at 43...

what i know for sure today at 43...

• life requires balance, i cant be everything to all people
• my children need their mother more as teenagers than when they were younger
• i have to go through ALL life's twists and turns so that i can learn how to be the best mother, daughter, wife and friend
• if i need help, i have to ask for it
• that if i want to loose weight i have to stop eating for 2 (or 3). there's no magic pill or forces working against me, just discipline.
• that crisis can bond a family if you are willing to accept that crisis as a journey of life lessons
• that art heals

it has been a tough year, joys, tears, pain, fear, but with every twist and turn that has challenged our hearts we have grown stronger and more passionate (especially since it didn't seem like it at the time). My art, the timing of the 48 Weeks workshop documenting this year, the journey has been my therapy and such a gift. timing is everything and i thank all of my friends and internet friends and family for giving so willingly...your support is awesome!

here's to a new year! i am grateful for every road you lead me down!

Comments

[Kerstin Kreis]

true words ! :-)
Hugs
Kerstin

[Linda]

As I am ten years older, I know that each of your statements are so, so true! I have followed you and your career for over 10 years (when I was 43), and you have been nothing but inspiring to me. I'm raising my glass in toast to you and your continued journey.

[Shelann]

Amen Sister!

[Isabel para ALROMASAR]

Happy birthday Donna!! True words...
Kisses and Huggs

[Aziul]

I'm not surprise that you are an awesome Virgo... I'm too hahahhaahaha... Happy Birthday! For a new year of life full of great art :)!!!!

[Alice Adler]

Donna, I am there with you! I have had a very tough year so far and hopefully the light on the horizon is the end and not a freight train heading to run me down! I have found a book, The Shift by Tory Johnson that speaks to a "shift" in thinking about food. I highly recommend it. I was ready to read and heed her words. Not that you need what I need, but the book came to my attention after a particularly grueling 3 months recovering from a flood and loosing tons of scrapbook supplies. It also kicked me in the butt about organizing and using my scrapbook stuff instead of letting it sit. Good luck to you. You deserve it. Love you!!!

[Debora Prass]

"my children need their mother more as teenagers than when they were younger"... this so TRUE! And we never see it coming, right? I used to think exactly the opposite... and my daughter, who is now 16, really needs me more. :) To growing up and wiser!

[Trisha Ladouceur]

I totally agree on the teens needing their mama more (even if they won't admit it). Sometimes we have to be in the background but we do have to BE... make sense? Yeah. That's what I am realizing more than ever right now! Cheers on growing older and wiser all while looking great!

[renee logan]

very wise words M'Dear..thanks for sharing...happy birthday..you look fabulous!

[Courtney Miley]

Your statements are so true. For the past 2 1/2 years I have been going through my nine-year-old daughter having leukemia and until I discovered your blog and your art I had no outlet. You have been such an inspiration to me and my girls so please never stop your beautiful work. It has saved me and shown me that I can do beautiful things even while going through struggles. Thank you so much!😊

[Laura E "Esa"]

Donna,
We all have had a "journey" this year! You have also helped me through mine, art does heal and its made me realize some amazing things about myself. I am making some good changes, hard, but good ones! You look amazing by the way! Good Job!

[Ida]

Wise words! Wishing you only the best now and always. XO

[Joyse Interiano]

Happy Birthday Donna!!

[Bernie Simmons]

Wise words indeed ....Have a wonderful birthday. xxx I hope life's journey gives you an easier road to climb. And Yes your right ART IS a great healer xxx

[Debbie Mc]

Older and wiser, and looking so wonderful. Love your commitment and determination, and your hard work always makes you even more amazing than the year before. Thanks for sharing your art, and your positive attitude. xo

[ZEFFY]

Happy Birthday Donna.......life is a juggling act!! Art heals and invigorates....thanks for sharing your talent with us.....God Bless...may you have a fantastic year.xxx

[Helen Cowa s]

Happy Birthday! At 45 and a mum to a teenager, it all rings true. From the accepting you can't be everything to the weight loss!!

