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I'm not sure about anyone else, but so much of my life is highly structured.  What time I have to get up for work...what I do when I get to work...bill time...tax time...dinner expectations...annual mammogram--you share the relentless expectations.  I believe this is why I have found such pleasure in painting.  It is one area of life I have total control with absolutely no expectations.  

When I painted my sea turtle friend it was quite spontaneous.  I ordered a great new background color named "Stillwater." I was so excited I painted the canvas in my new background and then had no idea what to put on there next.  I stared at this lovely Stillwater Green canvas for a day or two and then decided maybe something underwater.  I wasn't sure if it would be fresh water or salt water, but after a bit of Cerulean Blue...salt water emerged.  I then discovered Indigo Blue--my new best friend in painting! It adds tremendous depth and dimension...or at least I think so. I now had deep, salt water but no subject--finally the turtle came into focus.  The whole  process of painting this was an absolute pleasure.  I got so excited with each added color--it was new discoveries.  Often I have to walk away from the painting and then walk back into the room to appreciate what I have done and need to do next.  I learned a great deal about colors and dimension with this one.

Over time I feel like we are like sea glass...scratched, battered, and dulled through relentless turbulences of life. It seems like we are forever changed or diminished in some way.   Then my sister shows me these gorgeous new earrings from the beach made from sea glass.  With some love and  care from an artisan--the contours and colors are embellished and hugged with some silver.  Bang...the dull sea glass has new life! Not only are gorgeous--they are sentimental. They remind my sister of a her vacation with her family.  They also accent her outfits perfectly!

I'm not completely sure my logic will resonate with others.  In my mind hobbies, such as painting, drawing, sewing, woodworking...whatever brings pleasure are like new colors on a canvas or renewed life to worn glass.  You never know what impact they will have on others, but most importantly--they nourish your own soul. While most things "take"...these "give."  If  you know me or work with me, you may not realize the background music in my brain is always looking at details, textures, colors...contemplating what next.

Take some time for creativity...you won't be disappointed!  

Have a great week!

Beth