Free advice…no qualifications…great combo!
Occasionally I’m overcome with fear.
Some little demon of despair perches on my left shoulder, drags his fingertips across my heart and utters wicked things like, “You’ll never make anything interesting. This art of yours is nothing but a hobby and it shows.”
I try to suppress it, but it rises to the surface like bubbles of air in a tar pit.
The only way to overcome this smoky little demon (and the things he whispers in my ear) is to take him in my hands and turn his ugly little face toward the light.
Then I make something and try my very best with it. Sometimes I fail and sometimes I get it just right, but either way I have to try my very best. And everything is good practice.
I’m not good at giving advice and even worse at taking it but the best thing I know is to try not to let fear hold me back.
So be a brave soldier and carry on. Face it head on, dismantle it and reckon with it however you can.
It only feels malevolent. In reality it can’t hurt you because it’s imaginary in every way. 🙂
A cow parley seed head, common spindle branches and pages from an old dictionary fashioned into origami stars. Humble materials, good practice.
Robert Burnett
blimey , gloom to encouragement in 60 seconds …. now thats fast !!!
Veronica
Did I manage to surprise you Robbie? Didn’t think so. LOL 🙂
juliatomiak
I love your art, and your message, ’cause I’ve got a little devil like that on my shoulder too. You cleverly led us, through bits of word and picture, to a beautiful conclusion. Thanks!
Veronica
Hmm, I thought so Julia, that little guy gets around! 🙂
Sara v
Love that!! Beautiful and stars can almost always pull you out of the dark 🙂
Veronica
Stars do that, don’t they Sara? I was thinking of folding some fish (easier) but they didn’t have the same feeling. 🙂
Penny
Your arrangement is exquisite! No need for doubt, although I’m well acquainted with that little man too!
Penny x
Veronica
Hello Penny, my good mail friend. Thank you so much. 🙂
Linda H.
Nice post and so well timed. I needed to read this today.
And I love the last photo with the shadows.
Veronica
Oh good Linda, I’m glad. Got to knock that nasty little guy off your shoulder too huh? 🙂
joyweesemoll
Thanks for this! I needed this advice just now. Love the stars!
Veronica
Thanks Joy 🙂 I love stars too, so festive.
Amanda Socci, Freelance Writer
This blog post is so clever, Veronica. A perfect example of storyelling through pictures. Loved the recyclable materials. Your origami stars are perfect. Who needs Michael’s when you can do it yourself!
Veronica
Thank you Amanda. I love little origami folds. They look so shabby chic, don’t they? 🙂