Recently I had the opportunity to take a trip on my own, to Boston for my sister's graduation. I've been back about a week now, back into "Mom" mode, and out of "me" mode. It was a very nice time while it lasted. I had time to draw, time to think, time to sleep. Time to do anything I wanted. It's been about 18 years since I've had that.
Lil Gee had some adventures while we were there. You can read about them here: Lil Gees Adventures, the blog
So while I was there I had a chance to re-read Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. An excellent book I read about 20 years ago, and have since learned that I need to read it again. These are some pictures of my art journal pages done in Boston. A lot of the writing is quotes from Codependent No More. It is a constant struggle for me to put myself on my own list. That's where my adventures in art have re-surfaced. As a healing tool. A learning tool. A growing tool. Art is a way of expressing myself, and learning and growing through visually working out what's going on.
I have always been a journaler. And I believe journaling really helps. My art journal combines the two. Some art and a little bit of journaling. Sometimes I still write poetry and prose, and those are included in my art journal too.
One thing I learned while in Boston. We all need time of our own. Time to think. Time to re-charge. I know, I know, you hear that all the time now. It's everywhere I look anyway, I imagine it's the same for you. All I know is I had some time of my own, and I came back refreshed. With a whole new attitude, and outlook. If you havn't tried it I highly recommend it. Year after year I knew this was one thing I needed, but could never justify taking it. Now that I have I can see more of this in my future. It is hard to be all things to all the people and pets in my life at all times. I learned that sometimes I 've just got to take time to be me.
