Heavy snow is falling today emitting a calm stillness that gives way to joy and celebration. There is nothing like being inside on a cold snowy day with a cup of coffee, pulling out my paints and feeling that cozy warmth that engulfs one when creativity is waiting to be unleashed.
Snow days are the best!
Found a story I wrote after one of my workshops in Taos. This scene has played out many times with many students…(it was also me)…so I thought I would publish it and ask…
Do any of you recognize yourself?
There were lots of giggles and hugs as the women said their good-byes. They had come from all over the US and Canada to take this workshop in Taos, New Mexico.
Now it was time to clean the facility and Helen graciously said she would help. We swept, mopped and laughed as we relived all the class personalities.
When we finished I asked Helen if she would like to go for a margarita at Doc Martins, located in the historic Taos Inn. Doc Martins is famous for the number of celebrities that come to have a quiet drink without all the fan fare of being a star.
We chose our seats in an area so we could talk. Helen had come a long distance and was new to the art world. I liked Helen as she was curious, eager to learn, intelligent and she had inner strength.
As we sipped our Margaritas we started talking about art, painting and the struggles it brought. Helens eyes lowered and she looked into her Margarita for several minutes. I had seen this scene many times. I knew what was coming as I had lived what she was about to say.
My job was to listen intently. My job was to be silent.
Helen looked up with eyes that showed her desperation in being who she knew she could be.
I glanced at the bartender and my eyes told her we needed another round of Margaritas.
Helens questions spewed from her like a schoolyard fight. They were filled with anger.
Why had she waited so long to step into herself? At her age was there enough time? What if she tried and found out she wasn’t good at this? Can I learn all I need to know? How can I be a success? Could she handle possible failure? How would she ever be able to find her “painting style”? What would her children think of her attempts at painting? Would they laugh and roll their eyes?
But the biggest question came at the end…What if I open the door to my creativity and find an empty room?
So many questions all filled with paralyzing fear.
Helen looked up with a weary smile as she realized she had just spilled her soul. She laughed and said it must be the liquor.
What should I do, asked Helen.
My margarita glass was empty so I licked the salt around the rim. Looking Helen in the eye I said softly… When you awaken your inner giant you will find a passion that fear can’t touch.
Helen threw her head back and started laughing.
The sunset was beginning to embrace the distant mountains. Colors of fiery red, soft pink and intense orange mingled and spread across the New Mexico sky.
It is amazing what two margaritas and silence can do.
Let me know what you think…has this ever been YOU? gwen@gwenfox.com
Remember you can do and be anything you dream of being…it is never too late.
Check out the workshops below…come to Taos and spread your wings.
