Hubby says, looks like the mail lady brought you a package.  It is from Stampington and I hadn't ordered anything. It is a box of doubt n' disappointment. I went out to retrieve my package, from the doorstep.  My first thought is I do not want to open it.   I will analyze  it, why not, was it not the right color, too odd, didn't photography well, not what they were looking for, or someone else made something similar...I'll never know Why?   As I drag it in the house, I decide not to waste time lingering over it.  I cut it open-inside are two things I had published and a plastic bag of Paper Bag Art.   I took photos of my favs and let the doubt and discouragement fade.  No, you are not going to ruin my day.  I hate that about being an artist. I hate the rejection, but worse is never knowing why?
There isn't any feedback, "Oh, we were looking for a bolder print, bright colors, etc."   And you have no idea about your competition. Once in awhile you will see artist share, but it is after the deadline is over.

 I do know it is part of the process....I do know that my art has to attract their attention, before any thought of an article is even considered. An article is like two wins. Your art passed and now they want you to explain your technique.  YOU never know what they want, what will work, and what won't.  IF you love art, writing, poetry, etc.-YOU will continue to subject yourself to the process.  The 3-Ds will continue to haunt you, but it is part of the process.   Doubt, discouragement and disappoint are part of it, but so is the 3-Es.   The excitement, the enchantment and the elation, of seeing your name in print and your efforts, rewarded. Okay 4-Es, lets go for 5- An EXTRAORDINARY feeling!


Try, try again!

These all are paper bags. I am not buying Christmas paper.  I will just revamp the brown or white paper bag!   These will be for birthdays and I'll make some new ones for Christmas!  I try not to buy gift wrap. (Actually, these were free paper bags found in the frozen food section!)





I'll share with you, some of my ideas as the season unfolds.  I told my family we were going to have The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-they think I'm kidding, lol.  Why not?!  ;D