Learning to Change My Shortcomings

The process of self-discovery and growth never stops. Through trial and error as well as being in the fire, I am learning when my gifts are best used. I'm a good person to turn to when crisis is at hand or ideas are being tossed around. Planning and organizing comes with ease for me. I guess that's a by product of my secret self diagnosis of OCD. However, a common wall I am coming against is when things are in the execution phase. Typically with family and close friends, I take things entirely too personal. I get emotionally affected by the problems and stress of others. It's as if I can feel their pain and I don't want them to struggle. I try to offer a shift in perspective that there is always a remedy to the mind's problems.  I'm continually search for solutions that could possibly be of help.  

I notice however, that when I witness my close friends or family doing things that are not efficient or even things that are potentially harmful, I haven't learned the delicate balance of keeping my mouth shut, and just be a listening ear. I speak passionately and with a very direct tone. It becomes black and white for me in matters of character or when dealing with the spirit of a person. So, to my detriment, I offer my suggestive opinion far to openly, when it is not necessarily wanted. I'm finding what people want most, is to just be listened to and NOT have opinions offered, especially if they are stated in an aggressive tone.

This has been a frequent criticism about me and has been the cause of intense friction with my family and close friends. It doesn't happen with acquaintances because they rarely ask my opinion. I usually don't say what I think if I am not asked for it. I simply listen. So, when my close friends and family are asking me what I think, I say it. It's not always received though, mostly because I can easily get elevated in tone and passion when the other side makes excuses for poor behavior. I understand that my tone is not helpful. The message gets lost entirely. Pure intention means nothing when poise is not maintained.

I am definitely NOT the person you go to if you want a fluffy feel good conversation. If you just want a 'yes person' or have your ego stroked, I am not the one to turn to. However, I realize I can adjust my perspective as well, and tame my passion a bit, so the message is not destroyed! The spirit is willing, but I need better self control and maintain a spirit of grace. Amen.

MSGH "Happy" video

The Power of the Mind!

The objects around me don't change. They stay silent and unmoved. The dim glow from the lamp on my vanity fills the room. The weathered rug with its faded ornate floral pattern shows years of worn down patches.  The cherry finished dresser with scratches, nicks and liquid rings that have worn through the lacquer, sits littered with family photos. The ancient raw cotton, dingy white curtains that were inherited with the purchase of the home, hang lifeless to the floor. Even the now cracked pattern of the original canvas ceiling sags motionless.

None of these objects have life in them.  They are things. The only life associate with them is what I assign. How I view this room at any given moment will change its meaning and affect.  I could view the obvious worn elements of this room as being depressing and negative in nature; old and in need of replacement. Or I could see them as adding to the character and charm of the environment.
What about the overall feeling of the room? I could say this space has the feel of a suffocating prison with walls of confinement. A trap. Its well established setting bores me and I am unable to escape.  Or I could view the same room as a familiar comfortable cozy sanctuary with windows welcoming the promise of the world just within reach.

The room didn't change---only my mind!
What power?! We can create the best perspectives imaginable and our brains will obey and manifest what we tell it.
What is my outlook today? What shall I bring forth into the world today?

'small wonders' Solo Art Show - Opening Reception

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ...to everyone who came out and showed support at the Opening Reception to my solo art show titled 'small wonders'! It was a lovely evening complete with food and wine. Fun was had by all....smile
The Opening Reception was a huge success and a wonderful event. Many pieces were sold! I am extremely grateful to those of you who purchased a piece of artwork from the show. It is an honor to be an artist to begin with but to be able to share my gift with others and have them appreciate it, is HEAVEN ON EARTH! Thank you for your continued support of my dream.
Until the NEXT show....Peace & Blessings!

Thank you to those who could not make the reception but plan on attending the gallery. The show is up til the end of April. The Canton Gallery on the Green is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Located in Canton, CT straight up Route 44.   

at Canton's Gallery on the Green.

Solo Art Show "small wonders"

Today is the day!!! The Art Opening Reception for my solo show "small wonders". 

Please join me, my family and friends to this wonderful occasion to celebrate this milestone in my career as an artist. 

TODAY - March 22, 2014    6pm to 9 pm.
@ The Canton Gallery in the Green. (Directly down route 44)

I created a group of small pieces to honor and celebrate the beauty of the butterfly. A stimulation display to usher in spring.
In the main downstairs gallery there is a current display of various local High School juried artwork. In the second upstairs gallery there is the artwork of the very talented Ruth Jacobson! 

