Saturday, October 30, 2010

Times Like These

It's been a tough year for a lot of people....myself included. These Art Streets are mean streets these days. Spend way too much time hanging out at the corner of Frustration and Overwhelm waiting for the light to turn green. It does....I start walking... and I get hit by a big old truck with Torn Rotator Cuffs Are Us written on the side. What's a girl to do?

Well no one would blame me if I just took some time off and did a little window shopping for a new dream. But ya know what? I like my old one just fine, thank you. It's my dream...my mixed media dream and it was given to me by a God who meant for me to have it. You got one of those? A God-dream? Well if you do my friend you've got to fight for it. No rolling up the sidewalk on your street and calling it a day. Dreams are important and sometimes you've just got to fight for them. Dress yourself in that Armor every day and kick some dream-killing ass. When people bring you their negativity, telling you that art will never take care of you....well you just kick some of that too.  And that is best kicked with confidence, determination and never-give-up-ness.

And here's another little thing I learned....a little thing that will turn everything you do on it's ear if you will live by it. Times tough? Do something for someone else. Make it about someone other than you. Money tight? Give your last ten bucks to the guy who has ten cents. Are you hurting? Hold someone's hand who is hurting even more.  In need of something that will make your life better....give some stuff away. Be available to the world around you and you will stir things up in ways you never imagined. 

So in the midst of fighting for that dream of yours...don't forget to play a part in helping someone else fight for theirs. Stand firm. Stand tall. Ain't no kind of wind can blow us over when we are on the side of what's right for us. Oh sure...I might bend in that wind a little, but that's just cause I'm stretchin'.

Love You. Mean It.

26 comments:

Nan Nix said...

I needed to hear this...right now...right at this moment. Thank you, KC!

canngil said...

Lead the way, KC! you are so right!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I wish you could know how timely this was for me...wish I could give you a big hug for the insight...Bless you

Angela Richardson said...

Your words really rang true this morning. Why is life such a roller coaster?
A ggod post to read when things aren't so good.

Bohemian said...

Very inspiring Post... I fully believe that hand-made Art will never go out of style and there will always be a demand for creative genius! In this mass produced world it is refreshing that Artists are still creating OOAK pieces and even though I'm an Artist myself I always support other local Artists... doing my part to stimulate the economy! *wink*

Dawn... The Bohemian

Healing Woman said...

This is a very inspirational post that you have written so beautifully.

Thanks for the uplift. You said all the things I already know but forgot about.

Kathy said...

The post about your dogs moved me to tears. I shared it with everyone I know. But this post...this post is amazing. And so true. And desperately needed to be said out loud. Sometimes I know something but don't know that I know it - until - it's spoken. This was good, KC. Really, really good. - Kathy

Malisa said...

Oh, my gosh! What a beautiful and timely post! Each word was meant just for me...I am sure. How did you know that I SO needed to hear those things? You verbalized my beliefs and reminded me to come out of my pity party and get my ass in gear. I am going to share your post with some other of my favorite people who need to hear your awesome words of encouragement!

Thank you so much, KC. I love you and it mean it too!

Kari Desi said...

Love your post. Very encouraging to hear, "Don't give up!" I'm just starting to sell my art and it took me a L-O-N-G time to figure out how to live from my heart. I don't have a problem doing something I need to do to make ends meet as long as it doesn't take away my art!!

FiberArtisttoo said...

Great post for today. Just the kick I needed. Had lost my way for awhile but now I am back.
Thanks!

Jillayne said...

Very, very good - love this. You are so right about how you need to keep at it, dust off and get back out there. I'm just imagining some John Wayne type leaning over, trying to help you up (as you brush him away!) saying "Missy, you've got gumption". And you do!

KC Willis said...

Thanks All! I am so glad these words from my heart could mean something to you....each in your own personal way. If the soles of your dreams have worn thing...repair them and try them on again. xxoo

Shabby Jen said...

I really enjoyed reading this! Thank you so much.

Anonymous said...

This post is such a blessing...thank-you! It could not have come at a better time. Isn't that always His timimg though!

Unknown said...

ahhh. Such wise, wonderful words. I need, need, NEED to hear this. Especially while in a season of it being about a lot of other things other than art....hmmm. how do i incorporate it???? Can't wait to meet you in feb., girl!!
xo
lynn

Sandy said...

KC,

I see where your sassy cowgals get their spirit - directly from their creator and I see where you get yours, directly from your Creator. I know this has been a very hard season for you but I also know that He knows all your needs and have no doubt that they will all be met and exceeded. Praying for you! Thank you for being an encourager, a dreamer with a can do attitude, and for spurring us along in our creative dreams right along side you. Have a very blessed week!

Carol Mae said...

Dear KC, My Art, My Art, I was just thinking all of this again! I have really been trying hard to move my Fabric Art Collages since I took your class through the DVD's. Hopefully some will sell soon. And thanks again for opening up my Dream. Many Hugs, Carol Mae

Lovey said...

Well said KC, well said!

Anonymous said...

You know, KC, if life was peaches and cream all the time, we'd have a sugar overdose. Need a little lemonade to go with the sweetness. =) Getting out of self and giving of my time and caring to others has been the answer for me, also. Doesn't mean I don't take care of myself. I do. Doesn't mean I make other people's business my business. I try not to, by MYOB (minding my own business). It's a fine line, but worth the effort....and so rewarding. Thanks, and get better.

Anonymous said...

Excuse me as that "torn rotator cuffs really boogied to get to SE Washington. I've been crippled now for 3 weeks.Others are out there that neen more care than I do.No cheese is served with whiningin my house. Pray for a full recovery for us both andkeep on kicken

Sandy

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Thanks so much for this dose of optimism this AM! And for stating it in words that make sense ~ I do believe it is a words from God!
Blessings ~ Katie

Lee Weber said...

Perfectly lovely post. SOmetimes I look like a smurf, I'm so blue. Constantly worrying, frustrated, overwhelemd. UGH.

Riki Schumacher said...

So beautifully put, great job KC. Hugs, mean it. Riki

Wildflowerhouse said...

So well said KC! I think the wind has blown me into a pretzel, but I just unwind and try to keep right on going.

Gina said...

I want to second everything that has been said! I am notorious for making a way where there is none, but I refuse to accept defeat like a lady...(is that one of your quotes?)

Artist Linda Drake and Lunar Designs said...

and be grateful we as artists can be so creative to come up with new ideas on Art Street. Very blessed indeed.