Things are getting more and more eccentric at Casa de la Swain. Changing styles in my textile work, falling in love again with painting and photography...and then there is the ever illusive quest for continuing creativity through working with Eric Maisel. Still on the road teaching, posting now at the Ragged Cloth Cafe and taking the pledge to keep handmaiden up to date.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

What Would You do Differently?

Since the quotes seem to have run their course for while, let's talk about where we are and why? Never fear the quotes will return from time to time. There was just way too much insight to let it go forever.....but maybe we need a break.
As a girl, who has always sworn " No Regrets"....Edith Piaf where are you when I need you. there are a few little creeping thoughts from time to time in the "what if" category. I must admit that I was pretty fearless as a young adult...if there was something I wanted to do it just went and did it. Probably too stupid to know that I couldn't but it all turned out fine...even looking back it is hard to imagine a different life.
But, onward and upward......what would you do differently? Some of these are going to be pretty shallow since the big things I don't regret but bear with me.
1. I would never gain 35 pounds since it is hard as hell to get rid of after 50; and even though I accomplished it, it is a constant battle.
2. I would spend 10-12 hours a day in the studio, regardless of what is going on around me, which I have been doing this week and it is grand.
3. The voice lessons my mother made me take were torture; now I wish I could still sing.
4. Be a better housekeeper...it is always a pit...my only compensation is that I can cook well.
5. Have plastic surgery early...gravity is taking its toll...but at this age there is a point of diminishing return.
6. Buy that Donna Karan $900 pant suit and tell Ronnie, "This old thing; had it for years."
7. Click my heels and have the 10 years back that I didn't do yoga. Kinda like riding a bicycle, it is coming back but I used to do Asthanga....now working on Hatha.
8. Never read "The Artist's Way"...wasted way too much time writing my daily thoughts and finding artists days....I know this has helped many people but it is way to self-absorbed for me.
Honestly, don't you just get sick of yourself some time?
9.Marry two less husbands...but learned lots and got the best of the bunch this time.
10.Lose those last 5 pounds so I can get into a 4 instead of a 6...vanity, vanity...but you gotta understand I am small-boned, only 5'5", weighed 99 pounds when Ronnie and I got married, so I just want a cushion so I can eat carrot cake at a weak moment.
11. There is nothing I would change about being an artist...it gave my sons a broader world view, kept me sane during times of crisis and is just about the most fun you can have with you clothes on.
12. And just for Deb R, buy a pair of shoes everytime I walk into Nordstroms....or maybe a new Kate Spade bag.
What would you change?

4 comments:

Deb R said...

Good topic, Gabrielle! I blogged my (short) list.

Diane Perin said...

Personally, I think life's too short to think about the "should have done's." It sounds corny, but I think that the biggest value in thinking of past decisions and choices is to reflect on how they've made you who you are today, and how that affects you as you look forward.

Julie Zaccone Stiller said...

I was inspired by your list Gabrielle, and did my own. Thanks for making me think about it!

Mary Beth said...

Never read "The Artist's Way"...wasted way too much time writing my daily thoughts and finding artists days....I know this has helped many people but it is way to self-absorbed for me.

LOL! Oh thank you. I read that years ago and though - whoooo - this is the sort of thing that gives snooty artists their rep. Get over it folks!

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