I am sure many of you watched Oprah's final show today and I was so struck with what she said in the beginning of the show about having a calling. I never thought of myself as having a calling. I always knew that I liked to please people and I know that started about the time I entered high school. I would do little things, like bake cookies for my friends or plan a day of fun if I knew they were upset. I never really wanted anything, but I always wanted to give when I was able to. I even remember when I went away to college, I was like the "mom" to my roommates or closest friends that went to the same school as me. I would bring them chicken soup if they weren't feeling well, or plan dinner & movie nights at my house...probably because I knew that I missed that about home, that I figured they must of too. But there was always a sense of genuine happiness after I did any of those things because I like to make people happy. Making people happy, makes me happy. And when Oprah said, "What sparks the light in you, so that you in your own way can illuminate the world," I just froze in that statement. I am not looking to change the world, I just know that I am able to make a difference in someone else's world that in turn makes my world a little brighter. That's why I love doing pet portraits. I know it is a luxury that most people don't think about spending their money on, but there is just something so special that helps me feel connected to people when they allow me to be a part of something so intimate to them. If someone has lost a pet and I am painting a memorial piece, I know that what ever the end result of the painting or drawing will be, that they will be so grateful to have such a special piece that in turn I am honored to be a part of making that moment happen. I have not met most of my fans, I could probably count on my hand how many I have actually met in person. This astonishes me everyday that you all stay connected and watch as I grow my portfolio and I am almost confident enough to say that by this point, you all can see the amount of love and dedication that I give to each of my portraits. I cannot express to you the gratitude that I have for you guys allowing me to be a part of your lives and giving me the gift of being able to share my artistic talents with you. I never thought I would be painting for anyone other than my friends and family, but with your support from literally around the world, I have been able to make My Paw Portrait a part of your home. So I guess my final words for today would be that if I took anything from Oprah's speech, it would be that the light that is sparked within me when I paint, illuminates your world when I am able to share and give that light to you. Thank you.
AuthorJust a girl with a dream to make it big one day! Archives
May 2012
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