The Continuum

I don't know about everyone else, but 2007 has moved like a movie on fast forward. There are many things I had planned to do and never fulfilled. Now that Christmas has come and gone, we are faced with the idea of a new beginning--psychologically anyway. Many people will think of January as the start date of a diet and exercise plan or the time to set goals to finish projects. Calendars are like the "matrix" of our minds this time of year. I am not immune to the excitement of a clean calendar; however, thanks to the portrait project, this year is a little bit different for me.

The Bravery project started out as a discussion between me and my husband while sitting on the porch in Prescott late last summer. What began as a thoughtful conversation has become a driving force in my life--a dream with a clear plan and purpose. It's easy to think of all the separate things I want to start in 2008, but what strikes me most is the continuum of this project. In otherwords, what really matters at the turn of the year is the consistent efforts we make towards our goals and dreams, not the new ones we set for January 1st.

Time can be put into perspective by simply thinking of what dream you have and starting it NOW. There isn't any reason to wait. In fact, some of the most successful people are those who know what they want, work out the steps, immediately begin action, and stay consistent no matter what the calendar or clock says. In fact, that is what victims of domestic abuse have to face in their lives. One major difference, of course, is that you probably won't die from a heart attack if you don't stick to your New Year's diet plan, but a battered spouse could perish from one more beating. One of my volunteers planned her escape for four long years and managed success with thoughtful planning and consistency. When I think of all the wishy washy resolutions that I've made and broken in the past, it makes me see how silly I've been.

Survivors are people who follow the continuum and you can see it if you ever sit down and talk to one. They follow the same philosophy in other aspects of their lives as they continue to heal from experience. Once fearful and timid , they emerge with one of the best lessons in life to fulfill long held dreams and become a fearless mover and shaker in the community. I plan to learn from the inspiration of these people. If I want to change something in my diet, I will begin with my next meal. If I want to learn a new skill, I will begin today. If I want to set and meet new goals, I will plan and start now and continue through the blur of dates until I finish. You could say it's one way of breaking out of the psychology matrix.

So, with that said, I wish everyone a wonderful New Year holiday and success along the continuum of life.

~HAPPY NEW YEAR~

The Color Red

I can hardly believe that Christmas is next week, marking the year end already. I've been busy this week, working out a problem with a portrait (more on this), so like most busy people, I've been venturing out to do last minute shopping. It's somewhat amusing to see people's faces turn red and flip the finger at each other or cut someone off in a huff on the road or become impatient in line inside the stores. What Christmas spirit! I'd like to see what those people do in a real crisis. Shopping should be fun not stressful, especially in a country where we have just about everything imaginable at our fingertips and on sale too! Sadly, for some people flaring tempers are not seasonal.

When I see people behaving like petulant children, it makes me think about what goes on inside a victim's home. The holiday excuses, the financial implications, and family gatherings become used as REAL threats, not just anonymous annoyances left at the mall. This is one aspect of domestic violence I never thought about. This page on Linda King's website, http://www.fixthehurt.com/holidays.html, explains it clear and simple.

The aforementioned portrait problem has to do with color and some advice based on trial and a really big error. I am working a pastel on bright poppy red paper. This person has fair skin and and unfortunately has a lot of cool tones, even in warm light. It took me a couple of days to figure out the flesh tone on red paper. I was able to figure out a semblance of flesh looking color by covering the red with a cool green and mixing a cool brown into it, then layering the warmer colors. Amazingly it worked, otherwise ALL my colors were coming out like light bulbs. My suggestion is not to use bright red as a ground for a portrait pastel. I found myself turning red with frustration as I repeatedly started over. Now with that said, I am very glad I did it because it was an excellent learning experience in flesh tone mixes and paper color backgrounds. The silver lining cliche really is true, so let's all have a calm and wonderful holiday and leave the color red to lights, bows, stockings and Santa's cheeks and nose this Christmas.

~HAVE A
MERRY CHRISTMAS ~

April Domestic Violence Events

The networking I've been doing is starting to pay off with opportunities to attend upcoming events. There are three coming next April that you all should know about: The Clothesline Project, Take Back the Night, and Walk to End Domestic Violence and 5k run. For those of you who aren't familiar with these events, I'll give you a little brief.

The Clothesline Project is an opportunity for victims of domestic violence to express their feelings by decorating t-shirts. Another great way to share stories through visual art. Since 1990 the shirts have been displayed for the public, and there are clothesline events all across the nation. Any of you who are volunteering for my project are encouraged to create a t-shirt for the Clothesline Project.






Take Back the Night is a powerful protest against fear and violence that began in England, 1877 roughly, and has become a global phenomenon. We will have one at Tempe Town Lake with speakers, a band, a march through Mill Ave, t-shirts, etc. There is even a graphic art contest for the t-shirts that yours truly will contribute. The committee is looking for survivors who would like to speak at this event on April 16th. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?



Walk to End Domestic Violence and 5K Run is sponsored by The Arizona Foundation for Women. Tim and I have done the walk before surrounded by survivors who wear t-shirts with pictures of deceased loved ones. This annual event is full of booths that offer information. I am working on getting one there to promote the Bravery Project. I won't find out until February 2008, so cross your fingers. Booth or no booth, I plan be there.

I am sure there are many more that I am not aware of, but I will post them as I learn. If any of you want to be part of these events, drop me an email and I'll forward you to the right person.