Daily Paint

"AJ" - mixed media on cradled board, 6" x 6"

The daily paint-a-thon continues with a little primitive portrait of a girl I greatly admire.  AJ is a teenager like no other, and exudes such a strong and vibrant energy that I was not surprised at all when her visage emerged from the board today.  

Teenagers normally terrify me (I've raised a few, so I have experience behind my fear), and being a teenager was terrifying for me as well.  But lately I've noticed something wonderful...there are people in the 13-19 age category who are amazing and funny and brilliant and kind.  No, really!  And self-assured and creative and super intelligent.  AJ is one of these people. And I find myself mesmerized.

So I started thinking - how would my life be different if I had been a teenager infused with these same awe-inspiring qualities?  Immediately I knew I would have chosen a different path in college (something wildly creative and full of exploration!) and for sure additional degrees.  I love going to school!  And I would have felt free to express myself (how I dressed, what hobbies I pursued, who I hung out with and the things we talked about) without so much self-censorship.  Now I do not have a crystal ball, but I can just imagine the results decades later - a purple-haired 50-something dancing and drumming in the back yard during a full moon.

But hold on a minute!  I may not have purple hair (only because I am allergic to hair color products) but I have been known to immerse myself in a shamanic full moon journey, complete with drumming. Hmmmm.  And I now have a wildly creative life and feel pretty darn free to express myself when I feel the need.

Perhaps my awkward teenage years did not interfere with my becoming just who I am supposed to be after all.  And while I ponder that some more, I will continue to watch the new brand of teenager with awe and fascination, wondering where their amazing abilities and interests will lead them.  Rock on, AJ, rock on.