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| Fireworks City - © Sandy Steen Bartholomew |
Sitting in the dark, on the deck, watching the sparkly sky - in between the tree branches... very pretty. It's cool the way the lightning bugs looked like they were falling off the fireworks. But I don't think I will ever really enjoy the sounds of the explosions - especially as they ricochet off the mountains. Too creepy.
If I looked West, I could see the best colors from the fireworks one town over. If I looked South, I could see flashes of light and hear more of the sizzling kind of rockets.
There are still pops and bangs echoing around - some from even farther away, some from neighbor's driveways. The raucous party sounds have died down finally.
Although I am happy to celebrate my own Independence, I miss my kids and think of the 4th as a lonely holiday. With pretty lights.
Sandy - I, too, am savoring my independence, it's more mental/emotional than actual, but it is something I've been working to achieve for many years. I understand your melancholy - one of my kids lives in Korea and I miss him tremendously, my other one has had a run of terrible luck over the last 4 years, and I miss the life she had, and the carefree person she was.
ReplyDeleteExcitingly, with my independence has come a need to create, Zentangle and Gelli plates are my go-to's; what an amazing freedom they bring!
Like you, I am trying to de-clutter my life (that's why I haven't been up to see your trove!), being able to rid myself of things I had previously viewed as vital to my existence has also lifted a weight - it's a slow process but it is progressing.
I am so happy for you that you are going to Cartooning School - exciting and scary!
Even though you aren't with your two kids all the time, there is a bond that will remain unbroken even though they are flying by themselves.
I send you hugs and friendship - keep us posted, your journey is a source of inspiration to me, and I bet many others who have learned that it is possible to achieve our own miracles!
Jakki
Jakki can you send access to your blog to me?
DeleteI am a Zentangle, Gelli plate crazy person too.
Hugs back at ya. And btw - if you need Gelli plates... I have tons in my studio clean out sale! :-)
DeleteGinny, I don't have a blog - I have so many other things to do! I already spend too much time down the rabbit hole of blogs, Facebook groups etc. Sometimes I feel like I am being crushed under the weight of my expectation to be as good as my "heroes." One of my mates, Kass Hall, actually pulled the plug on Facebook; she was brave to do that and I am thinking I can either keep going, never finding an end to the examples of people I think are better than me, or I can just stop going there and focus on being the best me I can be each time I put pen to paper or paint to plate!
DeleteSandy, I think I have all the Gelli Plates now - I indulged with some very generous birthday money Mum gave me. Wish I'd thought to ask you!
Peace.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand about "lonely holidays" and you sure are not alone on this feeling. Although I had a lot of family around me this fourth…I always feel that way on New Year's eve. I think that is the most lonely holiday ever invented. I am enthralled with your art work for the holiday, Sandy. It's gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYep. New Year's is definitely one of those... I don't know if it's an "introvert thing" perhaps? But these holidays where you are supposed to go out, party or be surrounded by tons of people - just not that much fun. When I have my kids for a major holiday, we have a great time. It's usually really low-key involving pancakes, movies, and lots of time just laying around. ;-D
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