Why I want to live to 130

If you know me, you have heard me say I am going to live to 130.  Quite often the response is “why?”   That has set me thinking, why in deed?  I first made the statement about living 130 years when we walked on the moon (we, you like that?).  Anyway, I was so excited about the prospects open to mankind that I wanted to live long enough to see mankind established in space.  Well, that hasn’t exactly worked out and I’m afraid 130 won’t be long enough.

I’m much older now and my desire to live long (and healthy) is anchored right here on earth.  Art.  I have always been an artist, and yet I feel that I am just getting started.  I have so many things to learn and so much to experience, I can’t imagine getting it done by 100.  Perhaps 130?

I am a typical woman artist who got sidetracked with a family and traditional employment.  Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t give up being a mom, and now a grandma, for anything.  I think, however, I could have made some better decisions and been a little further along in my art. Still, this is where I am, and I’m going to fly with it.

I have been working for the past 22 years learning my medium of pastels and learning how to bring it to the public.  For every two steps forward there have been at least one step back.  Just when I thought I had learned how to connect with the collector, the rules change.  Technology.  Learning the ins and outs of technology is time consuming, and I’m not a natural.  (I could ask my 6 year old grandchildren).  Anyway, here I am, blogging.

I have just started teaching art.  It is challenging and rewarding.  You know that teacher that influenced you as a kid?  Well, I had one that refused to teach me how to do portfolios because I was a “girl”!  He made me so mad, I got into art school without him.  That is the kind of teacher I don’t want to be!

My Pastel teacher, mentor, Dorisjean Colvin, however, was the best!  There are hundreds of wonderful artists in the Northwest because of her.  What a jewel.  That’s the type of teacher I want to be!

Why do I want to live to 130?  I have to much to learn and as I learn it, to much to share! Weather I’m teaching a workshop or taking one, weather I’m in the studio working on my next Pastel or out plein air painting, I can’t wait to see what I can learn.

Part of my sharing is by “how to” blogging.  I hope you come back to see what I have to say.