Sometimes it all just seems like it’s too difficult to keep going – too utterly exhausting to continue with the artistic dream.  Too hard to keep persisting and striving for that perfect finished piece that will win the hearts of gallery visitors, or to keep clawing  my way towards the ultimate….a week filled with painting and nothing else.  The dream of finishing up ‘paid work’ and leaving the corporate world behind.  Leaving behind ridiculous deadlines and meetings and driving to an office everyday.  Sound familiar?

The dream lives within me and then every now and then it fades…. and fades…until it nearly disappears and the flame starts flickering dangerously looking like it might expel…. and then I get a hit.  A HIT out of nowhere – it’s  completely unexpected and it jolts me  – it jolts me back into action and to feel that fire again – the fire in both my belly and in my heart -and it keeps me keeping on……

The dream of ‘living’ my artistic and creative lifestyle.  I can see it.  It’s me and my gorgeous family, my easel straining with the burden of many new ideas, surrounded by canvases and divine paints and colours and varnish and fabric and ribbons  – with my loyal collie resting by my feet.  It’s so close sometimes.

My most recent ‘hit’ was words said to me by a dear and trusted friend.  She said that  any activity that keeps you going for many hours into the night, long after everyone else has gone to bed, is obviously worthwhile pursuing and fulfils the soul.  This is me, in my kitchen, painting in the evenings after the kiddies are tucked up.  It’s me starting a new canvas when my body is bone tired and is telling me to collapse onto the sofa and watch telly.  Sometimes I do, but more often than not the fire within me keeps me going.

Thanks to those who offer kind and generous words of encouragement.

K