"Why are you working so hard. Everyday. Now, at a time in your life when you can be slowing down? Where do you get the ‘drive’ from?" A friend of mine posed this question to me over the weekend. It made me stop and think. Drive. Not the verb that happens when you get behind the wheel of your car, but the noun. The drive that makes you JUMP out of bed every morning, anxious to begin. I love what I do. I’m passionate about it. And although I’m very ‘driven’, it’s not work to me. I’m not saying that putting in 12 -14 hour days isn’t exhausting. Ask my back and my eyes. But when you’re ‘driven’ by the passion and love of creating…..of being totally alone in the studio while your ideas become real….you can’t call that work. It is pleasure. Joy. Watching a flat piece of fabric come to life before your very eyes is surreal; impossible to describe. Magical. And I don’t ever want it to end!
So I stumble out of bed each morning, and head out the back door with the puppies. The crispness of the cool air is invigorating. It already smells like fall. Inside, I fill my favorite cup with steamy coffee....the first of many more to come....throw the pups a treat, and head to the computer. After answering emails, printing labels, and ‘chatting’ with friends…..it’s off to the shower. And my jeans. Ah….one of the pleasures of working at home!
Then I’m off to the woods behind our house. Sounds of the creek and the birds…and already, the locusts, remind me that this is a little glimpse of what heaven must be like. And I pray. I thank God for all the gifts He has blessed me with. For the talent. And the drive. When I look around me I know that for right now, at this moment, this is what I’m meant to do. Joyfully.
I’m off to the studio. Have a glorious day!
"The joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10
"Why are you working so hard. Everyday. Now, at a time in your life when you can be slowing down? Where do you get the ‘drive’ from?" A friend of mine posed this question to me over the weekend. It made me stop and think. 
15 comments:
"It is pleasure. Joy. Watching a flat piece of fabric come to life before your very eyes is surreal; impossible to describe. Magical. And I don’t ever want it to end!"
I couldn't have said it any better myself. Hugs!
You know exactly what that's like, Mel! And now, you're experiencing the 'magic' of your precious girls changing before your very eyes!
Hugs back at you and them...Gary, too!
Isn't it nice to be in a good place, both physically and spiritually? I'm there, more often than not. I've got to remember it more often, though. Thanks for the reminder.
I love this little bit of paradise tucked away behind your beautiful home in Chestertucky! Makes me want to sing Margaritaville!
Thanks Carol!! :) I'm glad to know someone is reading it, lol. I appreciate your sweet comment!
Loved your post! Very well stated...so glad I learned of your blog in the Etsy forums.
Jim...It is good to remember that! You're welcome!!
Nel...Here's to margaritas!
Thank you, Jane!
I enjoyed visiting your blog! Your dolls are magical.
You nailed it...I am also so grateful that I have the 'drive' to create. Suddenly, I have 6 items to photograph and I'm wondering when I made them...but I did!
Thank you Artsyclay!!
Barbra....I knew there would be artists who could relate! Good luck with the (ugh) photography. Photographing jewelry is SO tricky!
I loved this post, your philosophy of life and the picture that accompanied this post--so peaceful, and deep in secrets.... Your words: "driven by the passion and love of creating" represents my own feelings, I could be writing my novels all day; and I do, some people ask me if I ever get tire of writing, but to me is not work, is the pleasure of the mind...
May the sun shine upon you today!
Hugs,
Cielo
Carol, I've had the same feelings lately about what I'm doing. I could be watching TV and eating bon-bons all day if I wanted to! :-) But being able to create something each day is such a gift! And it gets me up and going every morning with zeal!
--Lynne
I have never really commented on a blog before but I wanted to tell you that I am so glad I found this one. I am also an etsy crafter and have had the "drive" as you say my whole life. And in 1 month, I will be able to work on my hats and other ideas full-time as well. I am finally going to have my own studio to go out to and be able to create to my heart's content. It is magical what we come up with. You with your piece of fabric, me with my "silly string". I would love to keep checking in on you. Thank you again!
I ant to cross that bridge and venture into your woods ! Great post !
Carol,
You describe the "passion" I feel when creating my fantasy sculptures! It is something I couldn't live without!
Also, thanks for visiting my blog, and leaving your lovely message.
Hugs
Donna
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