365 days project 2. Day 54. The unexpected inspiration

    I never expected a book to make me want to paint again. 

   I've been reading "Paris is always a good idea" by Nicolas Barreau (my newest favorite author that I discovered in Canada) for the past week and every time I immersed myself in the world of the book I felt this deep surge to go buy watercolors and brushes. And today I finally did. The book is very visual and artistic, about this painter woman who paints custom made postcards in watercolors. It's so amazing and vivid that it became my favorite book ever.

   Let me get this straight so you can understand why I am so surprised: I consider myself an artist. I love photography, writing and all those crafty DIY projects but while I was a student in school I always told myself I was not good at painting or drawing. My art teachers were generous with their grades but deep down I knew I didn't have this talent in me so I never tried to paint again after I finished the art classes in high school. I always admired painters but I just knew that I wasn't made for that. Until today. Today I had this huge desire to paint. I followed a video online on how to paint poppies and I painted this. The whole process was very relaxing and cathartic.
   Who knew a book could awaken such feelings inside me? I foresee more painting in my future :) All thanks to my favorite book!

365 days project 2: Day 19. Blind(folded)

   Yesterday I saw a blind woman walk before me on the sidewalk and as I was walking behind her I was trying to picture myself in a world without sight. It was very frightening. Impossible. Unimaginable. A visual artist without sight is like a composer without hearing. Beethoven might have done it, but I couldn't. 

   And this brings us to... this present day when I was "kidnapped" at 5 AM by my maid of honour and one of the bridesmaids to go... somewhere. I told you previously that I was eagerly awaiting this day. And guess what. After going to the "getaway car" I was blindfolded and had earplugs in my ears and music was blasting through them. I couldn't see or hear anything. That was all fine and dandy until I had to get off the car and walk blindfolded like that towards what I thought would be the train station. In that very moment when my friends took my hands and were guiding me that image of the blind woman that I saw the previous day came back very clearly to me and with it all my thoughts I had then. I knew I was guided by my friends but I couldn't help not feel a bit of fear of the unknown. I didn't know where I was, if I had to climb some steps, if I could bump into something or someone and that whole feeling was a bit nerve wracking. I was happy it only lasted for a few minutes because in all that time that seemed like an eternity I became so thankful that I can actually use my eyes and create art. I don't mean to say that blind people can't be artists, I know they can, I just think I couldn't be a photographer anymore. Not the way I am now. 

   The good thing about this whole situation is that at the end of the walk there wasn't a train station waiting for me but the airport. Yes. The airport. And then the blindfold came off and I was handed in my passport and a flight ticket to... Venice, Italy, the city I ALWAYS wanted to see! I couldn't believe my eyes. This was the "somewhere" everybody around me was keeping as a secret. My dear God, what a huge and beautiful surprise! The trip that would soon become the best trip I have ever had in my life! 

The oddball

   I know, you're going through that weird period in your life when your folks wants you to get married and start a family of your own instead of crafting your Halloween outfit, button trees and colored collages. 

   Yeah, you better get used to it. You're 25 and you're still a kid. And an artist. They think you're odd and they laugh when you say that out loud, but in your heart you already know that's gonna stick with you your whole life. You'll play along with your kids, you'll pick clothes, toys and DIY projects together, you'll create as long as you're breathing. Because the Creator himself gave you a little bit of him wrapped up in a sparkly gift tied up with a huge bow. You can't refuse that, can you now? How could you when the internet is full of awesome, brilliant, magnificent ideas and DIY creative projects you can't wait to dive into?:) 

   You're an artist. And that's more than a job you leave behind when you exit that door. It's imprinted in your skin and you'll wear it forever. Your own beautiful tattoo. 

   So let them speak. Let them laugh. You just keep playing a different game each day:) Feed that kid and don't ever let him grow up!:) Hear me?

Day 280. How to make us happy

   Happiness is easily achievable when you're a child or an artist. 

   As a child all you need is a bit of attention from a grown up or from fellow children. It's not even important to give them a gift, they're thrilled if you show them you want to spend time with them doing what they like, if you ask for their opinion and you make them feel important. Oh, and they love being taken photos:) They all crowd around you and say "Pick me, pick me":) 

   As an artist, all you need to be happy is good light for your photos, an amazing scenery or a wild model. Or just a plain sunny day. 

   More than ever, I feel that this sunny day is feeding me all my happy thoughts. I don't even have to try to be happy. It all comes naturally when it's sunny outside:) It's like the birds are chirping more, the colors are brighter and I can see all the shades of green I couldn't see during the 20 days of rain. I wish it would just last forever. No matter the season. A forever sunny weather. It may even rain or snow or the wind might blow, but I want the puffy clouds and the sun. I need it so much! 

   If you want to make me happy, give me a warm hug and a sunny day. Best present ever!:)