Intro - Success really is the journey!

Well, where do I begin... I'm not a writer nor do I even blog, but I was inspired to challenge myself to start something and finish it. What I'm starting? Not so sure but I realize that this is uncertainty comes from my fear of commitment. You see, if I don't say specifically what I want to accomplish here, then it doesn't matter whether I accomplish anything or not and then I won't feel like a failure because... well - what goal did I ever set in the first place? So, to prove (to myself) that I'm not totally insane (expecting different results from the same old actions) I'm going to state what I want to accomplish in this blog.

It is said that the majority of us (humans) often endeavor in ventures that don't come easy instead of using our natural gifts and doing what we love. What I want to do with this blog is challenge myself (and you) to literally take a step towards my dream(s). Look fear in the face and say "talk to the hand" =) Somehow, sharing this with the world puts me on the spot - so I've got to dance.

A little about why I've come to do this. Okay, I'll level with you, I recently saw the movie Julie Julia and thought, wow - success IS the JOURNEY; then - my minister talked about self-righteousness which leads to self-centeredness which leads to never being satisfied because we think it's all about us (a mouth full I know). Who cares whether you find a pot of gold or not, being on a journey towards your dreams is really what matters. So, here I go. I am a 50 year old talented individual. I'm a pretty good visual artist, I can sing, and I can play the piano (by ear) but the sad part is very few people know it (including myself - deep I know). I haven't painted a picture in years (lazy artist), and although I have a piano, if it weren't for my son - it would be layered with dust! As far as singing - well - I've performed with different choirs over the years but I really leave singing up to my sister, cousins, aunts, and uncles who truly have gorgeous voices (seriously).

I know I'm not the only one out there sitting back on their laurels and letting their gifts go to waste. Well, let's take it one day at a time but please - do take it. Who knows where this will end up; maybe one day all of us shy folks will have a big party and share our talents.

Here's the first challenge for myself that I'm still working on - I taught myself to play "Stranger In Moscow" by Michael Jackson... I started it a couple of days ago, didn't touch the piano for two days - then I spent 3 hours one evening just working through it. I LOVE this song and the fact that I actually taught myself to play it made me realize that I CAN do whatever I set my heart out to do. SO... let's wrap this up; I will create at least three visual works of art per week (drawing, painting, graphics), for the next year, so on September 10, 2010 - I should have no less than 156 pieces. If you want to help me out, tell me something you would like for me to draw or paint - I need the inspiration.

Let the journey begin!