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Edith Garcelon's avatar

At 83, I am there. A quiet acknowledgment of my capacity, and my growing desire to use every ounce on the few things that matter. NOT for appreciation by others. Just the things that keep the fire burning in my soul ❀️‍πŸ”₯πŸŽΆπŸ¦‹

Nice Shindo's avatar

Edith, I am almost 70 and I want to be like you when I grow up...

Kathy-Musings From the Art Den's avatar

You are spot on and it’s funny in a non-coincidental way (because there are none), that I was thinking about this just this morning and then told my husband it’s time to get my art den better organized and set up so it isn’t such a blight on our home.

I tend to stop noticing mess after a while because I grew up surrounded by it and had to adjust to it. But when I notice it, I have to tidy and organize.

I just hit that point today. So, it’s time for better lighting and some storage. I go through my supplies on the regular and tend to give it away faster than I could, but when I’m done with a creative passion, I’m done.

I love that Thomas Kincaid devoted his life to his art and the craft of it. I want to devote myself to creativity too, but there are so many creatine endeavours I love besides painting and writing, I’m not sure I could let them go. But the idea of it is very appealing indeed.

Never say never!

Deb Konrad's avatar

Love this! I have been thinking a lot lately about the multiple interests I enjoy in life. Art, sewing, reading, genealogy research gardening…the list is quite long. I enjoy each and every one of them, they are a part of me, they feed my soul, my quest for knowledge and creativity. Problem is that there are just so many hours in a day. What to do? Focus on one thing? Schedule time for each one? I don’t do any of these things because others expect them of me. Throw a cancer relapse, treatment and the fatigue that comes with it into the mix and it becomes a real conundrum.

Linda Olson's avatar

Hmm…I chose balance as my word to ponder. And maybe that’s ok. You are giving me food for thought on what balance really isβ€”listening to the small voice inside and following.

I’ve been following the monks who are walking for peace. Last night, the lead monk spoke of putting down your love for a while. He wasn’t talking about your spouse, he was talking about your cellphone! It bombards with urgency that isn’t urgent, it isn’t what’s needed. He spoke of focusing on your breath.

I thought of what you have been teaching and telling us, Monica. Breathe. Listen to the small voice. Clear out the clutter. Focus on who your really are. Break out of the chains. πŸ₯°

Gotta go now. I need to put this down, head to my study and focus on my breath. 😘

Nice Shindo's avatar

I am ready to clear out all kinds of noise, external and internal. A friend used to say...'the committee in my head never stops talking'. I am firing the whole committee for starters! Spacewise, I have been doing it, slowly, but I hear my soul telling me constantly...'free space, purge what is not needed or useful or relevant, really relevant'. Thank you Monica!

Beverly Ruane's avatar

Monica, you know this story and what you said really hit home for me. I know we’ve talked about it some. Sometimes I would like to be that painter because I think that may be the only way to be able to focus on my longings to accomplish what I need to, the alone time with my own thoughts. I love my family, friends, church, and enjoy all the things I’m doing which are not only for others but for me, too; although those things don’t seem to include my deep desires that my heart needs. Doesn’t leave much time for anything else.

Anitra Carol Smith's avatar

Ready to clear out the names of people in my contact list need not be in my life anymore

Kim Rody's avatar

WHAT movie are you referring to? I can’t find it.

Kim Rody's avatar

I tracked down β€œart for everybody”. I’m a bit confused.

Monica Hebert's avatar

I don’t know anything about art for everybody. I do know there’s even a Wikipedia page for the movie: β€œ Thomas Kincaidβ€˜s Christmas cottage” check YouTube

Monica Hebert's avatar

The movie about Thomas Kinkade’s life is called β€œThomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage.”

It was released in 2008 and stars Jared Padalecki as a young Thomas Kinkade. The film is a semi-autobiographical story that focuses on Kinkade’s early years and how he found inspiration to become β€œThe Painter of Light,” particularly through one pivotal winter season when his family was struggling and his mentor (played by Peter O’Toole) helped shape his artistic path.

Kim Rody's avatar

What a rabbit hole! There is a recent documentary on him which appears a bit derogatory . I’m an artist and he has always intrigued me for a number of reasons. I’m looking forward to watching both movies. I can’t find anyone streaming the second one yet, so I will start with the Christmas movie. Thanks!

Monica Hebert's avatar

Oh. I’m not at all trumpeting Mr. Kincaid. My post is about the elder artist who mentors Kincaid

Kim Rody's avatar

Oooohhhh good!!! (Whew). lol