Monday, September 28, 2009

Finding VALUE


"All changes, even the most longed for,
Have their melancholy;
For what we leave behind us
is part of ourselves;
We must die to one life
Before we can enter into another!"

-Anatole France



Here I am nigh upon the beginnings of another
adventure. During these last hours, and minutes
of preparation, I am thrust into an almost frenzied
mode, moving quickly about gathering this or that,
trying desperately to remember all of the little bits
that must not be forgotten, forever hoping to find
yet another small space for one last something in
the already bursting-at-the-seams luggage.

My life is, and has been for the last three years, cast
between two worlds. There is the day to day where I
swaddle myself as artist, author, and poet within
the creative nest of my studio and home, living an
almost hermit-like existence.

Then, there is the traveler, the goer, the doer, the
teacher, artist, and author that gallivants across hill
and dell, mountain and ocean to share my over-
whelming adoration for art and nature with others.

I love my life, but am often torn between these two
worlds, especially when I have been lingering on one
side of the precipice and am about to leap to the other.

Although joyful and excited over the possibilities and
all good things to come, I also feel a sad reverie of
longings, for what was and what I leave behind.

Yet such is life, for the one true constant is the ever
changing, always moving moments that play out right
before our eyes.

The true heart of the matter is the value gleaned from
every experience, and how it propels you onward, often
times setting in motion the next chains of events.

And so it is that I am off, going and doing, for nearly
all of October. Eager to be amidst the rattle and hum of
the new, reminiscing with the familiar, and being with
friends all the while. I am bringing with me a small laptop
on my trips and hope to share my journey along the way.


I look forward to returning to my humble studio where I
have begun a new creative endeavor of paintings and other
artworks inspired by my trip to the Royal Gardens of
Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and the country side
of England.

Finally, a BIG CONGRATULATIONS goes to
Wanda H. as the winner of the Craftside Blog/
Nature Inspired Giveaway!

There will also be one more chance to win a copy of my new
book in October. Friend, Kelly Rae Roberts is helping
me celebrate the book's release with a giveaway on her blog,
so be sure to watch for details.

And if you are attending Art & Soul, Portland, I invite you
come by the book signing on Thursday night where I will be
autographing copies of Nature Inspired. My publisher, Quarry
Books, is also giving away other prizes to attendees. I will
be vending on Saturday night with a number of original
artworks for sale, along with other new and delightful treasures
to purchase.

I hope to see you there!

12 comments:

Carol Sloan said...

I totally understand the "duel life" post! I stay at home, surrounded by the warmth of my studio a lot of time too...then I break out my convertible VW and move in to another dimension.We love both worlds, but the other one calls for us when we're not there. We're doing what we must...like Rumi said "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do."

Janet said...

Just wanted to say I got a copy of your book today and kept trying to sneak a peek at work all afternoon. I didn't want to put it down!

paperbird said...

Tracie have an amazing time in Portland- so wish I could be there.

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

I will be blogging my beautiful book on Saturday and shall direct everyone to your blog and your giveaways. I adore my book and am very inspired to try new nature journal pages with my hedgerow finds and treasures from my countryside rambles

Thank you xxx
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

I too fully understand the 'torn-between-two-worlds' syndrome. Oh it is so hard but equally, one life feeds the other, and vice-versa.

I am loving your book and can't wait until I have a little more time to delve into it more deeply.

Ann from UK

Lee Weber said...

The quote at the beginning of your post totally fits my life right now. We sold our house and bought another one- all in one week. Now, it is wrapping my head around the fact that I am leaving my home for the wildes of Maine. My husband is so very happy, though, and that makes it all OK. I have a little swap project to keep me busy, then I'll pack up my arts and crafts for the big move. xoxo

Janee said...

Hi Tracie,
I enjoyed reading about your thoughts with hermit-ing verses traveling! It's funny, I have a similar dilemma too! And, it seems like the one side of my lifestyle helps to make the other more "colorful" overall. I'm looking forward to hearing about your October adventures! Take care.

Unknown said...

Hi! I'm taking your Magic Garden class at the Houston Quilt Show, on Wed the 14th and I have a couple of questions about the supply list. Would you mind emailing me when you have a chance, please? Thanks so much- looking forward to the class!

LizzyHouse said...

I wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you. I just hope that you are well, and that you can strike the balance you need to always feel peace

Love,
Lizzy

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Hi Tracie Lyn, I have today blogged about your beautiful book and encouraged my readers to get a copy and shown them your gorgeous gifts to me. Thank you again. Your book is bringing me so much pleasure. I love to leaf through it and hope to follow some of your suggestions in your workshops very soon.

Much love
Carolyn x

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Congratulations on your book!
I learned about it from Love Stitching Red. It looks amazing.
xx
julie

turquoise cro said...

O! I hope to win your SWEET book! Congratulations!!! That is one of my dreams, to have a book out into the world!!! Welcome home! I wish I could have met YOU at the donkey farm! I LOVE donkeys!!! although I am allergic to all animals! Boo Hoo!!! I've been in some chunky books with YOU Tracie! I've yet to find them, that's why I have to get organized! I want to be able to just take some quiet time for looking at them!especially on cold, snowy days! That for sure warms the heart!