For my friends Melody and Phoenix
I created this painting/drawing in 2001, during a time of much change, when I was yearning for a rebirth… of some kind, any kind…
I remember how I felt as it flowed from my hands onto the paper; and since then, I have had several friends share with me what they see in the painting.
For myself, it meant rebirth, the wish to retreat, the wish to start over, the wish to find light.
When one of my friends (we’ve known each other for over 30 years) bought the painting, he – very passionately – told me: “I love this painting because it reminds me of myself and my life! I feel like a phoenix, rising from the ashes of my past mistakes. My life has turned around in recent years in ways that I could not have even imagined, and this painting will hang in my house to remind me every day that anything is possible!”
I was touched beyond words by his affection and enthusiasm, and his joy.
I also learned that even in my dark moments, I needed to share what was inside of me. It seems both joy and pain can bring forth beauty, and our pain can inspire and instigate someone else’s joy in ways we may not have anticipated.
As we come and go, things shift and change, and friends appear and reappear, as our companions and guides.
This beautiful, magical world is one enormously vivid dream.
leslee hare 
I love that. It’s so emotional.
Thank you, Amber! I took a quick look at your blog, and I need to catch up – you’ve been posting some wonderful things!
It’s beautiful Leslee. The image more than filled my screen. When I saw it, I stopped and was drawn to scroll up and down, left and right, trying to take in every nuance. To me it was Phoenix and so much more. It did speak to the spirit in me. The one who longs to both be reborn and to become one with the universe.
Thank you deeply for such a beautiful image Leslee. And thank you again for offering it in a post for Melody and I.
– Phoenix
Thank you, Phoenix! I loaded it as large as I could, lol! When I read your recent posts, it made my post for the day a very easy one :) I thought it would have meaning for you as well. Best wishes on your journey, and thanks for offering your friendship! Cheers!
What a great work!!! I also paint a bit myself. It’s something so intense i loose yourself in it and the you print much more than you expect or even sometimes can understand. It’s the gesture, the movement. I love this art.
Thank you so much, Giuliano! I’m so happy you enjoy it!
Oh! It’s a great drawing! And ya, like a phoenix. Needed this today…trying some self-forgiving. Ran like a madman this afternoon, on and on, don’t know what was chasing me…felt like everything I’ve ever done was wrong…ahhh…phoenix. Take that to bed with me.
thank you, and sweet dreams!
I’ve missed visiting your blog, hope to get my rhythm back soon!
This is absolutely stunning! I didn’t know you were an artist. Create, create lady! The world needs your work and don’t be shy either. I love it. How is it going with you? Are you doing new art? Let’s showcase them.
Wonderful! :-)
Eliz
Oh, thank you, Eliz, you are so kind! I’ve been doing mostly digital work lately, but have recently re-acquired some watercolor supplies, and have been sketching in ink lately. I have no idea what I’ve been thinking – I should put a sketch up when I don’t have time for a full-blown post!
Things are going very well – I received a very unexpected job offer last week (!!!), and start that full-time position on Feb 7. I’m thrilled, and am already scheming plans for finding blog-time! I flew through a few of your posts today, and hope to find some more time soon to read them in more depth :) You are making some wonderful posts!
Absolutely beautiful — your friend is lucky to have this on his wall!
thank you, Beau!
I didn’t realize you were also an artist. This is stunning – I would have had mixed feelings about letting it go… lol.
“I also learned that even in my dark moments, I needed to share what was inside of me. It seems both joy and pain can bring forth beauty, and our pain can inspire and instigate someone else’s joy in ways we may not have anticipated.” #TRUTH
Yes, I’ve been told not to give away (or sell) any more of my work, lol, and I have mixed feelings about that too!
It’s so nice to connect here, thank you…