Let's Drink a Cup of Kindness Now

New year, new me? Not really. Most of the changes in myself are so gradual and imperceptive I need about five years to look back and see the process. We like to think we all slowly get better with age, more wise, more discerning, less concerned about what others think. Some do. Some give up, dumb down, and wallow in self pity. Some become angry and bitter, usually out of some deep seated fear of change, which is also a fear, ultimately, that we will be closer to death in a world we don't understand anymore.

Ooooh, a nice touch of existential angst to start 2017. Hard to avoid it after the past year. Onward through the fog, as they say. Or as Carrie Fisher put it. "If my life wasn't funny, it would just be true. And that is unacceptable." Carrie's been through a lot more than I have. But she also writes better.

How am I getting better?
    I make art every day now. It is ingrained in my heart and soul.
    I still have a sense of humour. If I lose that.....see Carrie quote.
    I value kindness and compassion still. Still.
    I recover more quickly when people hurt my feelings.  OK, sometimes.....
    I am not afraid to let go of toxic people in my life.
    My health and fitness are still a top priority even when my aging body complains more.

How am I changing in less positive ways?
    I am more irritated with some people and less empathetic than I used to be with a lot of people.
    I really like to be left alone.
    I don't always choose my words as well as I used to. Brain filter has grown weaker.
    Passive-aggressiveness still kicks in. Also whining.
    I drink more wine. Hey I need that serotonin boost so I won't be angry and bitter.
    I don't always realize when I'm annoying. (OK, that's not a change but more of a fixed thing.)

That said, a bit of self reflection is always a good thing, even when it is uncomfortable. I just have to make sure self reflection doesn't turn into self justification.

Enough of that. Here's some art from the past year. Rather a mixed bag. Like my brain.

 Blue Betta. Art quilt submitted to SAQA touring trunk show. It will be on the road next year.

                                       From my Empty Bowl series. I had a Zen moment.

                                                  Two small pieces using monoprinting.

                                   November Light. Acrylic on cradled board. 20" x 20"

                      Two pieces for the annual Dia de los Muertos exhibit. Bowie and Prince.

 Another of my Moon Hare paintings. It was created over a landscape painting I made a big mess of.

                     Mr Badger, from my storybook animal series. Painted figure over monoprinting.

   Cat at Window. A collage on cradled wood board to cover up yet another failed painting. 20" x 20"

 Silk Road. Batik dyeing, quilting, and embroidery stretched over a cradled wood board. This is going in a fiber arts show next month.

Also I couldn't look back without one more look at my happy, wonderful dancers from my dance, Candycornucopia, for Flatlands Dance Theatre. A sure cure for 2017 angst.