A year ago, we bought a small house within walking distance from our home. It was cheaper than putting on an addition to our house and this new place functions as a spot to entertain other creatives, create a prayer room, have extra storage for art materials, and have my studio. You might wonder why we don’t just move, but we have some wonderful neighbors and really aren’t looking to relocate while we’re still caring for Dad. I’d hoped to have things in better order at the studio by now, but health issues with us and other family members slowed us down a bit. However, we’re back on track. This week, I spray painted the big room in the basement. A major accomplishment that feels so good to have behind me. When I came upstairs, resplendent in my paint gear, my husband took one look at me and said, “Hello, you sexy thing!” I laughed but then he said,”There is nothing sexier than a woman who knows what she’s doing. I’m not kidding.” It’s the way he said “I’m not kidding” that got me. What a flirt. We were made for each other. Getting this project done feels rejuvenating. We’re back on track and I’m feeling hopeful. Calligraphy practice shows improvement and I’m starting to play with ways to integrate it into painting. It’s exciting because this time in painting I’m not so interested in performing for the gallery system or anyone else. I’m more interested in discovering who I was created to be as an artist. I have developed a lot of skill sets over the years, and I’m thankful for that. But now I want to see what sort of fun ways to combine them. Maybe they’ll be for sale eventually, or maybe I’ll just create workshops to help people engage in their inner artist to their spiritual walk. It’s taken a very long time, but I’m finally starting to get the idea of what the “with God life” looks like. It’s not about performance - it’s about being who you were meant to be. I highly recommend it. |
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July 2024
Donna KemperDonna Kemper put aside her art career to care for a mother she hadn't seen in over a decade. For seven years she followed her mother's journey into dementia, caring for her and putting forgiveness into action. Categories
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