Quote of The Day

Friday, April 26, 2013

Confession of a former Energy Vampire! Paint Party friday!


Acrylic painted collage
During the eighties and nineties I was always reading cook books in order to dazzle friends with my culinary skills! We had couples over every weekend.  No expense spared! Many special meals were served, lots of cards played, loads of giggles were had!!  On a very rare occasion  an intimate meal was reciprocated. Instead, friends often invited us to join them at the local pub, or a large party. 
original acrylic
 One day my mom mentioned that friends might find it difficult to compete with my fabulous scallop st Jacque, that sparked a bout of painful gout for her with prime rib, special liquor infused coffees and desserts! I had been putting my best foot forward, without a thought that it might be intimidating. My deep seeded fear of not being good enough for my friends, transformed into me being TOO MUCH!!

original acrylic
Entering the room with  a colorful bow in my hair commanded attention! My wit, opinionated demeanor, and  chatterbox nature depleted the room of energy. Although I had many friends I was a large entity, an immediate Energy Vampire. I was TOO MUCH!! 


In a coffee room I had an audience. Sincerely interested in what everyone had to say, and how they thought I was quick to banter using contemptible humor. Males were often intimidated by my wit...... Albeit funny, you may not want to be the brunt of my jokes because .....I was TOO MUCH!
Thankfully as long as I don't feel threatened I try  not to be that person anymore...
and yet I know at times I can still be TOO MUCH. 

I would always strive to be my best.... I had the nicest houses, the nicest cars,  the nicest kitchen  and appliances, I had everything and nothing....It was all TOO MUCH!!! 
Now I see others. They too are a big entities striving for perfection.... everything they do...is TOO MUCH. Like a vacuum, they suck the energy from the space. When they leave you exhale....and peacefully wait for the energy to return to the room.
Being "TOO MUCH" is born from feeling like you are never enough!
Have you made any drastic changes to your 
character that made you feel better about yourself?

This is my contribution to the wonderful Paint Party Friday!

60 comments:

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I love that striking portrait with its bold and stark color scheme. Blessings and happy PPF!

Anonymous said...

Ah, you beautiful soul you... thank you for your honesty, story and wonderful art. You've touched my heart with them all today. xxx

Valerie-Jael said...

Another wonderful post, full of strong pictures and vibrant colours! Valerie

denthe said...

Love your painted collage and the wonderful flowers. I don't know whether I succeeded in making drastic changes yet, but I think I'm a bit more patient today and I don't sulk as much as I used to ... ;-)

Susan said...

Wonderful color and thoughts. Very true actually. I am finding that age as it marches along has made me more "quiet" so I can hear more, and learn more. I don't think I ever realized that I might be sucking the air out of a room, but I bet I was!

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

How wonderful to have a mum who could cut the crap and get straight to the point!! and what a great lesson you learned too. thank you so much for sharing and making me feel more 'normal'!!

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

How lucky you were to have a mum who could cut through the crap and get straight to the point! What a great lesson to learn too! Thank you for sharing and making me feel more normal!

froebelsternchen said...

a great PPF entry! fab paintings!
happy PPF!
xxx
FROEBELSTERNCHEN FROM AUSTRIA

ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY
MOO-MANIA-CHALLENGE

Marji said...

Beautiful artwork! Too much - very insightful words. I have always felt the "too much" person had something to hide - insecurities all hiding behind perfection. Its like getting all dressed up isn't it - dressed to the nines all coordinated - when really jeans and slippers are more authentic. It is so much more comfortable to be true. I too invite my fab cook and entertaining friends to join us out to dinner. Keeps me true in that it is not my forte to entertain and cook - but I love their company.

Ivy said...

Beautiful portrait and I can so relate to your post. HPPF!

Janet said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the portrait and the flowers!! She might be my favorite piece that you've shown. And I enjoy seeing all the coloration changes you make.

I speak up for myself more than I did as a younger woman, and I'm much more patient than I used to be...but still not as patient as I could be!

sharon said...

That portrait is so beautiful, changes? um think I am breaking out from under the shyness cloak!

Linda Kunsman said...

wow!! Your portrait is so very striking as are those boldly vibrant flower pics-love them!!! I guess I'd have to say that some of the biggest changes I've made is to have confidence in my art, and to let go of perfection in all areas of my life. I breathe so much easier now :) Happy PPF

GlorV1 said...

