a mishmash of art, words and snow

Loneliness is the poverty of self;

solitude is the richness of self.

May Sarton

(micron pen and acrylic on paper)

There's a huge difference between being lonely

and being solitary.

I am a solitary person.

I am rarely lonely.

I rather enjoy being alone,

with my books,

and writings

and paintings,

and thoughts.

this doesn't mean i don't enjoy the company of others -

i just more often prefer to be by myself.

I believe (like May Sarton),

that this is often where we find our own richness.

My best writing

or painting

is done when i am alone.

when i am not comparing myself to anyone.

when i am listening to myself

rather than being drowned out

by someone else's voice,

or perspective,

or talent

or genius.

(micron pen on paper)

With the world at our fingertips today,

it is so important as artists

to let ourselves be inspired by others

without letting ourselves be diminished

by everyone else's greatness.

Comparison paralyzes creativity.

So if you are here to make the world a better place,

in your own way,

it cannot be done if you compare yourself to others.

They are they,

and you are you. :-)

we're getting a snowstorm today.

It will be a white christmas after all. :-)

 

And this, a lovely handmade card i got from Lorinda last week...

reminding me that there are better days ahead,

and that love can be expressed in more ways than one.

She actually thanked me for having inspired her.

That just made my heart swell. xox

and speaking of love,
how great is this?!
Check out the bookworm bookmark. :-)

Colouring books i got from Doodlers Anonymous -
drawings done by artists from all over the world.

Love on paper.

i bought them to give as Christmas gifts,
but i think i may need to order a few extras for myself.

You even get a chance to have your doodles in the next book!

how fun are these faces?

oh yeah, i'll need to get extras for myself.

I'm kinda thinking it's a good thing i wrapped them already -

otherwise, i'd be colouring right now. :-)

xox