The Sum of Me -A Very Personal Photo Journal

I love to Journal. And have found that time to Journal is scarce since I started my show, teach, talk, cook, cry, laugh, create, paint.... well you get it. Today as I prepped for today's episode release I came across some wonderful pics of Nature and how I saw it. I realized how important it is to me to stay connected with Nature on a regular basis.

 

 Even though at some point in my 20s I realized 'it's not all about me!' it was even later that I realized it was about my output. My 'footprint'. What I wanted to be remembered for.

One day I interviewed a gentleman who told me what he wanted to remembered by and it got me to thinking. What do I want to be remembered for? I have to say I want to be remembered for being positive. For being a giving and loving person. For being a lover of life and nature. And leaving behind art that provokes thought, good energy and love.

This is called 'Ode to Mother Nature'. 

I think I cried after I finished this. It took me a couple of days to come out of this painting. It shows how important Nature is to me. Beautiful and Deadly, yet Giving and Nuturing.

My life has never been easy, just my struggle to be who I wanted to be was a chore. but I've been very blessed. I've always crossed with people who are inspired and inspiring. People who have shown me support and love and patience. I have friends who tell me when to put a filter on my mouth (LOL) and friends who race me to the Ocean when I get overwhelmed. I have friends who educate me on life and open their hearts to me. 

 

When I started this Journey it was wrought with fear and apprehension. Stepping out on faith is a hard thing to do sometimes. Especially when you know it will be a semi-solitary walk. Of course your friends are there but you Dream alone and no one will ever understand or have the intense dedication to your dreams that you do.
Thats reality.  

 

  Learn to trust yourself and your dreams. Depend on you first and foremost. Open your heart to others and they will open their hearts to you. And no matter what, follow your Dreams! Stay on the path that brings you peace. Even if it's hard at first, when you come to terms with you and your Dreams, hard is motivating!

Life is good.  And...I wrote this in response to a letter I received from a sad lady who asked me "how can you possibly be so positive all the time?"  My answer, work, love and determination. I determined to be a Positive person and live Drama Free, years later.... Life is Good!

Steph