Hi Giggles. Ah, just smile, giggle and carry on. Love your girl, she is very spirited and the colors go well with that. Me, I've gotten a lot calmer than I used to be and finally realized that LIFE is just so precious and that I do enjoy breathing, so I've made it a point to take each day as it is handed to me and just make the best of it. Have a wonderful weekend. Great work.

Anonymous said...

What I hear is the ego of youth vs the more mature inward looking at who you are. The youthful ego is always too much born out of fear of not being enough like you said...I love your vibrant paints and full words. - Never too much. Happy PPF

PaintingWrite said...

love that portrait with the real old school hollywood glamour feel to it. I also love your post - your honesty is always so refreshing! I don't think I was ever too much in that respect as I am introverted by nature so never really held court or was the centre of attention. I'm not much of a social butterfly and less so the older I get so I don't host dinner parties or parties at all. I think where I might be too much is my opinions on things - like veganism and animal cruelty - anything I feel strongly about I tend to be very vocal about and I think that is why some of my old work mates may have 'unfriended' me from Facebook as I do tend to re-post a lot of stuff on animal welfare rather than status updates on what I had for tea!

Christine said...

wonderful dramatic work this week. Perhaps we change as we get older and more mature, looking back, I did silly things when I was younger.

Mary C. Nasser said...

Beautiful post with its strong, vibrant images and strong message, too. :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Erika said...

I love your wonderful Lady. Love her strong Colors and look !
Happy PPF and hugs
Erika

Netty said...

fabulous portrait and terrific projects. hugs Annette x

Joy Murray said...

Love the work and the sentiments. I never had the option of having the finest of everything, but I always tried to be the best cook (on a budget). Now that I've gotten the mixed blessing of chronic health problems, I hardly cook at all and save that energy for writing and making art because I can't do it all. Turns out people actually like to help me out and now I give them the opportunity. Thanks for helping me smile today and your beautiful art.

Faye said...

Colorful artwork, Sherrie. I love the long haired beauty. You are so talented in many ways. I always enjoy your musings because they cause me to think. Always the shy one, I have been intimidated by others who are Too Much. For a period of time I was so intimidated by confident tall large women. I always felt insecure and inadequate (I am short). Seeing this from your angle makes sense. Thanks for the mental exercises. Have a great weekend.

Annabelle said...

Your portrait has an old world feel to it and the colours are vibrantly beautiful, full of life.

I think "too much" derives from today's society. We are constantly exposed to “too much “ of everything, good and bad and reality shows are just one of many influences that make false ideals. It has taken me years to come to that realization and be content with my very own life and not try to emulate an-others or trying to be perfect.
I am more at ease being in my home with family. I never did dinner parties for friends, only the occasional Christmas dinner for immediate family and like Marji said,I've always been more comfortable in my jeans and slippers happily welcoming a friend for lunch unannounced, no fuss or muss, just enjoying each others company. Perhaps time has taught me patience and virtue.Now I find happiness in family, human and furry, nature and art and faith : ) The worlds I desire beyond my reach ,i paint : )
Love the art work and the honesty in your post , throughly enjoyed it.

Tracey FK said...

I kind of like being around too much sometimes... it can be quite restful to be in the presence of a force of nature they just swirl around and I get left to be and just take it all in... my nan was way too much but she had the ability to stop and listen just when it was needed... but I must admit I have scaled back the cooking big time as people said it was too much at times, so now I just create those meals for us... I love the elaborate ceremony of the planning and prep and all that... but we keep it for home and the three of us...xx

Paper rainbow said...

Your honesty and ability to see so well inside yourself, flaws and all is very heartwarming. I love your portrait...Stunning vampishness. :)

Anne Manda said...

Very insightful post, good for you! Of course one can be a big personality with out being too much, when one is authentically themselves and it's not about insecurities and competition. I've always been one of those persons who blend in to the wallpaper and nobody remembers, maybe I have learned to make a presence and outgoing by now... at least a bit! ;)
Love your gorgeous portrait, is it Lana Del Rey? She is my favorite singer! <3

kat said...