There will be plenty of art to stimulate the senses...as well as food and wine! smile

It's sure to be a lovely event.

 (all of my work is for sale)

Peace & Blessings,
Michelle Thomas

Artpeace Studio

www.artpeace-studio.com

artpeace-studio.blogspot.com

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

 -Mahatma Gandhi

"small wonders" Solo Art Exhibit @ The Gallery on the Green in Canton

“small wonders”

Spring is a time of renewal.  Life wakes up from the long hibernation of winter.  Creatures great and small begin to stir.  Flowers bud and begin to fill the air with their sweet aroma.  This show is a celebration of the wonder, diversity and delight in life.  The joy of observation blossoms into understanding of our world.  Planet earth is amazing in all her glory, from the tiny insects to the great beasts that roam.  The butterfly is especially astonishing!

The butterfly, for me, has always represented transformation and renewal.  It is incredible to imagine such a creature that starts out in a slow crawl as a caterpillar then, encases itself in a chrysalis to turn into a chemical soup only to emerge as a beautiful butterfly talking flight flickering about.  The butterfly inspires our imagination.  The butterfly gives us hope that we too can transform and fly.

My process for this show brings together different materials to create a trans-formative layering effect.  I use newspaper, tissue, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, graphite, pastel and ink to create a scaffold effect of moving in and through the elements.  My desire is to have you think about the process of creation, whether in art or in nature.

Please, come join me to investigate and rejoice over one of nature’s amazing small wonders. (artwork is for sale)

Opening Reception: 

March 22, 2014        6pm - 9pm

5 Canton Green Road

Canton, Ct

(wine and light refreshments will be served)

http://www.galleryonthegreen.org/

Opening Reception: 22 March 2014    6pm - 9pm

Manifest your gifts.

Some people have known since they were children, what gifts and talents make them unique. Others, spend most of their adult life, still trying to "find themselves". For some, getting and education, finding a career, and maintaining a family overshadows talents buried deep inside. The details don't matter. What's paramount is tapping into the power within to manifest our gifts, making them come to life with tangible results.

Our gifts and talents come in all types of packages. There are packages wrapped in colorfully ornate shiny foil with elaborate silk bows, while others have solid colored paper neatly attached with a carefully placed tag. Some may be wrapped in scraps of plain newspaper barely secured together.  It doesn't matter what the package looks like, but rather, the gift inside the package, that counts.  A brilliant gift may be the ability to draw a person's face so realistically that it looks like a photograph. Someone may play a composition on the piano so beautifully it elicits tears from the hearer. A more subtle and hidden talent may be the ability to actively listen to a friend so intently as to make them feel special and loved.

Once our gifts manifest, we can meet the needs of others.  Other people's needs present themselves so we may have opportunities to exercise our talents and gifts.  Helping one other, uplifting one another and giving to one another is a way to cherish and honor humanity. Let us search ourselves to identify our unique gifts, give birth to them and share them with the world.  We are all uniquely made creations with limitless potential. The universe has immeasurable energy to manifest ALL of our abilities.

If you think to yourself, "I don't know what my gifts are?" A simple place to start is to ask yourself.
"What do you do that makes others feel good?"
You could be a chef and have a favorite recipe that always fills a belly and puts a smile on someones face.

Please share with me YOUR unique gifts.

Cleanliness is next to....a refreshed mind.

I was recently inspired by the writings of Booker T. Washington.  "Up From Slavery: an Autobiography"
One of the topics he spoke on was the simple pleasure of bathing.  A daily function, we can take for granted, its healing properties.  It is one of those luxuries we don't realize its importance until we are deprived of it. Booker wrote about the value in bathing. How a refreshed body leads to a refreshed mind and self respect.

"I sometimes feel that almost the most valuable lesson I got at the Hampton Institute was in the use and value of the bath. I learned there for the first time some of its value, not only in keeping the body healthy, but in inspiring self-respect and promoting virtue.  In all my travels in the South and elsewhere since leaving Hampton I have always in some way sought my daily bath" (Washington, p.53)

During my year of Esther in 2007 I took on redefining my life. One of the areas I focused on was that of personal health and hygiene.  In my experience cleanliness brings about renewed thinking. So, I approached cleaning ones surroundings and body as a serious matter.  Many of my closest friends joke about me having OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), however there is a thread of truth about my wanting things in order. I just find that if my surroundings are cluttered, so is my thinking. I am visually motivated and I enjoy a fresh, clean space devoid of clutter.

