Pruning Back a Life

Sometimes there comes a year in a person’s life that feels rather catastrophic. Many times one finds, after the dust has settled, that there is opportunity hidden within the catastrophe. I have written in a previous post of the sudden changes in my life and it has been quite a journey.

To give a quick update, the house is pending and, if all goes well, will close in two weeks. That closing will be the beginning of a whole new chapter of my life and I am looking forward to it. I am currently living in my little trailer which is parked on the property of generous friends. I am getting the final touches done that will allow me to paint and create in my little trailer. I will be there for a bit while I rest, recuperate, plan and work for my future.

Reflecting on this new start, in between packing and dealing with the process of untangling my life from the man I had been married to for 35 years, I realized that I needed to do a bit of pruning of the old life. I feel the pruning analogy is apt. When one prunes back the old dead growth and weak or misdirected limbs of a tree, it often is healthier and more productive. Come spring, the tree blooms anew and healthy new growth is made.

I am excited about this time in my life. For the first time, I will have the opportunity to not only focus on my own personal healing and growth, but to focus on my art full time. I will have my own personal art residency and I plan to make the most of it.

2019 has been a tough year, perhaps the hardest year in my entire life. I am planning to make 2020 a year of growth and change. I am committing to my art as well as my vision of sustainable living. There is a lot packed into that sentence and it will take the rest of my life to unpack it. I will be unfolding all of this here on this blog and my website, starting in two weeks if all goes well. I hope you will join me on this journey into art and creating a life!

-Renee

4 Comments

  • Trish Brown

    I am amazed at the person you are. The strength you carry. The hopefulness and confidence you have. Only knowing you through Facebook posts I am very sorry we’ve never had the chance to really meet. We probably met when we were younger when you guys came down to visit our grandmother in Houston, but too young for me to remember. I am proud to know I’m related to such an amazing soul. There are several of the McClosky cousins that are truly exceptional people and I consider you one of them. One day…… maybe we’ll have the chance to meet again. I’d really love to sit and talk with you.

    Trish

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *