Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Amazing Value of Friends

I don't know why just this minute I am feeling all emotional and thinking about the value and support of friends but I am going to post about that very subject in relation to myself and my art right now.
I have many amazing, supportive friends, both here and on Facebook.  I can always count on you all to comment, support and respond and I am so very grateful.  Thank you all.

I have 2 people that I really want to shine a spotlight on right now.  The only order of value is a timeline.  About 6 years ago I went to Artfest for the first time.  Before the trip, I posted a random little blurb about having a rental car if anyone wanted to share.  2 people answered.  One of those people became my absolute right hand for anything on the west coast from that very day forward!  Cheryl McCloud has been my support, the person I depend on for everything from "when to shut up" to "how to answer any given question"!!!  She has helped me in classes and on every crazy-wild vendor night ever since then.  I have often called her "my boss" since whatever she tells me to do, I do it!!!   Cheryl, I love you so much.

The other person is Mindy Lacefield.  I met Mindy at Artfest 2011, quite by accident.  Someone at my table said something about "Tim's Sally" and I said "OH!  Is she here?!"   She was sitting right beside me!  In talking we realized that she was born literally 30 miles from me in Arkansas (albeit 10 years apart, she's the younger although I'll only say that ONCE!  LOL).  We had an immediate connection and I felt blessed to have her visit my family cabin that summer.  We painted, hung out on the porch and visited my crazy family.  I have come to find out since that time what an absolutely amazing person (as well as a phenomenal artist) she really is.  She has supported me in ways that really only a sister would.   I have met very few people in my life that are as giving as Mindy.   I often call her and ask what she thinks about certain issues or how to handle something (such as recording for this class I am trying to put together).   Mindy....you are a blessing and I love you.

Again, I don't know why this "sappiness" at this moment but I wanted to do this post while my wonderful friends were on my mind (as they OFTEN are!).  If you are like me, you think of your friends and family and your appreciation of them quite often but we forget to tell them as often as we should.  I hope this will inspire you to tell the people you love how much they mean to you.

I have started the editing for the online class.  It will still be awhile.  I am trying to learn the editing and make sure it will be a good class!  Here is the painting that I did while recording.  In case you can't read the text, it says "'Shall we literally have nothing to eat?', asked Mr. Peterkin, helping himself to another sausage".


Again, I want to thank you all for the constant love, support and comments.  Without all of you, I would only be making art for myself....I would never want that.  xoxo

17 comments:

Cia of Briarwood Studio said...

Absolutely beautiful tribute to your friends, Sunny. I'm sure you've made them feel very special.

Mindy Lacefield said...

I so cherish YOU and our friendship! the best times have been spent with you. there are no words to tell you how much i love you and how lucky i am to have you come into my life.

i love love love you dearly!!

Kepi said...

What a great friend you are, declaring your love and gratitude openly, honestly and from the heart to your special friends, we are all lucky to have someone like you.

Kelly Lish said...

Love you Sunny...your post made me teary....could be the timing, since we are both feeling that very way at the very same time :) Yes, we are blessed and it feels good to be grateful. You are such an amazing artist and you just keep making this world a better place! Thank you for that! Love to you, from me!

Tracy Verdugo said...

Sunny, what a beautiful post. I am so excited to meet my art tribe...i have close friends here in Australia but no one nearby that GETS the art thing and what it is that I'm doing or working towards. I think all of that is going to change very soon...only 18 days till we get to sunny California...are you still coming to Petaluma? xxx

kae pea said...

Oh Sunny What a wonderful post and SO in sync with how I am feeling now too! I know just how you feel about feeling so loved and supported. My friends here on line and here at home have been so amazing! This 'journey' I have begun in trying to have a new start in my rubber stamp business...thinking of it all really gets me so emotional. I thank YOU Sunny for your kindness and help and for sharing this post. xoxo

Nolwenn said...

Thank you for sharing this. Friendships are precious and what you share here are part of why I wanted so badly to attend ArtFest (but did not).
I don't know Cheryl but I am starting to know Mindy via her online classes and she is such a beautiful Soul. I am not surprised you too connected so well (positive attracts positive).
I know it's all corny but I really want to meet you someday and know that if it is meant to happen, then shall it be <3 (and never appologize for being «sappy», being grateful for what Life gives us is important).

Micki Wilde said...

Oh your words were so sweet it made me tear up a little.

You are very lucky to have such good friends, enjoy every moment.

X

jane said...

You're such a dear, dear person Sunny, and we're all so very lucky to know you and bask in your beams :)

Sunny Carvalho said...

Thank you all SO much for the beautiful, sweet comments. I feel the love and gratitude for our friends and family radiating from each of you. I feel that my online friends are as big a part of my life as my "real life" friends and I am so very grateful to have each and every one of you.
Thank you for taking the time to read and to comment. xoxo

Cheryl said...

My Sweet friend Sunny...what a wonderful start to my Monday. I am all warm and sparkly!! You are such a dear friend and I am a lucky girl to have met you. Can't wait until September so I can see you!!

Anonymous said...

Nice posting says your friend who said "Tim's Sally."

Sunny Carvalho said...

Hahaha, Kathie!! I couldn't remember who said it!!! Thanks for reminding me!

xoxo

Michele Lynch Art said...

Very lovely post about amazing friendship! You are a very special friend! xo Michele

Unknown said...

Lovely tribute Sunshine. What a beautiful post. It's lovely to have like-minded people around you that GETS it (the artist life) so when you find them hold on tight as they are few and far between.
Hugs to you my very talented friend. xoxo

Tammie Lee said...

so lovely that you have such wonderful friends. Friends are indeed a treasure! Such a lovely post to share your feelings. And your painting is awesome.

Lara said...

Oh an online class? I look forward to seeing more post on this.....WOW!!!! Excitement.....