Sometimes life doesn't go like you planned it, ya know? I had an interviewee lined up for today, had the questions lined out and given to her last Friday... and somehow things fell through, and her response isn't here.
But while we are on the subject of things not going the way we planned... let me take a minute to give you an interview with myself, so I can tell you how MY plans changed one day... when someone simply encouraged me to try.
MY STORY:
A long time ago, in a land far, far away... there was a blogger named Jana. She blogged about religion, life, and funny things that happened in her life... but felt like something was missing. The youngest of 5 grandchildren in her family, she'd grown up watching her older cousins and aunts create amazing arts and crafts at the dining room table... she'd watched Debby tat, Amy make woodcrafts, Jo crochet at the speed of life, etc. And all the while, she'd sat there, wondering why she couldn't do anything.
She tried to paint, but couldn't stay in the lines. She tried to sew, but it just couldn't keep her interest. She tried to crochet... she tried as hard as she could... she really thought she'd gotten it this time! She presented her potholders to her cousin, so excited... and learned that they were not thick like they were supposed to be. And so, she gave up. She quietly read blogs, posted on her own blog...
And then one day, she found Melba's blog. She heard that a group of bloggers were reading a book called the Artists Way, and for reasons she couldn't even begin to explain, she decided to join in! She spent money she really didn't have, to buy the book. She took time to write morning pages. She visited the blogs of other participants. She noticed collage on Melba's site! She found painting on Leah's site! She found writing on Marilyn's site! She found drawing on Tinker's site!
And then one day, in a fit of bravery... she created something of her own. She was so proud! She posted it on her blog, and showed it to all her friends. Finally, something she had done had turned out right!
FAST FORWARD:
Sunday, I secured permission to sell my artistic creations (boxes, embellished with all sorts of things) at a local vintage market!!!!!!
So what is the point of this little story?
Always remember to encourage those who admire your art... they may seem so small and incompetent... but you never know who they could become.
Your journey sounded much like my journey! It also started with Leah and some others who were reading another of Cameron's books, Finding Water...and then I met Melba and a host of other great artists whom I've come to adore and appreciate their artistry...
great story and so glad you found your way!
Posted by: Marie | October 25, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Isn't it wonderful what encouraging friends will do. Glad you found your niche!
Posted by: groovyholly | October 23, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Jana, I love your story. I'm so glad you didn't give up. Encouragement and inspiration come from places you'd least expect sometimes. Melba's site and the Artist's Way were apparently just the catalysts you needed to set your creative spirit soaring. So proud of you and your accomplishments. Keep creating! :)
Posted by: Sharon | October 23, 2007 at 08:27 AM