Mid-Fifties and rediscovering who I am...
WHAT AN ADVENTURE!
Now that my nest has completely emptied with my 3 sons settling into their adult lives and my dear husband traveling with his business again, I finally have the time to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I have tried several different businesses...jewelry, skincare, natural wellness products...and have worn many different hats while working for the youth minister at a former church. I have taught Bible studies, craft classes, tablescaping, and first graders. I've even been on TV! Although I enjoyed teaching and sharing knowledge with women and children of all ages, none of these experiences have truly fulfilled me. Now, I am painting...and I love it!!! I look forward to seeing where this passion will take me. I must admit, though, I am scared.
At the end of this month, I am taking a BIG RISK and offering my paintings for sale. A big risk because I do not know how my work will be received. I am afraid that others will not like what I do. I am afraid that I am not good enough.
My family has been encouraging me to show my paintings for some time, now. So have my friends. But these are people who love me, no matter what. So that little doubting voice in my head keeps pecking away...But I am going through with it anyway! I will say, the more I paint, the better my technique gets. Those who have received paintings from me have seemed to really like them. And, yes, I have sold a few and have had requests for more. The ladies at our annual Christmas exchange were even fighting over one of my snowman paintings! This should have given me some confidence. But there is that voice again...
So I pray...and continue preparing for the show.
27 comments:
What a fantastic adventure! I am so glad you decided to go for it Jane! Although, if my friends saw that I told you that, they would probably tell me to take my own advice and go for it myself! I say that because I too am having cold feet about changing my career. I have been saying for a while now that I just do not know what I want to be when I grow up. Although I rarely post about the desserts and breads I bake, I love to bake. It is definitely my happy place. I have been told many times to branch out in that area but I just do not have enough confidence despite what my friends, family and clients tell me. As for you, if that dragonfly painting is an example of your work, I look forward to your show. I hope it will be local and something I can attend. I will definitely be praying for your confidence and success. If I can be of any help, please let me know.
Thank you for stopping by and the birthday wishes for my mom. On Friday I will show her the post and well wishes. I know she will be very touched.
~ Tracy
Oh congratulations! How exciting for you. I know it's a bit frightening, but if the piece you have on this post is any example, I think you'll do really well. When and where is the show? I hope you do a post on it and show us some of your work! Will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. Kathy
Dear Jane,
May you have a sweet week!
You're a blessed Lady and have some time to paint.
Tell the doubts to get out of the way 'cause Jane is gonna paint!!!
I cheer you are.
God has given you the talent and you will bless Him by using this talent.
It will satisfy something inside you when you are using this god-given gift.
Amen and amen,
d from homehaven
Hi...saw you at Bama Belle and wanted to stop by and say HI. I have enjoyed my visit here today.
I've just moved to FL and can't wait to visit St Augustine!!!
bless...shell
sounds like a beautiful thing to pursue...
Jane, I am so very excited! There is a major move coming for me but when I get settled, I am going to want one of my dear friends paintings!
I'm proud of you, Jane. A friend of mine started painting and felt the same way, and you know what? She's a huge hit... just like you're going to be! Love those dragonflies. They are so whimsical.
You follow your bliss. Go for it! :-)
Can't wait to see what you paint next!
XO,
Sheila
Fabulous Jane
As I say this is the year for risk taking!!! And the year for creative pursuits!!! I wish I could paint... as you have this gift I think you must pursue it and take that chance!!! You go girl!!!! xx Julie
YAY!! YAY for you!! You are gonna have a blast...and really? Isn't that what it's all about? Doing what makes YOU happy??
You'll never know until you put your stuff out there. TAKE A RISK...IT WILL MAKE YOUR BLOOD RUN HOT THRU YOUR VEINS AND FEEL SO GOOD!!!
Cannot wait to hear how you do!!! Love the dragonflies above. LOVE them!!
God has given you the talent and you will bless Him by using this talent.
It will satisfy something inside you when you are using this god-given gift
rihanna video
If you painted it and YOU love it, then that is all that matters !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do what you LOVE and you will always be happy.
xo
Jane!
