"...In this there is no measuring with time, a year doesn't matter, and ten years are nothing.  Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn't force it's sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come.  It does come.  But it comes only to those who are patient,....I am grateful for: Patience is everything!" - a thought from the book LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET - by Rainer Maria Rilke

Reflecting.  Painting.  Pondering.  Patience.  Life is filling my mind with those thoughts lately.

Reflecting...on the many past years that have 'created' in me this life, this passion for art!  Reflecting on all the little and big steps to get to where I am today and many of those years with 3 toddlers in tow.  Life is good, I wouldn't change anything!  And now as those toddlers are growing up I am finding more solitude in my studio, more time to focus on subtle shifts or changes in my artwork.  Following the plan, I guess, even when you don't realize there is a plan seems to be a good thing after all.

Painting...that is what I am doing most days!  and LOVING IT!  (unless I'm taking the day off to fill my soul with inspiration and enjoying some hiking, biking or horse riding - all beautiful things to do this time of the year!)  Currently I am working on finishing up a commission, experimenting with some new colors and techniques to see if some subtle shifts happen in my work, and  I am also just taking a little 'time' to ponder art thoughts and paths for the future...all part of the process.

Pondering...new directions!  Thinking about where my art takes me next.  Satisfied and happy with how things are in the studio now, continually growing and expanding and changing my art path.  All these tugs and pulls I am learning to trust 'my gut'...hoping everything works out.

Patience...working hard at this one!  But I feel I am getting a little better at it.  I have come to realize that so many 'things' are out of your control, no matter how hard it seems - a little patience and time resolves some issues, even if it isn't how you intended.  I find this in my daily painting - as I apply layers of pigments and powders, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't - however, they were never a waste of time for they were part of the process, or part of the journey, which has built a painting (or life) into a completed (or still in the works) piece of art!

This painting, "Splendor" 48x48" oil mixed media is in its final drying stages and will be shipped to a new gallery that will be representing me in Naples, Florida!  I am blessed and in awe of the 'splendor' surrounding me!