Ok, Ok...

Two posts in one day after taking several months off from writing....

What I realized is that I miss writing here. I write. I am an avid blogger and reader of many inspirational blogs that have opened my eyes to new ways of looking at an old life. I keep a journal of sorts. I've always been nervous to write down my deepest darkest confusions and frustrations on paper for someone else to accidentally trip over and read. No doubt feelings would probably be hurt and ideas altered. But what I do keep is an Inspiration Journal. I don't read anything, watch anything, or listen to anything without that notebook and pen sitting right next to me. I started this idea way back in high school and have been in and out of writing things down. After having a very difficult couple of years, I needed to do something to get clarity and to get the dust to settle. Keeping this type of journal has been a Bible to me.

I've also adopted a new passion. Mail Art. I've met some fantastic people through the old art of writing letters and creating unique envelopes to send to people. A skeptic at first...now a believer. One of these days I will share the pieces I've made and received. Finding things that bring happiness and calm into my life is how I wrap up my day. I mosey on down to my studio and pop off my calligraphy pen top, take out some pretty paper and I write. What do I write about? Whatever I feel like at the time. Some days a long-penned letter is in order but other days a short postcard with notes of humor. I let my creativity dictate what I do and not plan what I am going to do. It is that weird way of artist thinking before paint hits the canvas. Real artists let the paint and canvas dictate what comes out of the artist...that is how I see Mail Art.

Happy Writing!

Hello 2012!

It has been a long time since I wrote on my blog for a variety of reasons. The state in which I live is very strict with the blogosphere (from what I have read and experienced) but this morning I read one of my favorite blog posts. To me she is an angel and doesn't try to show an image that really is only found in magazines. She speaks from the heart, she writes from the heart, and she is a perfectly imperfect model of what it means to practice being human. The person I am speaking of is Rhoda from Southern Hospitality. If you have never seen her blog, pop on over and get reading. She will inspire you with her decorating, recipes, and story.

We all have a story. Some stories are just beginning and some are ending. Some stories are in the midst of changing the course of their life. We all have them. My 2012 is going to be a life-changing year for me. I am a dreamer. I aspire to have goals. I am passionate about many things. I have fear. Fear has been a major brick wall for me in accomplishing the things that I dream of doing. I don't know what I am afraid of but I know that I am afraid. In my 20's fear didn't exist in my mind. In my 40's life has happened and has gotten in the way of me being able to see my own life clearly. This has to change in 2012. I feel lost and don't know where I went off track in promising myself that I would always put myself first. People in the world have changed my perspective of how things are and have altered stereotypes of what I think is right.

I don't know where 2012 will take me but I am looking forward to making some positive changes.

(Goat Island Lighthouse, Goat Island, Newport, RI)