I’m lightening up.

For one thing, I’m lightening my load. This week I wanted to do a simpler collage that would take less time to complete. Check.

Secondly, I wanted to lighten my mood—and hopefully yours. 

This little lady in the collage tickles me. I need to give inspirational credit where it is due. I’m in love with the work of watercolor artist Martyna Czub (@martyna.czub). She paints these tiny images of chickens and other birds. Sometimes wearing coats. I’m in love with them. So I created one in my own collage style. Thank you, Martyna!

My hen—let’s call her Hattie—is obviously in some kind of transition, but it’s of her own making. She’s being proactive, taking charge of her life. What is she leaving behind? What greater wonders presumably await her? 

My insides smile just thinking about her.

I’ve also been thinking about lightening up in other ways. What baggage am I still carrying around from my past? From my present? Am I still hanging my hat on identities that no longer serve me? Do I really want to still think of myself as a wounded 11-year-old? That unpopular fat girl? That failed film actor? That A-student over-achiever? That rule-following people-pleaser? That “struggling” artist-type? 

Are these old identities just weighing me down? What might await if I release them and make room for more? Other? New? Greater wonders?

If there’s one thing that this past almost-year of pandemic living has shown, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Life, health, wealth, justice, equity. So why not do some recreating? Some transforming? Why not look at the world through new eyes? 

I think I’ll borrow Ms. Hattie Hen’s.

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