Week 15 - "Think of me, with pleasant thoughts"

 "Think of me with pleasant thoughts"

a Chinese brush painting by Dawn Marie Black

This is a study in procrastination.  Not my best attribute, and one that I'm actively changing.  This week I spent time working on multiple projects, which would have been great except that I have not finished any of them.  So, tonight I began a completely new project, a Chinese Brush painting of Pansy's.  I have been considering working on the same subject in different mediums, and this is the second installment of Pansy flowers.
I have been working to complete three different series of paintings.  One series that I have a good start on are my floral and botanical pieces.  I have enjoyed adding to this group and will continue to do so.  The second series that I am working to build back up are my abstract/surreal pieces.  I have many ideas, and need to put them all on canvas.  The third series has been more of a challenge, and my focus for this group has shifted between two different ideas.  One idea are my Sumi-ink or Chinese brush painting pieces. But that seems to be more of just a style of painting rather than a subject matter so I have also thought of Adventure type works.  I have two pieces that were previously completed, but are no longer available to show and I would need to begin this series from scratch. 
Well, for the moment I do not need to worry, but eventually I will need to have pieces enough to fill three cases; Two 5' X 5' cases and one 5' X 10' case. Small goals but attainable.  These are the small steps that I have learned from my Franklin Covey leadership sessions.  There are other things that I have learned from My time in Phoenix, dreams that you hold onto for longer than 7 years will come about.  I believe it is because if you are holding onto your dream that long, you are taking the small steps to make it happen.  I think we can all take heart from this, keep a hold of your dreams, protect them from the naysayers.  Those of you who are in business for your self should know how hard you need to protect your vision from negative people, this is true for all of us.  Negative thoughts lead to negative actions and so forth and so on, keep thinking positively and planning in the same manner.  I will fill the cases, and move onto hosting shows in other arenas, and I will only grow from there.  During this time I will practice and hone my skills, I will improve on my procrastination as well.  I like to encourage you all to paint, as if you are all motivated to put paint to canvas.  There are other ways to create though, and you are all artists in your own lives creating beauty from what life has given you.  So, my encouraging words for the week?  Keep your dream protected, but keep dreaming.  Take the small steps to attain your goal, and do not let anyone take your dream from you.  They are not taking the steps, and maybe they have given up on their own dreams do not let them squelch yours.  Be brave, and live your dreams!