Ages and Stages

In my work, I have been focused on a particular face, following her progression through the stages of her young life... I seem endlessly facinated by the subtle changes that have taken place, and endlessly frustrated by my inability to capture those moments accurately.

Here's the latest stage in my latest efforts. Still a very long way to go, but, that's ok, I've got time...

In my life, I have been focused on that same face, following along in her progression through this world, hopefully shaping her mind and soul in the proper paths, in goodness, in light... showing her the beauty and life in all the little things around her... hoping against hope that she shall manage to survive that treacherous stage that will only too soon be upon us: Teenager. It's a frightening thought, but, I'm actually looking forward to it... I must be losing my mind, I know, but, I'm so liking the person she is becoming, I'm eager to see the child become the woman... I'm eager for her to change from the tentatively learning into the confidently striding... She's smart enough and determinedly stubborn enough to be able to do anything she wants to. I can't wait to find out what exactly that is!

I can only hope that I will have instilled in her enough of a desire to follow her dreams, that she will. That I will have given her enough freedom of will that she doesn't find her goals impossible to reach, or that she feels she must put them aside in order for someone else's priorities to be realized. It's important to me that she learns to put herself first, because, in the end, no one else will. The disease to please is a cycle I want stopped in my generation, so that she can actually truly realize her greatest potential.

I've recently found an old friend on the 'web... someone I hadn't heard from in what he claims to be 23 years... (Not possible I say - after all, I'm only 29, right? So what if it's for the 15th time?!)

It's hard to imagine that it was that long ago that we were plotting and planning our futures... bright eyed and naive in our trust in the universe, that if we just worked hard enough, we'd get what we wanted. I guess though, in the end, we were right. He's about to give up a very lucrative position in order to finally follow that dream, and if there's any justice in the universe, he'll be just fine...! I know I'm rooting for him, and any self-respecting guardian angels out there ought to be doing the same.

Here's to ya kiddo...! You deserve it... now just go get it!

I spent the past two weekends wanting desperately to paint, but, unable to find even a minute to do so... I guess that's all part of the game isn't it? Juggling motherhood, job, household chores and the desire to paint means that somethin's gotta give... for me, it's a no brainer... The CHORES should wait!! Painting comes first!! :D

If only...!

The last painting I did focused pretty equally on a self portrait that I've been struggling with, and a 3/4 length portrait of my Kaitie. The SP is shaping up well, although I think I went at it ass-backwards, so I may have to start it over... no problem there, just need to plan it better next time, huh? Kaitie's portrait is coming along nicely... might just be the best thing I've done yet...! Then again, that seems to happen a LOT...progress is progress, now ain't it?

I need to get some better shots - I'll post them both in a day or so... Promise!