Saturday, July 16, 2011

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Dorothy, using all Graphic 45 papers
Follow the yellow brick road. It all sounds so easy, until you hit the sign that says this way, no that way. This art journey that so many of us are on is not unlike the little road to Oz.
For some, art is a hobby, a kind of sanctuary. A place to go after a grueling day on the job or where one can go to get away from the demands of kids, husbands and life in general. For others it's a job, and for some it's both.
For me, it's both. Before it was a job, it was my place to escape. I could get in my zone and get lost for hours doing whatever I want. For the last 2 years though it has been a business. A very serious business, replacing a not so bad paycheck. With that comes a lot of decisions. I wish my yellow brick road had more concise signs. But like Dorothy, I run into the same signs, pointing in every direction.
Which way? Publishing, licensing, teaching, selling. Do we go in all four directions? Do we try a little of each? Which first? Can it all be done?
I ponder it all, I make lists, I make game plans, I set goals. As I sit here and decide to take the next leap, I find that I am not unlike Dorothy trying to find her way. I come across people who help, people who need, and challenges to be met. I do feel like my land of oz is not far off. I have a feeling though when I arrive, there will be yet another road to follow. Or maybe the yellow one doesn't end. Perhaps Oz is just meant to be experienced at a distance. I know one thing for sure. The yellow brick road has been a most interesting journey, full of many characters and places to stop along the way. I will keep happily skipping on until I find the end.

8 comments:

  1. Fabulous! I wish you luck on your yellow brick road!

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  2. Love, love, love!!!!! Absolutely fabulous!!!

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  3. I think it was the American Novelist and Poet Don Williams, Jr. who said "The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same.

    Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”

    Keep happily skipping girlfriend !

    XoX p

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  4. Well, which ever way the road takes you, I'm glad your book came across my road. I absolutely love it.

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  5. Julie,

    I know exactly how you feel. When you are ambitious and have many goals to meet it's hard to know how to best get there. Some days you dont want to skip, you want to run, while others you would rather leisurely walk, and then there are times you just want to take a seat and give up. it takes lots of courage to make art professionally. Courage I surely dont have. I admire you so much for choosing this road, let alone walking on it. Hoping our paths keep crossing : )

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  6. She is lovely! I love the blue on her as it reminds me of 'Dorothy's' dress. She is very sweet. I had a blast a few weekends ago making paper dolls with a couple of young girls - they loved your book!
    Looking forward to seeing what comes from your journey as I am enjoying your book so much!
    Hugs and blessings

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  7. I love this! I wish I lived close to take a class from you. Love your work :) Thanks for sharing , Pam

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