Endings & Beginnings

This post is a little more personal than I usually get, but life's major events tend to make us philosophical, don't they? There are two stories here which merge in the end. One about my art and one on a more personal note.

Story #1: I am so excited to announce that my article in Art Journaling Magazine, Spring 2015 will finally run in the April 1st issue.  Six pages in the "Bound for Art" section!!  They confirmed this week. It is about using vintage papers and photos for collage to tell a story.  But, I've found sometimes the story comes much later. 

To help you visualize until I can post the article I randomly chose one of my favorite vintage collages to share. I completed this one several months ago.  It's called "Letters From Home" with vintage papers, a beautiful photo of children, a handwritten envelope from 1900, a "love" stamp and a vintage pen nib. I really love this one! Simple & beautiful. 

Letters From Home

 As you look closely at the bottom of the photo, notice the name of the town..."Wilson". I'd never really noticed that little detail before today. Now, hold that thought for story #2.......

Story #2: You never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball. At my last post I thought I knew where life was taking me.  Two days later it took an abrupt about face and I was faced with major change on every facet of my life. 

 So, if I've been quiet the last month I've just had a few things going on.  Faced with a hurt of the deepest and most personal kind, suddenly I was looking outside the state for a job, preparing to move, renting my house and all that that entails.  This is where Jypsy, my Airstream trailer, comes in. I just LOVE her!!

Meet JYPSY

Jypsy and I immediately went to visit friends in Key West to relax, gain some perspective and come up with a plan. Things started falling into place like clockwork and all of the challenges were getting checked off one by one. Confirmation you're on the right road, right?? 

So, TODAY is moving day!  A lot has happened in 5 weeks. Today I said my good byes and am moving on to exciting new adventures.

And though I hate to move farther from my family, I know they understand it's time for me to go.  Just like a beautiful sunset, at some point it has to come to an end so you can look forward to the next one.

My Key West Sunset

And here is where the stories merge. I'm leaving Florida and moving to a town called "Wilson!"  Go figure.... 

At first I thought "what a funny coincidence" I chose THAT collage, but I listened a little harder. I now believe it is just one more of God's confirmations that he has his best planned for me and was working on my behalf long before I knew.  

They say "Art Heals." I believe that's true, but the process may be different for everyone.  I used to think for me it was in the making of the art.  But work I did months ago speaks to me even today.

As always, thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share some personal thoughts. I will have new art up on Etsy and new tutorials up as soon as I can! Of course that's after I unpack my art supply boxes, which will be first in line!

Sandra Bullock says in the movie Hope Floats "Endings are always sad and beginnings are usually scary, but it's what's in the middle that counts." Make your middle count. 

Jan