The Intermission

"The Intermission"

copyright Valerie Jones

14"x11" Prismacolor Colored Pencils

on Stonehenge paper

Something I learned after I finished this piece is to not quit right before the miracle. Keep on keeping on. I kept on working on this piece after I thought it was done. My husband and friends critiqued it for me and found some things that could make it better. Unwillingly, I changed them. If I hadn't changed them, I would have been unsatisfied. I am thankful that I tweaked it to its finish.

I became so preoccupied with this piece because I wanted it finished in time for OKMozart that I let friendships slide. Too much busyness makes it difficult to have faith. Faith in God, faith in ourselves, and faith in our friends. As Julia Cameron says, "Faith thrives on routine." Well, my routine was definately off while I worked on getting this project accomplished. And all those above mentioned things, faith in God, faith in myself, and faith in friends wavered.

By keeping on regardless of the outcome is an act of faith. Faith that God will get us through the drought, through the project, etc. The outcome doesn't have to mean anything to anyone except ourselves. God wants us to go through the process. He didn't create us to quit. He created us to keep on keeping on. Your inner artist will survive. Keep the faith.

As I speak of keeping on, visit my friend Rose Welty's new website and blog. She is a person who keeps on keeping on even when she doesn't always feel like it. You'll be amazed at what she accomplishes.