, bless you.
This years word is Discovery. I am so excited about this years word. Can you “imagine” what I will do with that word! My new Zebra painting with paper collage, a new discovery already. Happiness to each of you as you enter a new year and embrace what your world will seek. I pray for our world and the whole of humanity. I still seek peace and harmony. I always have hope and share kindness when I am able. So much of what we have to give is free so please give as often as you can…blessings in 2017.
D. Bitty Traveler painting was inspired by a special friend, Diane, who is a member of Sisters on the Fly. These women have refurbished vintage campers, traveling together, as well as fund-raising for organizations…they do have the best times together! You can read more about Sisters on the Fly on their website. They also have a book published about the history of the organization and how it all started. It even includes yummy recipes. The Sisters on the Fly helped raise funds for Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides fly fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors. I volunteer for Casting for Recovery…my first connection with Diane however was through my art! It’s such a small world…and I love how that common thread somehow finds it way across miles and miles to connect people! So, this painting truly is a creation from the heart and inspired by a very special lady…thank you Diane!!
Today we drove to the country-side. These beautiful horses sauntered immediately towards me. It is a wonderful, crisp, fall day. On our return drive my mind wandered in many directions but one thought kept poking my brain. It’s time to change my blog! And darn, if it doesn’t feel good. This past year has been a continual journey of fortunate events. So, many, many wishes coming full circle for me. I’ve never been an idle personality but at points in my life I’ve simply allowed it to unfold, not challenging myself. This past year the support I’ve felt from family and friends have given me that extra push I’ve needed. How grateful I am for that. And yes, when it all comes down to it, well, we do have to do it on our own. No one else is going to paint those canvases for me! But, when you have support, well, let’s just say it is simply uplifting. The boost one needs when the wave of confidence has disappeared. Those who have followed my blog are as important, a thrill to open my blog and see “like” in the white empty space! Thank you family, friends and followers!! As we drove back into our city we could not resist a stop to enjoy a sweet ice cream cone. Life is good!
Art by Betina Johnson 