Top Artist

So, I've decided to enter a "Top Artist" competition. I have no idea as to where I should begin, but if I discipline myself enough the next few months to polish up on the basics, simply entering the competition would be a huge step for me.

Renowned Artist and Author, Betty Edwards is a great teacher and her works are a great tool for many. She will be judging the competition which is intimidating, yet exciting and the art entered should be based from her book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

I will strive to do my very best work in the time prior to deadline. I look forward to pushing my limits and finding strength through practice. Though the cash reward for the chosen "Top Artist" is larger than I can comprehend, it simply doesn't matter. My goal in this competition is to see what I'm made of. Do I have the discipline, desire, strength and courage it takes within myself to show my work to others. This is a step I MUST take to become the Author and Illustrator I aspire to be. I can't rise above if I don't fall. I certainly can't learn if I hide from criticism. The joy of learning is in the use of the knowledge gained.

Remember this:

                 It takes a lot of courage 
              to show your dreams 
              to someone else.
                                                              -Erma Bombeck


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For the young reader

"On My Honor" by Marion Dane Bauer

Age: 4th Grade + (AR 2pt)
Topic: Moral dilema/death/consequences
Pages: 98
Newbery Honor 1987

Overview:
When his best friend drowns while they are both swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified of having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience.

This book is on my list of books to study. I found it to be an easy read with big impact. I would recommend this to youth 9+.

Story takes place at Starved Rock State Park. Two best friends head out to have a fun day, when a small dare turns into catastrophe, Joel is faced with emotions he couldn't handle. He is caught in a lie he can't hide from and the truth will find him. Parents play a big part in this story as well. Joel made a promise to his Father not to go to the river, "On my honor" he says. How can he possibly tell his parents he broke his word and witnessed the death of his best friend?

The subject matter is a good topic for kids. There's a message- there are certain consequences to our actions whether big or small, truth is the only option. As a parent I can relate to the emotion in this story. It's real and could certainly happen. The ending was a dead point for me, I wanted another chapter or so but that's the "adult reader" in me. The ending need not be elaborated further for the age group.

Reprints have been made for this book. Rent it at your local library today.

Quote:

No one is in control of

your happiness but you;

therefore, you have 

the power to change

anything about yourself

or your life that you

want to change. 

-Barbara De Angelis

Doodle-day

Pencil drawing of my little Darby.

By Kimberly Voss

Site to see

This woman, Kathy Hare is an absolutely beautiful artist and illustrator. I am currently studying cartooning and illustrations. Check out her web site. She is a very gifted artist. Let me know what you think.

Kathy Hare "Moongazing Hare Illustration"

www.moongazinghareillustration.blogspot.com


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Poem: Try, Try Again

                                                                  Try, Try Again

                                                      'Tis a lesson you should heed,

                                                                  Try, try again;

                                                       If at first you don't succeed,

                                                                  Try, try again;

                                                      Then your courage should appear,

                                                      For, if you will persevere,

                                                      You will conquer, never fear;

                                                                  Try, try again.

                                                                                    - T. H. Palmer

The phrase try, try again is well known around the world. We use it so casually when at first we don't succeed. Though the title or phrase is well known, did you know the rest of the poem. I certainly didn't. There is a great lesson within this short, yet powerful poem. Whatever your struggling with today, please try again and push your fear of failure aside. PERSEVERE! 

Journey Ahead

"We can only be responsible for 2 things: deciding where we're headed and moving as far as we can see right now in that direction." by Sage Cohen 


I am currently reading a book by Sage Cohen, The Productive Writer. She so brilliantly states the quote above. She also goes on to say, "We don't have to understand the entire journey. But when we're clear about our destination and take small consistent steps in that direction, we may be surprised to find ourselves clear across the country in no time at all."

I love it. It makes perfect sense to me in this moment. This is a New Year. A New Beginning for what ever  direction we choose for ourselves. There's no better time than the present to rethink the road we are on. Are we happy traveling full speed ahead or do we need to pull over and redirect our GPS? I would have to state that my road is a little to bumpy at times, but I know that I can see the endless possibilities just around the bend. I sincerely hope that you take a moment and soak up these thoughts. Can you see as far as you can see right now in your current direction?

The Count Down Begins......NOW

As I sit soaking in the happenings of 2011, I realize it's almost been 14 years of being a homemaker and mom of 4. It's been eventful all on its own. I have always enjoyed having the opportunity to stay at home with our children. I have spent much of these years inventing new ways to make money, trying to contribute monetarily to the house hold while our children are still at home. Mostly out of my own guilt of not providing. (silly, I know)

I was watching a commercial for something yesterday, (which I can't recall what it was now), but it rang a bell. So here I sit with an internal revelation. My motivation to make money wasn't guilt for not providing. My guilt was within myself, I was putting myself aside and the things I enjoyed, feeling internally bored is something I don't come to terms with. I had to make use of myself and in turn my best solution to stay busy was to turn the hobbies I had into income. Believe me, it wasn't easy to figure out the selling things part, but I tried several options. I aimed for the "first sale" satisfaction. That was my goal. Then it moved on to the "If I could just earn enough to pay the electric bill that would be awesome" phase.  The money I earned made me so proud of myself and happy that I accomplished something other than cleaning and changing diapers. Then I had 2 more babies to care for and I put the "me stuff" to the side once again.

After a short time I was searching and wishing I could find some way to work from home and fulfill my internal boredom. My very observant husband did the unthinkable and invested money into a business opportunity for me. He had faith that this adventure would bring me joy and wanted me to feel fulfilled. He also suggested that any money I made not be spent to pay bills. Rather invest, save or just enjoy it. I was blessed with a supportive husband and a company I called KMV Embroidery & Design. I loved it. I was blessed with beautiful children, caring husband and the me fulfillment I searched for. Over four years, I continued to work from home while enjoying my children and they even learned the craft of embroidery.

One year ago, I decided that being a mom was my best and only option and our lives were full enough that the boredom I once felt, I don't recognize anymore. I referred my customers to other businesses, (made me cry) and covered up my machine. I closed that door. This is where the question lingers.......

The COUNT DOWN begins.......I have exactly 20 months to figure out if that door will reopen or if I will move in a different direction. In the next 20 short months, I will be sending my last baby to school full time and as well as I know myself the search for internal fulfillment will begin. I don't want to wait until that day comes to decide. I want to have a plan. A plan that will begin when they step on that bus. However, my first goal may be to enjoy the quite. I will keep you posted.

LET THE COUNT DOWN BEGIN!