It is cold outside, the leaves are turning. Those that survived the grueling summer are dropping to make a carpet of future mulch. We have a fire in the stove. It is warm and toasty in here. I am in my chair in front of the fire. I find it mesmerizing to watch the flames do their dance.
Fall draws me to reflect on things past. This time of year invites me to evaluate where I am and where am I going. Later this week I turn 78. Wow how is that possible. It was just yesterday that I was 22.
I painted this in my dorm room at Sam Houston around 1966. This self portrait has seen a rough life. You can easily see the scratches on the surface. As I look back on my life, I too have scratches, some of them are deeper than others. All of you who know me know thatI have had my ups and downs, but always managed to land on my feet. Back in 1966 my dreams for the future were huge. I still have huge dreams… they are just a little different now.
I was one of those lucky people who always looked to the bright side even when things weren’t going well. I talked my way through those times by relying on the old cliche “Every cloud has a silver lining” I always felt that my darkest times were as bad as it was going to get and that I was headed for the silver lining. It was exciting to think about all that good that was coming my way as I pulled my way out of the dark time.
That coping mechanism worked well for me, it got me to where I am now.I thoroughly enjoy my life up here with my loving partner, Dee. I have two wonderful sons and 4 fantastic granddaughters who are forming their huge dreams. They are just about where I was back in 66. I know all of them have huge dreams for their future. Boy I wish that I could be at their side over the next 50 years.
Love to all
Susan