Turning 50

So, tomorrow I turn 50. The reason I'm telling you is because so much has happened between 40 and 50 that I never thought possible.

Right before I turned 40, we moved from Albuquerque to Savannah and everything was in flux. I had left a career in Albuquerque and had no idea what I was to do with myself. I just knew that my happiness was not to be found in this particular career or in any "normal" job.

At that time I wasn't very good at just being. And I was even worse at being in that undefined space of not knowing what was next for me in terms what I'd be doing.

I now know that that is one of the best spaces to be in. We all like to get from point A to point B and arrive at Point B quickly, but the real magic happens in the in between stage, in that open space between "what was" and "what will be." That's when everything can change for the better, when we can become something more, something new.

It was in this space where I started painting. I was 43 and had never before wanted to paint because I knew that I didn't have the talent. It was not even on my radar until...I had this undefined (uncomfortable) space in my life.

Here's what I learned from that new beginning. In life it's often not about living our obvious talents and doing what we've always done. The biggest joy is sometimes found on a path we didn't even know existed. Developing a talent that was completely hidden. Allowing something new and unknown into our lives.

Now at 50 (well, tomorrow) my life is only about the joy of it, however that comes to me. Be it through art, family, knitting, nature, our pets, cooking, eating, what have you. It's about the joy of it, pure and simple! And I wish the same for you!

All of these little paintings can be found in my Daily Paintworks gallery.
And of course I'm liking to Paint Party Friday, where I am always inspired!

With love and light,

❧ Silke

Tarot Cards and St. Germain

First of all, I want to thank so many of you who are on Facebook for your birthday greetings from all over the world yesterday. It was so heartwarming and almost a little overwhelming. I loved it!!!

Now to a little birthday tradition I have. About 20 years ago, I bought a deck of Tarot cards and used them all the time for myself and for my friends. Over the years my intuition has developed to such an extent that I don't really need the cards anymore to tune into what's going on with me and often what's going on with those around me.

However, twice a year - on New Years Day and on my birthday - I get out my cards just for the fun of it.

It still gives me chills though every time the cards totally confirm what I already knew was happening. Remember how I said that I felt that everything was going to change? Mostly on the inside rather than my outside life? That seems to be the theme for this year, especially as it pertains to my creative life.

And what do I want to leave behind this year? Fear of failure and worry - oh those familiar themes that play the biggest role in holding me back. Looks like this is the year to break free of their stranglehold. Yes!!

Ok, subject change! :) For dinner last night, we went to my favorite German/Thai restaurant near Savannah in Rincon, the Schnitzel Shack (I wrote about it here before). Our dear friend Doris (she's from Switzerland originally) came with us and we had the best time with German beer, food, music and German spoken all around us.

And here one of my presents from Daniel, which is so delicious. We had only recently been introduced to it by our friends Richard and Michelle (Michelle has a great quilting blog: Periwinkle Quilting and Beyond): St. Germain liqueur.

It is made in France from elderflowers picked in the French Alps (you can read more about it here) and has a wonderful taste.

Last night we drank a little of it mixed with champagne and it was heavenly!

Next time I will toast to all of you...

P.S. I am coming up on 400 followers (how is that possible?!?) and 650 posts (ok, I know how that is possible - I always have something to say...) and I think that calls for a giveaway soon. Stay tuned...

Happy Birthday, Daniel!!

♥♪♫♬ ♩

Happy Birthday to you, 

Happy Birthday to you, 

Happy Biiiiirthday, dear Daaaaniel, 

Happy Birthday to you!! 

♪♬♩♫♥

Yep, it's a very special day today!! And I'm off to make a scrumptious birthday dinner and a delicious pumpkin pie, birthday cake of choice by the awesome birthday boy. Head on over to one of Daniel's blogs, here or here, and wish him a Happy Birthday! 


I will see you all sometime this weekend!! 

Oh, Happy Day!

Today is Friday, the 13th and a very happy, lucky day for me, indeed!

If you want to find out exactly why, head on over to my honey Daniel's blog (click here) and then to sweet Anne's blog (click here). It seems they planned a little surprise blog party for me...

Thank you!!!

Peace - a Painting

Every painting these days seems to be a little different from the others. This one is a little darker and then again a bit more playful. The writing around her reads: "she felt peace wash over her." I like that feeling.

And because today is my little sister's birthday, I am dedicating this post to her! Happy birthday, Caroline!!

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Today is Daniel's birthday!
Can you believe that this handsome, young man is turning 50 today?! Neither one of us can...
So, today, this amazing man and I are going on a little trip to St. Augustine in Florida! We'll be back Saturday! Have a wonderful few days!!

Today...

... is my dear friend Beth's birthday! Beth and I worked together for only three months some 15 years ago and during those short months we became fast friends. Even now, after all this time, we touch base with each other very regularly, share in our lives and adventures, and are always able to uplift each other.
I know that Beth is happiest at the beach, so I included a couple of pictures we took here on Tybee Island when Beth was visiting a couple of years ago.

If you'd like to, head on over to Beth's blog to wish her Happy Birthday!

P.S. Thank you all for your incredible comments on my news yesterday. It's so much more fun when we all share in each others successes! I'm off now to your blogs to celebrate your successes!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday! He is 70 years young -- and when I say "young," I mean it! He's great and I am lucky in that we are really close. We talk on the phone several times a week, we skype, we e-mail, we are interested in many of the same things, and he is probably the biggest fan of my blog and my art - in short, we aren't "only" father and daughter, but also good friends, and that is something all too rare.

Here are some photos of him I just adore. In the picture above, he is the eager student in the middle row on the right. And below, with his VW bug! (Incidentally, when Daniel picked me up in an orange VW Beetle for our first date some 24 years ago, I instantly had a good feeling about him...)
And finally I can show you the piece of art I made for my dad for his birthday. I've been dying to post it, but had to wait for the proper time (patience is not always one of my virtues). It's a mixture of acrylic paint, paper collage and image transfers on an 8x8 canvas. My mom took the photo of me and my dad and captured a moment of connection, which has remained unbroken all these years!
Fast forward 42 years... It was our first day back on a visit to Germany and my dad immediately took Daniel and me for the biggest and best ice cream sundaes in town! He knows what makes us happy...
We wish we could celebrate with him today, but I know we'll do so in style when we see each other next! (There is a rumor that he is coming to visit us in the fall and we can't wait!!)

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Papa!!

Happy Birthday, Caroline

Today is my little sister's birthday! Caroline still lives in Germany and is one amazing young woman. She is a gifted Montessori teacher and a wonderful mother to two sweet and rambunctious little boys. Her life is busy, busy, busy, but she gets everything done with incredible grace and patience. Not having children of my own, I admire the fantastic mother she is. And, of course, the best little sister I could wish for!! Happy Birthday, little sis, and Happy Mother's Day!
Ok, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to post this photo where my sister looks cute as ever and I am a gangly pre-teen. And those clothes...it was the 70's, people! Allowances must be made...

To all you mothers out there, Happy Mothers Day!!