I had already written three books in a tumultuous time of my life. I was compelled to write feeling the importance of my experiences to be known. For I knew I was not alone and did not want history to repeat itself. We live and learn, but only if we know and understand the importance of addressing issues instead of suppressing, ignoring or simply not knowing. For so long, problems grew, simmered to boil, then spilled over into the pandemic affecting everyone. How could I possibly write in these times?
Then I realized, “how could I not?” Then I decided to incorporate these times in my art book. For we have become a nonstop world. Not enough time to stop to listen, see or feel what is going on around us. From the beginning of life, we have been given gifts, talents and abilities that are innate. But, for many have remained hidden, untapped, never released to explore their possibilities or potential.
We all have these God given talents as a gift to be used for the good and a source of inspiration. Through all these years of challenging times, maintaining and awakening my creative side in more areas than I ever knew. Brought more depth, empowerment, enjoyment, building confidence too. I want that for you too. A quality of life that is your right when healthy in mind, body and spirit. For we never stop learning. Remember that.
Writing about my creative life in these times, many times seemed surreal. I felt removed from what was happening around me. And, I was–removed. Everyone was affected in ways that grew into something new. Everyday. Every week. Grew into months. But, it was never just about the pandemic, but the erosion of our conscience, our values and principles, the excess and then the need for more, or greater, or faster than before. Forever changing, so constantly adapting and then accepting. Even if only momentarily.
At first this pandemic allowed me a space of time, but then what was happening around me and everyone was so unbelievable that I felt fortunate to have a project to focus on. When things turned from bad to worse, I felt a responsibility once move–wake up the apathetic. Demand change. Insist on the hierarchy to be the leaders that are needed instead of reaping the benefits, high on their pedestal. Untouched, Unscathed. Seemingly unfazed. The divide has grown deeper, wider too. United we stand. Divided we fall. Once taken seriously. Now forgotten in it’s meaning. For people no longer want to think that much or too deep or for too long.
These experiences instead of learning from them seemed to bring out the worst, in the most unexpected way and from the most unexpected people. And so many. It does seem an impossible task, or an impossible endeavor at times. But, I still won’t believe that. The result at the end is worth working toward. But, it is going to take time, Precious time. But we can make it productive and worthwhile. So for this reason, we have to rise above it all. Overcome and show we can make a better difference and learn from this fiasco. We all have to learn to work together and appreciate instead of letting inflated egos rule and ruin. We can’t let that happen.