Many of the lessons learned during my year of Esther I carry on to this day. The following are some of the practices I added to my life to help keep my mind clear and refreshed.
I begin by simply cleaning the bathroom. I try to keep the environment free of visual distractions.

A recipe for pampering my body to nurture my mind:
* ---hot bubble bath with scented oils
* ---a good book
* ---soothing music
* ---no time restraints
* ---a snack and beverage
* ---candles for the scent and ambiance
* ---incense
(I've been known to take a two hour bath)

Then: BE IN THE MOMENT! Take care to thoroughly and consciously wash every part of the body. Consciously considering each part and its specific function. Thinking about the job of my legs and feet to get me around, my arm and hands for every good work, along with my all my sensory organs. Acknowledge every part of my body and thanking it for being my unique vessel. Notice the feel of touch. As humans we crave touch.  Notice how buffing the skin sloshes off dead skin, leaving the skin soft and new.  Consciously touching and cleaning my body, knowing every curve and turn. Caring for every follicle and cell.
After bathing I use oils and lotions on my body.  I tend to face and nail care. Teeth and mouth hygiene are vital. Finally putting on fresh clean clothes helps keep me feeling refreshed and ready.

This is the body that is the tool to perform whatever task you ask of it. From eating breakfast to driving to work, running errands, manual labor, sitting is school or just lounging about! This is the body that will get it done. Honor it! Tend to it!

From washing your hair, shaving, cleaning under your fingernails, cleaning your ears,  facial health, feet care, massaging your muscles, to moisturizing and dressing.  Tending to your body will lead to self-respect, which opens you to respecting others and becoming more community minded.

What are some of your best practices to refresh your body and mind?

My hope is simple.  I want to share whatever talent I have with other women.  Anything that I have learned that can be helpful to another woman, I wish to share it.

I have observed over the years that all of us have so much to offer others by way of our personal experiences.  I have had isolated, stimulating conversations with different women.  However, the conversation only benefited the two of us and the power in the information was lost once the conversation was over.  There is a need for us all to own the knowledge we have, share it and feel the obligation to uplift those around us for the betterment of mankind – womankind!

I want to call us to action! We need a way to harness the power in this valuable information and share it between us to help improve our lives.

My plan is to write about various topics that affect women.  Things we may take for granted.  Topics will cover a variety of areas such as finances, health, eating habits, care of one’s body, physical fitness, intellectual stimulation, meditations, industry, stress relief, spirituality, sharing talents and any topic you would like to hear about.  I will post any writings on my blog as a way to share information.  I invite you to share your experiences, lessons learned and best practices.  We will share this information to learn about others, ourselves as well as pass this information on to other women.  We can all stand to improve our characters and situations.

I will post entries, ask questions and request your input along the way.  I would like this to be an interactive way of sharing valuable information between women.

I envision compiling all this information into one document called,

“From Soapbox to Soap!” Don’t just talk about it -  Be about it.

What is the next step?

First, please join my blog, http://artpeace-studio.blogspot.com/  this is the first step in reaching out to all types of women.  I plan to use the blog as a central location for sharing information.  Once you become a member, all posts will generate an email sent directly to you.  You will also be able to add comments and share your experiences so others can benefit from your experiences.  

Please join the blog even if you do not wish to write anything.  Maybe through reading what others have learned, you will realize your own potential of being a beacon of light for someone else.  

Please pass this on.  The more women involved, the more stimulating the information.

Peace

New Year--- New Purpose!

Another year has flowed through our fingers like water rippling through the rocks of a stream.  Now, another year presents herself like a radiant bride full of hope and possibility.  Once again, I am seized with delight in taking on yet another yearly challenge.  At the beginning of each year, I assess where I've been and create new goals to cultivate opportunities for growth in character and as an artist.

2007 -- Year of Esther, complete overhaul of my life with a paradigm shift.
2008 -- Year of the Geisha, rebuilding the temple and loving myself.
2009 -- Year of the Artist, building of the physical studio.
2010 -- Retired from the Military (needed to shed the mechanical rote routine of the military)
2011 -- Year of Silence, awakening the artist within.
2012 -- Gave my body to Surrogacy for Shelly
2013 -- Year of the Showing Artist & Applied to UCONN Masters in Fine Arts Program
2014 -- "From Soapbox to Soap! --Don't just talk about it, BE about it.", taking action to benefit others.

