Did another craft show this weekend. Usually, talking to people isn’t my thing but I’ve enjoyed learning about the types of art people like. The colors, the style, the message… they all have meaning to someone who wants to take home a piece of art to hang on their wall. I think the small details are the ones that help make our homes personal and art is a big part of it.
I mostly say hi and let people browse while they’re in my booth. I’m not a high-pressure seller because I hate that so much when I’m the buyer. Instead, I greet them quietly and let them browse. You can tell right away when someone enjoys your art, which is a thrill to me. They get excited and it’s usually then that they start asking questions. Do you have any others with these colors? Any more with this particular verse? People spend lots of time on purchasing art. It’s something that will go up on a wall somewhere and become part of what makes their house a home, and that’s not a decision they take lightly.
I enjoy being a part of that. And as the artist? It’s a blessing I never thought I’d experience.
I shared a #tbt photo on Facebook today and it made me think of where I’ve come in a few years.
There are things about each of our lives that no one but us can possibly know and understand. We’ve dealt with things that are so painful perhaps we can only tell them to God, and even then we’re shy about bringing them out. I’ve experienced things like this, and even as I look as this picture I wish I could tell that girl in the picture what was in store for her. Would she have as big a smile if I did? Probably not. Then again, she might, because along with the hard times comes the beautiful moments. The blessings that you don’t even realize are blessings at the time because you’re so busy focusing on the rough stuff.
If there is one thing I’ve tried to practice since this photo was taken it’s gratitude. It’s not always easy. When you realize life has kicked you in the place you hurt most, when your car craps out and you’re draining the last bit of money you’ve saved for years, or when you realize that friend of yours is anything but… it’s hard to embrace gratitude. But that’s the time that the practice kicks in. It’s like a muscle that gets stronger little by little, and just when you feel weak somewhere else, it kicks in and shows its strength.
I’m reminded of how personal art is, of choosing it and enjoying it and creating it. I’m counting this blessing of art in my gratitude practice today. I need it. There are so many ugly times that threaten the graceful beauty of our lives and art of all kinds reminds me that God is good and creativity is a gift for everyone.
