My interest in all things art-related goes back to my little girl days of Crayola crayons, kid-safe scissors and paste, and all the scrap paper I could find. I remember loving the splashes of color in my grandmother’s English-style gardens, and how pretty everything looked when the sun was low in the sky and made patterns on houses and tree trunks. When someone asked me my favorite color, I said yes. My mom used to tell people my favorite was red. She didn’t seem to understand my answer – I loved them all!
Sadly, art was not a consideration when I headed to college. It was thought of as play by my parents, who were paying for my education.
So my dream, like many others’ childhood dreams, got stuffed into the treasure box of my mind and tucked under the bottom shelf. I moved from college into the business of helping to make a living with my new husband and planned-for kids. We made the life, had the kids, and life happened non-stop for many years.
But I am a firm believer in taking out and polishing up old dreams at some point. It’s part of discovering life — an on-going process that never ends, no matter the age. Two years ago I wrote a letter to myself and outlined the two paths I wanted to pursue. You guessed it… writing and painting. I’ve taken many workshops and have been encouraged to continue.
My life is full, and I am growing.
Today I happened on this conversational-friendly blog, This Garden is Illegal. I wouldn’t have thought to go there if Alice hadn’t recommended it in The LVS Blogging Blog as a great example of good writing. But boy am I glad I did. I love this blogger’s friendly approach and humor, as well as her writing style. But most of all I was taken with her list of three childhood dreams fulfilled. If you have a minute to spare, you will enjoy reading this older post, called The Meaning of it All.
And maybe you’ll start thinking about some of your old buried and forgotten dreams. Tomorrow’s today will have a clean slate, ready for you to fill.
So grab a mug and share what dreams you’re unearthing… 
Barb
Painting done with Painter X brushes.
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If you haven’t seen that lecture by Randy Pausch, I highly recommend that you watch it. That man is an inspiration. I’ve watched it at least 4 times
(you can google his name and find it at several sites)
My dream was art. I got a late start and I don’t think I’m that good yet but I’m getting there.
My other dream is to learn to love myself. I don’t think I had that dream as a child because I didn’t think it was possible, but I’ve come to believe all things are possible.
Your posts are so excellent Barb, they make us think and inspire us to greater things
Anita
What a lovely thing to say, Anita. Thank you!
I have seen the Randy Pausch video — watched the whole thing one afternoon. I don’t remember who sent it to me, but it left me with a renewed and grateful spirit. What a legacy he is leaving for his children.
I think we should say we have an art practice — much as a doctor has a medical practice. Because we’re always in process, in an ever-growing and changing field, and none of us is as good as we will be.
You have a lot of beautiful pieces in your gallery — I especially like the landscapes. Have you ever taken any Painter classes from Karen Bonaker, either here at LVS or at the Digital Art Academy?
Loving ourselves is sometimes difficult — but since each of us is the only “me” we have, maybe it’s time to just accept ourselves as valid and worth loving. Turn a deaf ear to the negative voice. And maybe that’s a good enough start that will grow the love.
Thanks for commenting…
Barb
Your last paragraph is perfect, I think from acceptance love can grow.
Yes, I took 2 of Karen’s classes at LVS and plan on more, I was taking a third early this year and got derailed having to go out of state to take care of my mom. So I kind of thought I’d finish working through that one on my own and try for some more.
Now, I really must get back to my art practice!
Anita
Nicely written Barb. I was never really very artistic….rather I just could not see the possibilities, that is until later in life. Sadly….I often think a bit too late. Still, I paint on a dialy basis….it brings such comfort and joy! Lovely blog you have started and I am glad you commented on mine otherwise I would have not had the oppurtunity to go through yours!
Hi Dee. I don’t think it’s too late. We often wish we had only known then what we know now, but I doubt I’d have made my decisions differently. Life has its happenings; what we do now is all that matters, at any point.
And knowing you just a bit from the forums, and perusing your PawPrints blog and site, your life now looks full and fun. You do a lot for our world of doggie friends, painting them being just a part of that. (Although a big part. I didn’t realize you taught classes and had a waiting list.)
Thanks for stopping in, Dee. I’ve just begun the blog, still taking a class from Bean Fairbanks at http://www.lvsonline.com. I’ll post it at the forum when I get it a little more developed.
Barb
I am another late starter. I wasn’t allowed to go to university, so after being edged out of my computing career due to my age, I went to a TAFE college for 3 years and then to university and finally got my BFA last year. I am very lucky, because I now have a nice life teaching painting, book art, and working on the website & advertising stuff for an acrylic paint company. So it is never too late.
I love the little coffee painting. It looks like a woodcut.
BTW Australian customs doesn’t like nuts & twigs & leaves – obvious plant materials.
I so relate to this Barb. I was informed that all the art I loved, writing, sculpting, painting, musical instruments would never get me anywhere in life, so opted for the “real” world. I’ve raised my family and now disability has actually allowed me to come back to my passions…oh life is grand!
Beautifully and thoughtfully written, Barb. I think our childhood dreams never really die, but are always lingering in the back of our minds, patiently waiting to emerge. I can relate to your story very well. My artistic ability is what made me shine during my childhood, but I was told time and again that I couldn’t make a living with art. So I pursued something more practical – accounting. Sure, I was good at and brought in decent income, but it wasn’t fulfilling. I was eventually attracted to the web design business and now writing, both of which bring out the creative in me and indwell me with a sense of fulfillment and peace. Thank you for sharing this lovely and inspiring post with us.
I love that coffee painting. I waited until my youngest child was 10 to chase my dream. It’s been up and down but it’s a heck of a ride!
Anna
Hey Barb!
Love the new template! I used the link on it to go over to that site and found a couple of interesting templates there. I may change mine soon……if I ever get any time again…..
Hmmmmm…..this may sound very silly, but the dream I remember is to be loved by everyone…..”the impossible dream”, of course, but I didn’t know that at the time. In the course of learning that love originates in the one who loves, as I grew as a person I learned that the important thing is to love OTHERS unconditionally with all my heart. It’s been an interesting journey, but finding something to love about everyone (and letting them know it) has been my biggest joy. Art of any kind is such a natural expression of that.
Nita
Beautifully said, Nita. I think we all have to grow into that attitude — we know it’s truth, but living it is a process that takes a lifetime. Remember our dad saying “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything”?
So trite… and so profound. So we LOOK for that something good, expecting to find it. Not easy — even when we’re looking at ourselves. But how the world would change if people changed how they look at something!
Thanks for your input.
Thank you Nightshadow! “If (you) ever get time again…” Now that’s funny, considering you’ve just added to your class load as instructor at LVS. Congratulations!
Will be looking for your new blog template.
Barb
Anna, I think you are blessed to recognize and chase that dream so early. Good for you!
Barb
Took me a little while to find out how to leave a comment but am LOVING your blog design and the entire site. Even the title is wonderful and warm.
Thought I would share with you that last week when I was teaching in San Diego and was telling a student how I never did “art” as a child…said I was always very good at Paper Mache and Finger Painting in Kindergarten but never thought as myself as an artist.
His ANSWER….”Marilyn, that WAS art. Now they call it Multi Media and it’s made with your hands. You were already making art but because you couldn’t DRAW they brain washed you into thinking you couldn’t keep going.” WOW..what an eyeopener that was. I love teaching because I learn.
Many hugs to you sweet Barb!