Juried Art Show for highschool students
This week I had another enlightening experience.
I was asked by Tom Prestopnik, the Exhibition Chairman of the Court House Cultural Center and Art Gallery in Stuart, Florida to jury high school student's art work, that hung on the walls in this prestigious and very historical old building. Later that same afternoon I was to give an inspirational message to these same students as well.
So, on May 4, 2012, I juried the artists and was impressed with the extraordinary talent. Their unique art pieces fell into 5 categories: painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture and photography. It was not an easy task since creativity is subjective, but some artwork stood out and there were many compelling possibilities.
Another art teacher and expert in her own right, Karen Nobel, juried with me and our tastes fell 180 degrees apart from each other. It was an interesting process to pick the "winners". (I cringe at that word, since grading art is NOT an easy thing to do, not to mention, giving awards for the BEST in all the categories). Karen loved the colorful, flirty, whimsical pieces, and I was drawn to the ones that made me feel something deep down. Like art teachers that we are, we "bartered" and came up with equal choices in the final outcome. ("I'll give you 'Explosion', if you give me 'Pending Humanity'...and so on). Finally we came up with the students who would win in each of the categories and the "Best Of Show". (WHEW!!!?#**!!)
Earlier that week, when I was thinking about my "Art Student Presentation", I wrote my first version around what I wish someone had told me when I was their age. I needed to know HOW to live off my art...my entire life. I didn't want to ever have to take a real job. So, I had meticulously listed all the basic things that would help them excel in marketing their art.
But, when I stood there that day, behind the podium, looking at all the fresh and vibrant faces in the audience, I changed my message in mid-sentence. I put down my notes and spoke from my heart.
These students didn't want to know HOW, they needed to know that WHAT they were doing...MEANT something. They wanted to know that their art MATTERED. I felt their need for accountability. So I told them.
I told them that they stood out from the crowd...not only because of their talent...but because they wanted to impact the world through their creativity. I told them never to give up and with the intention to make things better, they would prevail.
All these artists have the gifts to make a big difference.
I was blown away with their artwork and I think they can do it..so, I told them so.
I have HOPE in this generation.
I saw that today.
Bravo.
Age + Experience = Wisdom (for us "older" gals)
I find it hard to believe that time has passed so quickly. I feel compelled to write this blog, so young women everywhere will realize that life CAN get better with age and experience.
It may seem like a "bad swap" to young gals, but wrinkles and sagging can only be acceptable when we realize that with these inevitable changes...comes WISDOM.
As I looked at these 6 women (Carla, Kathleen, Allison, Charlotte, Debbie and Sharon), all beautiful in their own way, I see friends that have survived all of life's tangents, and have become even better because of it.
Carla's son Tyson, (who was married to Lynn that weekend), had survived 3 tours in Iraq and earned 3 bronze stars, while his mom, my best friend, struggled at home, literally on her knees for 3 years. She watched CNN all night-every night, rarely sleeping, to see where the skirmishes were and how close to her precious son the enemy was coming. When she finally gave him away this weekend, at the wedding, I could feel relief in her spirit...the first time in years.
They both had survived!
In a way we all survived the past 35 years. We have endured hardship and reinvented ourselves over and over again. My "peeps" (as Carla calls us), have all mellowed with age. Like fine wine or a baseball mitt. We became more comfortable in our own skin, like our favorite faded blue jeans and warn cowboy boots.
In celebration of life itself, all 7 of us girls danced together at the reception. After several cocktails we looked pretty good...laughing out loud at our dated moves to the twist, the jerk, the jitterbug, and the 2-step. Kathleen's step grandaughter, (Candace,17), watched us from the edge of the dance floor. I could tell she wanted to join us but was too self conscious to let it all hang out, like we were. I understood her dilema. Years ago, at her age, I probably would have just watched, too, thinking that I didn't want to make a fool of myself. As Candace watched us from the sidelines, a song came to mind: Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance".
It is my prayer for Candace, (and all young women everywhere), that they appreciate themselves now, and when they are older, because there is a radience that comes with the knowing that unfolds over time...a WISDOM beyond measure, (and in spite of wrinkles)...
We are all different and special in our own right.
We have earned it.
We can dance.
Past ARTstudents...finding me on the web
One patient in particular was one of my favorites. She was a twin and BOTH sisters had eating disorders. With a couple bumps along her journey, she graduated from College and is now a mother of a darling little boy. She recently found a position as a therapist to adolescents in need of help. Who better than someone who has experienced similar hardships.
I am so proud of who she has become and how she turned her life around. We have begun to communicate and she remindeds me of how my art lessons touched her heart and helped her to see herself more clearly. It's good to know, so many years later, that I DID make an impact.
I wonder what will be my next possibility. (Chapt. 32, pg.265 in my memoir, Forgetting To Fly)
Catholics and Co-dependence
I recently had lunch with one of my favorite people.