[Pat Healey]

To me you are just a kid - the same age as my daughter. However, you are wise beyond your years. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs as we all can learn from each other and we never stop learning!

[Joanne Martinson]

As always...you inspire! Thanks for all you give both art and laughter, happy birthday Donna!!

[deb]

All very true! Happy Birthday!

[Susan Gottschalk]

Happy Birthday, Donna! Your list of lessons learned shows wisdom well beyond your 43 years. Lots of people live a lifetime and never learn these things. You are a wonderful giving and sharing artist that has touched and changed many lives (including mine). For that you have lots of loyal fans and admirers, but you have it right in knowing that you can't be there for everyone for everything every time!
Take care of you and your beautiful family first & you won't have any future regrets.

[Ildiko Miskell]

Happy Birthday Donna!! You couldn't have said it better!! We hopefully get wiser with age and learn that we cannot control everything!! Kids will grow, times will change and we have to stay one step ahead!! You look great and sound happy!! Thank you for being you!

[Helen]

Happy Birthday! You're a very young looking 43, so life can't have been all bad! Hope the next year is a doddle... but as you say, you have to go through tough times as well as good ones - it makes you stronger. Here endeth the first lesson... have a great day. xx

[Angelica]

Here's to you👍🌹🍸

[Katherine McKamey]

Happy Birthday my Friend!! It was a tough year but now it has become part of the journey. This year is going to be awesome!!

<3 you,

-Katherine

[Jocelyn]

Happy Happy Birthday Donna!!! You look FABULOUS!!!! I loved reading your post!!! I think we have all had a tough year, so many friends of mine facing things in their lives, my life has had enough bumps this year, and I know you have been facing quite a bit also....Your 48 week class has brought me much joy, and I love the journey that we are taking together!!! Know that I always hold you and your family close in my heart and in my thoughts!!!!! Have a great Day!!!!

[France Ringuette]

Hugs Donna and Happy 43rd, mine was in January (43rd too) and I have to say it's been a great year so I wish the same for you. I love how you have shared with us all the challenges you have faced, and it is refreshing to see how as a family you have all come together. You are looking Fabulous and your Art is always a great source of inspiration. Wishing you the best day and a great year to come.

[Cheryl]

A very Happy Birthday to you!

[Phyllis Cole]

Happy birthday Donna. You have helped me become an artist this year. And it's been a year of grieving & healing with creativity in art. I painted my first big canvas in your studio just 3 months ago, and I've already sold 5 pieces! Thank you!!! I hope all the kids are healthy and happy. Do they even know how lucky they are to have you for their mom?

[faygie]

every year you get better. what a way to live! happy birthday.

[Angie]

You are my Inspiration!!! You Rock!!! Happy Birthday!

[dawn]

Happy Birthday Donna! You look amazing! Love what you wrote and agree with each one. I've been 45 for a month today and am so excited about the journey of this past year and the one to come. Life can be amazing if you let it and jump in ready for it, even with all the hard times and crazy stuff.
Many happy wishes for you and your family and art this year. Thank you so much for sharing a big part of your life with us and inspiring us constantly!

[KimSim]

Happy Birthday Donna! You are my inspiration too! I just realized you are starting Inspiration Wednesdays again on MY birthday Jan. 7th! I'm so excited! Thanks for sharing your life with us!!

[Cathy Garrett]

Happy Birthday Donna thanks for sharing and you are an awesome teacher!

[craftinka]

Happy Birthday Donna!... and thank you for sharing your wonderful art with us. Hugs, Justyna xx

[Carol P]

Sorry this is belated but I hope you had a great birthday. You look great at 43! Having just reached my weight loss goal of 130 pounds, I know how hard it is. We have never met but I have followed your blog for a while and enjoyed stopping in your store once when we were in North Carolina. You have inspired me to become a better artist and to take chances with your Inspiration Wednesdays. Thank you for all you do to encourage us who are "closet artist" to take those chances. Looking forward to see what you have in store for your followers in the future. Happy Belated Birthday again!

[Cindy Craig]

Thank you for a chance to win a spot in Lifebook! I have taken the classes for the past 2 years and love them. I also love your amazing artwork!