OK, nothing like diving in with your eyes wide open and arms and legs akimbo. Woke up this morning and did my usual routine-shower, dress, makeup, lunches for me and the PeBu, and wake up the imp, and do my "social networking"-visiting the News Feed on Facebook...nothing unusual there....
But what did I see smack in the middle of my feed?
A post from my best friend Gabriele* 's aunt; announcing not only does Gabriele* have a blog, but an exhibit.
Yes, an exhibit.
Gabriele* hasn't shown any artwork since 1991, at Rivier's annual senior art exhibit. Talk about a kick in the pants.
I am very excited for her, and very proud. I know how she has struggled with her art for nearly 25 years, and tried to find her own identity, and it looks like she has finally gained the confidence and support she needs for this to be not only a commercial success, but a personal victory.
And so, indirectly, my sweet friend has once again become my muse.
I find myself flashing back to 1996 all of a sudden.
Ishtar...
Acrylic Paints and Watercolors...
Homemade Dinners and Red and White Wine
my first year at IJS...
Highlander....
Long drives and late nights...
Beach runs...
Concerts...
and trips to Cape May and Montreal...
Before Donald,
Before Bob,
BEFORE JOSH....
Before I knew that life could be so sweet and so crazy at the same time. Before I was so sick.
I am now committing myself to this blog, in all its excitement, and all its mundanity.
Thank you, Gabriele* for the inspiration.....you are so in my heart and so in my soul. I miss you....
Mine might be writing and hers may be painting, but we are one in our quest.
Maybe I, too, am afraid....
But why?
It's only words on a page, not a painting....
Each has it's own vulnerabilities and it's own revelations...
Mine is more private, more intimate...I choose my audience....
But to paint is to be set free and allow your intimacies to be exposed, your vulnerabilities to be left wide open for all to interpret.
So here goes something. I don't know where this will lead to, but we shall see....
*Name changed to protect and respect the innocent
