Ready to Bloom

I had mentioned in an earlier post that a decision had been made in my life. Well, that decision was to quit my job and follow my creative path. The idea solidified while I was on vacation and I reached a point of clarity about what I was doing with my life, what I wanted to do and what I didn't want to do. I realized that I have stayed too long at my current career. Yes, it was a means to an end. There was a reason for it. I was able to work from home. I am so thankful that I didn't have to leave Leila every day to go to work. I think this has meant a lot as far as her growth and development and her sense of security. I remember my mom being home with us, and I wanted that for her, at least until she got into school. And I plan on being there when she gets out to check on her day and make her a snack and help with her homework.

I had gotten to a crossroads where I could feel my creative spirit dying. So much of my time was being taken up by WORK that there wasn't anything left. Even though I had orders for art to be filled, I was working double time, becoming cranky and frustrated. Something wasn't right and I felt trapped. More than a few times, the words "this job is killing me" passed my lips.

Now, it seems like a magical key has been turned somewhere in the Universe. I feel like I finally "get it". Yes, I am freaking out a little bit here and there. But I catch myself and remind myself that it was almost as if I didn't have a choice. The time feels absolutely right for me to walk this path and see where it takes me, to honor my creativity, to see what I can do if I put my energy into it. I am excited and thrilled to be on the verge of devoting myself to myself. In those moments of panic (usually about lack of funds) I remind myself that I can get a job. I have skills a'plenty and to handle that if it comes up. Maybe it won't....EVER.

So, now I need to finish out the week, listen for gentle reassurances that the universe is on my side, indulge in my dreams, and know that I am a creative spirit ready to bloom. I am so happy and proud to be an artist!

Island Time

We are back from Sanibel and needless to say it was a great time. A part of me lives for this time in the summer, to escape, to live a different kind of life. It is dreamy and hot. It is eager activity early in the morning and languidness in the late afternoon. It is a traditional lobster feast on our first day there. It's about meeting friendly like-minds and, most importantly, about slowing down.

Leila and I stayed on 3 days after Tim had to go back and it was nice to have the time to ourselves. A mother and daughter exploring the beach. I found myself wanting to hold onto every moment.


We decided to help clean the beach on July 5th. I'm sorry to say that it wasn't a very long walk before we had filled a garbage bag full of remnants of the July 4th celebration the night before. I'm not sure if I'm more disheartened about the possibility that people aren't aware of how much damage this is doing to our planet or that they just don't care. Hello, you dirty litter bugs, this is OUR HOME.

Whew! Anyway, I was proud that our little clan did our part to take care of Mother Earth, to protect this beautiful place. And we were rewarded with this....

yes, a pod of dolphins and an awesome pink and lavender sunset. If that's not Mother Nature wrapping her arms around us and saying thank you, I don't know what it... plus this......

I was just telling Leila about where I was born, the land of Rainbows, Hawaii, and what appears but this beautiful full bow.

Plus, on the last day, we were going to go swimming in my parent's pool, but it was cloudy and it started raining. So we waited and waited for it to stop. My Dad looked out the window and said it looked like it was getting heavier. Leila was getting bummed at this point, so I said let's try a rain, rain go away chant. We did it, and I am not kidding you, my dad looked out the window and declared "It stopped!!" I thought he was kidding us, but he wasn't.

I tell you, we were in the flow and it was Magic!