Thankful

The other night, I was wondering aloud if we could ever afford something (I don't remember what it was - probably a chandelier). Without looking up from his laptop, Matt said, "We will."

It was something pricey, and I laughed and said, "Yeah... how do you figure?"

Without hesitation, he said, "You'll be a famous designer someday."

They say girls marry their fathers (metaphorically speaking, unless you're in certain cults). I married my whole family. I was raised in a home where, if I said, "I'm going to be a singer!" the answer was, "That sounds cool!" No second thought about whether or not I could accomplish it, or would even attempt it. Just immediate support and enthusiasm. My husband is the same way: relentless, undying support and faith.

As an artist, this is absolutely essential to my staying creative. Whether I'm successful, whether I stop tomorrow and become an accountant (fat chance!), whether I fail miserably and need those very same people to put Humpty together again, I desperately need that support. I'm not me without it. And I don't know an artist on the planet that is any different.

Yeah, I can kick and scream about independence, but it's a big crock, if I'm honest. It's like the statue in the park - did you ever notice the base or the placard? Someone had to write, cast, and install those, too. And the statue wouldn't be standing there, nor be as complete without them. Some will love the statue, some will hate it, some won't care, but NO ONE would see it if it didn't have support. Me either.

Thanks, family. I am so very grateful.