Sometimes there are seasons in our lives that grow and stretch us more than others.
Maybe it is my age.
I don't take a lot of stuff anymore.
I only spend my time with friends I cherish.
I am much better at making time for my art and other passions.
I am able to look at my life as a wife and mother and truly know that I am LIVING one of my biggest dreams.
I have also learned to Let Go.
Letting go of friendships that only tear you down and take your energy.
Letting go of worry.
This was (is) a big one for me. I have come a long way. It is unbelievable how much energy we can spend on all the things in this world we can not control.
Letting go of past hurts and forgive....whether there is EVER a reconciliation.
Forgiveness is just as much for me as it is for the other person.
Letting go of perfection...something has to give. Trust me..you will be soooo much happier for it!
Letting go of the image of yourself that you THOUGHT you would be and just embrace the one that you are.
This mixed media collage was created to represent for me all the things I want to let go of or have let go of.
When I look at it I also just smile because I know that my dreams have been heard and I am letting those dreams go.
Not giving up...releasing them.
*********************************
i love it jeanne!
so much wisdom & so much truth girl!
your collage is gorgeous
it is so much fun watching your gifts come to fruition
blessings!
Posted by: paige | January 21, 2010 at 12:56 PM
I got this quote from a friend and wrote it on the inside-front page of my calendar/planner so that I see it often...
****Bitterness is the poison you drink hoping for it to kill the other guy.****
Not sure if it is original to my friend, but it is profound to me... reminding me how unforgiveness on my part affects me.
Your collage is just beautiful.
Posted by: Christi | January 21, 2010 at 01:18 PM
What a gorgeous piece of art, and a wonderfully written post, Jeanne. I have gotten much better at letting go myself...still a work in progress, but I can definitely tell a difference. It has taken a lot of practice! xox
Posted by: Deb | January 21, 2010 at 01:26 PM
sorry i had to cut off early with the squeals of hungry kids.=) i wanted to add that i want to SEE this one in person before it's gone. the colors, textures, and sentiment are beautiful, jeanne!
Posted by: amy | January 21, 2010 at 01:28 PM
worry...that is one that i want to let go...i want to give my dreams flight and know that it takes time and patience to get those wings ready for flight...
beautiful collage...sigh...you are amazing...thank you!
Posted by: Kristin | January 21, 2010 at 01:41 PM
This art is breathtaking! Not just the visual images, layers and colors but the meaning it stirs. It is so beautiful to think of the expression of art moving from the seed of thoughts and ideas within the creator into the physical form for others to experience. It is just wonderful!!
Posted by: mkg | January 21, 2010 at 01:42 PM
Another great post! It hit close to home! i need to learn to let go...
Thanks for sharing!
Your collage is beautiful and inspiring!
Posted by: Sabrina | January 21, 2010 at 01:45 PM
that is so beautiful jeanne.
Posted by: the wild raspberry | January 21, 2010 at 01:50 PM
it is beautiful!
Posted by: karlene | January 21, 2010 at 02:00 PM
I need to come to those realizations you have. Thanks for sharing. So beautiful!
Posted by: Nora | January 21, 2010 at 02:08 PM
You hit me straight between the eyes today with this -- "Letting go of the image of yourself that you THOUGHT you would be and just embrace the one that you are."
Thanks for this post - you have no idea how much it speaks to me today.
I love your artwork too ... beautiful.
Posted by: Brooke | January 21, 2010 at 02:10 PM
Such a beautiful piece of art and words too.
Posted by: Lora | January 21, 2010 at 02:26 PM
OH.MY.GOSH!!! this is GORGEOUS!!! i love, love, love it!
I know what you mean, I have been working on releasing a lot of things, the biggest of which is worry. it is so hard but so important.
love your blog more and more
Posted by: Elyse | January 21, 2010 at 02:43 PM
You are an artist! Your collage is pure beauty. The colors and the textures...I'm in love!
Posted by: Flower Patch Farmgirl | January 21, 2010 at 02:47 PM
This is absolutely perfect for me, as that is my goal this year, to let go of the past!! yippee, I am working on it, it is hard and wears me down, but I am almost at the top of the mountain and I can taste it...! Thank you Jeanne for being so YOU!
Posted by: Tara | January 21, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Beautiful! Such great words to remember!
Posted by: Amy Jo Axe | January 21, 2010 at 02:56 PM
Oh my goodness, that is GORGEOUS!!!!!!! YOU ARE ONE VERY VERY TALENTED WOMAN! I love those hands especially! Such a great word picture from your heart to art!
Also love your words today in your post! It's so wonderful that you can see the mighty changes you've made in yourself over the years, like with "letting go of the image you thought you would be, and embracing what you are." I love that and needed to hear it today.
Keep flying Jeanne!
Lee Ann
Posted by: LeeAnn | January 21, 2010 at 03:24 PM
I can't believe you're letting that amazing piece of art leave your studio. It's your best yet in my opinion. LOVE the metal!! LOVE! You are amazing dear Jeanne. Truly amazing! I LOVE YOU very much!
Posted by: lissa | January 21, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Very beautiful girl, and I love the meaning behind it.
Posted by: Becky @ Farmgirl Paints | January 21, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Oh my goodness, that bird is beautiful. What a great piece!
...Letting go, makes so much sense :-)
Posted by: Annette Q | January 21, 2010 at 03:54 PM
what an inspiration you are Jeanne
Posted by: anne marie | January 21, 2010 at 03:56 PM
i am working on letting go of some things right now...your post was very timely for me...thank you for your words...the collage is quite lovely Jeanne!!!
Posted by: Lori | January 21, 2010 at 04:07 PM
I know where you're coming from...I have also had to back off from "friendships" that were toxic to me. It is hard to develop true friendships as an adult, but don't we treasure the ones we DO have!? I LOVE the artwork - simply beautiful! If I had $190 to burn, I'd buy it : )
Posted by: Destiny (The Ruffled Nest) | January 21, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Once again...you hit the nail on the head...must be that point in our lives. I have been muddled in neighborhood hoa issues and can I just tell you...I need a retreat away into my creative world. Time to get back to creating what makes me happy.
Your artwork is amazing and so perfect!
Hope you are doing well...I think of you often and will pick up that phone soon.
Love
Janet
Posted by: Janet Doherty | January 21, 2010 at 04:20 PM
I enjoy all of your post, but, I love this one. It was meant for me.
Blessings, Jeanneoli'. Ha!
Shawn
Posted by: shawn | January 21, 2010 at 04:24 PM