Great to come here again and see all your art, I love that last flowery piece! I'm learning, mostly how to not be affected by those who are "too much" those that get angry or quick tempered or make a big deal over not much...it's about not getting too attached, letting things go. Meditation and yoga help as does creating, bringing me to that quiet space I cherish!

Unknown said...

Too Much! My son is way too much and in a short dose it's fine but living with him can be exhausting ;) Any way your art is beautiful and she remind's me of a 40s movie star. HPPF Dxx

Goldfish Diaries said...

That is a stunning painting, just as the painter is! Being the lucky recipient of some of the yummy dinners and visits to your home, I have to say it was always awesome, and yes, intimidating, but with it came a warm and open heart, and a caring, listening ear as well!

Unknown said...

Ha! Sometimes people think I'm quiet because I'm trying so hard not to talk too much!! Love your artwork, reminds me of stained glass with the glowing colors. :)

Dianne said...

an elegant portrait today...she has style! insightful post as always...so many of us have trouble making a change, even when needed. so cool that you consider others feelings, and are more confident in yourself! happy PPF!

Victoria said...

Beautiful and striking woman..she carries strong mystique and depth..love her..gorgeous..and all of your dazzling florals and the vibrancy and energy they carry ..always full of pizazz!interesting sharings..and yes too much can be over powering..but I also love people who are coming from a place of beauty and balance and shine with life and bloom with colors..so i love that kind of energy! I am introverted and prefer to be hidden or in the background..
Wonderful post!
HUgs
Victoria

Lynn Cohen said...

I LOVE your BOLD BRIGHT COLORS and LINES and they are NEVER TOO MUCH!

I too appreciate your honesty, your self searching; I think I too come from a place of not feeling "good enough" and I know where it stems from. Something I've fought my whole entire life.
So as a result I often find myself sounding TOO "IT's ALL ABOUT ME"-ish!

Luckily, here on the blog I am allowed to post ALL MY ART, which IS ALL ABOUT ME and get away with it. Well, perhaps there are some out there who might think, enough Lynn, just give us one or three, not ten pieces to mull over...LOL Who knows? And just maybe it's healing for me to collect every kudo that comes my way, as a way of making up for all the years they were NOT forthcoming, or I wouldn't allow myself to hear them if they were.

I don't feel I am trying to top anyone else, just reassure myself that I AM OKAY! Maybe by the time I die I'll have gotten there 100%. One can hope. ;-)))
Thanks for sharing! Hugs to us both! We deserve it!

Irene Rafael said...

along with your beautiful painting, love your insight and sharing. change is challenging. i have the opposite issue, i am trying to put myself out there more. :) happy ppf

soulbrush said...

Sexy and vampy good stuff. Happy PPF.

Debbie said...

i love the bold colors you chose, your portrait is very striking too!
Happy PPF!

Ginny said...

I always wait to read your posts until I have time to really digest what you are saying. I often go back and read and reread because your thoughts and questions make me think. Today was no exception.

As a quiet person I don't believe I can be too much. Just the opposite - for a long time not enough. I have learned that if I truly believe in something I have a lot to say and I am no longer afraid to say it.

Your portrait is beautiful. I do want to thank you for the comments you make on my posts each Friday. They are always encouraging and insightful.

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Gorgeous portrait and flowers paintings! I think we do many things unintentionally but what's good is that once you're aware of your flaw/s or impact your actions have on others, you're willing to make it better. And that's what you did. I applaud you because I know it's not easy to change your ways.

Unknown said...

Love this! I love all of it! Your words your paintings (simply gorgeous). I know that sometimes, especially if I am uncertain or uncomfortable, I can be an energy vampire, but now that I am aware of it I try not to be like that (It can be so hard though right?)

I love reading your posts they always make me stop and think x

ANNE said...

fantastic painting! Love the expression, what a great talent you have!!!

I've lived through my share of energy vampires and managed to exorcise them from my life. My intention now, is to allow energy to flow through me instead of chasing after it (or chasing it away!). I'm definitely improving, although it's much more difficult than I ever imagined!!! We are our own worst enemies - lol!

Cheers!

Jez said...

