Quote of The Day

Friday, February 07, 2014

My Normal Now Paint Party Friday

Original digital " On the Bus" 29 faces of February
Recently I've spent  a lot of time in the car waiting!  I don't mind because I really enjoy people watching!
It's great fodder for cartooning.
Original  digital before color changes! #2,#3,#4,#5 of 29 faces
Digital characters are probably one
of my very favorite things to create!
Especially quirky ones!
Sometimes certain color edits turn out really ugly.....
 As quirky as people are, everyone seems to have
 their own sense of normal! What's customary in my life
 now is nothing like my childhood or early adult life!
Unfavorable color edits all!!!.....
 My parents drank and smoked, with that came a lifestyle
of weekend parties, card games, and loud arguments! 
All in a perfectly normal way!
Or so I thought until I  married and created 
my own lifestyle!
Doesn't matter how you look at it certain styles are just plain ugly!
At first  my normal consisted of a lot of budgeting, 
tv watching, delayed gratification and very little socialization.
  Creativity was always peppered into my days, 
with sewing, crocheting, playing piano, 
decorating or cooking! I was pretty contented with that!
As more money became available, different 
possibilities arose! I enjoyed  wild times partying,
 dancing, concerts, I dabbled in many great activities too!
 It was  fun for a time! 
Until I became a mother.
The new normal was a life rich with good food, 
good friends! Playing card games, and scrabble.
Days at the beach in summer, the rec center in the winter,
 attending any available child friendly event.  I had so much
 fun with my daughter and our friends! It was a very social time! 
We had many intimate dinners at home with different family friends,
 often ended in family sleepovers and a big breakfasts
the next morning!

A few years after my parents passed I became single mother.
Adapting again to a new normal. 
A quiet, simple normal of my choosing!
 The tables had turned, now everyone I knew had more money 
and adventure than me. With faith at my side,
 I quickly adapted to living more simply!
I socialized but it was very different. A little less elaborate!

This last decade I have lived a creative life! 
Surrounding myself in color, whimsy, and happy  people!
Allowing myself  a messy art corner that can
be quickly hidden away! I like my peaceful normal!
Many could possibly be bored with my lifestyle.
However I am not! 
Each color change exudes a new persona!
We are all programmed to our own normal, but
until we are conditioned to certain forced changes
it can feel so strangely unfamiliar!
Like it or not, eventually we adapt !
Sometimes compensating for the voids!
How does your normal look compared  to others?
 Are you quirky, adventurous, socially busy, happy, unhappy? 
If you could change one thing to create a new normal
 what would it be?  Do you have any voids?
 If so, how do you compensate for them?

39 comments:

Ritu Dua said...

Hey ...I love your post and the fun art here !! Well this year I have decided to discard energy vampires from my life :) I wish to surround myself with more art,more colours ,more creativity,more love , more positivity and more friends like you :)

http://beneathmyheartart.blogspot.ae/2014/02/keep-wearing-that-sparkle-in-your-eyes.html

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely post. Normal for me is going without a lot of things that others take for granted - but I have time for walking, fresh air and being creative, so that's something! Valerie

Gillena Cox said...

people watching and cloud watching 2 really great past times

(◕‿◕。) have a nice Friday
Much Love…

GlorV1 said...

I love your characters. People just doing their thing. Of course the colorful paints bring them to life. Great job!

Netty said...

Loving your digital characters Giggles. Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Linda Kunsman said...

Yes, people watching can be very entertaining :):) Love your colorful people!!

Faye said...

Well, Sherrie, as you know I am trying to adjust to a new normal as a single person. I have never lived alone, going from my parents' home to my married home. You are a colorful person and show it by all the vivid colors your use. In spite of a different upbringing, you have made a roaring success of your own family. Your daughter seems to be very close to you. And Beardo too. Your cartoon people are always fun. I still don't know how you change the colors but I think it must be some program on you computer.

bellefrogworks said...

A wonderful post - life is ever changing and although I believe we come into this world with some hard wired traits, we can only survive and flourish by adapting. Thus - new normals in our lives. I love your colorful cartoon people. Your artwork always brings a smile to my face - priceless!

Annabelle said...

Love your colourful people , very interesting characters.People watching does fuel one's imagination, both in art and writing.
Our family is a quiet bunch who loves being together in our home doing what we love best. Having a more quieter calmer extended family would be nice. As for voids, not enough immediate family time, and maybe a small trip as a family somewhere magical ( haven't done one since the kids were small) My compensation.....happily lost in all my work, don't need much else with the exception of the voids I pointed out : )


Annabelle : )

kat said...

Your characters are all such fun and full of style! Reading your post is always interesting. For me life is busy as a mama of 3, but I love it! I do need quiet time for me, it helps restore and balance me, creative time to muse and play! Being with the family is though my grand favorite, enjoying time together and bringing up my children brings such joy!

SLScheibe said...

I really love your little characters! I agree that creating little cartoon characters is super fun. I do it all the time too.

I'm happy, no need for much change... except... ok, I'd so like to be rich! I hate budgets.

Janet said...

You always make me stop and think. I'm pretty happy with my "normal" right now. The only thing I would change is maybe having a bigger studio for art. I've lived many different ways throughout my life and this one seems to fit me best.

JKW said...

Good Grief, I wish I could quirky up the people I see. That was fun. I just can't seem to cartoony people and I would love to be able to. It's tough to live in a couple world being single. . .especially older when one is use to all the fun things we did. But as you say, you get use to what you have to. Blessings, Janet PPF

Christine said...

I'm normal boring! Love your cartoon characters!

Debbie said...

i loved your post, it was very thought provoking! your characters were so fun and full of whimsey. my normal since the kids married, has been quiet evenings either painting, jogging, or hanging out with my hubby! xo

Jez said...

