Hello Friend!
It has been a long time since my last email to you. I think I left things at – I would let you know when I had some news. Well, I think I have some news. Lol. Mainly just an update on where my year went and what is coming up for shows. (Find shows at the bottom of the blog!)
I think if the last year could have a theme, it would be one of obstacles. I would like to think that it wasn’t only obstacles, though, as I was also receiving a few blessings along the way that have kept me going.
A look at the obstacles.
When I last talked to you, I wanted to pivot. I wanted to find more ways to earn a living so that I could contribute to the household. I knew a bunch of things that I wanted to try. But that knowledge in itself became an obstacle as I knew many of the ideas would require an input of time to learn, and I didn’t know which was the best course to choose. It was almost as though a richness of ideas became my undoing as I was paralysed into inaction wanting to make the best choice.
Soon, however, that was the least of my worries as I took over the presidency of our local arts council, and became immersed in doing my best for the arts community. I am not sure that I did even a week’s worth of art for at least 2 months. It has been a continuing struggle this year to complete my sculptures and other projects.
I also finally went to get a diagnosis of ADHD. It is another obstacle, which I realized that I actually have been dealing with fairly well over the years. This is not a new thing for me, but learning about it explains sooo much about why I am the way I am, and why some things are so overwhelming. Lol.
The last thing that hit me this spring was a problem with my insurance because I actually do the welding of my metal sculptures in my back yard. It has mostly resolved itself, at of course, a greater cost to us, but for a while there I really thought it was time to stop making metal art. That was a bit of a downer!
Breakthroughs, Blessings and Messages
It has not been all hardship, though!
Around about the time I was having the ah-ha moment around my ADHD, a contest came up for some business coaching with a person I knew through the local Chamber of Commerce. Having gotten to know a bit about Chris’s generosity and character through our few encounters, I immediately applied, and while I didn’t win the full coaching package, Chris offered me a 3 session “mini coaching package” gratis.
I jumped on it, and what a blessing! Chris showed me a way to figure out the best course of action when you are paralyzed, and helped me to find the motivation to keep going, keep trying. What a breakthrough!
Soon after that, I realized that while I love my art community, I really need to relinquish the title of President at the next AGM. I was so torn because I felt that I really wanted to serve the amazing people of this community, but coach Chris made me realize that the people pleaser in me was not letting me find the balance I needed to take care of my own needs. It was a hard-won bit of wisdom.
And finally, when I would look around in despair and wonder how I could move forward, especially with insurance throwing up the last obstacle, I would receive little messages. Now I don’t know what you believe about how things work, but I feel that I am often given messages by a higher power…my angels? My mom in heaven? And the messages I mostly got were
“persist”!
A podcast I was listening to would be on the topic of how a person persisted beyond all reasonable expectation only to finally emerge successful. Actually, a number of podcasts around this time had a similar message of persistence. A friend said to me, when I told her of the insurance debacle, that often when things are hardest, success is just around the corner.
Someone told me the parable of the treasure hunter giving up just before they reached the treasure.
So I am persisting, as per direction! Lol. Truly, I am not sure I could give up art if I wanted to. And it feels so good to be creating more again.
And the last message I have received is to give myself a break when I need to. To find some balance in all areas of my life.
I guess, all of this is to say, I am still here, and if you were wondering what happened to me, now you know. Life is crazy and I am still learning.
I hope you are all having a fantastic spring and getting a chance to smell some spring flowers.
Take care, love you all, bye for now.
Brenda
New and old things: (aka. Shows)
Currently – you can find my latest piece in the Fine Art Show at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, James Street, Duncan, B.C.
June – Featured Artist at Patio Gardens in Saanichton, 6536 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC
July 13 and 14th – San Pareil/Parksville Studio Tour in my friend Larry’s beautiful garden, 856 Terrien Way , Parksville
July 27th – CVAC Outdoor Art Market, Downtown Duncan
August 10th - Have applied for Art and Music in the Garden at HCP – the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific. Cross your fingers for me that I get in!
September 7th – CVAC Studio Tour – come see my art in the back garden and the little shed that I work out of!
Your support is so appreciated! If you would like to have another way to show me the love, you might want to buy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brendait Thanks so much in advance!
Oh! and lastly, if you think your friends would enjoy this blog, please forward it on to them. I am attempting to grow my audience and business, and sharing my content with others really helps me out. Thank you!!
