Hi all y’all! My mini muse came through for me. I saw a drawing Maggie did in her notebook. I fell in love. The alligator was subtle. I noticed the girl first. She had no color or background, so I asked Maggie to tell me a story about the girl. She said the girl is in a long green dress. The dress is old and her hair is messy. She lives in a swamp. I asked if there were flowers in the background. She said I could paint flowers, but if I did, make it mostly green with both light and dark greens.
Maggie and I generally copy each other if we like what we see. I painted a more realistic swamp background, but it made me unhappy. So I painted over-sized leaves and flowers. The painting reminds me of a page in a children’s book.
I added the eyelashes on the alligator and the freckles on the girl just like Maggie. I made her dress just a little shorter to show her toes. A friend wrote to me and said I seemed so happy on Facebook and in my blog. She was wondering if life here is really that wonderful. Well, yes. And also, I don’t want my blog to be a downer. I do struggle with waking up in the morning. I am slow to start. It takes at least 2 cups of coffee. I still have to take care of me. I have chores and responsibilities. I eat too many carbs. I need a certain amount of happiness to paint. So some days I don’t paint. I have to try not to compare my art to anyone else’s. While I was looking at realistic swamps, I ran across Adrian Deckbar. Adrian is a local artist that paints more beautiful than a photograph. My heart sinks just a little when I compare myself to others. But then I move on. Even with the ever-present road work on nearly every road, New Orleans rocks. The people are nice. My friends are interesting. I hope, if you are not there already, you find your happy place. I suggest writing down what you want, painting it, dancing it, speaking it every chance you get. There is a vehicle to get you there. lovingly,
Gator Girl Art 
You go. Nancy! You’re paintings are fantastic! You can’t compare your work with other artist, you are you and no one does it like you! Proud of you! I know how hard it is Not to compare…I have the same problem. My ceramics pieces are not picture perfect but I just love, love, love making them and I love the results!
I am luck in that I am hoping to continue my ceramics in Antigua and maybe take up some painting.
There is a slight chance that we may come thru NO in October on our journey East. Wea are taking a month to do it. Would love to stop and see you if it pans out!
Take care and hi to David!
s
Thank you, Sarah! We would LOVE to have you and Randy stay with us. I hope you come through New Orleans. Thank you for your support.
I LOVE everything about your words. Your sharing with Maggie and your honoring her original work and owning your changes.
What I love the most is your owning the imperfection of life anywhere and personal struggles to BE happy. Brilliantly stated.
I sent your blog to 2 friends who needed your wisdom specifically.
Keep On, Gator Girl!!! 💚j
Sent from my 💚
>
Thank you for sharing my blog, sweet sister.
I am loving this sweet swamp girl… It could totally be the cover for a children’s book… I love reading your blog and learning more about how you come up with these wonderful paintings and also how you share your ideas with Maggie…
You rock!!
Thank you, Anne-Claire! I love that you love her. 🙂
Ahhh I see a children’s book in your future. Maybe a collaboration with Maggie.
I like the relationship the two of you have. Very special.
Thanks, Cathy. Thank you for reading, too.