Earlene is Don's sister and my "Kindred Spirit." Whenever we get together, we discuss things I never really talk about with my other friends. Earlene has just completed a 3 year pastoral program in the Catholic church and truly walks-the-walk. I admire her grace and tenancy, but even more, her point of view. When I ask her questions, I always get answers I don't expect. She truly has an open mind for such a "religious" person.
I am NOT a Catholic, but married 2 of them, so I believe I understand their way of thinking...and appreciate their solid foundation.
Last week, while enjoying a brief time together, again we splintered off into unknown territory. Earlene had just finished my book, Forgetting To Fly, and was anxious to bring up a question that weighed heavy on her mind.
"In your memoir, you wrote about how you felt bad leaving a boyfriend because you loved his kids.(Chapt. 25, pg. 216). You said that 'co-dependency dies hard.' Tell me what is the definition of being co-dependant?"
I answered, "Simply, It is when you care for others MORE you care for yourself."
A slight smile came to Earlene's face. "Isn't THAT what God want's us to do?"
I was baffled.
I didn't how to respond.
Then, Earlene recited a Bible verse, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
OK, I get that. But what happens when the situation comes down to THEM or ME? Then what do I do? I had worked so hard, during several bouts of therapy, (Chapt. 9, pg. 61), and felt I had emerged resilient...enough to appreciate myself more and to take care of myself better...but now...what should I think? Do I disregard the discretion of my therapist, or the teachings of my Lord? Does it come down to one or another?!!#??**!!?
I have thought much about our discussion since then, and still don't really have an answer.
I think, perhaps, there is a fine balance between loving yourself enough to make good choices, and loving your neighbor enough to help someone (anyone) in need.
It comes down to this basic question:
When we are being good Christians, does that mean we are co-dependant?
So, I ask you now...What do YOU think? Tell me YOUR thoughts.
Be good to one another...still,
Tamlin
PS. Thanks, Earlene. I knew I could count on you to make me think...again.
High School Artists are brilliant
Because of the subject matter in my book, Forgetting To Fly, I was asked to jury some senior art students at South Fork High School in Stuart, Florida. I was accompanied by Tom Prestopnik who taught there for 20 years, (Art and The History of Rock & Roll, can you believe?!!!), and has been giving a scholarship to an exemplary student for 12 years.
The students we juried were extraordinary artists and their presentations were profoundly professional. They spoke with eloquence and knew their subject well. I was impressed with their portfolios and their focus on the future. They all knew where they wanted to attend college and what they wanted to do with their lives.
When they were making their presentations, I was reminded of how I won the "Best Artist" award in High school, so many years ago. There was no monetary reward, only an engraved gold medal, a small trinket I wore on my charm bracelet for many years, until I lost all my belongings in a fire, (Chapt. 28, pg 242).
I had all but forgotten this award, until listening to these brilliant students. They were humble yet confident in what they wanted for themselves. I remember being quite insecure at that age and certainly had no idea where my journey would lead me.
I applaud ALL these young adults and pray their life will bring them all they hope for...and more. I am thankful to Tom who loves these students and appreciates their talent and hardship. I am grateful that I could live my life as an "Artist", (through God's grace), and know that somehow, these students will too.
A Black Baptist Funeral, remembered
I found myself standing several times with my hands raised high, in praise to our Lord, God almighty. Years ago, I was embarrassed to show my faith with such fervent gesturing.
I was 13 and growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a hot summer day when I visited my friend, Patti Holmes, in her neighborhood of square wooden houses. I was sitting on her front step when I heard a beautiful sound...as though a choir of Angels were singing. I walked down the street drawn to an old clapboard house with a cross embedded in the front stain glass window. It was a church, and the doors were open...inviting me to come in. The organ was playing and the voices were haunting. I walked up the steps and was led inside by pure intrigue. Once inside I saw only beautiful, glowing, black faces, and I somehow still felt at home. They were standing, (sorta jumping around), and singing with their eyes closed and hands raised. I had never seen this before and only slightly felt self conscious about being so white. I sat down in the back pew, totaly mesmerized. They were worshipping and it was contagious. I was uplifted. A tangible feeling came through me and I stood with the rest of the congregation. I was filled with something at that time I had no words for. (Now, I know it well. It's the Holy Spirit). I was infused, embedded with His Glory, and if I had my wits about me, I would have been embarrassed by my exuberance, but somehow I wasn't. I became one of them... reaching and crying and singing. It was the first time I actually felt the Holy Spirit. It was my introduction and I will never forget that day, in a small black Baptist church that felt like Home.
So, today watching Whitney's "Home Going" I was brought back to a time in my early teens, when I understood what worship really means, really feels like. It's pure. It's freeing. It's what God wants us to do...be BOLD for our love of Him.
I have longed (yearned) for this old-time feeling again.
Thank you Whitney, for bringing me back.
Whitney Houston, "Home" at 48.
A Higher Perspective (the TRUTH), is that Whitney was plagued with deamons...and they are very real. Yes, the "negative force" targets the blessed, the gifted, the vaulnerable...any servant who draws people in with their pure love for the Lord.
