Next month will mark one year since I began my transition into retirement. My boss suggested I call the stories I write “Transitions.” I didn’t realize at the time that transitioning into retirement and writing about it would require me to truly live it.
As I started this new chapter, I discovered that time was my biggest adjustment—I suddenly had too much of it! Now, every Tuesday, you can find me at what I call Art Therapy. While some people turn to golf for therapy, I prefer paintbrushes and drawing pencils.
In this art room, I have met four unique ladies, all very talented in their chosen mediums. But it’s not just about sharing our art; we’ve also shared life-changing events, cried a few tears, and exchanged plenty of laughs. We’ve played music while getting lost in our individual projects. Of course, sometimes you have to step away from what you’re working on. One day, I rushed out to buy a sandwich, and it wasn’t until I had eaten half of it that I realized I had forgotten to pay. I had to make a confession and go back to settle the bill!
The Art Therapy group is wonderful when it comes to critiquing each other’s work. They help me see where I might add a shadow or make other adjustments. It’s amazing how adding a small piece of grass or a flower can change not only the perspective of a painting but also our outlook on personal situations. I love the colors of paint and the smell of linseed oil.
I promised my art therapy ladies that I wouldn’t mention their names in this story because they prefer to stay under the radar! However, I will mention Bernice. She arrived in a large box with instructions, and after piecing her together, she now stands tall and strong with beautiful stained wood. Her frame will support whatever canvas her owner dreams up. Since “Isle” didn’t seem fitting, we named her Bernice. She is a pillar standing in the light, ready to capture the shadows and shapes of many creations to come!
I’m always chasing the desire to improve my drawings, but maybe it’s okay to stand still sometimes, just like Bernice!
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