Celebrating learning and "letting you in" a little

This image on Tumblr "popped" out at me. When I say, "popped", I mean to say, that when I read it, the combination of the man who quoted (a creative master) and his age (although I really don't know if either is true), struck a chord . . or should I say, "popped" a chord in me.

I'm so much wiser than I was when I was young, and as I become more mature and more than a little surprised with the physical changes, reading this quote from a Master at 87 yrs of age (from what I've read, 87 was especially old then) led me to reflect that all of life is really about learning, even down to the moment-to-moment, in a myriad of ways, and it will never end. It's not unusual to be frustrated at life's trials and challenges. I certainly have. (I hurt my hip when I was moving and climbing a tall ladder with a paint tray in one hand and a paint roller with an extension in the other; climbing up and down the ladder to remove items from high shelving around the studio. I've hired someone to paint the ceiling.) But I'm surrendering to my limits and learning that, while maturity brings physical challenges, there are many other compensations; like not taking things so personally or so seriously (with "a grain of salt"), the old adage, "this too shall pass"; looking at what I've accomplished and how I've grown in wisdom from my mistakes rather than fearing "the next step forward" or judging those mistakes; becoming more aware others make mistakes and don't have to meet my standards, my opinions, or my goals . . even the ones I love most . . all have their own learning.

This quote somehow ignited some self-reflection that turned into gratitude for my past life struggles/challenges, and how I have more piece of mind and a deeper appreciation for myself; how really wonderful and exciting it is to learn; that I can look forward to more . . moment by moment, day by day, and on and on. Frustrations, challenges, and stuggles for me will continue, but perhaps I will step back sooner, look at "the bigger picture", put things in perspective, put one foot in front of the other, lighten the experience, move on . . and continue to learn, experience, grow, and create . . and truly celebrate and appreciate the wisdom about I have acquired about myself and the world around me.

Here are some more pics of things I've collected through the years (what my son, when he was young, used to call my "weird stuff"). They're in my studio, as they've outgrown my living area.

Old chimney caps (I think) They may be made of zinc, as the rust color is worn paint . . maybe aluminum? 

A metal star (each faceted cone is welded at its base to the other) hanging from an old bird cage support.

A large spring, probably from a train, given to me by the same artist who gave me the gear . . my "treasures"!

I also collect balls (spheres) of different materials, metal, glass, wood, mercury glass, a nail ball (this one is some kind of metal)

An old wood wheel form, painted, about 24" in diameter, 3 1/2" thick

When I found it in a junk store, years ago, the owner said it was used to make wheels.

Some wood balls and a hanging light sphere from the 50's or 60's

(my radiator will also be painted white when I'm done)

I've moved a lot in the last 15 yrs and the expressions on the mover's faces and "tilt of the head" to a co-worker (I especially remember this in regard to my wood wheel and chimney caps), as they were preparing to pack them, were funny. To them they were junk . . ha-ha . . and another (wo)man's treasure!

On with the ladders, paint cans, and rollers. Before I hurt the muscle in my back, that was felt in my hip, I just wanted to get-this-done-and-out-of-the-way . . FAST!! Another lesson learned. Go slower. For a few years I have looked up at the ceiling and speculated about what techniques I might use to paint that ceiling, piece by piece (10 ft tall! and painted, pressed tin). Now it will be done by a professional and I won't chance that I might experience another injury.

Just to let you know, I'm fine. But . . I've got to go slower. Thank you so much for following, your visits here and your comments and support.