- Published on
"I AM THE STORM" - mixed media on paper, 11" x 15"
[ALL]
To see-
To sell-
To get-
To bring-
To make-
To live-
To go to the Festival-!
Into the woods!
Into the woods!
Into the woods,
Then out of the woods,
And home before dark!
From "Prologue Into the Woods", Into the Woods
Is it that time already? Thirty days have come and gone. We've journey together through the woods, facing giants and fears and wandering through colorful trees. We've met the villagers, cavorted with queens, thought some very good thoughts and shared our stories by the fire over tea. Thirty paintings, thirty narratives, thirty lyrics.
As we emerge from the woods, are we changed? Transformed? Altered? I am. It is impossible for me to take a journey (even a metaphorical cyber journey) without feeling stronger, smarter, kinder...better than I was before. And maybe a little less afraid.
In the tradition I began with my first 30 day challenge (5 challenges ago!), I am ending with a self-portrait. This one in the style of Stan Kurth. As I emerge from the woods, a little tired and perhaps bleary-eyed from lack of rest, my spirit feels unfettered, determined, wild and strong. Tribal, even. Because you, dear sweet readers, are my woodland tribe.
[ALL]
To see-
To sell-
To get-
To bring-
To make-
To live-
To go to the Festival-!
Into the woods!
Into the woods!
Into the woods,
Then out of the woods,
And home before dark!
From "Prologue Into the Woods", Into the Woods
Is it that time already? Thirty days have come and gone. We've journey together through the woods, facing giants and fears and wandering through colorful trees. We've met the villagers, cavorted with queens, thought some very good thoughts and shared our stories by the fire over tea. Thirty paintings, thirty narratives, thirty lyrics.
As we emerge from the woods, are we changed? Transformed? Altered? I am. It is impossible for me to take a journey (even a metaphorical cyber journey) without feeling stronger, smarter, kinder...better than I was before. And maybe a little less afraid.
In the tradition I began with my first 30 day challenge (5 challenges ago!), I am ending with a self-portrait. This one in the style of Stan Kurth. As I emerge from the woods, a little tired and perhaps bleary-eyed from lack of rest, my spirit feels unfettered, determined, wild and strong. Tribal, even. Because you, dear sweet readers, are my woodland tribe.
I am ever so grateful to those of you who followed along on this 30 day adventure.
All of your feedback, comments, and encouragement made this a group trek, and I never, not once, felt alone.
This process, going into the woods, made me face fears, overcome inner naysayers and tackle mental barriers. There are storms in our lives and storms here in the woods - storms that can leave us cowering, or can make us stand up and face the wind, hold our heads high and say confidently "I AM THE STORM." (many thanks to my dear friend Ann for this incredible image and quote, and for the inspiration and title for my self-portrait)
We may have entered these woods as timid adventurers, but we are leaving the forest as warriors.
8 Comments
Jen, you ARE the storm! Love both the idea and the actuality of your self-portrait as a closing piece for the challenge. Also love that you and I have overlapped for four of these 30-in-30's but I didn't discover you till now, because … now is when I discovered you. Perfect, I tell ya!
Thank you!!!! Dotty, I had no idea! Well now I am looking forward to September even more, because we will both be on this adventure again, and this time I will know it! :)
This has been a FASCINATING journey through the woods with you, Jen‼️‼️‼️How fitting to end this 30 day challenge as the WARRIOR👍👍👍‼️‼️‼️ It has been AMAZING to see the changes in your approach to abstract after your workshop - the transition is POWERFUL👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤗🤗🤗‼️‼️‼️
Thanks so much for joining me on this 30 day adventure! I feel so transformed!!!
Love you left as a warrior. I had started an image before the challenge as a warrior and it ended up being a worshiper. Still both take determination to face the storms and unknown with resolve. I so enjoy hearing your journeys through the woods and I only can think your walk will continue to strengthen you and inspire others. March on fearless one.!!!
Lynda!!! I love your image's journey! There is place and purpose in the world for worshippers and warriors, and times when we change from one to the other and back again. Thank you, dear friend!
I absolutely love this portrait, it has depth, spirit, and a positive outlook! Thanks for your words, they are so uplifting and so true. We have finished this journey but our paths will continually cross as we travel on.
oh Carol! Thank you!!! I have so enjoyed your company along the way, and feel sure we will, indeed, continue to cross paths. Namaste.
