Today is a bone chilling day as the temperature will reach a delightful high …yes high…of 9 degrees. Snow fell softly all day yesterday. It was a good day to stay inside, have a cup of hot chocolate, read, paint and dream.
I found out last night a good friend and fellow artist, Barbara Roeming, has died of leukemia. Barbara and I were friends for many years. She was a student of mine. Always a passionate person about the arts Barbara decided to try her hand at painting. Once there she was hooked. Barbara was a woman filled with glorious energy, thoughtfulness, love for her family, church and her art. She will be missed by oh, so many.
Today seems to be a day of reflection for me mixed with the feeling of taking action. With the death of my friend, Barbara, the realization of “limited time” has arrived at my front door with a red dress on.
I opened a book this morning to do my daily reading and this was what I read……
Akiba
When Akiba was on his deathbed, he bemoaned to his rabbi that he felt he was a failure.
His rabbi moved closer and asked why, and Akiba confessed that he had not lived a life like Moses.
The poor man began to cry, admitting that he feared God’s judgment.
At this, his rabbi leaned into his ear and whispered gently,
“God will not judge Akiba for not being Moses.
God will judge Akiba for not being Akiba”
From the Talmud
We are born with only one obligation…to be completely who we are. As artists, we are born to create.
Don’t wish you were a better artist….become a better artist by going into your studio ! Paint, Paint, Paint !!!!!!!
Do not compare your art to others …your paintings are YOU. Share that part of YOU !
Shed any insecurities you have about your art and create like you have never created before.
Go….time is being wasted.