“There are two paths of which one may choose in the walk of life; one we are born with, and the one we consciously blaze. One is naturally true, while the other is a perceptive illusion.
Choose wisely at each fork in the road.” ~ T.F. Hodge
I had the great fortune to spend the afternoon at the estate of Marcella Christensen (she’s laughing at the ‘estate’ part I’m sure). Deb Chenault, Sandy Davis, and I took a beautiful drive through the rural countryside for an afternoon with Marcie. It was a time of delicious food and inspired talk fueled by, and through, art. Marcie turned us on to Daily Afflictions: The Agony of Being Connected to Everything in the Universe by Andrew Boyd. He’s very witty, and his book offers inspirational daily affirmations in a most unusual way. Our hostess gifted each of us with something wonderful. I got a hand whittled, two-seater outhouse, and to Deb she gave this book. Deb then regaled Sandy and I with affirmations on the way home. In particular, “Living As A Work Of Art.” “Many of us imagine living as a work of art, but few consider the difficulties. First, you must dig down deep to where your inner artist lies trapped in a spirit-crushing day job.” Deb stopped reading to add, “Kopana!” We laughed. Of the four of us, I’m the only one currently employed by someone other than myself, doing work that is neither artistic nor personally galvanizing. Nevertheless, my artist colleagues tolerate my weekend forays into the right brain. Even for them, the full-time artists, there is a need to be with our own kind. To talk about process, which is at the very heart of the matter. This was a day of artistic affirmation; of communion amongst right-brainers; of standing in the spring sun and letting its warmth ignite ideas. And it was all thanks to Marcella Christensen and her endless patience, welcoming smile, and open heart. It doesn’t get more inspirational than her.
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