My Secret Word for 2012

Five days into the new year with my 2012 intentions practically ready to go, I decided I needed a word to hold and help me fulfill what I want to accomplish. I could keep it a secret but I thought otherwise. Ready?  My secret word to help me personally, artistically and professionally in 2012 is PASSION. I want to really live it, feel it, see it,create it, read it and hear it. To think, last years posted word was vulnerability. Yep, I definitely want passion this year.

To help me launch my passion for 2012, AND fulfill a new goal of writing a new post every two weeks at the latest, I again refer to the Yo Yo Ma tribute performance from the Kennedy Center 2011 Honors. The inspiration I got and get from watching and listening  to this particular eclectic gathering is a beautiful emotional high. 

Every time I see or hear artists of any and every medium performing, enjoying and successfully living their passion, I grow a A LOT MORE INSPIRED, a bit more empowered and a tad more jealous- the constructive kind. 

In this particular tribute performance, there are several genres of music-Classical, Bluegrass, Asian (Silk Road Project-a personal favorite), and Pop, many immensely talented and trained musicians of all ages and backgrounds, on one stage, displaying their infectious passion and reverence to an amazing individual.  They love what they are doing, they connect with the music, each other and the audience. I wish the same for my work. Notice how the audience reacts and responds. An artist's dream:

To sum up, I have a quote from Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men in Tights which I love:

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"Depends on what you're looking at."

(or listening to, or painting, or writing, or personally speaking, pursuing )

Tis the Reason and Season

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):

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'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.