Having Strength.....A Gentle Reminder

Everyone needs gentle reminders. For example, "You look really nice today" or, "Have you lost weight?" Gotta love those. It's a part of human nature to need compliments. Even the silliest of compliments can bring a rather ho-hum day into rather yippee day. We also need reminders to watch our words when we have crossed a line of friendship or have caused pain to one another. Of course those reminders are as hard to give as to receive. Today I was reminded of several things, and they did not come from spoken words. I was telling a friend that I feel a little underwhelmed with creating right now. Getting ready for shows is exciting then during the shows you are constantly getting your compliment tank filled....and now it's sorta quiet around the house and there is no one there to say, "Now, what are these painted on? I really like the texture....etc" But as I sat in the studio today piddling, I turned to see this hanging on the wall. A gentle reminder that I do make good art, from one of my biggest fans. Now is a time of recharging and refocusing. Something I have a hard time doing. So many directions.....so many ideas......


Another gentle reminder came today as I was cleaning my icky van. I'd forgotten I even owned it until I found it nestled under a pile of CDs. A little ring with the word STRENGTH etched into it. Yep. Strength. It was something I found in a boutique and had to have. You ever encounter this...you are drawn to an object for personal reasons? Finding the ring was another gentle reminder that I really needed. Webster says many things about this word, but my favorite is this: the quality or state of being strong: power to resist force. This time of year is the hardest for my little sister and I. It's personal, but let's just say that strength is definitely a driving force for the next 18 days as we await Christmas. As I am reminded to remain strong during this season of such joy and hope, I am ever thankful for gentle reminders. I am a strong woman. And am thankful for the strength that is within my heart to see this.