Sometimes I stay up far too late working on illustrations, or some church assignment, or just sitting before my computer unable to get up because I don't want to go to bed and face the another day.
Here I am doing it again, but this time, I am pondering over some projects I wish so much I could see materialize! For example, I awoke this morning with a picture book stirring around in my mind. I'm talking about names and characters so detailed I can see them! I've had it in there all day today, and can't seem to find the courage to begin. I have several books in the beginning stages, none of which have yet materialized, but occupy several reams of notes and illustrations in file folders, and I wonder why I hesitate. What is it that stops me? Am I afraid they won't materialize and just remain filed away forever along with so many ideas and dreams that begin with the best of intentions? Am I afraid I'm just not talented enough to actually see them through to completion, publication and who knows what else? Am I just too tired trying to make ends meet working a 9 to 5 job totally unrelated to what I've written here and can't seem to find it in me to even care? I don't know, but it's too late once again, so I'll have to ponder on this another time.
Dearest Elise, I can't address any of the other questions but this I know - you are talented enough to do this. So you can check that one off. I have learned that I can accomplish large projects by working on them only five minutes a day. It takes a long time, but every day there is a little window of joy as I am doing something I really want to do. And sometimes it just feels right to start something I've been thinking about for years. If not now, then perhaps later. Another question you could ask is "Do I need a cheerleader?" I'm a really good cheerleader, in case you answer that question "yes". I believe in amazing you, as well as your artistic talent.
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