"You're not that good", "No one wants to see what you are doing", "Your sibling has more ability in his little finger than you have in your whole body".  If you ever heard any of these statements directly made to you or just in your head, you are not alone!

Against all odds, my desire to create art won my over time and again.  It just didn't seem to matter what I was told or what I told myself.  There was an inner voice that continued to whisper, do it anyway.  Not in a rebellious sort of way, but it kept pushing me to work at creating even when I felt so beaten down.  Sometimes my craft was poetry that helped me get my hurts on paper so I could eventually see how pain drove my desire to do and be better.  The journey has been long and at times very difficult.  But, I never really gave up.  Even though I raised my children and worked full time there was still that nagging voice urging me to create.  When I gave in, I began a wonderful journey of exploration and healing.  All those words are now being silenced and I am continuing to grow and develop my craft of painting.  I have entered a local competition pretty regularly since 2007.  Beginning with the entry in 2008, I have won an award each year.  This year, 2014, I have been honored with an award at the state level.  So, if you think you are not good enough, don't listen to it!  Keep creating!!!