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Renewing My Vows


"Turtledove," 2007, 8" square, acrylics on panel, depicting a wonderfully special ladybug, from my own personal collection. Fresh from the tough streets of Los Angeles, Turtle joined our family in 1991 - she came with both physical and emotional scars and an odd meow that sounded like a dove cooing. When I began the studio in 2000 (after leaving the traditional workforce), it seemed symbolically similar to the rebirth she experienced when adopted. And so it made perfect sense to name my business after her - and thus TurtledoveDesigns was born.

Why am I doing the #YourTurn Challenge??

In October 2006 I started painting and blogging daily. I did it quietly, and at first only told a few close souls, so that I felt a sense of accountability. But I also didn't want to fail miserably in front of a huge audience.

Clearly, in the past 7-/12 years, my audience has grown a bit beyond those first confidants. And there have been times I've dropped the ball, for whatever reason, and not gotten to the easel or even written a blog. It used to be that I would lose sleep when this sort of stuff happened, and I'm embarrassed to say that, especially in this past year, I was no longer stressed or ashamed when I failed to deliver.

Which is wrong on so many levels. 

If I make a promise to deliver content, than I need to deliver. The internet is full of those who are delivering, and doing so as promised. Furthermore, your time and attention is a valuable commodity - it is wrong for me to disrespect your own commitment to follow along with my artwork by not, err, making any artwork. Or at least creating content when life happens and artwork doesn't get made.

So this week I am participating in the #YourTurn Challenge. Inspired by Seth Godin, #YourTurn is essentially a group of bloggers who recognize what a privilege it is to have your attention. Collectively we are renewing our commitment to deliver for 7 days straight. Together we will hold each other accountable, but it is also my hope that I will rediscover and reconnect with old habits and my initial passion for blogging.

Meanwhile, I apologize if you feel as though you were taken for granted. I am working hard to make sure that never happens again. 

Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork!
Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com
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