Change

A French philosopher said the only constant in life is change. It’s true. For eight years, i’ve written a column called “HER Art” for HER Magazine, featuring women artists in the metro area. The number and caliber of women artists here is amazingly high—i have a running list of artists i wish to spotlight. However, the current issue’s profile, Marcia Joffe-Bouska, is my last for HER Magazine. The magazine has changed its name to Her Living, and the focus has changed as well.  I’ll continue to freelance for Omaha Publications’ other magazines—i’ve got stories in the next Encounter and Omaha Magazine—and for magazines outside the metro. And I’ve got a few other ideas in my bag of tricks.

This blog is one of them.  I’m new at this, but i hope you’ll stay with me.  I always felt energized when hearing comments to the column.  This forum facilitates that interaction.  The blog will also replace my occasional e-letters from “Suzanne & Co.,” for the same reason. That letter sometimes acted as a clearing house for news on art events. We need to keep that going. And i’d like to reach a broader audience.  My focus is on art and life; it’s what I know. And i know this about change—it’s stimulating, demanding, and hard.

My daughter-in-law, Kristi, told me about cicadas she and her daughters (my “girlies”) had seen on July 4^th. One was working mightily to extricate itself from its shell. “It seemed to be caught on something,” Kristi said. The exoskeleton that had once protected it had become a prison. Although they watched for over an hour, until it was too dark to see, the cicada hadn’t freed itself by the time the girls went inside. Change is hard. I hope the cicada did break free. I hope it flew into adulthood on its glassine wings, singing its song for all to hear.

It’s easy to get caught on something. I’m hopelessly attached to “stuff.” And Roger doesn’t bat an eye when kids-drawn pictures stack up or leaves accumulate in the fall. Actually, i have a good program for leaves. I do collect all the ones i find irresistible, and iron them with waxed paper, the way i learned in kindergarten. Then i use them as table ornaments, coasters, and stationery to write little love notes to the girlies. On a breezy spring day, i take the remaining leaves onto the porch and toss them into the dancing air with thanks and good wishes for the next stage of their lives. I imagine many of them will become mulch for buttercups and iris, and some may line a rabbit’s nest. Change.

Michael J. Smith, my brother, changed.  He was a successful research chemist living in Philadelphia. He made business trips to Europe and pleasure trips to New York. But as his family grew, so did his dissatisfaction with travel and other job expectations. After his wife, Julie, earned her PhD, Mike retired and they moved to Bainbridge Island where he became a stay-at-home dad, volunteer tutor at school, and an author of historical fiction. He’s just brought out his second novel, Cotton and Silk. You can read all about it – and buy a copy - at   http://thewhisperingowl.com/.  But today, in honor of change, I have a signed copy to give away. Look at Mike’s website and tell me what you think.  Two weeks from now, i’ll pick a name at random from these replies and send lucky you the book!

Another person who’s faced change with vigor is Nancy Flaherty, M.S., C.D.P. who used those initials after her name to become a freelance senior consultant. When care of a loved one made office hours impossible, Nancy trusted her wings and began her own business. I met Nancy through a referral in the months prior to a difficult move, and she was a steady beam during a tumultuous time. She is as sensitive and sympathetic as she is realistic and knowledgeable. If you’re experiencing difficulty in the weird world of aging, whether it’s navigating the system or you just want someone to tell you you’re not crazy, get in touch with Nancy: flahertyconsulting@cox.net or (402) 312-9324.

One of the maxims that keeps me going is from Bob Dylan – “He who isn’t busy being born is busy dying.” I want to stay busy being born. A baby sees everything as marvelous, and the fact that she doesn’t know where she’s going doesn’t stop her from crawling. So here is my first posting from the blogosphere. I look forward to hearing from you!

Suzanne