My footing is sure as an artist. My path is before me.  It is fitting that things are coming full circle.  In my year of Esther (2007), I dissected every aspect of my life to make major changes for the purpose of becoming a better person.  My focus then turned inward to address loving myself from the inside out (2008). This set the stage to follow my passion as an artist and be true to self.  This energy created the tangible art studio where I work today (2009).  After working very hard for 21 years in the Air Force, it was time to close that chapter in my life.   I retired from the military in 2010.  I was in desperate need to strip the tough veneer of strict routine I developed out of necessity.  Drastic measures shocked my system to awaken the complete artist within--emerged, the Year of Silence (2011) where I literally stopped talking for a year.  This fully engaged all my senses, making me aware of the present moment. This was like leaving a dark cave for the first time while the sun lit up my face and warmed my soul.

I was strong in spirit and physically able to make an extreme sacrifice. In 2012 I gave my life completely over to my stepsister Shelly and became a Surrogate for her and her husband.  All aspects of my life centered around this endeavor. With a year and a half, two attempts and a painful miscarriage physically and emotionally behind me, I was ready to return my spirit to the reason I was created--to create!

In 2013 I decided to apply to UCONN's Masters in Fine Arts Program.  My desire to further my education sat and waited like a cheetah hiding in tall grasses waiting for the optimum time to explode with jaw-dropping speed taking down its prey. The application process for graduate school took the entire year to complete.  I presented a solid package that represents my abilities as an artist.  Now all I can do is sit and wait for UCONN to make its determination on whether I will be a candidate to enter into its gates.  I shall have my answer in February.

2013 also kept me busy establishing myself as an active showing artist thanks to my membership at the Canton Artist Guild, Gallery on the Green.  My spirit was filled from the ability to engage in art production on a daily basis.  Many hours were spent in the studio painting and creating art.  A major critique of my inventory took place to analyze what I have been saying as an artist.  This set in motion a fresh new direction for my art.  It is time for the messages imprinted on my heart to reach canvas!
Alicia Keys "This girl is on fire" rings in my ears...

My character was strengthened. However, growth and change are never ending and I find myself once again looking inward to assess what character changes are in need.  With Mind, Body and Spirit being the past focus it is now time to turn toward the outward man--Humanity!  I believe the greatest good comes from helping others.

January 2014 -- Taking Action!

I just finished reading the autobiography of Booker T. Washington: Up From Slavery.
The book is so inspiring and hopeful it would call anyone to action! I encourage reading it.  My notes are extensive from his writings. My next move is directly influenced by Booker T's perspective.  His collective efforts to create so much from nothing is amazing.  Be encouraged, for we can do the same. I am ahead of the curve....I got a whole lot of nothing to start with too!

My charge for 2014 is "From Soapbox to Soap! -- Don't talk about it, BE about it." 
I am setting an intention. Through a collaborative effort from every woman I know who cares to participate, I plan to compile writings on various topics that are of interest to women. We will write about our experiences, give advice, share lessons learned and best practices.  The goal is to share this knowledge with any woman within earshot for the purpose of improving our lives, helping others along the way and contributing to the world in positive ways.

My next blog entry will set this intention in motion.
Peace

Deadline approaching!

January 1st is fast approaching! I have two weeks left to complete my SlideRoom submission for entry into UCONN's Masters in Fine Arts Program. Choosing 20 pieces of my artwork is harder than I first expected. I'm trying to select my 'best' work, which is hard in and of itself.  'Best' is subjective and is governed by personal taste.  I have some pieces that demonstrate a high technical ability, yet lack in conceptual content. While I have other pieces that are aesthetically pleasing, yet are not part of a unified body of work. Hmmmmm....which do I choose?

So far, I have many of my pieces laid out around my studio for consideration. Whichever pieces make the cut, I'll then have to take high quality photographs of them and upload the images to UCONN's SlideRoom, where my work will be judged and critiqued as to its worthiness. UCONN will then make their top selections and invite the candidates to the University for a one on one interview in February 2014.
NO PRESSURE!

