Friday, May 27, 2011

One Year After Trauma, A Reflection in Art Journal Pages


I remember creating the page above less than a month after my accident.  When I first broke my ankle and was confined to the couch I spent a few days feeling very sorry for myself.  I was angry that it had happened to me, frustrated that I was reliant on someone else for the very basic of needs and very saddened at the whole situation.  I could not see past the cast on my leg, or the pain it was causing.

By now you know that one of the many reasons I art journal is to release anxieties.  During that first month of "Art on the Couch" I created very messy pages, which was very healing for me.  Soon I got up enough courage to do my first live show on Ustream.

At first I believed my accident was "bad luck".  I now believe my injury was exactly what I needed.  I needed a bit of suffering to appreciate what I truly had, and I needed the time to straighten out my mind.

I truly believe that this injury was a blessing in disguise.  Without it I wouldn't have made so many wonderful friends, and for that I am ever grateful.


It is now time to break free.  May this second year bring even more friendships and opportunities.

I thank you for all the support and love.
Much LOVE xox

15 comments:

  1. A Blessing in disguise....so glad you are past it.

    Hugs,
    Laurel

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  2. Truly BLESSED to have you as a friend & am just as EXCITED about meeting you in person next week as I am about going to Spain!!! GREAT JOB!!!

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  3. "Art from the Couch" was a catalyst for my art journaling. I had put it off for so long and your tutorials made me want to pick up my book again. It has been a wonderful journey with you, my friend!

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  4. so happy to have had the chance to know you paula, you have brought so much to my life. xoxxo

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  5. It has been an amazing ride, hasn't it Paula. Although I'm so sorry you hurt your ankle, I'm so glad you did! Thank you so much for the many hours of art school, fun, and the many friends I have found through your shows. You've taught me so much! Congratulations also on your very first DVD! You deserve the recognition that you receive. Thanks again so much for all you've given.
    Smiles
    Jen

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  6. I have seen your videos, and you are so very inspirational. I love you beautiful creations, dark or not so dark...just lovely.

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  7. You made your accident into something positive. Congratulations.

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  8. I am so proud of your fierce Bravery shown in your willingness to pour yourself onto these amazing pages, and share them and your process with the world.
    I am so Blessed to have found you and the AJ community at large and ever growing
    Here is to all the Creative wonders now becoming

    Much Love,
    MB

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  9. You are an inspiration for many of us viewers. :)

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  10. paula i am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and that we should trust in the journey of life. look through you and others that i have found. i myself and coming out of my deeply damaged shell. letting go of all the bad that damages myself and people around me and learning to find the happy person that was lurking within. through crafting, scrapbooking, art journaling and people on ustream and youtube i am a happier person now thank you for sharing your pain with us cause you have helped me and my family for that i thank you. please be careful and take care of yourself but dont stop artjournaling.

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  11. I am glad you are here...you have a wonderful way about you...and I love your art...I hope this next year bring you much goodness and much love.

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  12. Paula,
    I haven't been following your blog for that long so didn't realize your history. I admire your recovery and your attitude. Thanks for sharing.
    Rinda

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  13. Aloha Paula...you are truly an example of moving from darkness into the light. You use that light to enrich, not only your life, but the lives of all who create and share with you. Art is Healing...Let Your Light Shine On...
    Mahalo ke akua...

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  14. I don't know how I ended up there but it was "Art from the Couch" where I originally found you. So glad I did and that you've kept on sharing your journey with us. I've grown as an artist and a person just "knowing" you and I am greatful! How you have made a positive out of your ankle incident has given me a much needed perspective and a more positive attitude about my life. Thanks so much!

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  15. Paula, you have been an inspiration for my art journaling for a while now. I am grateful you are here making fantastic pages and sharing your knowledge and creativity. thanks
    Lee:)

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