Are You Living Your Dream?

It has been quite some time since I've blogged.  When I decided to take a break, I thought about all of the things I wanted to do, but today as I sit to write this posting, I realize that I didn't accomplish nearly all of the things that I wanted to... 

I hurt my right index finger in mid November.  I didn't break it or anything like that, but I injured it nonetheless and it has been weak, swollen and painful just the same.  I have come to realize just how much I took my index finger for granted and I am learning to make adjustments and do things differently, but I really hope and pray for a full recovery.

The "injury" has definitely affected my artwork -- holding a brush or art pen has been tough, so I haven't really done much artwork since the injury.  I did make some earrings to give as Christmas gifts, and I restrung a necklace for my Mother -- that was quite the learning experience, but I was happy to do it and happy to learn something new in the process.

You may be wondering about my title, "Are You Living Your Dream" -- it came to me when I realized all of my friends and acquaintences who are working "to make money to pay the rent or mortgage" and also doing something on the side that they love -- My sister who works for a carton company during the day, but is a bellydancer by night; my great-niece who is a student by day, but makes beautiful bracelets in her spare time; a physical therapist who is also a beautiful nature photographer; a school teacher who is also a wedding photographer; an at-home mom who opens her home to anyone needing refreshment and encouragement.

My dog's veterinarian (Dr. Stephens) is a fine vet, yet on the side he plays guitar and sings at various venues and events.  I asked him if I could purchase a CD of his music and he was kind enough to give me a CD.  I listened to it for the first time this week, and the first song on it is Jim Croce's "I Got a Name".  Just in case you have never heard the song, the lyrics follow...

Like the pine trees lining the winding road
I've got a name, I've got a name
Like a singing bird and a croaking toad
I've got a name, I've got a name

And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I'm living with the dream that he kept hid

Movin' me down the highway
Rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by

Like a north wind whistlin' down the sky
I've got a song, I've got a song
Like a whipoorwill and a baby's cry
I've got a song, I've got a song

And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud

Movin' me down the highway
Rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by

And I'm gonna go there free

Like a fool I am and I'll always be
I've got a dream, I've got a dream
They can change their minds but they can't change me
I've got a dream, I've got a dream

Oh, I know I could share it if you want me to
If you're going my way, I'll go with you

Movin' me down the highway
Rollin' me down the highway
Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by

I especially like the line "I've got a song, I've got a song, And I carry it with me and I sing it loud, If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud."  I suppose that is how I want to live my life -- doing something I love, yet if it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud.  Life is short -- do what you love!

Today's Quote:  "You see things; and you say, "Why?" But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?" ~George Bernard Shaw