This process began the beginning of this year.  I have had many people help me along the way. Some gave needed critiques of my art, while some shared their wisdom and gently provided guidance. I've received many words of encouragement and nudges to keep me working. (Sometimes outright shoves!)  I am indebted to all those who gave valuable input for writing my Artist Statement of Purpose. I would not have had as strong a package without all of your support. I am eternally grateful.
Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!
The process is not complete yet, I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude.
Whether I am selected into the Masters in Fine Arts program or not, this experience has matured me as an artist...and THAT'S what is is all about!

My goals: Selecting work that demonstrates
-my technical abilities
-well thought out original conceptual ideas
-cohesion - works together as a group
-my diversity in media execution (oil, watercolor, acrylic, clay, video, mixed media)
-my selection of diverse subject matter (landscape, abstract, portraiture, still life)


Criteria from UCONN's website:

Portfolio Review

A portfolio of 20 pieces should represent your best work while demonstrating independent thinking and the diversity of your experiences in the visual arts. The portfolio should include drawings from direct observation. Your strongest area of work should make up the largest proportion of your portfolio.  The portfolio also may include works in:

 -Drawing (this includes traditional drawing techniques on paper as well as drawings done on a number of alternative surfaces including sidewalks, cardboard, interior and exterior walls. Examples must reflect a basic understanding of observational drawing. Pieces other than renderings of action heroes and Anime lookalikes are encouraged.

-Artist books (all types and sizes)

-Sketch books (all types and sizes)

-Painting (this includes traditional stretched canvas as well as painting on a variety of surfaces including murals, interior and exterior walls, wood panels and all types of paper)

-Photography (it is important to know that digital photographic images will be evaluated on composition, subject matter and image quality.  Some awareness of how the digital format is functioning beyond the straight forwardness of taking an image (for example a sunset) or by using a filter in Photoshop and submitting this an artistic, creative image needs to be reflected in the images.

-3 Dimensional/Sculptural works (this includes traditional sculptural work as well as collage, installation, wearable art, clothing, jewelry, functional ad non-functional ceramics or three dimensional work of any kind)

-Prints (images that are being created by using various traditional and non-traditional printmaking techniques)

-Digital Imagery (will digital technology is available to most everyone in this culture, we recognize it as a tool for creative practice, the technology itself is not the end result. It is important to know that digital images will be evaluated on composition, creativity, design, subject matter and image quality with some awareness of how the digital format is functioning beyond simply what the program can create and submitting this an artistic, creative image)

-Mixed media (collage, installation)

-Video

The portfolio should be the best possible collection of your work. For example, if drawing is your strongest area, then drawings should be the majority of the work in your portfolio. The portfolio can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks. Applicants submitting digital photographs also need to submit images of other forms of image-making as well. It is not necessary to mat any of your work.

Remembering...

I saw a dear friend today. My spirit was recovering from yesterday and I did not feel like going anywhere. I'm glad I pushed through with the centering thought to encourage someone else. I ended up the one encouraged.

As Ladybug spoke, I found myself remembering all the fun we had while working together teaching in a 5 th grade science program together. I missed working with her. She talked about so many interesting things. One thing that stood out....she shared the insight about how you never know whose life you touch in profound ways by doing the simple things. In her younger years she would visit with a friend who apparently didn't have many friends, but Ladybug would extend herself to this person by just sitting with her and listening. After many years this woman came to her and thanked her for her friendship and told Ladybug how her actions changed this woman's life. It was a lovely story.

While just listening, I began to feel encouraged. 

Friendship is a beautiful gift. I'm blessed to have the type of friendships that can easily pick up wherever they left off, even when we don't see each other often.

I hope not so much time passes before we see each other again.

Ladybug you are beautiful inside and out!

Unexpected comfort....

I am blessed with two incredibly compassionate and insightful children.  Wisdom flows from their lips. 

Yesterday was a rough one for me. There were many personal issues that came to head. I had a couple incidents that affected my business in a negative way. It was an unexpected hit. I found myself dealing with several other difficult situations. So by the end of the day I was spent and feeling deflated. At one point something minor happened and the levy broke. 

All patience failed me....and the floodgates opened. I cried. But not just any cry. One of those gut wrenching, hiccups afterwards kind of cry! I erupted! Tears and snot and strange noises came out of me. I hadn't cried like that in a long time. It reminded me of when I was a child. I literally could not stop crying.

Madi and Wave heard me and came to my room. They immediately began comforting me. The wisdom and support that came from them, moved me. My son knowing I was sad because something I worked hard on was destroyed, told me a story of how he would build whole worlds on the computer and they would get deleted by someone. He'd be disappointed. Then he'd pick himself up and start building again.

