Tonight I sat down with the kids to do some coloring and I ended up drawing. Growing up, you could find me doodling on napkins, the backs and margins of assignments, and everywhere in between.  

When I was 10, my parents sent me to Mitchell Studio of Fine Arts in Towson. At the time, the studio was in the back of Polly Mitchell's house. I typically arrived early and I would help to walk the dogs. Over 5 years, I learned a lot there....experimenting with charcoal, pastels, oil paints and even pen and ink. 

When I think back now, I wonder why I didn't do more with it. My folks were always supportive (and still are), but never pushed me. Somehow life took over and like most kids I wasn't too sure about what I wanted to do. For whatever reason, a career in the arts just wasn't on my radar.  I became focused on what would make money. That's where I went wrong.

Tapping my creative childhood tonight really touched me and made me think of my own kids. Drawing made me realize something -- what was once there still exists...waiting for me. It took me awhile to figure it out and I'm trying my damnedest to be the artist/photographer that's been trapped inside for so long.

This time around, I'm listening to the muse. I'll let my hands flow freely and create...because that's what I'm meant to do. I'll also do whatever it takes to nurture the creative spirit in Mady and Liam, just as my parents did for me.

I'm doing this!