Scene from this Moment: The sun is lifting over the horizon of trees and rooftops. I'm here for it with my favorite mug-du-jour — deep cobalt with a contented gnome painted on the side. The patio concrete is cool to bare feet. The morning air is finally brisk enough that I can watch steam ghosts swirling and twirling up and away. At the beginning of the summer, we purchased Adirondack chairs, but we haven't been able to use them much due to the heat, humidity, and poor air quality. But we appear to have finally hit our sweet spot: milder temps, blue skies, and gorgeously plus-sized clouds. I'm settled in my chair, fingers curled around my mug, listening to the birds and the summer insects sing.
A couple of afternoons ago, I stepped outside to feel the fresh air and cool breezes. I sat down, took a deep breath, and melted into the chair. I watched the wind push the trees, grass, and tall weeds. I noticed a dark spot on the grass, and it took my brain a second to realize it was a shadow. I looked up and saw a little, brilliant, yellow bird body... a goldfinch. He was trying to pull himself forward, furiously beating his wings, into the wind. But, despite all his effort, he was just stuck in place.
Watching him, I wondered what it was like to fight an invisible force like that. He can't see anything between him and his desired destination. But, damn, can he feel it! How can you be stuck in place while working with all your might? But there he was, proof that it happens.
Last week, I had some wins and made some progress. I created a rough game plan for building my business. I had some great sessions in front of my easel. I had some inspiring conversations with fellow creatives. I was feeling that zing! "Ohhhhh... things are working!", my mind was singing. I could see, in the distance, where I want to go. It was exciting!
You can guess what's coming. This week has been harder. I'm not expecting things to always be zingy... but I admit that I wish it. Building a business any time is hard work. Finding your place, your opportunities, especially as an artist, is a challenge.
I remember reading a Frederick Buechner quote in college that has stuck with me:
“Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep need.”
This has been turning over in my mind. Especially right now, when there is so much happening. How does an artist's gladness... my gladness meet the world's deep need? I know I can't meet all the needs. That's too much for any one person, of course. But, also, having the desire to contribute towards meeting that need and not knowing how... that's discouraging. Especially when there are so many things going wrong.
Last night, Paul and I were bopping around YouTube videos when we landed a video by Undecided by Matt Ferrell. In it, he talks about a weather event that happened in the Sargasso Sea in 2009 that created a massive problem. An invasive seaweed, Sargassum, that was contained by currents was suddenly released. It grows so fast that it smothers coral reefs, piles on beaches by the tons, damages tourism economies, and harms wildlife. Clean-up was expensive and Sisyphean. It isn't inconvenient - it's catastrophic.
The story doesn't end there, though. It continues with someone's (many someone's actually 🫶🏻) innovation, creativity, and drive, turning this catastrophe into an opportunity. Scientists, corporations, and communities looked at the devastation they saw in front of them... and a few of them thought: "Where can what I have to offer meet a deep need in this specific situation?" Today, Sargassum is creating bricks for building homes, fuel for cars and industry, fibers for clothing, and more. Matt Ferrell titled his report: "This Seaweed Was a Caribbean Disaster, Now It’s Gold." Brilliant!
While this is heartening and inspiring, I know my art isn't likely to create gold out of environmental catastrophe. It can be tempting to slip into a despondency that says my art and creativity don't make a difference when it comes to the world's needs. Betsy Greer, aka Craftivista, has said on her IG page:
"Creating is hope building."
"Let your work be a lighthouse."
"Your craft can be a form of resistance."
"The world needs your creativity."
I don't know precisely how my art and creativity, my voice, will meet some of the world's deepest needs. But like the goldfinch... I'm going to keep flying to that place I can see in the distance. A place where humanity is nurtured and protected, where rights are for everyone, where creativity in the face of catastrophe can generate spiritual, emotional, and economic gold.
You should know that the goldfinch's story didn't end there with his struggle against the invisible wall of wind. He had a knowing, a talent, a gift that told him what to do. He turned his body towards the sky and flew up (and was pushed backwards a bit while he did)... and then, he closed his wings and dipped. (I wonder if he closed his eyes for a moment or two?) Oh my gosh, the speed that his body picked up as he soared down and FORWARD! After he crossed the distance he wanted, he opened his wings and landed on a birdfeeder sheltered out of the wind. Rest, nourishment, and safety were there for him. And there he stayed until he felt ready to take off again.
This piece came out of a quiet morning, a stubborn little bird, and that familiar feeling of working really hard and not seeming to get anywhere. I wrote it as a reminder — mostly to myself — that even when we feel stuck, we’re still moving, learning, adjusting. If you're a fellow creative (or just a human doing your best), I hope this resonates.
I'd love to hear how you keep going when the wind's in your face. Drop a comment, send a message, or share this with someone who might need it today. If you're curious about my art or want to follow along with the creative journey, you can subscribe. Thanks for being here — and hey, don’t forget to refill your coffee (aka find those moments of rest, nourishment, and safety).
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❤️ Janece
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