Madi put her arm around me and began to tell me that in life we are going to be disappointed sometimes, but we just have to find the strength from inside us to keep going. She told me that I was a strong person and I'd get through it. She explained that sometimes even when you work hard things are not going to always workout, but that since I'm dealing with the pain, the next time I'm in a similar situation, I'll know how to deal with it better. She then told me to ask God to help comfort me and He will...and with that my 11 year old twins kissed me and ran off to play. 

During all this I gained control of my heaving cries and listened attentively. Wisdom oozed out of my babies.  Amen 

My inspiration....

Most days I'm pretty focused naturally. Lots of people attribute the military, for my being highly organized...I say it's my OCD! In any event, I can manage to get a lot done fairly quickly. I look to my kids for inspiration to give my best in all things. They watch closely what I do and modeling behavior is important to me. My heart wants the best for them.

Juggling their needs, the family schedule and my goals is challenging.

Right now my mind races. The holidays are upon us and the twins are so excited! Work is going better than I could have imagined! It comes with lots of responsibility. My goals for the Art Workshops have increased and I need to complete the proposal for the spring. 

Madi and Wave are maturing beautifully. Their character is strong and steadfast. I'm proud of how they take on leadership roles with their peers and at the same time, they are loving, compassionate and empathetic. Parenting is a challenge and the rewards are great! 

However, my greatest challenge right now, is my application for UCONN. I reflect back to the beginning of the year. That's when I started actively getting my entire studio upgraded and ready to accommodate the demands of graduate work. I'm currently at the very last step in the process...SUBMISSION OF MY ART FOR THEIR PORTFOLIO REVIEW! I need to submit 20 pieces of my best work. 

There have been a strong few who have helped me tremendously get to this point. Whether it was help with writing my Artist Statement, organizing my studio or just plain lighting a fire under me to motivate my intentions, I have a great support team! I'm eternally grateful for all the help I've received and continue to receive.

I'm filled with nervous energy....I'm giving this my best. It's funny in a way, that one of my challenges is having so much art to curate for the 20 pieces. Selecting my best work is hard. However, I'd much rather have the problem of having TOO MUCH artwork to choose from than not enough!

I have a January 1st deadline for the 20 piece art submission into UCONN's Maters of Fine Art program. Once I complete my submission and "hit send", UCONN will contact me in February as to whether I am accepted into the Graduate Program. I pray I get in.

Well, it's time to workout and start my day! Peace

Life drawing....an old friend.

It was a splendid evening of drawing in the evening Life Drawing Class at University of Hartford. It's been a long while. I'm definitely alittle rusty, but I thoroughly enjoyed being in the moment. There was nothing on my mind but the model in front of me and the swift moment of my hand as it glided across the page.

Position of strength...

Hmmmmm.... It's two am. I can't sleep. When my mind is busy there's no stopping it. I'm up thinking about my new role at Montessori School of Greater Hartford (MSGH) teaching the teachers through Art Workshops I've created. Then, like before, I go into the classroom and demonstrate art techniques using various mediums. The children gather around asking questions simply observing the process. When the feeling hits them, they begin their own compositions. It's a beautiful process to witness. The hours I spend in the classroom with the children is my anchor.  It allows me to freely create in an environment that is open to free association art production. Teaching is like breathing in this environment.

So why so much unrest?

As usual, without intention, my plate is full. I seek balance for ALL the areas I try to do well in:

*give my best at MSGH.

*practice my sign language.

*learn Spanish.

*consistently read to my children.

*doing creative projects with my own kids.

*help others through sharing my gifts.

*work on the video production ideas I've started. (Hand Over Fist, art tutorials, Year of Silence project, MSGH promotional video, family photos)

*publish my Art Workshops.

*CONSISTENTLY produce personal artwork to show. While gracefully handling the rejection from juried show submissions! (Note to self... STAY GROUNDED! You create for the love of it, NOT to please the masses, or even please that single juror who does not see value in your work. The value is inherent in the process of creation. Write this on your heart and you'll be fine.)...and celebrate successes. 

*And of course, exercise extreme patience in waiting for the verdict on the looming graduate application to UCONN's Art School for a Masters in Fine Art. Every fiber in my being wants to embark on this journey to obtain my MFA. I'm finally ready...but will the judging party think me worthy?

Instead of sleep, I'm going to paint. 

Good night.