The Biggest Gift of All

We're back from beautiful Arizona, well rested and sun kissed. Every time I visit Arizona, I am reminded of the beauty of the state. Katie fell absolutely in love with it this trip, and spent much of our vacation asking if we could move (permanently) there. I've been thinking a lot about making a permanent move for our family lately . . . we are pretty fortunate in Phil's job that it would be a relatively easy transition for him to relocate to a different place. Arizona might not be such a bad place to call home . . . hmmmm . . . wouldn't that be exciting?!?

But, until then . . . we are back in the mid-west. Chicago welcomed us home with gray skies and rain (a lot of it). Those last few "April showers" have stayed true to their words, and it's been so icky the last few days. It's ok, though . . . because there is always art.

And that makes it pretty awesome.

I just finished up four weeks straight of art classes for the two park districts I am teaching at. This month I taught a "Whimsical Birdcage" Mixed Media class at both the New Lenox and Bedford Park Park Districts, and I was absolutely thrilled with how the classes went. I'm so proud of the work and art that was made from ALL the participants, and said a silently prayer countless times during these sessions, thanking God for the opportunities I have been given in my life.

It is good, oh-so-good, to do what you love.

Here are just a couple pictures from the classes . . . (if you follow my facebook page, you may have already have seen them. I put a few extras in just in case.)

 

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it feels to watch people take your idea, your vision, and unfold it into their own piece of art. It is a dream come true, I tell you . . . to support and empower others, to help give them the direction and tools, and then watch them make something that they should be proud of. Even when they think they can't, even when they aren't quite sure what they are doing . . . if they hang on, I am certain they will be amazed at the outcome.

I sometimes wonder if I get too carried away in all of my excitement. But I am proud. Of them. Of me. Of what we are doing. I don't know if they get it. But, each and every person who takes a class of mine . . . they are saving me. Really. They are saving me from the doubt I've had in my head way too many times in life. They are saving me. They are believing in me. They are supporting me.

And what an amazing gift that is. 

Life has changed so much for me in the past few years. I never would have imagined I would have found the courage to go after my dreams - to make art and put it out there into the world - to share so much of my words and thoughts and ideas with complete strangers - to put my faith into the unknown, and believe that the universe (and, most importantly, my God) will protect me.

But I have. It has. And I am so proud of today.

My wish, for all of you, is that you take a moment and be proud of yourself. For waking up and living your life - however it is that you are living it. For standing up for yourself. For following your dreams. For smiling, for laughing, for knowing that you are in control of all that happens in your day. You are, really.

And know that I believe in you. In all that you do.

Because you, my friend, believe in me, too.

Peace.

xo