Normal now is different from even two years ago, life is always taking unexpected turns, and it shows our resilience as people and individuals to adjust to that and move into our new 'normal', as you have done all your life. And isn't it wonderful when after all those years we can love living our new normal and find such pleasure in it.
As you say of the colour changes, sometimes they just do not work, and it is also amazing how the colour change can make a difference to what the picture means. I am lost in admiration of your wonderful digital doodles. They are so clever, original and great fun.

Ginny said...

I am not sure there is anything such as normal anymore but I do think I have gone through lots and lots of stages in my life. Because of my husband's illness lots of things are determined by how he feels each day. But the one thing that I have learned through this stage of life is that even when things are not what you expected you can find the good in all of it. It is one thing to hear people to say something like that - another to live it and realize how true it is.
Now, on to the fun part of my message. I love your people. I am a big people watcher and would love to be able to create people like you do. Your work always brings a smile to my face and something to think about. Thank you!

Lisa Richards said...

Loved hearing about your journey through life!
Thanks for your nice comment on my blog. Actually, Faye is on my bloglist. I felt, like you do, that we have a lot in common. :)
In my new life as a widow I am allowing myself more time for art, and contemplative time. I have to remind myself to get out there and be with people because I'm naturally a hermit! :)
God bless you as you continue on this journey of life!

linda (dots n doodles) said...

What a wonderful post and so true that what one considers normal will change over time. Just love your quirky characters in all their different colours.

Unknown said...

I wish I wasn't so much of a hermit - I would love to see more of the world! Lovely art - your characters are so full of life and so much fun!

Cindy D. said...

The quirky people are terrific! So much fun color and fashion. And the scene on the bus is really cool!

Carola Bartz said...

It's interesting to see how your normal has changed over the years. I think that is quite normal as well - when I look back, I had several normals in my life. and the one I live now is the one I like best. If I could change something it would be to do more on the weekends with my family like short camping trips or spending more time at the ocean. However, all in all I'm very contend.

Kristin said...

Hello my sweet friend! As always, your posts are full of fun, whimsy, color and conversation :) I LOVE your bus scene - and I am so impressed with your digital work - that just totally escapes me ;)
Well, as you know with Homeschooling, I am a bit out of the "norm" but it is a really fun way to live - and as far as my art is concerned, I want to push myself to the next step. Shhhh, I really want to teach! xoxo

Maria Medeiros said...

Absolutely wonderful!

Sunshineshelle said...

Great art and brilliant post!! What a combo treat here :) 'Normal' can be over-rated LOL, there are so many kinds of normal, when young Ithought our family was normal, then found out not so much, so now, I believe there is no such thing, it's like a cool label that can 'fit' what we are for a period of time, when Iwas young it was 'normal' to hang around racetracks while my dad worked, to have a house filled with good souls but definitely what one would call 'colourful characters, from ex boxers and smugglers to priests and nuns, often over lapping LOL.... I love the way you seem so contented now, and don't worry about covering up any messy art corner, because I think that is very 'normal' for someone as creative as you :)
... At least that's my excuse ;)

Ariel said...

Feeling Thankful for all that I have. But there is always space for creative growth. This is where I'm right now.
Have a wonderful week.
Hugs
Susan

Tracy said...

I'm sure my normal must look incredibly boring to a lot of people but I thrive on it, and that's important. Thank you for a thought-provoking post :)

Eileen Claire said...

Love your post. It really made me think. Your color combinations also gave me something to think about. Thanks for that.

denthe said...

I am so in love with your quirky figures. I love how you dress them and how they each have their own character. Great work! My normal has changed often in past years, and I find it very interesting that now I sometimes wonder how I managed life in certain times. But we all manage one way or another when we have to. People are very resilient, and somehow we always adapt. If I could change one thing today it would be to have a better timemanagement. Keep having trouble with that one .... (or maybe I just want to do too much ...☺)

Carol said...

Love your colorful people!!! They always bring a smile to my face :)

stefanie stark said...

Your characters look so cute! I always watch people as well when I have to wait somewhere as I also would like to draw them but most of the time I forgot them as soon as I am back at home and want to start to draw them - sigh.

Kate Robertson said...

Love seeing your digital creations. My new normal would be to manage time better.

DVArtist said...

I always look forward to coming to your blog. Your art, your words, your spirit always makes me a happier person.
Thank you
Nicole/Beadwright

Deepa Gopal said...

People watching can be a great passtime :)
Love your fun post!
Nice funny sketches :)
HPPF!
Deepa
http://deepazworld.blogspot.in/

Nordljus said...

Oh my, that's quite a few substantial questions. Being happy and content with whatever your situation is, and making the best of it, is I think the most important thing. But it can also be the hardest thing to do. If I could change anything, I would live and work abroad. I'm not sure if that dream will ever come true, but I'm still hoping.
Love your people! And all the different versions of them. Such a wonderful illustration for your words.

Marianne said...

These are so wonderful!
And it is fun to see them changing with a switch of the colors :)

Ayala Art said...

I love the characters, so much fun to see them change!
I have had so many contrasting "normals" in my life, and things keep changing :oS

AM Zafaran said...

These characters are so quirky, fun and so very expressive. Reading your posts are always an experience too. Made me think of 'normal' or rather how we learn to adapt to changes, fill voids. Art is definitely a great void filler for me. Voids created in my life by losing parents, not having siblings close by and, the latest void, son going far away for studies. Art keeps me sane and smiling.
Love visiting you, Giggles!

Penny Lee StewArt said...

Quirky, Weird, Eccentric, Odd, Unusual, Alien . . . well, that about describes me, and most of my crazy artsy friends. Love your name, Giggles, and your art! I may have to learn how to do it on an Ipad. LOL.

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