Yes, I’m an Aquarian

16 Oct 2011 3 Comments

When I was younger I remember telling my mother that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, which was shot down. I then wanted to be an artist, which was again shot down. But this time I asked why? I can’t remember all of what she said but I do remember her saying. Two things:

1. Artist only make money when their dead, and by then they can’t enjoy it and

2. “You are such and Aquarian.”

I didn’t know what being born in February had to do with anything at the time; looking back I can understand her reasons. She wanted me to do something that would help me in my adult life, like any parent would want for their child. Getting an education and hopefully getting a job that would make my life easier for me, she knew life had a way of, well being life.

Years later when I became a parent and my children came to me with their dream of becoming what they dreamt about; I was determined not to dash their dreams. But like my mother I knew life was not about running through a field of flowers in slow motion. My son wanted to be an astrologer and my daughter wanted to become a chief. So I encouraged them, but I also encouraged them to focus on other things. So while education was focused on, trips to museums, the planetarium and countless cooking programs for children later they were well on their way to be the people they dreamt of so long ago. Pursuing an education at a program at NASA and traveling to Europe. To say that I’m proud is an understatement.

So these many years later I’m doing what I dreamt of doing so long ago. I’m enjoying expressing my art. Writing short stories, crocheting and although I’m no Pollock, Kahlo or O’Keeffe, I am enjoying pursuing painting. So imagine my surprise when I read the headline in the Times on day about De Kooning’s work showing at MoMA, and recognizing the name as an abstract artist, who know one wanted to have anything to do with, but is being herald now that he is dead. I guess my mother was right.

It must be because I’m an Aquarian.

Art Review: ‘De Kooning: A Retrospective’ at MoMA – Review (nytimes.com)
Leave everything? Or love this life and leave things that suck (writefullymine.wordpress.com)

3 Comments (+add yours?)

ela83
Oct 16, 2011 @ 15:00:34

i wanted to write and to design when i was still a kid, when my parents, though no matter how good their intentions were, made me focus more on school – i dropped everything. one could say, i dropped out of life, i was a totally different person. but, realizing it now, it turned out well despite the twists and turns since i learned so much from “other aspects” and though i’m not working as an artist/writer … i am still enjoying it … my parents were right there are things you can keep on reaching for but there are also things you have to lay the foundation on.

thank you for sharing, i love your article.

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PictureS
Oct 16, 2011 @ 15:28:52

Greetings, fellow Aquarian! Been there, done that.

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Raven
Oct 21, 2011 @ 00:00:55

ela83 & pictureS thanks for your comments

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