what’s next…

It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway through another year. I look back and think - where in the world did the first six months go? This year has been creatively challenging for me. I didn’t feel like I was producing pieces I loved up until I got a commission request at the beginning of April. One that I whipped out in a week…yeah, a week! I never paint that fast, but it was what I needed.

April Commission: WLB’s Tried and True Lynda Lou MH (22×28)

Posting my work has never been easy for me. Sure, it may seem really simple to just create a post or a reel for Instagram or Facebook. But for me, it feels like I’m ripping out the page of the journal and letting the world read it line by line. It’s very hard and very personal.

Lately, I feel like I keep asking myself what’s next? At 33, while I may still be single, I’ve got a really good job, a house I own, a tight-knit group of girls that support me, and my backseat driver - Rosie. But, what’s next?

Creatively, I plan out a piece, put it to canvas, and slowly move it from the ugly phase to the detail phase to the finished piece…but what’s next?

When I finished the commission back in April, I couldn’t paint for a week. I loved the piece so much that it felt like there was a gaping hole once I was done working on it. I can’t explain it other than I’ve never connected with a piece as much as I did that one. So, what was going to be next?

It was no coincidence that I found myself telling one of my best friends (if you’re reading this Sarah - I love you to pieces!) that I felt like something was missing. Like what was next? I feel like it’s a valid question to ask at my age when it feels like life is just passing you by. I mean helloooo it was just January yesterday!

Sarah so kindly reminded me that there a different seasons of life for difference things. And this period of waiting…for whatever “it” is…was just a little longer for me. Her words remind me so much of my painting process. There are some pieces that I can whip out in a week, and others that take time.

Sharing my work has taught me to put myself out there more. It’s taught me to relish in the different phases of a piece - much like learning to rest in the different seasons of life. Different phases take different amounts of time. And that’s perfectly fine.

So, what’s next? I have no idea. I’ve got some sketches, but no real plan. I feel behind in my prep for Waterfowl Weekend, but that’s ok. This season is teaching me to trust the Lord much more than I ever have, and that this void that I feel is only temporary. His plan. His timing. And His perfect plan is always best.

So, what’s next? I guess you’ll just have to stay tuned to find out. Because for once in my life, I have no earthly idea!