Are you kidding? What talent you have! You need to go and read what I said in the giveaway post on Tues of this week. Basically, DO what you are passionate about! Make it a career. God blessed you, use is gifts to your full potential! I am so proud of you! And if you are interested, I would love to do a giveaway on my blog with one of your paintings. I am so very proud of you! You have a gift, there is a bit of you in all those paintings. LIke your children. And your art work can be loved and treasured and touch others. A gift! Congrats, Jane!
Stop by my place if you can. Would love to have you visit. And be sure to enter the giveaway!
HUGS!
Leigh
Tales from BLoggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com
Hi Jane! How much fun to find a new passion! And I love your dragonflies! It's never too late to start something new. Julia Child wasn't Julia Child until later in her life either! Keep us posted on how it goes!...hugs...Debbie
Even though we all know that following our heart and passion is the way to go..., it can expose lots of fear. It's a challenge..., worth taking!!! All the best!!!!!
Hi Jane,
Came over from Sit a Spell to say Hi to my fellow Floridian!! I LOVE Florida, and the coast is my fave, too, although I live inland about 45 minutes!
You go girl with selling your paintings!! I am embarking on my own little business venture soon, too!! It is a little scary, but so EXCITING!! I am 51 and can't wait to see what God does with it!!
I'll be back to check in! Your dragonflies are awesome!! Looking forward to seeing more!
Blessings,
Becky
Hi Jane~ ~It's so nice to meet you. I stopped by because of the story you told on Bill's blog about the lady from church. I think this woman has a splendid idea sharing her Sunday meal with someone in need. Just wanted to say thanks for the idea.
Then I see your getting set to branch out into a new creative endevor. Best wishes to you. Just do what you love you are being given a wonderful opportunity so focus on the best that could possibly happen and make it so.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
sounds wonderful.....Love your blog.. Hope you will stop by...I just added some extra giveaways...
So glad to have a few hours to blog hop.
Teresa
http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/
I think you will do beautifully! How exciting! Can't wait to hear how it goes for you.
Follow your dreams!
Good morning darling, how exciting for you. Each sell you make the new owner will certainly have a tresure. Best of luck.. hugs ~lynne~
Hi Jane, please dont ever doubt yourself my dear. Art is personal and it must be that way so just paint what you want and forget it, some people will love it and others wont. Thats life being an artist. But what is most important is not how many you sell. Its your creative journey. xx
Thank you Jane for the prayers and the encouraging words. I truly appreciate this and so needed it.
God bless you,
d
How exciting! Good luck on your new venture! Don't worry about it being liked, people look at art in different ways, they have different tastes, decors, etc. "You can't please all the people all the time!" I'm sure you will do well, you are very talented, and so personable! Enjoy yourself, it will be a fun time!
Katherine
Just dropping by to see if you read my comment and provide more encouragment!
Be sure to drop by Tales from Bloggeritaville today and enter the contest to win a vintage inspired initial jar. Good Luck!
HUGS!
Leigh Bratina
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com
Well hello!
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I definitely think you should sell your paintings! I know what you mean about the worrying about what others will think and will they think your work is good enough...that's exactly how I feel.
But you have to take a risk sometimes to follow your dreams.
And just remember not everyone likes everything....so don't get your feelings hurt if some people out there don't care for your work!
There will be many more people who will like your art and will be willing to purchase it!
Good luck in your new adventures!
Life sure is a journey:)
I just loved this post. It was like reading about me. I too, am an empty nester and I have tried my hand at so many thing. It is really a great gift to have this time! I have a wonderful marriage and grown kids, I am not worried about what people think or say about me- I know who I am. I don't feel like I need to acomplish this or that anymore... I am young enough to want to try new things, and old enough to not want to waste my time on silly things!
I think it it so wonderful that you are finding a passion and enjoying it. And I am sure you will be able to be successful as an artist. Your example is original, fun and you used such fabulous colors. Kudos to you! Embrace the gifts God has given you!
Yvonne
I too wanna wish you luck!
xoxo, Prefecta
Another Fab Day
Jane, I think your dragonfly piece is perfection for the senses. I love the colorful movement in the background and the dragonflies are whimsical with those big eyes. I love it!
Kudos to you for following your bliss! Good luck with the upcoming show. I think you are already successful just by jumping in and creating.
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