I BELIEVE....................

It's been a few weeks since I've posted. Although I have a few things I wish to post about, this particular posting is titled 'I believe'.
A very dear friend sent this to me this week via email. I felt it was worth doing a post including the email sent. I have no idea who the original author of this was or is, however, they should be applauded.

My rational mind knows all these things to be true. My emotional mind still struggles with some of these points. These are important thoughts and lessons!

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we live!
Have a seat. Relax . . .
And read this slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is,
They're going to hurt you
Every once in a while,
And you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,
Even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people
Who do what has to be done,
When it needs to be done,
Regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I
Can do anything or nothing
And have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes, when I'm angry,
I have the right to be angry, but that
Doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do
With what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them,
And less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough
To be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn
To forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad
Your heart is broken,
The world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances
May have influenced who we are, but,
We are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be
So eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing
And see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed
In a matter of hours
By people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think
You have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you,
You will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall
Do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about
Most in life
Are taken from you too soon.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have
The best of everything;
They just make the most of everything they have.

Whomever reads this, I hope they find some or all of it speaks to them.

Keep believing!

GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION!!!!

Do you ever find yourself questioning your purpose in life and wondering the 'what if'. I have done that quite often in the past. Losing sight or giving up on my personal goals and dreams when it got difficult or 'life' kept getting in the way.

I have set aside a lot of emotions and hurts that,I believe, were holding me back. Sometimes, it was easier to give in and then make excuses. Well, no more!

My intuition, which I had also started to doubt, is telling me I am definitely meant to pursue my photography. I intend to do just that! I realize that friends and family see you in a way that comes from my own past behaviours. I understand that completely, however, I am appreciative of the friends and family that have become my cheerleaders. I started and failed at a number of things in my life and know I need to prove to them how serious this is for me. I will NOT give up! Although, I am not trained in all the technical aspects of photography, I am good at it and will continue to get better.

Getting recognition and people to pay for your work takes time. Photography, painting, sculpture, etc. are things people don't need and use discretion when spending their hard earned money on such things. Having said that, there are a LOT of people in this world who do have the money to purchase things that speak to their hearts. Yes, I said world. With the onset of the internet, Facebook and the like, the world really is an artists' marketplace.

I am almost 64 years old and before I die, will be successful at something. Photography is my 'something'!

The year has started off well. I have already been in a recognized show and sold one piece. I've have two custom ordered large canvases sold. I have framed photography and two canvases in a local restaurant. I'm in another show in two weeks AND have a 'One woman show' coming for April, May and June in a library. All of this continues to encourage me and keep me on my path to success. I am posting photos of the two custom canvases
ordered and sold(both were of sunsets) AND a few pictures of some of my pieces in the local restaurant.
In total, there are twelve matted and framed pieces and two canvas works at the restaurant.

Above all else, I am doing this for me. I can and will do better!

THIS WILL BE A BETTER YEAR............

After a rough 2010, I told myself that this year would be better. As of now, it's certainly starting off on a better footing.
I've met some wonderful new artists and continue to network and hear about their lives and their experiences. When you are trying to chart your own course when it pertains to your goals and ambitions, it's great to speak with like people. I've had some great suggestions given to me and will definitely take all under consideration. Whether I follow the tips or not, it's so interesting to hear of their personal journey to meet their own dreams and expectations.

When I moved to Keene, I began to make new local friends. One local friend in particular is so much fun to spend time with and she has become one of my biggest fans of my photography! We have had coffee times getting to know each other better. We went to the United Way 'Be a Goddess' event together. Her name is Marg as well, which we have a bit of fun with at times. At this particular event, she was modelling for part of the fashion show for a specific women's dress shop. She has a great shape for a variety of clothing.

The night is a fundraiser,yes, however it's also somewhat of a women's trade show. Vendors catering to women have booths and do demos and hand out all kinds of free stuff. The local police, firefighters and EMT's dress in their uniforms and act as waiters who go around serving finger foods from local restaurants. A really fun time!

We just went to a live show at Showplace together on Friday night to watch a group of Flamenco dancers from Toronto. It was so interesting. I love latin music and latin dance.

Her son was throwing a 'Jack and Jill' party for one of his friends, so we crashed that for a short while. We bought some tickets for miscellaneous raffle prizes. I won a set of really nice wine glasses. Yeah!

Today was my first art show for this year. I was invited by 'The Kawartha Artists Gallery and Studio' to participate as a guest artist photographer. I could submit four pieces. For an opening, there was pretty good attendance, considering weather issues. Many viewers complimented me on my work, which is always great affirmation. I sold one piece which is the 'icing on the cake' for the first day of the show.

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT....!!!!

Once again, it's been some time since I've managed a post.
Since January 1st, my main focus is editing. I've got many things to edit. Closets, files, cupboards,etc., etc.
I've already made three trips to our local Value Village with many more to go. There are many things that need to be taken to our county dump. So far, I've spent almost two full days shredding private papers which are no longer required to save. I also have many, many dishes that need to be sorted and given away. I'm trying to scale down.
I'm definitely on a personal mission to clear out the 'stuff' in my life that is no longer needed. Personally, I function so much better when things are in order and organized. It's easier to be organized with less 'stuff', especially when one knows you won't ever use it again.
When I'm feeling down, somehow my spirits are lifted when I get fresh order in my life. What lifts you up when you feel a bit blue or overwhelmed?

There's a different kind of edit I need to work on as well. I need to edit out some of the negative thoughts about myself. I need to quit beating myself up about some of the choices I've made and let go. There are some negative people that need to be edited from my life as well.
Another area that needs attention, is editing and/or filtering some of my talk. I've learned, for the most part, people really don't care what you think unless it validates their thoughts. Hmmm, maybe the monks have it right ... maybe silence really is golden!

Some good news pertaining to my photography has happened within the past two weeks. First, I've been asked to submit three to four framed pieces of my photography for a three week art show being held by the Peterborough Art Guild. Shortly after this committment, an offer came to hold a 'one woman show' at one of the area libraries for three months....exciting!

What goals did you set for this year? I believe this will be a very eventful year for me.... can't wait to see if some of my plans come to fruition!

My intent for 2011 is to make me the priority!