I got divorced last year. I write this because I committed myself to be more committed to this blog and with that, for better or worse comes leaking through, some of my personal life along with the art and the art business. It’s all tied together for me. If you don’t like it, or aren’t interested, just stop now!
Many, many people say to me “I’m so sorry” when they hear that my 27 year marriage has come to an end. I still struggle with a response because I’m not sorry. I had a wonderful marriage and have two sons with my ex-husband. But I am ready to move into another chapter. I’ve spent the last six months building an awesome runway. Now I’m ready to take flight.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest
fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our
light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask
ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented,
fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing
small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened
about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure
around you. And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others.” –Marianne Williamson
fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our
light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask
ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented,
fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing
small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened
about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure
around you. And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others.” –Marianne Williamson
“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing
in one’s own sunshine.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
in one’s own sunshine.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have every single thing I need to live the life I want. It’s all here. I am just waking to it. It’s a rainy dreary day here in Milwaukie, OR, but I’m making my own sunshine and I’m going to spend some time basking in it, if you don’t mind.
After the basking, some wandering is planned, if you can plan aimlessness. It is overdue. Not to take aim. I am looking forward to not taking aim.
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8 Responses
Hi Marla….great words, especially the RWE ones….and i love the animals here…especially the wolf image! how wonderful that we get to begin new chapters, i totally agree, and i'm beginning to really get that we often respond to each other some of the time from our own fears….27 years is a good chunk of your life (boy you were married young!) and it sounds like you might have managed to stay friends with you kids father….that just makes sense to me. anyway, just to say enjoy your wanderings 🙂
cheers, Linda
ps it's a miserable day here here too….i'm happily reading and drawing and just looking out the window!
Good luck! Love the new work!
Here's to new chapters and new opportunities! No shadows…just sunshine! Marla, your new work is fabulous! That wise owl says is all. Are these paintings done in acrylic or oil?
Hello Marla. I admire your bravery to create the life you want. About 30 years ago I found myself in a similar situation after 18 years of marriage. At the time, my goal was good health and a happy marriage – in part as an example for my two children. In April my second husband and I will celebrate 27 happy, healthy years together. May all your dreams come true!
'When the way comes to an end ~change…. having changed you pass through'. This is one of my favourite quotes from the i-ching and your post today made me think of it. I like that you are frank about your situation, and your new work posted here is lovely.
Marla, thanks for sharing, and inviting non-like minded people to stop reading! I still get my feelers hurt when someone doesn't understand why I post and write. I'm halfway through my 100 variations loosely based on yours…and the crowdfunding campaign I designed to go with it. I will definitely "keep reading"
Loved the quotes and art work. Just started a unit on pastel with my draw 2 students, definitely sharing your work with them.
ps; I went to the Art Center too.
I know how it feels like to receive sympathy when you don't really need it. I guess people are just wired to try and connect to one's feeling, even though they might not really understand what that person is going through. It's always hard to respond to sympathy when you really don't need it. I, for one, honestly think you're doing great. By the way, the paintings look beautiful. Very vibrant, just like you. 🙂
Howard Kurtz @ Kurtz & Blum