Have you ever just felt like giving up in everything? Felt like nothing you do is good enough...that, in fact, you have failed at every single thing you’ve ever attempted?
I have.
That’s why I threw my hands up a few months ago and pretty much gave up on everything in my life. Especially my art. I have loved my art journals and art journaling in general so deeply for so long and even it hasn’t been able to raise me from the depths of my pool of self pity, from my fear, from the search for my muse.
I’ve had nothing. There was nothing inside of me so certainly I’ve had nothing to give.
Today, this very day, I felt this little stir inside me. Something was pushing me to break out my art journal (the one covered in dust that I was afraid would never be opened again) and I just tried to let whatever was in me to just flow. I watched episode after episode of Saving Grace on Netflix to keep me from thinking too much. And it happened.
After months, it finally happened.
This happened...
It’s by no means the best work I’ve ever done but after such a painful drought, my gawd this felt so good.
So, why am I back here? Because I know I’ve let each of you down. I feel like such a piece of dog poo about it, too. I have just had absolutely nothing, nothing whatsoever to give.
I’m sorry.
And I want to let you know, I will be opening up and sharing things on a much deeper level. I believe this may help me to not shut down the way I have done in the past. I know that I have got to be gentle with myself...and each of you need to remember to be gentle with yourselves, too.
WHEW....
Now, let’s get back to where we were before I so abruptly exited, stage left...
Lettering. I love lettering and exploring different forms of lettering. I came across this on Pinterest today and fell in love with it. I also knew I needed to share it with y’all, too.
First, I don’t have any idea who’s work this is (you know how Pinterest can be), but I would love to give credit to the right person, so if you know, please tell me.
Now, look at the wonderful lettering here. There are so many great examples to take inspiration from...3-D letters, script, printing, big letters, small ones...just a feast for the eyes.
I will be trying a few of these out tonight. Hope you will, too.
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Barb
Thank you so much for the heartfelt from the gut truth- it touched me and I feel you & I have been there too. It is easy to forget that under the winter of our creativity a seed of new beginning grows. There are times, where, like a pregnancy- no amount of effort will make it happen until it is TIME for it to happen. Winter is needed, a necessary part of healthy transformation- now gradually, gently you can bloom again at your souls natural pace, renewed. Smiles & hugs to you
ReplyDeleteAuset
So glad you're back. We all go through times like this and the best comfort is to remind yourself that "this too shall pass. ". Sending a big hug your way.
ReplyDeleteI think creative people inevitably have these fallow times, & I agree with Auset that sometimes they're needed. You didn't let us down -- for folks who've followed you for a while, we know you've had personal adjustments to make that were *very* important & you had to take care of Real Life. After all, it's life experience that fuels what we have to say... right? All that stuff is percolating in the background, & will find its way out eventually.
ReplyDeleteNo guilt or harsh self-criticism: Be gentle with yourself & nurture that little stirring, whether it's with art journaling or an afternoon walk noticing the signs of spring that are shyly starting to peek out. We're here when you are :-)
It's good to have you back but I so get that you needed the brake. You put so much of yourself out there for us, and we are grateful for that. Just don't forget "you can not give all as you need some for you.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Vicky x
Stepping away for a moment is good for all of us. I have learned much from looking back in your blog while you were away and look forward to seeing what you come up with next (no pressure). BTW, nice come back piece. Love the color and the background work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Your art journaling inspires me!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are back. I get it. I haven't made art, or blogged, in ages.
ReplyDeleteFYI - I found the original of the lettering sample: bottlemeasunset on livejournal.com in organizers. Her work IS wonderful!!
I am sorry to say i completely know how you've been feeling, I'm so glad you've been able to fight your way back. for myself it has taken nearly a year to get 'back in the saddle'. I've only just found your post,having had a quick peek at some of your previous entries - they look very inspiring and I hope to give them a more detailed read very soon. keep fighting those doubting gremlins, may your art muse remain creative.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're back! And please don't feel guilty. We all have periods in life that seem to be just too dark. But you came out of it, which means you are strong and powerful. Everybody needs to take a break from time to time. I know there will be many more wonderful and creative things that you'll share with us. Thanks for everything! Hugs. :)
ReplyDeleteOh boy! Did your post ever hit a cord within me!!! This is exactly how I have been feeling today. I'm SO GLAD I was surfing my old haunts today and found this! It cheered me up so much that I will probably be able to work in my journal today! BiG HuGGs! Debi
ReplyDeleteThank you for having the honesty to speak from the heart.
ReplyDeleteWe all go through periods of our lives where we just think 'Ahh okay maybe tomorrow....' But as we all know Tomorrow NEVER COMES.
lm a new member to your blog l hope to visit a lot more in the future.
Creativity is a wonderful gift. Along with Education and Knowledge it is the things that helps us grow as people, it enriches our lives and gives us the tools to communicate and hopefully be better people
Thank you...
Hey,
ReplyDeleteYou are doing an amazing job and this blog has inspired me a lot in just one hour of reading your blogs. I was very upset to hear about you givig up, but I am really glad you got back up on your feet and started to blog again. I am actually a scrapper and I scrap sometimes when I find some time and space. Art has been something I have always been in touch with even since I was a child. I have this habbit of collecting things such as movie tickets, cards, gift wrappers, things I find will stay as a memory to me. I also have a doodle journal where I actually paste these things and draw and express my feelings through art. I have been doing this ever since I was 15 years old. I also had a time in my life where I had given up on everything, but I found things I lov doing and made my self rise again. I am curruntly in the child and youth worker program and art journaling will be my life saver in this field. It will by my ways of getting rid of all the stress! That is why I want you to continue this for people like me. I am really looking forward to more of your work and help.
P.S.
Please continue this blog for people like me!
Your FAN!
I am so glad you came back, too, especially since I just came across your blog and loved it!!! Thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteJust found you from pinterest and I am SO GLAD! Love it over here, thanks for your tips and ideas that you share. Can't wait to look through more of your posts. We all feel stuck or inadequate at times, keep up faith in yourself because from my viewpoint, you are pretty awesome!
ReplyDeleteKate