Artful Monday

For a long time, I have been kind of...undecided about the role Painting has to play in my life.  I go back and forth about it. 

I'm not sure why.

I guess it's because, like anyone, I sometimes make excuses to block myself from doing the things I really want to do and the things that make me happy.  Who knows why?  Fear of the unknown, maybe?  I'm not sure.

Instead of focusing energy on this thing that I love to do and trying to make it into a vocation rather than a hobby, I poo poo it and say, "I would....if only I had time."

Sound familiar?  To some of you, it may.

In my world, "I don't have time" tends to mean one of two things.  Either, "I am not making time," or "I am not using the time I do have very wisely."

I want this to change.  No more excuses.

I will be 40 years old this Saturday.  It is time to live the life I truly want.  It can start small, but it has to start, and it has to be a Priority.  That is the point of this post.

I want you to notice Two Major Changes on Today's Blog.  Look, up at the top of the page.  See those new tabs?

One says ART HELPS BUNNIES.  

The other says ART HELPS CATS.

These two simple tabs are part of my new mission Use My Talents for the Forces of Good (instead of Evil, as I have been.  NOT REALLY!)

These two simple tabs are a representation of me starting to do Two of the Things I Want To Do Most in This Life.  These Two Things are as follows:
   
1.  I want to Paint
2.  I want to help Animals

50% of all proceeds from any Bunny or Cat Portrait (or DOG! or any other kind of Animal!!) you or others purchase will go to the no-kill animal shelters listed on the pages.  Helping Animals is the Mission.

There you have it.

There is more to come in this Fortieth Year.  Lots more.  Exciting New Projects and Lots of Fun Things.

But this?  This is a start.