Here we are again, another year has passed and it's time to reflect. And I have been doing a lot of that I can tell you.
Last year, my theme was EXPLORE . I felt strongly that I needed to push myself and experiment more. I did and I learned that I can and want to include more fabrics, papers and embellishments in my illustrations. It gives me a freedom that I didn't have before so for that I'm grateful.
Also, I went to New York for the first time ever..and I flew alone!
That was definitely a form of exploration for me.
But what about this year? I have had such a hard time pinpointing a theme. I thought I had finally decided that it would be, DREAMS COME TRUE, but there's more to it than that for me this year.
I'm a firm believer that dreams do come true but it takes a lot more backbone than wishbone. Dreams don't come true just because we want them to, we have to work at it. And they certainly don't always come true when we want them to. I have accomplished way more than I could ever have imagined when I first started pursuing illustration in 2000. But my journey has been slow and although I had some fun assignments this past year, I didn't advance as much as I had hoped.
Roz "2000" would really be giving Roz "2008" a good kick in the arse if she read this because she'd see her as being ungrateful. But I'm not.
Doors really didn't start opening for me until I started working in felt in 2006. So much happened that first year that I felt like I had finally nailed it! The felt was unique enough to open the doors but because of its uniqueness, the need for it is less. And therein lies the rub.
But lets get to the core of how DREAMS COME TRUE.
TRUST
It's very proactive. When you trust, you're not blocking yourself with self doubt and frustration. I did too much of that last year and I lost my peace. This year I'm going to practice "letting go". If I know that I'm doing everything I can towards making my dreams a reality, then I need to relax. That alone can be very empowering. I drove myself crazy with the wishing, striving and wanting last year. So much wasted mental energy and I'm tired. I want to enjoy the process and trust that I will get there eventually and most importantly believe that I'm where I'm supposed to be right now. Life's too short.
TRUST. That's my theme.
This is a wonderful way to start the year!
You should be very proud of yourself not just in the way that you are accomplishing your dream, but that fact that you are an inspiring individual to lots of us who are inspired by you and your work.
Thanks, Roz!
Posted by: Nikki | January 02, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Oh, Nikki, you have made my day. Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me that! Your work is fabulous and I know you're going to have a great year!xo
Posted by: roz | January 03, 2008 at 08:06 AM
It's so ironic that I just wrote about casting off self-doubt in my post this morning. I like what you said about it sapping your energy, so you're not going to do that this year. You've accomplished so much success, but artists are still so sensitive, aren't we?!
Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: PaMdora | January 05, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Yes, Roz!!! You nailed it!! It'as that trust, blind faith in a way. Trusting in your journey and therefore, trusting yourself and your own intuition about things, and trusting the moves you make. Right on Roz!!
"...it takes a lot more backbone than wishbone..."
"And they certainly don't always come true when we want them to."
Wow!!! I love these quotes. You are also a writer, too..
:)
Posted by: kathy weller | January 05, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Yep! I can relate, Roz! I have to renew my mind constantly with the message of "resting in Him" and He'll take care of all my needs! :O)
Posted by: Phyllis Harris | January 06, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Oh Roz! You are there! You truly get it!! I'm so thrilled! Just wish instead, we were sitting across the table from each other when you spoke those words instead of reading them, because we'd havva field day together chatting back and forth! You are in a great, new spot in your life. A bright wonderful new beginning. I'm so thrilled for you. You're certainly in the right thinking mode. This will be your year. I'm so excited for you. Already, I can feel it!
Posted by: shawn | January 06, 2008 at 09:52 PM
What a wonderful post, Roz! This entry just resonates with me, especially the "more backbone than wishbone" part. I've decided to buckle down and really focus this year as well. I only hope I get as far as you have these last few years. You've done wonderfully, and I can't wait to see what else you accomplish this year!
Posted by: Dee | January 07, 2008 at 09:39 AM
This is wonderful Roz. And so true.... You have accomplished many things and you took risks and experimented.. see where it took you? Now you are an amazing illustrator working with felt a wonderful and unique style. Congrats friend!! :o)
Posted by: Alicia Padrón | January 07, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Oh you guys are so wonderful. Thanks so much for taking the time to post such encouraging words.
Heres to a great 2008 for all of us!
I look forward to going through the ups and downs with you all.
Posted by: roz | January 07, 2008 at 04:43 PM