Author: Mary Gow

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Day 9 – The Water’s Edge

Water's Edge
“Water’s Edge,” watercolor and pencil on paper, by Mary Gow
I went to a talk given by Jessica Murray last week about the unique times we are currently experiencing.

I’m still thinking about it.

I hadn’t heard the term “ecocide” before and it caught my attention as she said it’s a possibility that we are committing it.

Is resorting to physical battles a sign of “spiritual immaturity”?

These were a two of the points Jessica Murray touched on. She is an astrologer, cultural commentator, and author of Soul Sick Nation: An Astrologer’s View of America, and her new book, At the Crossroads: An Astrologer Looks at These Turbulent Times.

It wasn’t doomsday predictions but encouragement to remember our power is in our participation as a collective.

Her talk reminded me of the Pachamama Alliance. Their “Four Years Go” video created in 2010 shows in three minutes the underlying message of this post.

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Day 8 – 17 Qualities of a ‘Pro’

The Yes Tree, by Mary Gow
The Yes Tree, watercolor and pencil on paper, by Mary Gow
As promised from an earlier post, I’m revisiting Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art and what distinguishes a “Professional” from an “Amateur.”

According to Pressfield a professional:

1. Is Patient.
2. Seeks Order.
3. Demystifies.
4. Acts in the Face of Fear.
5. Accepts No Excuses.
6. Plays It as It Lays.
7. Is Prepared.
8. Does Not Show Off.
9. Dedicates Herself to Mastering Technique.
10. Does Not Hesitate to Ask for Help.
11. Distances Herself from Her Instrument.
12. Does Not Take Failure (or Success) Personally.
13. Endures Adversity.
14. Self-Validates.
15. Recognizes Her Limitations.
16. Reinvents Herself.
17. Is Recognized by Other Professionals.

(from pgs. 75 to 96, The War of Art)

Watch a video here and see Marie Forleo’s most recent interview with Pressfield about his latest book, Turning Pro.

My painting today is titled “The Yes Tree.” It’s about following the ‘yes’ that feels right in your gut.

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Day 7 – Dreaming Big and Inspiring Kids

Rose, by Mary Gow
“Rose,” watercolor and pencil on paper by Mary Gow
I found Dallas Clayton‘s work while researching artists achieving success following their passion.

Watch him in the minute-and-a-half video below as he tells his story.

If you have any interest in creating books for kids or want to see art that appeals to the kid in you, check out his website.

My painting today is the gesture of a rose blooming.

It’s time to bloom!

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Day 6 – The Greatest Privilege of This Life

Inner Sun, watercolor and pencil by Mary Gow
Inner Sun, watercolor and pencil by Mary Gow
In case you’re just joining my blog, this is Day 6 of 30 days of blogging and painting each day.

It’s amazing that something from my childhood is sorta “trending” now, at least as a term. Not literally.

I created this blog to nurture your creativity with my servings of soul food. I grew up helping my parents serve REAL soul food!

One major takeaway today from Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday was a Joseph Campbell quote:

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell

This quote is from: A Joseph Campbell Companion: Reflections on the Art of Living. It comes out of a workshop at the Esalen Institute celebrating the scholar’s eightieth birthday.