This year early on I wrote about collaboration vs competition and have found that this year more than any other this seems true. I feel like a sponge wanting to absorb what I can from those around me and support/uplift where I can.  As I was at the the Creative Painting show last week I spoke with someone and said anything I share has come back to me tenfold.  When someone says to me that I inspired me it comes back to me in so many ways.  I just want to create and share more.

That comes from collaboration and knowing that you can never stop learning.  Be open to change and be humble. I will dig in,work hard and always do my best…work harder and smarter.

I do have to remember that I cannot give too much because that is possible.  You cannot please everyone.  I have a family, home, friends, life that means more to me then anything. I have a passion and job that takes me to places I never imagined.  For that I am thankful.  So as I embrace new things I am mindful of working with others…learning.  Who knew the stuffy English Artist Andy Skinner and myself would collaborate.

Who would have thought I would be working alongside Doxie Keller!  (I would love to spend a day painting with Doxie!)

In April I will be working alongside Mark Montano AGAIN…CLICK HERE for more information on Paint-A-Palooza

Embracing those opportunities to stretch myself as an artist and person. This month  I need to come up with a masterpiece to share with the world using a color palette I would never use! Yes I am scared….what if I fail?…I tried. (don’t you dare tell Andy Skinner my knees are shaking!)  That is all that is important.  Thankfully art is in the eye of the beholder.  I know my art is not for everyone.  But it has given me to the voice to be heard.

I share this because I want so many others to do this…collaborate in life.  In art, work, faith……It will stretch you and be uncomfortable. Maybe don’t do it on social media LOL.

Challenge yourself! and take chances no matter how scared you are.  Each of these photos I took I reminded myself that I love what I do and love to share it….

Nothing is too late until your tired heart stops beating.  If you’re reading this right now, congratulations, you are alive, which means it’s not too late for you.  Things can change if you want them to at any age.  Right now you can choose differently and make something new happen.  Your future is immediate.  Grab on to it with both hands and keep on moving on.  When you come up on a roadblock and are faced with the choice of sitting down and doing nothing or doing something to make further progress, choose the latter.  Think, work, and climb if you have to.  Move your life forward.”