FEARLESS (Lilly's version)

Each year for the past 15 or so, I pick my word for the year. 

The word that will be my focus, something I want to work on.

This year, My word is

FEARLESS

Yes, just like the rest of the World, I am obsessed with not

only the girl we know as Taylor Swift 

but her love life, with Travis Kelce.

Having just started a new relationship at about the same time

as the Swift/Kelce began it has made it more interesting to me.

I go into this year wanting to be fearless.

At 60 years old there should be little I do fear.

I am content and happy, have the best little family,

the best friends, best job as an artist.

Yet I become intimidated by things in my life.

For instance, in my art, I am always becoming intimidated

by something new I want to do.

I have so much commission work doing what I love 

but become fearful when it comes to doing something new

or allowing myself to just be free with my art.

I hesitate wondering if it will be liked by others.

I then tend to stick to what I know people like and will pay for.

This year, I want to change that. I have been inspired to reach

out of my comfort zone and try doing new things.

If I don't like it, it can be just for me.

If I like it and become brave enough to put it out there

for others to see, that would make me fearless.

Another area in my life I have been fearful in the past is dating.

Well, not really dating but the relationship part.

I have often jokingly said,

"I love dating, it's the relationship part I don't like"

and in my 10 years of being single, it has held true.

I have met so many wonderful friends through dating,

some I have lost last year.

However, the long term relationship part always has me afraid.

Afraid to have to change my life, afraid to get hurt,

afraid of putting the work in,

afraid that with age comes sickness....

Lots of fears especially because I am so very content now.

However, I have met someone who I want to date.

I find myself wanting to take it slow but also wanting

to know everything about him.

I want to be fearless with this relationship.

I don't want to overthink or rush anything, just want to enjoy the ride

and know that whatever happens, I will be a better

person for just having known him.

When you are almost 60 and you meet someone who

makes you feel beautiful, showers you with attention 

and appreciates your work, your family, the life you lead,

Well, you can't just let that go.

So this year, I focus on being 

FEARLESS, Lilly's version.

A Christmas Miracle

In my line of work, I am blessed with many 

wonderful events and stories that I am able to hear and bring to clients.

This one is worth sharing in the spirit of Christmas.

Around Thanksgiving my friend, Teri asked if I could paint her

two Cardinals on slate for a friend of hers who had lost two of her three sons

and was having a really hard time.

As usual, I told her I would put it on my list.

However, this order I just could not stop thinking about.

What it would be like for me had I lost both my children in a matter of months.

It stayed with me days and kept me up nights.

Finally I texted Teri and asked a few questions, explained I just had to get it done

as it would not leave my heart.

As she filled me in on this family, these boys Mother,

the sketch came to my mind, two beautiful male cardinals hovering together.

Teri sent photos of the boys and their brother and Momma.

I knew I had made the right decision to get this piece done before Christmas.

We continued to text and I asked if she wanted music or not.

Teri's reply was " Artist choice"

I replied back, " I am sure the boys will lead me".

I then sat on the floor of my studio where I keep thousands 

of music sheets and hymn books.

I picked up the first hymn book and just opened it...

I was in awe, surprised at the hymn that was in my hand!

TAKE THIS MESSAGE TO MOTHER

Yes the boys had led me and I tearfully knew now why 

this piece would not leave me.

Their Momma needed to know they were okay.

 

I finished the piece that same night.

I heard from their Mother via text after she received the gift.

From Cynthia:

"... you do not know what this means to me.

what a beautiful message my sons sent me through you.

I am having a difficult time during the holidays.

When i opened it and read your letter- I cried of course.

Finally a calm came over me and I feel so much better..."

How lucky I am to have found my calling once again

and to be able to bring peace to others in my work.

{Thanks you Teri and Cynthia for allowing me to share this story}