February is a difficult month -- snowy, dark, wet, cold. Another flaw is February 14th. Just as those of us who mentally retreat in the winter reach the depths, a little holiday comes along that reminds many of us that we are romantically alone, which certainly doesn't help! Valentine's Day. The recent trend of making or sharing anti-Valentines is funny, but really is putting lipstick on a pig in terms of keeping positive energy flowing. As the world delves into celebrating their partnerships, many of us avoid it. Sure, it is a nice day to celebrate friendships and family bonds, too -- but there is just something missing when one is unwillingly unpartnered. While being single is better than being in a bad relationship, it really is not easy to be alone. Life is hard, and to carry all of life's struggles alone without the security and love of an intimate relationship can get tiring. Especially in February! Luckily I have friends in the same single boat that agree, which is helpful, but is also sad in terms of our overall culture. Recently, too, statistics have shown that single households are more prevalent than ever before. Read about this trend here.
Years ago, before I was married (and divorced, unfortunately) I was deep in the trenches of learning about art and spent time with Vincent Van Gogh's powerful book of letters to his brother called "Dear Theo." That book is one of the most powerful books an artist can read, and is a comfort to the soul. It is filled with the creative spirit. Van Gogh discovered his artistic passion later in life, and after his failed attempts to be a preacher. In about ten short years he produced an astounding body of work that bubbles over with passion, and love, for painting, and for life. His reputation is that of a crazed painter, irrational, seized with fits of mental illness. During his moments of clarity, however, he was able to capture with words his experience of artistic ecstasy. His sense of love for life, for painting, for friendship is clearly communicated in his writing, as is his perpetual loneliness. An excellent summary of his writings about love -- not just the romantic kind -- can be found here in an excellent article on brainpickings.org. Totally worth the read!
Am looking forward to a busy few hours doing housework that I didn't get to yesterday, and then will get involved with a brand new idea that is percolating in my creative mind. It is knocking at the door and wants to come out!