Of Blessings, Challenges, and Celebrations

I think we've all had those days, weeks, months, or even years that highlight the extremes in our lives; times of great joy mixed with those of great sorrow. Such has been my September.

The beginning of autumn - of the calendar year, and of our lives - is always a time for reflection, but never more so than now....

I've said before how incredibly blessed I feel to live this artful life, but it bears repeating. To spend my days with paintbrush in hand is a dream come true, and to see my work recognized is just icing on the cake.

In fact, I'm sure the people at the Lancaster Barnes and Noble thought I was a lunatic when I "eeeeeped!" out loud yesterday after sighting this copy of "Celebrate Halloween"...

There's a four page feature on the Ghoultide Gathering inside, and a photo of my work on page 59! I know this sounds silly, but I just never tire of seeing my creations in print. ;)

Another blessing arrived in the mailbox this week, from the studio of Canadian artist Hilary Leehane of Sea Beacon Art. I won this little gem in a giveaway last week...

It's titled "Pumpkin Garden on the Shore". Isn't it lovely? It looks like a place I'd love to visit just about now - so peaceful and serene...Thanks so much, Hilary!

Blessings came yet again in the form of a call from the vet giving all three cats a clean bill of health (yay!)...No more catching cats for vet visits (double yay!) And of course the blessings continue minute by minute hour by hour, as I immerse myself in this most magical season, painting flying leaves, starry skies and enchanted creatures...


There have been challenges as well; serious ones, as an insurance snafu cut short John's cancer treatment this month, as a dear friend battles leukemia, and as another dear friend nears the end of his journey in a long and valiant battle with diabetes and it's complications. I have such love and respect for these people, and remind myself of the challenges they face so bravely whenever I'm tempted to complain about some minor difficulty or inconvenience in my own life. Makes my aches and pains and stresses seem incredibly insignificant.

To quote Kurt Vonnegut "and so it goes"...The joys and sorrows coming together, the seasons changing, the cycle of life.

I'd like to add one final blessing, if I may, taking the liberty of speaking for those of us who make art for a living - the collectors; those of you who enable us to Do What We Do. Your support and encouragement mean the world, and we should celebrate you too. :)

Okay, enough reflection....back to the studio now!! Hoping to see many of you at the show, and give you a big hug in person....

♥ Carolee