Friday, August 12, 2016

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

20 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday tomorrow, and the next years bring lots of positive developments and happiness. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

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  2. Beautiful post Silke!! Happy Early Birthday!! I gain so much inspiration from your blog and of course our "chats". I can relate to so much of what you have written, just turning 47 last month I see 50 on the horizon and its intimidating! Hopefully by the time I reach that milestone (which I am sure will come quick!) that I will have reached the comfortable space you seem to be in with my creativity and being. Much love to you dear friend!! xoxo

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  3. What a wonderful post! I think your colourful animals are adorable and I'm glad you found your artistic side. Art is so much fun. And happy birthday!

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  4. SUPER paintings. Happy Birth Day ♥

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  5. It has been awhile since I visited your blog and I see you continue to grow in your art. I love your style and will follow when I can just to enjoy the uplifting spirit of your creations. I think I may have to travel back through your previous posts to see what I have missed. Happy 50th ... you are embarking on the best years of your life. Enjoy!

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  6. Happy Birthday Silke!
    Thank you for the gift you gave me today of reminding me of the between space!
    I am between 50 and 60, my whole 50's have been a time of change and finding myself.
    I am seeing a small light at the end of this tunnel, but am completely run down and done.
    I needed to hear your well written story today, thank you again!
    Your pieces are so wonderful and it so great to see you blossom in full color right before my eyes over these years.
    May there be many many more for you!

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  7. Such beautiful original works! Best of wishes for your Birthday too! It sounds like you're really enjoying life, super!

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  8. Yay Happy Birthday my sweet friend! Wishing you a most magical journey ahead and many blessings to come! I love ( and have always loved)your creative world..your art...your spirit...all that you share and are...thanks for shining your special wisdom and magic always! It was you who inspired me to start an art blog so many years ago...you continue to inspire me! and I am grateful for your presence in blogland!
    Wishing you many birthday sparkles!!
    hugs
    V

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  9. Happy Birthday, Silke! May it be a wonderful start to a new decade of growth and discovery!

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  10. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, liebe Silke! Lass' Dich schön feiern und reich beschenken - auch (und vor allem) im metaphorischen Sinn :-)

    Bei mir ist es in 2 Jahren soweit... ich freu' mich schon auf meine Feier! 40 werden fand ich schon gut, und ähnlich wie bei Dir sind auch bei mir entscheidende Dinge geschehen in den Jahren seither.

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  11. Happy birthday Silke! And I wish that the next 10 years are even better for you!

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  12. Nachtraeglich die herzlichsten Gruesse zum Geburtstag, liebe Silke! Wishing you happiness, health, laughter and love. May your coming year be filled with surprises, art and wonder. xo

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  13. This is the most wonderful inspirational post ever Silke. I'm sending it to my daughter she will love it!! Such great advice. I was 47 and never considered picking up a paint brush EVER! So I understand this post well. It was a form of greif that guided me to a new understanding of myself! Pretty much exactly as you have laid out here! Stunning pieces as always I am such a big fan of your colourful unique work!

    Hugs Giggles

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  14. Oh I was so taken by your post I forgot to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear lady! I hope you find so much joy and adventure doing whatever your hearts desire! Wishing you joy and abundance of wonderful things for the future! May more dreams come true!

    Hugs Giggles

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  15. HAPPY HAPPY 50th birthday to you!! My little sister is turning 50 this August too, her birthday is the 21st! I am so proud of you for recognizing your great talent and sharing it with the world but I am most thankful that you have shared it with ME! xx

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  16. Happy Birthday! The vibrancy of your paintings and your words is indeed inspiriing! I'm right with you on that Joy thing!!! Lovely that your period of not knowing opened up a new life for you! New Lives!!!

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  17. Happy birthday young lady. I really enjoyed your story. Sharing your journey shows me that much more about you. I am so glad you found painting. Have a happy day.

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  18. I turned 50 in February and have to say that 40-50 was the most transforming period of my life ... all for the better. Beautiful paintings.

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  19. omg these are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in love with your colors!!!!! And this story was exactly what I needed at this particular moment! Thank you!

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