Past VS Present VS Future

Look in the Mirror, Alice

We learn, we grow, we redo, and it gets better. I read an article some time ago that talked about how we change every ten years. It talked about physical changes: the coarseness of hair, elasticity of skin, bone changes, etc.

And then, there are psychologists who talk about “the maturity principle.” This is the idea that people become more extraverted, emotionally stable, agreeable, and conscientious with age. Though we all know it can be the exact opposite.

Other things that change are our skills, desires, and goals. I know, I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know–but this was my rabbit hole this month.

A lot has changed and I’m adapting to the new me.

In Writing

You might remember, I have my novel with a set of beta readers. I’ve tried to hold off reading the comments until everyone has left comments, so there is a balance. And so when I start editing again, I have all the information. 

I read notes on the first chapter, and wow, such different opinions. Past me would have been flummoxed. Now, I can differentiate between different reader’s needs. I’m more adept at figuring out the more ambitious comments and understanding what they needed.

This edition had giant changes, including removing huge chunks and people. But the information in those passages had to go somewhere, right? So, I’ll find out if I put it in the right place or not. 🙄

Present me is ready to get started and polish it off so I can put it out in the world. Future me—no more scaredy cat!

In Art

If you follow my blog, you know that I recently opened a Threadless shop. I also decided it was time to get my art organized. It’s been an interesting process. I’ve seen how my art style has changed over the years. It’s not that I didn’t know this, I just never realized how much. I’m taking down older pieces that no longer represent my body of work or that, frankly, are not very good. 

I did the earlier pieces on an old (I mean old) Wacom tablet and old programs. The biggest issue with using the outdated hardware and software is lag time and separation of “paintbrush to canvas.” But it’s not only that. The pieces I posted were safe: flowers, coffee, animals. Now, I’m putting more of myself into my art–vampire duck, candy corn monsters, ninja carrots.

And, I’m redoing some pieces. My Mushroom Adventure series was originally quick watercolor sketches I did in 2020 to amuse myself. I redid them and added fishing on the bleeding tooth mushroom. Here is a sampling:

Bungee Jumping, Hang gliding, and Ziplining — add available at my shops!

Who knows what tomorrow brings… 😅 How's that for ending on a corny note!

In case you missed my blog post: How to Sell Your Art & Book Merch Online