As 2011 comes to a close, my last post in this space is going to be somewhat of a hodge podge. The reason: this time of year is not one of my favorites. That said, I was not sure what to put in this space without being a killjoy. I finally decided on some music, some artistic self-promotion, a goal, and some inspiration to take into 2012.
First, a Christmas carol brought to you by the brilliant cast and writers of Shameless on Showtime (it takes place in Chicago; fun that I got to meet some of the cast):
First, a Christmas carol brought to you by the brilliant cast and writers of Shameless on Showtime (it takes place in Chicago; fun that I got to meet some of the cast):
Next, some new wall art. And with lots more shameless self promotion, I aim to gain more traction and audience in 2012 and beyond:
Marilyn Grad Copyright 2011
And finally some inspiration and a bit of unsolicited advice. I've been reflecting on 2011 and putting together my goals and plans for 2012 (some new, some still to be met). Tis the season.
I was watching the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors on television this week, which I do every year, and was incredibly moved by every honoree and performing tribute. Artists are a beautiful species. One of this years honorees was cellist Yo Yo Ma. He can move, inspire and motivate with his music, passion, presence and words. There were two things he said in an interview that gave me the courage, comfort and reassuring "me too", "it's OKAY to feel this way", continue on the artistic path, along with a new resolution:
I was watching the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors on television this week, which I do every year, and was incredibly moved by every honoree and performing tribute. Artists are a beautiful species. One of this years honorees was cellist Yo Yo Ma. He can move, inspire and motivate with his music, passion, presence and words. There were two things he said in an interview that gave me the courage, comfort and reassuring "me too", "it's OKAY to feel this way", continue on the artistic path, along with a new resolution:
"I'm not brave. I'm actually pretty scared a lot of the time but I must like being scared because I keep doing things that scare me."
"Every day I make an effort to go toward what I don't understand."
Yo Yo Ma
SPEND LIFE WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU HAPPY, NOT WHO YOU HAVE TO IMPRESS.
- unknown
WISHING YOU A HAPPY, PEACEFUL, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS AND ART FILLED LIFE
IN 2012.
NOW RAISE YOUR GLASSES TO THE NEW YEAR!!!! HERE HERE.
