This has been a good day. All afternoon I was hearing that Black Eyed Peas song "It's gonna be a good day" in my head. An opportunity came my way to place three pieces of art in a Million dollar home in a gated community to be viewed (and possibly sold) during an event that is taking place there. I got a lead on a part-time job, which I would like to have. I finished two collages that I was working on and I like them. I had a nice dinner with my best friend of 37 years. I found two table top easels that I needed for $5 each at Big Lots. Yes, it has been a good day.

Time is Precious

Time. I have never had enough of it, and it passes by faster every day. So much of life is behind me now. I feel an urgency to do so many things I've neglected because "I didn't have the time." Probably it was a combination of things. Not enough energy, not enough money, not enough knowledge, not a priority.....and probably a lot of excuses because I thought eventually I'd get around to it, I'd have time someday. Someday never comes. I feel a surge of inspiration, a need to paint, a drive to create and still life gets in the way. So, I am going to concentrate on priorities. No one is going to make this happen but me.

It has been a challenging week. But I have made progress and I am grateful for the friends that keep me sane and help me focus. "You have to make yourself a priority," they tell me. And they are right. Too much involvement in community groups, church committees, and other distractions. My work there is done, and I am ready to move on. I feel a change coming.

CREATION
For me, it is hard to believe
that this yearning, passion,
this fear and pain,
this longing and love,
could all just be chemical,
a biological process.
This can’t be what it’s all about.
The infinity of space,
the power of the sun,
the rain drops that fall
must be for some intention
not an accident of collision
or combination of elements
or lack thereof.
The vastness of oceans,
the diversity of life
the dependency of one upon another;
there must be something hoping,
that we will finally understand,
to live in balance
is reason enough.

Linda Brooks Alred
7/17/2010

Express Yourself Artistically - Meetup Group

Saturday I attended a meetup workshop on painting to music. We had fun painting and drawing, and watched a clip about Van Gogh set to the music of "Vincent." It was very touching. We were asked to write something after viewing it.

Homage to Vincent's Painting

How small am I
here, below this sky
and yet,
my world is large
and full.

How vast, how infinite
the starry sky
and yet,
no more able to contain my wonder
and love of life
than my own small heart.

For all you gave to us,
Vincent,
I wish you had not suffered.

Worked in the gallery tonight and finished my painting, I think. Can't wait to start a new one. I am really enjoying these abstracts I'm doing. Just so much fun! I love to work with color. And random patterns.

Earlier today met with a group of artist/creative people and painted to music to try to express graphically the feeling the music evokes. There were 9 of us. Each of us approached the pieces differently and none of the pieces looked anything alike. Funny how different were the emotions each felt and expressed when the music played was Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata."