Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day Family,

Beyond candy hearts , long steam roses, and dollied lace cards are the true heartfelt sentiments of love. And why it may fluctuate with experiences, I do not think it ever totally dissipates from the people you are closest to.

 

And so I am thankful for my mom, who I have exchanged a Valentine with every year since before I can remember… I think I may still have one she gave me when I was about 9 that played music! As  my grandmother use to tell me, “there is no friend like mother.”

I am also thankful for my friends. Who when laughter rings out are they are there to join in the fun and when tears fall hold your hand, while offering words of encouragement  and always celebrate you with pom pons in hand. These are my true Valentine’s this year. Not the sentimental love story some would hope, but the authentic nature, “of iron sharpening iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship. -La Rochefoucauld

xoxo

Amos 3:3

“Can two walk together less they agree?” The heart of Amos 3:3.  Simple notion most would agree… however, when referring to the New Living Translation I like how it brings it all the way home (as one pastor I know likes to say),  "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?"  

Currently family I find myself at a crossroads, trying to determine exactly what direction to take. Yet, I ask you this, What if the two do agree? What if the two agree on the direction that they are walking, but not the pace? Do you stop, keep going or create a new direction? In one instance, I think it best to keep going; however, alone. Why, because I am not sure… I find myself turning, spinning, and realizing what I thought was true may have all been a misunderstanding. It may have been a hope that is the is my fountain of youth… my blue whale…. my straw spun into gold.

Being a runner, pace is very, VERY important.  (Side Note, I just realize I always seem to include some sort of health and fitness analogy. What can I say, it’s who I am.) Not only does it give you a sense of the expected finish, but it also makes you aware if there is a need to speed up or slow down, to reach that expected finish. When running with others, you often check with your run partner to ensure they are not overly winded, fatigued or bored and ready to turn the jets on! At times, depending on the partner, they may encourage you to go head and they will catch-up with you or ask you to hold back or even slow down and walk together.  The funny thing is, YOU as the partner, have a choice!

And so now, I am running or in this case walking the path  in agreement, moving in the same direction, but apparently the wrong pace. I think to some degree if I knew the desired pace and the expected end, it would make it easier to place one foot in front of the other. If I knew the desired pace and the expected end, it would make it easier to keep going. BUT since I have absolutely no clue…. I am ready to just sit down and do nothing altogether and look for a ride. 

Happy New Year: In the Press

Happy New Year!

So begins another year of sharing my thoughts with those around me; thanks for reading.

This morning when I awoke, I realized that in 2 months EXACTLY I will be celebrating my XX birthday. As I sat on the edge of my bed, moving a little slower then usual, I began to ponder and think,”Wow! I am getting closer to the next big age milestone” and for some reason I thought I would be further along in my journey then where I am.

I thought I would be married (and never divorced)… I thought I would have at least 2 possibly 3 kids by now…  I thought I would be making art full time… I thought I would be traveling around the world… I thought a lot of things, almost to the point of a downward roll-coaster spiral of sadness. Whoa…  And then I was reminded, “… set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

You see, regardless of what I thought… God already has thoughts towards me and a plan for me, and from what I hear it is pretty good (Jeremiah 29:11). And so, I am not married… YET! I don’t have 2 possibly 3 kids, but I thank God for Ms. Essence Marie and while I may not be making art full time, I do still have time to do so. As for traveling around the world, it will happen, just focused on the 50 first (running a 1/2 in each along the way 3 down, 47 to go).

Regardless of your resolutions, commitments, or aspirations for 2012, I offer this… Press! Dictionary.com describes the verb (acting as an action verb in this part of speech) as, “Move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force!”  Press toward the mark… (Philippians 3:14) toward the prize that is established for you. That’s all I needed to THINK! Personally, I am pressing in my walk, I am pressing for debt freedom. I am pressing to remain in my authentic self. I am pressing to remain healthy and fit and encourage a few folks along the way. I am pressing to celebrate in 2 months my xx birthday, regardless of what it may look like today!

Press on dear friend... Until Next time.

Non so...

Non so... Simply in English. I don't know.

Come February, I would have been in Italy for about six months. The time has gone by so quickly and with that time the need to make some decisions. Repeatedly friends and family alike ask me, 'When are you coming back to the states?' or 'How much longer are you going to stay in Italy?' and of course, 'Is the food really as good as they say it is?'

The last question I can answer a definite YES, it is actually better!! As for the first two, well... Non so. Life is good here and I am considering my options. Stay here another year, working in photography OR go to New York and continue studying photography. I really have fallen in love with this form of capturing the world around me. I can't imagine doing anything else or God having me walk any other path. I truly love this season in my life....

So now what?

• I have a show at the end of February, with two other artists (a painter and book artists). It is being held at a local wine house. Lovely location!
• Finished shooting my semi/nude male study and these are the images I plan to use. Still working with the contrast and sizing for printing. I literally just asked people off the street or friend of a friend of a friend.
• I hope to get a little more travel in soon, after all, my birthday is coming up!!
• The phone bill seems to be back under control. Thanks for the donations!