I live a creative life and one that is not so conventional. I know not everyone gets that. I am an entrepreneur. I have made my passion, my art, my life and part of my job. I know not everyone gets that. When you meet me you may think I am a bit eccentric, colorful, unique, too happy, funny, etc. I have heard it all. I have an education.....a thing for numbers, a degree in Building Construction Management from a Big Ten University.
But there was always something scratching at me. Something I could not explain. First I loved to take pictures.....photos of EVERYTHING. I have had every camera from the one with the slide discs, flashes, and more. I used to sketch, paint, draw excessively in the basement by myself in the summer. I loved crayons and coloring books. I was always doodling. I went through school with pages and pages of notes with doodles all over them.
My parents have been supportive and made me feel comfortable with who I am. The supported me in college and said get an education and you can do anything you want. They were right and I am glad I always had that. I had a career after college in the field of construction. Some days were diamonds and some were stones. I loved my job, I hated, it taught me business skills, the ability to negotiate, managing temperaments, letter writing, management, juggling lots of responsibility, etc. I did the business thing and along that path I had a corner in my house where I tried many a craft. I built exquisite doll houses with electricity, I took up calligraphy, I was a scrapbooker. It was my passion and everyone thought my little love for playing with all those photographs I took was cute. My creativity was still knocking on my door.
I had kids........I became a Mom. I was bestowed the lives of three beautiful kids and stayed home to nourish those souls the best I could. Some days were diamonds and some were stones for sure. I love the job, hated it too many days, it teaches me to negotiate, managem temperaments, juggle lots of responsibility, etc. There was that contstant itch that needed scratching. I evolved into mixed media and drawing...my original love from that basement all those summers.
Life took some twists and turns. I pursued full time jobs in the market I love and have a passion for. I continued to paint, share what I love and am a full-time Mom. Some days were diamonds and some were stones. Those jobs has ups and downs too. I have changed and evolved from all those Life Experiences.
What has not changed is that passion that keeps knocking on my door. I have answered it. Some days are diamonds and some are stones. I am full of emotions......and many of those are reflected in my art. I am passionate. If you meet me...you may wonder what is up with that girl, ask me what I do for a living. I am ME..........Mom, entrepreneur, friend, confident. I AM AN ARTIST. I make no excuses. Some days are diamonds and some days are stones.
I still call my Dad to hear those words he said way back when......it just makes me feel better. I know two people who are always in my corner and understand the beat of her own drum, my parents. So Dad thanks for those words, thanks for keeping me on MY path and steering me back when I need it.
I am an Artist.......I share that. It is my path and may get the occasional lean of the head by those who do not understand. That's ok. I don't always understand why they are doing something they are not passionate about. This is my path. I juggle work in order to feed my creative endeavors...This I know for sure....
- You have to make time for your passion and your creative endeavors. Do NOT ignore that itch.
- Happines and Well being is contageous
- Don't look to others and compare your path or look for their approval. Find your own path.
- Be ok with who you are.
- Open yourself up to new ideas and always learning from those around you. Be thankful for those connections. I am thankful for every Mixed Media Monday where I get to do just that.
- Creativity makes me happier and productive in my daytime jobs and being a Mom.
- Being creative is something to be proud of....makes you more attractive inside and out. Do not ignore that itch!
Some days are diamonds and some are stones but you can bet that my stones are going to be painted vibrant colors with words that inspire me back on MY path...so blessed to share that path with those who get it...
"...what you want to achieve is already a big part of who you are. You may be a novice just beginning a great journey, or you may be a veteran who hasn’t yet realized her dream. Either way, the fact that you haven’t attained your desired result yet doesn’t make you any less of a force to be reckoned with. In other words, if you want to run a marathon, you are a marathon runner. You just need to run. If you want to be a writer, you are a writer. You just need to write. Etc. It’s only ever a matter of training, studying and practicing."
Bravo, dear one!!!
Thank you for being you!!
And thank you Mom and Dad for Tracy.
I am a better person because I have met her.
Posted by: Lori Batronis | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 06:32 AM
Hugs my friend...it is mutual! You always give a good swift kick in the rear ♥.
Posted by: Tracy Weinzapfel | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 08:53 AM
Keep on doing what you're doing and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Cheers to your creativity!
Posted by: Jacqueline | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 08:54 AM
thanks Friend....to an original who pushed me. ♥
Posted by: Tracy Weinzapfel | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 08:56 AM
Ah, beautiful words to go with a beautiful painting! I, too, am thankful that Mom and Dad didn't squelch that artist inside! What a blessing you have been in so many ways.....more than I can express! I am soooo extremely proud of you, Tracy! I've literally watched you spread your wings and fly in the short time I've known you. Just keep on soaring and we'll cheer you on! <3
Posted by: Andy | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 09:49 AM
Wonderful words of advice!!
Posted by: Jean A Marmo | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 11:09 AM
Thanks Jean! not always easy to remember :)
Posted by: Tracy Weinzapfel | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Thanks so much Andy! could not spread those wings without the support of so many like yoU!
Posted by: Tracy Weinzapfel | Friday, April 19, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Your eloquent works both here and on a daily basis, continue to inspire me, my lovely! I am proud to know you, proud to call you my friend and mentor and adviser! May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life! Mwah!
Posted by: Kay Wallace | Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Thank you Tracy for always being willing to share a part of yourself with us. I am a better person, friend, wife, daughter, and artist because of you. Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone has helped be develop into the person I always wanted to be and I have you to thank for a lot of the pushing. You rock my friend.
Posted by: Paula | Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 08:40 AM
Thank you Paula. I never have any idea how I push you guys when I feel like the one who gets all the inspiration back! Darn lucky to be part of that!
Posted by: Tracy Weinzapfel | Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 04:38 PM
you have no idea how much your words mean to me Kay! Thanks!
Posted by: Tracy Weinzapfel | Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 04:39 PM