FLOWER ON THE SIDE

September 3, 2008 

About Me...

When I was a kid I spent hours drawing and doodling on the side of my schoolwork.  I would so often look out the classroom window and watch the seasons change.  It excited me to watch the ever-changing world outside.  

My love of nature blossomed, funny not once did someone mention that maybe an artists path is for you back then.... how different it could have been with a little encouragement and nurture.   I remember art taking me away from the pain and monotony of learning.  Growing up during a time when not all children's art work was not displayed and respected, and when the skills of art were not taught in the classroom was frustrating for those whose spirits were alive with creativity.   I never could stay in those darn lines!  One sheet of paper and filling in the tiny blanks never did it for me.

My early doodling on the side of my schoolwork, and the day dreaming out the window was the early beginnings of my intense need to express my artistic heart. I remember catching myself doodling that same little flower, that little flower was a sign that spoke volumes and saved me from the boredom of the rigid teaching style of the time.  Being so very shy and overly polite I spent most of my days learning by observation rarely questioning a thing.  My tiny flower on the side was my soft landing space back then.  

As far as I can recollect being creative has always been important to me.  Art, Nature and love of flowers has always been an essential part of my life and who I am as a soul on this big blue marble.

My artist box has been a collection of pieces and inspiration for years.  One might call the collections piles, as I once may had, but I now recognize them and see them as potential and future inspiration for unseen creations to come.  My time has come!

The desire to create was so strong that it often got me into trouble back then, but   funny as it might seem, my attempt now as an adult to fill the wholes that were created as a child by not paying attention in school while I was so busy doodling has lead me right to wear my heart has always wanted to be...an Artist!

My time is now and I am collecting up the courage to raise not one, but both my hands in my life classroom and say I am an Artist! Hurray!  

My biggest hopes are to inspire and guide many whom have gone astray from their own artistic journey.   I wish to lift the lids off those whose own schooling shut their creative lids tightly and to help keep those open of the young children before their own are shut by rigid rules of school.  I have been counseling both my own children since the beginning that there is a place for both freedom and confirmation in our lives and we don't need to give up an essential part of ourselves to be good students and citizens of the world.  We all have a voice and a place that fits somewhere.  

This is an exciting time to be growing up in and I believe we are in a time were creativity can only open doors and that we can all benefit from the creative experience of each other.  The world will need people who can adapt, change and problem solve all of which art can teach these essential tools.  

I welcome you to join me on my Journey and hope to hear about yours.

Namaste'