Recently, I was able to tell a story about how many interesting prophecies there were in my life. Not only were these interesting coincidences within my art, but they also popped up in my creation of music, as well. Perhaps many of them were sad prophecies, but in the end – I am thankful I can view my life’s journey as meaningful and inspiring.
The magazine cover for the painting I gave Jason’s cardiologist.
An illustration assignment done while in Nancy’s class.
My first seashell painting.
In 1992, my Snicker’s Bar illustration won the gold medal for the “unpublished category” at the annual Society of Illustrators, Los Angeles show.
My 5-year-old son, Jason, was with me when I received that award. He died later that year.
I wasn’t sure what I was hoping for after I sent my maze to Barbra Streisand’s foundation. Dreaming was fun, but I didn’t want to have high expectations and be disappointed. So at the most, I hoped my maze would actually reach her.
Well it did!!
When I received a letter from her foundation a few days ago, my heart was pounding with excitement. I didn’t rush to open it. First, I took a few deep breaths and finally I was ready.
Well, it was definitely another letter to treasure. My maze is hanging in her home office and I am thrilled thinking about it!
I’m excited to share another story-telling performance. This one was about being a food artist. I’m sure I’ll have many other stories to tell later on about my art career!
Last night, I told a short story about my art career. The theme was food – so that was perfect for a food illustrator like me. I even had my make up done professionally beforehand for fun!
I loved my ending – how after four decades my art went from being a job, to being a joy!
I am excited to share my newest venture of collaborating with a professional vocalist!
Since my fall in early April, I have continued to follow a creative path. Despite terrible pain in my pinky, I drew several new mazes. I worked with a wonderful hand therapist, and watched the miracle of healing unfold for my “pinky hero.”
I cried with joy when less than two months later I was able to play tennis again. My game was as good, or even better than it was before my fall!
I wasn’t sure if I could hold the racquet well, so I first went out to hit against a backboard.
My post title is a lyric line from my newest song named “Take My Hand.” I spent a lot of time recording the guitar tracks and a vocal. I’m especially excited that a good friend (who was a former Vegas back-up singer) is going to explore harmony for it with me.
Recording the guitar arrangement was definitely an artistic exploration. It took me three separate sessions to capture the lower guitar. I was completely inspired as I layered that track with nylon lead melodies, harmonics, strums and high finger picking.
Below is my guitar arrangement for “Take My Hand.”
I hear your voice” is a beautiful way to describe another vocalist singing one of my songs. I’m glad that I was open to collaborating with Tina Brunk, who is another Insight Timer teacher. She did a gorgeous rendition of my song “My Shining Star.”
Ironically, the line “I hear your voice” is also repeated in “My Shining Star.” Until I wrote this post, I didn’t realize that. Sometimes such coincidences are hard for me to believe!
It’s a little crowded in my bedroom when I’m recording!
Eventually, I put away the microphones in my bedroom. I am now working on a new painting. I’m grateful that I can switch from music back to art again. My pinky has definitely healed, and holding a paintbrush is easy.
I am painting asparagus!
Next week, I am performing again at Story Salon. This time, I plan to speak about my career as a food artist and I’m looking forward to it. What a blessing that at this time in my life, I can do all the things I love – without worry and stress.
myjourneysinsight 