In my own case, I have gone through two divorces (my parents’ and my own), a foreclosure (2008, anyone?!), many moves, the death of several people close to me. I’ve accompanied my two beloved dogs through sickness and to the rainbow bridge (pet parents, you know what I’m talking about…). I’ve also lived with the shame of betraying the person closest to me.

As an introverted woman, writing has been a lifelong companion. Journals and heaps of random notes chronicle the drawn out soul searching, the infinite ups and downs, the sudden realizations quickly scribbled lest I forget them. The dichotomy between yearning for a deep connection with others and being content just swimming in this infinite pool within is always present.

As an artist, I am given the opportunity to share all these thoughts and feelings in various ways. And hopefully find a person or two with whom they resonate. It’s taking me a lifetime to learn that it’s okay to tell the world what is going on inside my head and my heart. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s necessary. It’s the goal. It’s the point.

It’s during the darkest days of my separation and divorce that I was finally able to pinpoint and define my purpose. I had been searching for it forever. How ironic it was that while my person and I were separating, I finally realized that I am here to share love and joy.

And here you are, reading this. My words and scribbles mean so much more when they are seen by eyes other than mine. They get to have a life of their own. So, thank you.