On the Threshold of a Dream (with nods to The Moody Blues)

After a long time of wanting to create a blog, I am finally able to do it. This comes after weeks and months of upgrading computer equipment by researching, learning, trying, failing, learning some more, being curious, and attempting it again. When I was finally successful, I heard the old Helen Reddy song in my head: "If I have to, I can do anything. I am woman!"

Long fascinated with words and reading, I thought my path was to be a writer. As testimony, I have many short stories and novels, some even finished. But a few years ago, art began calling my name.

Protesting, I had many reasons to resist. But the soft voice was insistent, beckoning in various ways. First, when editing a work newsletter, I began putting graphics alongside the articles. Then Mary, from my writing group, invited me on “sketch” outings and I bought some colored pencils. Soon, little drawings and leaf rubbings appeared in my journals. Then, I read “Living Color: A Writer Paints Her World” by Natalie Goldberg and marveled how free she felt painting--unencumbered with her inner writing critic, playfully pushing paint around. Soon, I purchased a cheap tin of watercolors and experimented with my friend. Finally, I signed up for a continuing education class in beginning acrylic painting.

That was it. I finally succumbed to the voice, more happy painting a canvas than writing a chapter. I liked really liked this art stuff. Results blossomed to life with a swirling paint brush. It was still a creative expression, just in a different form.

So now I begin this blog to chart my growth as an artist, to peer out of my shy soul and share my works, to express my thoughts, to interact with fellow artists, to explore new creative avenues, and to release my art into the world.

Thank you for joining me.