Whitney sang for God...and this pisses off the enemy.
I'm serious, there is scientific evidence that negative energy enters the mind and intention of those who earnestly love the Lord. It's called SPIRITUAL WARFARE. When people are BOLD for God there is a constant battle in their mind, in their life. They might let up but they never go away. Whitney's struggle was real and she was tired.
My message today is to focus on the positive. Whitney no longer feels the weight of the world. She is singing and God is smiling.
So, recognize her sublime gifts and mourn her tragic passing,
but, also have a peace in your heart knowing that...Whitney is Home free.
ED revealed...BRAVO!!!
I don't know if you watch 'The Bachelor' on Monday night TV, but I reluctantly admit that I do. (No, I won't be embarrassed).
Well, last night (2-7-'12), a bachelorette contestant, Casey B., admitted that she has struggled with an eating disorder...on National fricken' TV...to her perspective husband, Ben.
I say BRAVO!!!...to Casey, and BRAVO to her parents who evidently took the bull by it's horns. We need more people to reveal this "ugly secret" that is growing exponentially.
Having worked with ED clients for 10 years, (Chapt. 21, pg.149 [there I got it in]), I understand the impact this confession could have. I pray this recognition will effect viewers...girls who are struggling and families who are questioning..."Is this normal?"
NO...IT'S NOT NORMAL...GET HELP !!!
We all need to know that CONFIDENCE is the most beautiful (and sexy) trait anyone can have.
And how do we get confidence?...I hear you asking.
By understanding that God designed you...to perfection...just as you are right now. Oh, we all have lessons to learn, but let's appreciate our individuality, because out of billions of people on this earth, there are no two alike. (Chapt.4, pg.17 [got in another plug]). When your unique traits are lined up with your gifts and talents...POOF...you are living out your legacy.
I say BRAVO to those who get this wisdom early on. Save yourself the aggravation.
So, Casey B....you go girl.
Tamlin's Blog
So I’m blogging now ??!!#!!??**?
What the heck is a “blog” and why do people do this?
I am an artist, a right-brainer, and way too celestial for my own good. I’m very uncomfortable with new technology…so why am I doing this?…tell me again?
I have been told that it’s a good way for people to get to know me better and understand why I wrote what I did in my memoir…so here goes.
BLOG #1:
Grab the book and place it in front of you. Don’t open it yet. Let’s talk about the title, Forgetting To Fly. I hear you asking, “Do you really think you can fly?”
Of course not.
“Then why the title?”
Because when I was very young I would dream that I could fly. It was wonderful. Not a care in the world. No rush or chaos, only the wind in my face, breathing in a crystal blue sky. I loved being UP. I could see my neighborhood in areal view. The houses, yards, kids running to school…
But, now that I think about it, how did I know what a house look like from above? Or a yard or a tree, or even a person? How was I seeing kid’s crooked parts and men’s bald spots. Why did I see my neighborhood like an early version of map quest? I had not been in an airplane at that time. I had never been in an air balloon. It was way before Google Earth. I never saw a picture of an areal view before. So, how did I know to see things from an UP perspective?
Maybe when I dreamed that I was flying…I really was.
That’s not so totally out of the question, is it?
I believe we all have an inner knowing.
Some may call it cell-memory, some call it reincarnation.
I choose to believe that our spirit, that energy that makes us who we really are, comes and goes, using our body as a resting place…a home to relax in and reflect… to teach our minds a higher perspective. (Chapt.3, Pg.15).
Did you know that it is scientifically proven that our heart gives information to the brain, NOT the other way around? (re: the HeartMind institute)
So where do we get that information? How do we gather the wisdom we have accumulated?
Could it be that we already have the wisdom of Jesus, the knowledge of Gandhi, the compassion of Mother Theresa…already embedded in our soul? We just have to recognize and remember it? I think young children do remember, (Chapt.16, Pg.122), but as we grow older the business of life makes us forget. Or maybe, the rules and judgments that our parents believe lead us away from the Truth.
It doesn’t have to be this hard.
If we are quiet…take time to breathe in the understanding…we will remember…we will know the Truth. (Chapt.12, Pg.85) We have the wisdom of the ages available to us. We have been given the gift of discernment, such a powerful tool.
So, why don’t we use it?
You’ve heard the saying “Use it, or lose it.”…right?
Well, it’s true. If we don’t use the gifts God has given us, we might as well throw them away.
So, now that I think (and write) about it…I believe I really could fly as a kid, and I still can.
My spirit soars when I let it. (Chapt.24, Pg.193)
And how about you?
Did you fly as a child?
Could you see in areal view?
We’re you gathering information, while being UP, that you have forgotten today? (Chapt.16, Pg.118)
Were you the one flying in those dreams, or did you watch yourself fly? (that’s another blog, for another day).
Do you still dream of flying?
Can you still let your spirit soar?
Will you remember your inner knowing and what it is trying to say?
If not, perhaps you need to be quiet, and breathe, and remember.
Because…you already know.
