Past Present Future
	This is a self portrait, of me, as I am thinking about how to do this multi-media self portrait.   First of all, this stuff makes me crazy, because, I think, I think too much.  Anyway, I was thinking about all of the things that I do now, have done in the past, or will be doing in the future, that help define who I am as an artist.  Of course I am much more than just an artist.    All of the people in my life around me also reflect the person that I am.  Other than artist, I am a Mom, x-wife, future traveler, volunteer, employee, sister, and daughter to name a few.   However, my artistic skills are completely mine, no one else has input or reflects who I am outside my skills.  The way other people view my work could be considered a reflection on me, defining me as a good or poor artist, but it really isn't, because what other people think, is none of my business. What others think about my art is a reflection of their own self expression. In that way my art becomes a mirror for others to learn about themselves.   Even though, art is my form of self expression, it is not the only form of self expression.  Everyone has some quality about them, a personal gift or talent, that when expressed, gives them meaning. For example, I don't like to cook, but many women are excellent cooks. I know men cook too, but this is about me, and I happen to be female, so I used a feminine example. (So sue me!) Volunteers help clean roads, save animals, put out fires, read to the elderly , and  I volunteer my skills as a graphic artist. In other words, all volunteering is one example of the many types of self expression possible.   Okay, now that I've made that just about as clear as mud, I want to explain the drawing above and how it reflects who I have been, am, and will be. The ribbon is for the drawing contest in which I placed first. Winning that little ribbon seemed to give me just enough confidence to call myself an artist. Was I an artist before I thought I was, I don't know.  I included the books, because reading self help books is something I enjoy doing, and I would consider the things that I enjoy doing, examples of  self expression.  I read self help books because I am always trying to figure out why I do the crazy things I do, but so far, that's been a fool's question with no answer in sight. I'm in an exercise outfit, not because I'm a health nut and exercise regularly, but because I wish I was.  I think wishes and daydreams may be considered forms of self expression also, especially when they are acted upon.  For example,  I'm  wishing I was on a cruise ship, which is why the ship is sailing past the view in the window; thus, after this drawing I booked a cruise for myself and my son as a graduation celebration for both of us.  He graduates high school the same time that I will be graduating college.  I thought a once in a life time event warranted a once in a life time vacation. I also do many different arts and crafts; thus, the embroidered pillows stacked in the corner. One has "All I'm making for dinner is a phone call" embroidered on it, which is my motto in the kitchen. The less time I have to spend in there, the better.  I guess that makes cooking an anti-form of self expression. The coffee cup has "Mom" on it, which is self explanatory, as is the picture of sisters, volunteer thank you note, flowers for (x)-wife, and the employee award plaque.  The sun catcher symbolizes my spirit, because I wanted to represent all four aspects of my being, to include, mind, body, heart and soul. I included the sun setting on the coast, because watching sunsets is one of my favorite activities. (That sounds dangerously close to one of those cheesy singles adds.) I have Christmas decorations because I leave them up all year round, which reflects how lazy I am.  And last, but certainly not least, is the mirror reflecting the door. There is a long psychological explanation for that, but to put it simply, I always have my eye on the back door to make sure I have a way out.  This reflects the fear and insecurity that I carry with me at all times, but try to keep under control, locked up in a glass container. Glass makes a great container but, it is easily shattered. Oh yes, I almost forgot my cat, he would've never forgiven me. I am also a pet owner with a cat named Thomas, after Thomas O'Malley the Alley Cat from The Aristocats, Disney animated film.