My Artistic Way

I often think of myself as being on a path, surrounded by dense forest, thick with deadfall and brambles.

I can barely see ahead through the deep shadows, the twists of the trail. The forest is generally silent around me on the Trail of my Life's Calling. In the distance, I hear bird song, snapping twigs, even an occasional growl. I have no idea what will occur on the next bend of the path. Will the murk become murkier? The sun more obscured? Light more diffused? Will danger be there, laying in wait? A stalking mountain lion? A serial killer? An enraged bear? Or will the danger be more subtle: poison berries flashing colorful hope when I'm starving, a trickle of water with malicious bacteria when I'm thirsty, a leaf-covered root rising up to twist my ankle or break my leg when I'm in a hurry?

This forest is a dark, unknown, frightening place. It is made up of all human, primal and personal fears. The trees are set against me; their sprouts and sidekick bushes strategically placed to stall my progress.

What a dim, dreadful picture!

And yet ...

And yet ...

I'm still here, in this forest, taking steps on my personal path.

Have you ever found yourself on a murky path, stepping forward toward an unknown but precious hobby?