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# 100.  This is my one hundredth article.  I know.  It’s only a number.  People said that to me at my last birthday.  Well, it was my birthday and it’s my blog. And, both numbers seem enormous and significant to me.  I fully expected to live as long as I have, but I never expected to write one hundred articles.

Or even one. It all started about three years ago. All this stuff was in my head and I just hammered it out and brought it into my own awareness. Today, when I sit at the keyboard, I begin with a thought, experience, or observation. I force myself to dig, to question, and to expand. I am usually searching for the truth…my truth.  My truth feels authentic, provides personal insight, and often makes me laugh.  

Sometimes, these philosophical and funny musings are even worth sharing. I have posted articles about painting with an open heart, writing with my eyes closed, keeping my mouth shut, and observing with an open mind. I wrote about exhibits, artists, movies. I opened conversations about artist dilemmas. And, I published thoughts on how, what, and why I paint. Throughout, I considered whether my musings would appeal to both artists and art lovers. 

I know my articles resonate when you offer feedback.  I love when you share another point of view, begin to contemplate the same issue, or share a related experience.  I am pleased when you simply tell me that you enjoy an article. Thanks for sticking with me.

Older Women.  I thought about older women a lot during the first week of the year.  This fact should not be remarkable, being that I am an older woman and most of my friends are older women. But that week was different. On Monday I had painted Marilyn’s portrait, on Thursday I had painted an older Chinese woman, and on Friday I attended my friend Shirley’s funeral.   

I included Marilyn’s portrait in my previous article, Happy New Year. She was a tumble of curls, wrinkles, smiles and questions. Although the smile and questions disappeared in the formal pose, they came forth during each break.  Marilyn is a retired public school music teacher, who sings in a regional choral group. The portrait is rather stern and may show character and wisdom, but it does not do justice to Marilyn’s energy and curiosity. Hopefully, it conveys her serious and contemplative side. Perhaps, the painting is an introduction to Marilyn.

Thursday’s model was an older Chinese woman who spoke no English. As I began my painting, I realized that she is one of only a few smiling models that I ever painted. The smile was natural and occasionally grew into a grin. Fake smiles wane. During the break I watched her interact with her Chinese painter friends. She would look at their paintings and critique their work. I found out that her name is Kai and that she was visiting from China, where she prepares high school students for  admission to art school. The portrait does show her pleasant disposition, but, again, it only makes me wish I could get better acquainted with Kai from China.

Finally, Shirley.  She passed away on New Years Day and her funeral was the following Friday. She’d been in my head and heart all week. She was my friend. I experienced her genuine interest in my art and this blog. I witnessed her kindness. I knew about her travels and her family. I found out about her career…her extraordinary presence in organizations, committees, boards, and departments serving disadvantaged youth. Most of all, I enjoyed her company.  I will miss her. During my week of contemplating this elegant lady, I was sorry that I had never painted her portrait.  And, then, I realized that I had!  She had been part of my “Hadassah” project, where I painted nine 12x12 inch portrait squares of Hadassah women. For sure, this is only a glimpse of Shirley. 

Happy New Year.  This year we can reasonably expect changes with our incoming President. Whether we are waiting patiently, living in fear, or anticipating recovery; we really have very little control over what happens administratively.  

But we can take charge of our individual lives in the coming year. I say this even though I’m not one for making resolutions or setting goals. Personally, I won’t count calories or steps. I won’t articulate my expectations.  I am just not temperamentally suited to engage in measurements or to create numerical outcomes. Ironically, I refuse to limit my growth with expectations. 

However, the new year beckons opportunity. This year I will focus on my enthusiasms. (I will avoid the word passion…overused, evokes heavy breathing, and is a bit self aggrandizing.) I am considering my enthusiasms…which include painting, cultural activities, and reading. These interests round out my life and are the sources of this blog.

In the coming year, I will pay greater attention to my pursuits.  I will exert more effort. I will improve my habits. I will take chances. I will seek opportunities. I will expand my life. I will have a good year.  

I wish you the same.  Happy New Year.

Post Script…I started the year off right.  Yesterday I painted with a brand new easel.  How symbolic!