All your paintings here are lovely, particularly the beautiful lady looking back over her shoulder. You are never to much for me, though I know what you mean about the energy vampires. I did tend towards that myself when I was younger, and it took me a good while to kick myself out of it. But the face that you had so many friends and loved ones shows that they didn't really find you too much.
A thought provoking post, as always.

Carola Bartz said...

It is always interesting to read your posts, and sometimes I feel like looking into a mirror. I think with age (hopefully) comes an awareness about one's own character. I have worked on myself to become kinder and more tolerant. It seems to work, but sometimes I really have to remind myself.

scarlett clay said...

Love her contemplative expression! Lovely work!

Rhonda Halushka said...

OMG beautiful color changes! Love how you do that! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier, nice to see you again!

Ariel said...

Love your lady, especially her eyes.Great post as always. Sometimes we try to do our best thinking that we are not good enough. Self confidence has a lot to play with this problem I guess, at least for me it has been like that .
Susan

Unknown said...

This post struck such a chord. It is a fine balance between shining your bright light with the world, while making sure there is space for others to shine their lights too. Seems like you found the balance. And your artwork this week is wonderful. Happy PPF to a beautiful bright light!

Laura said...

Really interesting post. Funny though as I come from the other way. I was really quiet so had to find who I was. Now sometimes I do veer to the too much side but I have learnt when to listen too. It's all a balancing act that we learn with time perhaps.

Carol said...

Love the art!!!! SO bold and beautiful!!!! You message was so dead on too. I've been TOO MUCH Too OFTEN ! but I"m working on it :)

Ritu Dua said...

the colors are bright and cheery as always...absolutely love the expression in her eyes...mysterious and I am sure she has a story to tell :)

SAMARA said...

I have to respond to this again! I absolutely love what you wrote - the vulnerability of it - and the piece in red....WOW....it just moves me so much. I don't know why but I am so intensely struck by it. Thank you for posting it! {heart} samara

Lorraine said...

lovely painting and dont forget to embrace the person you are..dont try to be like others as if everyone were the same life would be pretty boring..we need extroverts and introverts

PiaRom said...

You art allways put a smile on my face and I enjoy your play with the colors so much :) ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de

Kristin said...

First of all, I just adore you!
Secondly, I'm in the process of getting there now . . . LOVE your lady. She's just beautiful! xoxo

Jane Wetzel said...

what a great post...enjoyed it with my tea..your art is amazing!

Karen Smithey said...

Your story hit home with me. My 18-yr old daughter and I were just talking about something similar--she'd had a terrible week and no one seemed to be making a big deal about it except her--we decided that if you're not getting the response you want/expect, there is one of two reasons: a) you have crummy friends, or b) you need to change your own behavior. She decided her answer was b.

Love all the different color variations!

Elisa said...

wow another thought provoking post sherrie. :) I remember that I have been an energy vampire always striving to get people's attention with what I do just to have them like me. I also have experienced such people who suck most of the life when they're here. too much of everything is bad. I've longed since changed and is changing. And I hang out with people who are not so like that. Kind people are more like it. :) Love your paintings btw!

JKW said...

You just had the wrong friends darlin'. You described one of my friends perfectly (yep she was 'perfect') but I could see beyond all that to the beautiful person she is beneath all that she tried to portray. We are and always have been best friends to this day 30+ years later. Your art is so remarkable along with your stories. Blessings, Janet PPF

Viola said...

What a wonderful light in the flowers you've painted! and I like the woman you painted also! :) Her eyes look wise, as she has just found out something new.

Intereseting to read about you having had too much. and now finding out that too much is TOO much.. I guess you're right.. I'm reading a book that is good, soon finished.. called "Energy thieves" by a Swedish author named Ingalill Roos. It made me really to think.. and sort out things inside of me.. :)

Lucy said...

It takes much growth to finally be comfortable to just be ourselves. I actually have friends that I never like to invite over because of HOW HUGE they entertain. ( I've got a lot of growing to do) this post is so honest . You write in ways that we can all relate. Your art is gorgeous! Xox

Lucy said...

It takes much growth to finally be comfortable to just be ourselves. I actually have friends that I never like to invite over because of HOW HUGE they entertain. ( I've got a lot of growing to do) this post is so honest . You write in ways that we can all relate. Your art is gorgeous! Xox

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...