ONE WITHIN

Support

Thank you all for your supportive comments. They mean a lot to me and put a smile on my face. It is a big step for me to enter my work into competitions. They are some of the biggest art competitions in Australia with prize money in the thousands, some even in the hundreds of thousands. There are always so many entries and only 30 places so I am sure there will be a lot more rejections in store for me. Its like buying a lottery ticket. I just have to keep telling myself to "toughen up princess". My portrait of Zoe should be in Sydney by now as I entered it into the Moran Prize. Entries close today. This is the riches portrait prize in the world. $150,000 first prize!!!!! I have to listen to what Laura said and remember how far I have come. I have made huge strides since August 2007 when I joined the online Artist's Way Journey and started putting my work out there. And without trying to sound full of myself I am proud of what I have accomplished.

I am still struggling with my painting. I feel I am at a turning point. You know those times when your work shifts slightly and you make new discoveries. Paintings are slow in coming at the moment. I am not as productive as I have been in the past. I feel a little lost and floating if that makes sense. I don't seem to be content painting mundane inanimate objects any more. They have been my passion for such a long time I feel reluctant to let them go. Whenever I try to paint them I come to a standstill and can't seem to get moving again. They seem to lack something and I can't resolve whatever it is they lack. I need a big dose of inspiration. Maybe I need the sun to come back. Its a cold winter with dreary weather.

Another Rejection

This morning I woke with that excited feeling as there was still hope of being a finalist of one of the art competitions I entered. But alas this afternoon the rejection letter came. A nice letter but still a rejection. I try to be strong but I still question whether or not I'm on the right track. Agh, this is hard. There is no manual to follow. I just have to pick myself up, dust myself off and keep blundering along in the dark. Now where did I put that next entry form........

What's in a Name???

Today I entered the richest portrait prize in the world. How did I ever get brave enough to do that??? Is it really courage that helped me to enter or is it purely out of need??? How do you 'make a name' for yourself in the art industry? In order to have good sales of your work you need to have 'a name'. In order to get that illusive 'name' you need to have good sales. How??? What do I need to do??? I work hard at developing my artistic skills and I also work hard at building my confidence but is there anything else I should be doing? Just turning up at the easel doesn't seem to cut it. Small steps, one day at a time, faith, positive thoughts, confidence. All of these are good advice and I have followed them. Now what???

Listening

Well things have quietened down on the home front. Things have started to filter through and he is listening to advise. Walking has been started although I still need to remind on a daily basis. He is happy to try eating regular small healthy meals and snacks. He thought changing his lifestyle meant that it would be worse. He has seen reason and understands that it means changing for the better. That he will actually feel better and have more energy and that when you feel better your whole outlook changes for the better. Yay, a happier healthy life is on the horizon. Thank you all for your support and for listening to my rantings.

I'm Angry

I'm angry and I am going to vent. I am going to rant and rave and pretend I am yelling at the top of my voice. Consider this your warning. Stop reading now if you would rather have a cheery post to read.

If you went to a doctor's appointment, in fact a specialist not just a GP, and that doctor told you to change your lifestyle or you would be dead before you reach 65, wouldn't you immediately take stock and change what you are doing? Especially since you will be turning 60 next year??? Or would you moan and complain that the doctors aren't doing anything for you while you sit on the couch and reach for a beer? I mean for heaven's sake, you haven't got an incurable disease! You have the power to change and be healthy and watch your grandchildren grow up. You need to exercise regularly!!!!!!!!!! You know, get sweaty and get your heart rate up. A brisk walk, a swim, something!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spend some time on the exercise bike while you watch tv. Eat regular healthy meals, say no to a second helping. Simple little changes and you will live longer. HOW HARD IS THAT????????????? WHAT THE HELL IS THERE TO THINK ABOUT??? JUST DO IT!!!!