Monday, April 16, 2007

A NEW Beginning!

TODAY is a very special day. It is... my birthday!

But, it is not just ANY birthday; it is a milestone both in age and the current events of my life.

TODAY, I stand on the precipice of a NEW beginning!

I think my blog banner at the top represents exactly how I feel. This image is filled with symbolism about my present circumstances. My life is very much like the tiny bird perched on the branch ready to spread its wings and fly.

This year has already been filled with an abundance of inspiring and memorable moments giving me the confidence to stretch my wings.

Over the last several weeks, I had the immense honor of debuting as a teacher for a well known and well-respected artist's retreat. And this honor has multiplied exponentially having also been invited to other equally outstanding events all over the country.

I have been completely exhilarated by the teaching experience, and can hardly wait until I have the opportunity to share my talents again!






















And if all of this were not enough, I recently experienced a second debut that occurred simultaneously with conducting my workshop. The premier issue of Somerset Memories Magazine hit the newsstands with a published article from yours truly.

I felt as if I was having an out of body experience when the magazine arrived in my mailbox. I stood as still as a deer in headlights carefully reading each word. By the time I had finished the page, I realized I had tears steadily streaming down my face. I could hardly believe that I had actually lived that story.






















My article is about "becoming". I know many artists have endured similar circumstances in their own lives. I had many occasions when I was overcome with severe doubts, and others that were so thrilling I could hardly breathe. I invite you to pickup a copy and read these heartfelt words for yourself.

The months ahead look to be just as interesting as the days I have had over the last three weeks.

There is SO MUCH more to share, all in good time.


Some VERY... VERY EXCITING happenings are just over the horizon.

But for now, I simply plan to bask in the joyous moments of this special day.

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!
April is also my birthday month and I plan to celebrate with this little motto: to see it as adding life to my years rather than just counting the years of my life!
I discovered your blog via an Artfest link. Very inspiring.... ~Sharon

Dawn said...

All the best to you on this, your special day...and on your continuing journey of becoming..

Anonymous said...

Okay well, this is a tad bit late to be saying it but HaPpY BiRtHdAy!! You adventures sound so wonderful. Your talents bring this forth and it's really great to witness! Congrats Tracie!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Tracie! Enjoy your day!

liz elayne lamoreux said...

happy, happy birthday dear girl! i hope your day is full of joy, giggles, CAKE, sunshine, and all your heart desires.

congratulations on the article! i can't wait to read it!

Tara's Art Camp said...

Happy Birthday ~ congratulations on all your accomplishments!!!!!

Tammy Gilley said...

Happy birthday and congratulations to you!! What fantastic events are occurring in your world! You are well-deserving, Tracie. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Lilli in Vancouver said...

Happy Birthday! Congratulations on all the blossoming of your artistic creativity. Drink it all in :)

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my friend! Congrats on the article, and on spreading your wings! You deserve all the good things coming your way:)

Runner Gurl said...

Happy Birthday!! I'm right behind you, April birthday gurl... mine is Wednesday.
: )

Sherri and Betsey brought me back a TRACIE H. "home" garland from AFF for my birthday! I opened this giftie a little early and am LOVING it! Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us.
xoxo

Wishing you all the best in the coming year...
Gail

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, my dear friend! Take a moment to savor the past year's accomplishments and congratulate yourself on the huge leaps taken...more sweet rewards await you. Congratulations on the beautiful piece just published and those yet to come.

Holly Loves Art said...

Well, happy, happy birthday my friend!!!!!!! What a lovely post from a lovely person. Have a wonderful day.

Mary Stanley said...

Ohh! Tracie! Happiest of birthday's to YOU! And many congratulations on all of your artful accomplishments this year..and many more to come. I so love your work....and your little houses...and sharing and trading with you at artfiberfest. lots of love, mary

Lori S-C said...

Happy Birthday and congratulations on your journey...

Love and hugs,
Lori

Heather Simpson-Bluhm said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! you sweet girl. Hope it is all you dreamed of and more!

Diane Duda said...

Happy Birthday to you! (and my son Josh, too)
You are such a talent and deserve only good things!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday and congrats on the article. I was beyond thrilled when a wee piece of my art was published, can't imagine a whole article. Will look for a copy. Congrats again.
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Happy Be-lated Birthday and congrats on your success as a teacher!

katie said...

happy, happy, happy belated birthday to you my sweet friend..(celebrating our birthdays for a whole week makes perfect sense to me - there is always too much to fit into the single day!) i can so relate about birthday milestones, mine is coming up in the fall and i'll be celebrating some of the same ones as you as i also celebrate the big 50!)

i just read your comment on nina's blog about your dear pug companion....i'm so very sorry for you loss, i know how painful it is.
xoxox katie

Judy Wise said...

Tracie Lyn! Happy Birthday! I'm late but sincere; I wish you all the joy possible in this coming year. Everything good is happening to you - congratulations, o talented one. ;-)

Anonymous said...

you are so inspiring...and happy birthday, sweet one! belated now...is the magazine out now...can i run to B&N and get it? the teaching venue is so you...very exciting stuff all around you! and since i am playing catch up with my blogging buddies...i am so sorry about your little dog passing away....so sorry. love the light within poem...i need to check into the poetry thursday...would like to keep working on my poetry. i let it take a backseat alot of the time...you take care...love you...annie

Maija said...

Good things happen to you because youROCK!!
Happy Birthday....I am so behind in my blogging!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tracie!
All of this goodness is wonderful!!
Much more on the horizon......
Cheers,
Lisa Guerin