garbo in my pocket · Creative Thursday

October 13, 2010

garbo in my pocket

Garbo in my pocket

6 x 6 in.

Recently I’ve been going through some personal things that have felt a bit more challenging than usual. And while I’m happy to share this with you, it’s not quite time. But when it is, believe me you’ll be the first to know and get ready....because I’m storing up a whole lot of thoughts on this experience.

I’m the kind of person who doesn’t believe in hiding things about my life, because I believe that the bravery of those willing to reveal vulnerability and share deeply personal experiences allows us all to gain peace and insight. Hearing other’s stories reminds us that we are not alone. And sometimes just that small reminder is all we need to find some comfort. I am, however, also the kind of the person who believes there is a right time to share those experiences.

Until that time, I’m sharing a painting with you of which comfort is the inspiration. Remember when you were little and you had a stuffed animal, blanket or doll that you could take with you to feel safe? Well, clearly an adult carrying those items around might be a bit awkward, which is a bummer really, but then again we usually outgrow the need to have them with us because we learn how to find that sense of well being and safety within ourselves. But sometimes, during those moments, when I can’t have anyone or anything with me, I still wish I had someone to hold my hand and I wish I had a reminder that all is always well.

That’s where Garbo comes in. This cat, my cat, reminds me that all is well every time I look at her. It’s not that she doesn’t have her moments of agitation, oh she does. But mostly, Garbo does not worry. Garbo is happy. As is evidenced by the fact that several times a day she will roll around on the floor in pure joy and contentment. And it’s this feeling that I want to put in my pocket and take with me everywhere, a reminder when I’m feeling out of sorts that everything is just fine.

So this painting, I suppose is a self-portrait, a reminder that all is well, and the statement that if I could I would stick Garbo in my pocket and take her with me everywhere. Because I LOVE her, and honestly how could you not?

And if you need her, you just feel free to go right ahead and put her in your pocket too.

Photo-3

{click here to buy original}

Comments (13)

Sweet girl. Sweet kitty. ((hugs))
Betz

Posted by: betz | 10/13/2010 03:43:54 PM

love you my friend and this post. contemplating many things myself these days...thanks for sharing. be well and hoping to reconnect soon.

Posted by: branch homestead | 10/13/2010 08:46:29 PM

Hmm, that doesn't sound so good. I hope that your tweets today mean that you are indeed feeling a bit better.

I know what you mean about the honesty and sharing. I really do.

When I was busy creating one of my little corners for creation yesterday and I hung the print I got from you it made me a bit sad, but mostly happy for the inspiration and the love the print reminded me I have.

Take care.

Posted by: Cheryl Arkison | 10/13/2010 09:57:42 PM

My hubby and I often say, "I wish [insert kitty name...we have three] could come along in my work bag today."

;)

Take care of you.

Posted by: C.E.R. | 10/14/2010 07:09:36 AM

I'm sorry to hear this, Marisa, but boy can I relate. I've been wading through some heavy stuff myself. I think one of the hardest things is not knowing when the light will come. I think I could bear it a little more gracefully if I knew it would all conclude nice and neatly, oh, six weeks from now. Even six months I could handle if I knew for sure it would be over. But, as my father is so fond of saying, "There are no guarantees in life." Great. Thanks for that little nugget of sunshine, Dad!

Anyway, I wanted to share this (even though it may present me as kind of a weirdo): Years ago, during journalism school, I was lucky enough to do my internship at the largest newspaper in my city. I was petrified, literally shaking when I woke up the first morning. My boyfriend and I happened to have spent the night at his parents' house, and somehow, sensing my intense anxiety (although, "I think I'm going to throw up" might have been a tip-off), he went to his childhood bedroom, found an old, treasured teddy bear and stuck it in my bag. I did feel a bit crazy walking around with a stuffed animal in my bag, but I was touched by his gesture and left the bear there for the duration of my internship. Every time I felt stressed or overwhelmed (which was often, believe me), I'd reach down into my bag and rest my hand on the soft, worn bear. It was surprisingly soothing... So, I get it! You do whatever you need to do to pull through this.

Posted by: suzy | 10/14/2010 07:41:38 AM

Suzy ~a weirdo not at all! thank you for sharing this. I love this story. Maybe we all need some little bears we can put in our bags. And hang in ~ I know exactly what you mean about wishing you could know that in 6 weeks or 6 months it would all be fine. I'm still embracing this idea, but looking back on my life it always has been fine, so there's no reason it shouldn't be this time too. Trusting that now, that's where our peace lies.

Posted by: Marisa | 10/14/2010 09:27:53 AM

I am feeling better Cheryl. Thank you. I have a pretty lively spirit and it can't really stay subdued long. So goodness, I don't want to think my print made you sad :( If there's one thing about my art. I cannot actually create from a sad space, so everything I paint is coming from a sense of happiness, and I am glad to know that it brought you that too.

Posted by: Marisa | 10/14/2010 09:32:05 AM

thank you sweet Betz {{hugs back to you}}

Posted by: Marisa | 10/14/2010 09:32:43 AM

me too Kimm. let's definitely catch up soon. thinking of you.

Posted by: Marisa | 10/14/2010 09:33:11 AM

This is timely for me too as I just purchased a teddy bear with arms and legs that move from a farmer's market. I was certain i was purchasing this bear as a gift for someone else. Nevertheless, guess who is sitting on my bed. I finally came to the realization that I had bought the bear for myself. I am going to be 44 years old in november!

Posted by: julie | 10/14/2010 10:54:13 AM

oh, I feel this way about my dog Lance. On first days at new jobs, or just particularly hard days, I've wished I could bring him along with me. He gives me miles of smiles and also seems to just love life like your Garbo. He however would be even harder to fit in my pocket---he's 60 lbs. Now that's an image that makes me laugh!

Love your painting! and wonderful post! I wish you all the best in finding your way.

Posted by: Nicole | blue bicicletta | 10/14/2010 01:03:49 PM

Hope all is well Marisa. Sending you a hug from me and my 2 bunnies (I'd like to put them in my pocket too) :)

Posted by: Little Brown Rabbit | 10/15/2010 04:09:37 AM

Hope all is well Marisa. Sending you a hug from me and my two bunnies (I'd like to put them in my pocket too) :)

Posted by: Little Brown Rabbit | 10/15/2010 04:10:50 AM