Living My Life Out Loud and In COLOR
Courage - Step by Baby Step...
I'm Back!
Sometimes we choose to reinvent ourselves and sometimes we have help pushing us in new directions. Health challenges in 2024 led to periods of prolonged introspection, which in turn inspires me to change... Not to necessarily make revolutionary changes, but to evolve or change all the same. We are only given today - a priceless gift.
With every next step of the new way forward I am asking myself: "What do I want to be when I grow up?" These last two years have me creating a new chapter in my life-book - one based more solidly in faith than ever before. Faith, God, and many heavenly and earthly angels brought me this far in my life and I could not be more thankful!
So, with that awareness and gratitude comes an enhanced personal responsibility and conviction to 'give back' and 'pay it forward.'
Apologies for using those two clichés, but they apply and are easily understood by everyone. My new path has me inching towards new, uncharted territories - or it will once I get momentum and accurate direction-finding mechanisms in place.
"Hold On" - Sketch from 2024
This might give you a feel for how it felt for me, riding through that year - a year of miracles and joy.
Last year, had me inching forward in love, regaining my life, purpose, and art in a series of new "baby steps" of courage. In coming months, I will share examples of how I have slowly regained strength, healed, and pushed myself back into living my full (and best, hopefully) life - one baby step at a time.
Here are two of my new mantras:
JUST DO IT!!
IF NOT NOW, W H E N ?!?
2024 - The Aurora Borealis from my front steps!
Hope...
As I gradually become stronger (I am almost back to my 'normal' power levels), I remind myself that in my life my only true regrets (and thankfully, there are not many) have been the trips not taken, the calls not made, or the hugs not given when opportunities present themselves.
After a challenging 2024, I have been more fully living in the moment...each beautiful irreplaceable moment that is given to me. Any chance I have to live more fully, I am leaping at the opportunity. I have become one friend's "go to" girl for last minute excursions or adventures. I love that! (Keep me in mind...smile)
Most of my life has been (and still is to a large degree) all about PLANNING and GOALS and making/following TO-DO (or TO NOT DO) lists. In my two professions, I make and achieve short- and long-term goals, and then I always circle back and holistically reassess my life and purpose - in order to make necessary 'course corrections' and to move forward with more insight and intent. Last year was all about connections, relationships, and mindfulness - with gratitude and hope and faith flowering my journey. I am alive. I am vertical and mobile (thank God) and I realize that: I am only given TODAY. This moment. This connection. This experience. This beautiful life.
Here is one story of my new attitude taking shape in ways that I like...
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| https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQ26DZgM3C/ |
BALTIMORE EXCURSIONS & EXHIBITION
In September 2025, I drove into Baltimore for the first time in over 5 years.
My mission: Drive to a new gallery on Charles Street to drop off a painting for a show that opens this Sunday. My painting "Chasing Shadows" was accepted into the B-25 exhibition. This painting was inspired by the music and heart of Vanessa Collier.
Mindful of not amassing more regrets in my life, I shouldered my faith and courage and JUST DO IT mantra, got in the car on delivery day, plugged the gallery address into the WAZE App, and drove. The gas tank was full, coffee and water by my side, and it was a glorious day weather-wise.
Baby steps... This was me choosing to take a leap of faith after being selected to exhibit with a new gallery in the city, Quid Nunc*. I had not mentioned entering the competition to anyone. Truth be told, I did not tell anyone because I was fearful I would not go through with it! If no one knew, my shame at 'chickening out' would be known only by a handful of people.
But I did it - chanting to myself the entire time: Just. Do. It. Feelings of relief at my small achievement were topped by the extraordinary artwork I saw that day! I was thrilled to be a part of that exciting exhibition! That joy pushed fear into my rearview mirror. I believe that God gave me the opportunity for many reasons. One - it was affirmation for my art. Two - it got me out of my comfort zone. Three - I would meet new people and see a room full of artwork!
The day I dropped off my painting "Chasing Shadows," I was surprised when the Gallery Owner (a wonderful person, Nancy Blackwell) placed my painting on a narrow wall, asked to to step in front of it and tell her about my painting. I haltingly introduced myself and then (to my surprise again) found myself enjoying it. I was speaking to her about the painting and my inspiration and all the joy I found in the creation...and music...and the movement involved in my style of painting... You can listen to me telling the story of this joyful painting here.
B:25 Opening Night - Me in front of "Chasing Shadows"
* QUID NUNC - In Latin this means "What Now/Next." VERY appropriate to my story, right?! (For those who watch the Hallmark Channel, we would call this invitation a "God Wink."
The Moral of the Story?
JUST DO IT! I have found that INERTIA is my enemy. So is FEAR. That is why I am choosing action (JUST DO IT) and faith. Faith and fear are mutually exclusive.
Believe! And, while you are at it, choose to believe in yourself. The sky's the limit!
Thank you for your support and patronage. I appreciate you and look forward to engaging more in 2026.
Yours in Art & Gratitude & Faith,
Elaine
