Joy and Wonder

How can I name this week’s post Joy and Wonder when we’re heading out of 2020 in flames? Well, I had several other ideas for this week’s headline including “Follow your Heart” and “We’re all Misfits” but I ended up choosing Joy and Wonder for all kinds of reasons. But, before I share that I’ll remind you, dear reader, and any newcomers to this blog (welcome!) what this place is all about.

Favorite Things

In early 2020, I pledged to paint a painting each week and blog about it. The name of this weekly series of paintings is Favorite Things. Why? Well, because I choose objects, typically food, that I love to eat. But, I paint it first and then, if it’s still edible, I’ll eat it! This means each week I write about a painting and the process. You are welcome to follow along as I share the ups and downs of this studio and painting life I lead. To do so, simply sign up here. You’ll receive a lively and colorful blog post each week, get a first look at my latest painting or drawing and get early notification of sales, too. Let’s move onward to this week’s topic, shall we?

First We’re All Misfits

One of the reasons I considered the above heading is because of our whacky, silly Christmas tree ornaments. Really? Well, yes, that and the wonderful song from the claymation movie I watched as a youngster. You know the one, right? It’s called “The Island of Misfit Toys.” I thought of this song as I looked at some of our tree’s little decorations.

Who in the world, would hang a wooden fish on their Christmas tree? That is a misfit ornament if there ever was one. But, after all these years, I still love it and, this year, I had to paint it and share it. Here it is.

As I painted this fish ornament, I thought about the song I mentioned above and the word misfit. Individually, I think we all have felt like misfits at some point in our daily living. But this year is the first time that I think we are all, collectively, misfits. Why? Well, we’re all just trying to figure out how to live life as best and as fully as we can in the midst of this pandemic.

Even if you see someone who you think you might not otherwise have a thing in common (fill in your political, blah blah blah differences) here, this year has been a huge challenge. Ya I know I know there are people running around saying this whole thing is a hoax. Just think how hard it must be to be in their shoes? They have to run around justifying…welp…I don’t know what? Anyway, I just think the collective experience of this year has to be creating some kind of connection for us all. At least I can hope for that anyway.

Follow Your Heart

OK, so the next idea I had about these 3 gouache paintings was to call them each some variation of “Follow Your Heart.” But, earlier this year, I read a book that has really influenced the way I think about this expression or it’s variation “Follow Your Passion.” Shazam I really wish I had read this book in my 20s or 30s. But I didn’t and through plain old dumb luck, a little thriftiness and a dose of persistence and a super, fantastically supportive spouse, I am finally following my heart and passion.

If you are careening into 2021 wondering what to do next or how to amp up your own world, I highly recommend reading “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport. It’s a quick read and will, I hope, get you off your bupkus and on with your life.

The More I Know

One thing I know that 2020 has taught me, for sure, is the more I know, the more I know I don’t know. And, you know what? I think that’s probably a good thing. I also know that I love working alone in my studio or my dining room on paintings and drawings as often as possible, usually daily. But, I am an extrovert and I love (masked!) face to face people contact, too. I never would have guessed that this perplexing combo of alone time, daily, and people time, would be so satisfying.

I am also incredibly grateful to some fantastic, hardworking, (can you say Type A to the max) people in my life right now. If you think that’s something that you might need in your world, I hope it comes your way pronto.

Joy

Mostly, I hope you can seek and find joy in your world even though things are so incredibly hard these days. When I painted this little wooden, blue bird ornament, I couldn’t help but look at it’s funny shape and feel some kinda crazy joy.

What’s Next

I am looking forward to sharing some of my ideas and hopes for next year with you in next week’s blog post. If you are a creative person (and who isn’t really?) and you would like some help setting and implementing goals for 2021, consider signing up for artist and friend, Liz Floyd’s, 2 hour workshop about just this. Check out her blog for more content on this subject. Once you read her generous and helpful information, I am pretty sure you’ll want to invest in yourself and take that workshop! She will rock your world and you will see yourself making things happen like never before.

That’s the latest, dear reader! I celebrate Christmas, so I’ll say “Merry Christmas” to you and yours. And, how about a little “Peace on Earth,” too. What about you? Have you been surprised about seeing Joy and Wonder in your world? If so, please share in the comments below.