16 Comments
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Margaret Abramshe's avatar

In the community of artists who are diving in later in life, there is nothing that can’t be learned. The basic understanding of the elements of design and the principles of design are game changers for those who think they can’t. As to your question, I have never (since going to the Honolulu Academy of Art in elementary school) have ever been able to not make art. I’m addicted.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

It’s a wonderful addiction isn’t’t it?

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Powerful story Leslie.

The last day of my trip to Morocco I fell and ended up breaking a bone in my forearm and hurting my pelvis. My motivation in making art right now is to learn to use my nondominant hand, my left, in making art.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Oh CeCe! I am so sorry. What a bummer. Heel well and quickly and see what wonders you can do with the left hand.

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Kat's avatar

Lesley, kudos and brava to you for hanging in there. Carrot can be a powerful thing, and I enjoyed reading your story of motivation and determination and finding that creative energy that was always within you. Creating 6 children while pursuing your passion is quite an achievement! Looking forward to discussing carrots and other things with you in Ireland!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks so much Kat. It was a strong, persistent drive. See you soon.

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Chris Kaitlyn's avatar

Powerful story of perseverance and achieving your goals! Good job!!! <3

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you, Chris.

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Ellen's avatar

Working and playing in my studio for at least an hour 5 days per week. The truth is, I know once I get started the hour will turn into two or 3…. But if is at least 1 I will have achieved my “carrot”.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Yes!!! My 5 minutes back when I had all the kids always turned into 30 or 60. It’s the start that’s hard but taking that first step leads to so much more. Kudos to you.

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Pamela Hastings's avatar

Lesley, you are providing good incentive for other women to keep on their own tracks.

Did you get your computer back? along with its contents??

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you so much.

No computer yet. I put it in shop while I’m away at a workshop.

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Pamela Hastings's avatar

Good luck with all of that.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

It’s all there! The sudden reboot logged me into an old profile that I forgot existed. So they set it to the correct profile and it’s all there!!!!!!!!! Worth the $75

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on accomplishing your carrot goal. 🥕 🥕 🥕

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Jan's avatar

I, too, had a carrot! My carrot was "once both girls graduate from college, it'll be my turn." I was a single parent and it was so very important to me to see them both through college. My that time, I was heavily into stained glass work as an art form and found SUNY Empire College. An alternative school for adults, where you design your own program! They didn't quite know what to do with me.....but we worked together and in three years I had a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architectural Glass. It provided the framework and confidence to start playing with art! It took several, well, many, more years before I could devote myself full time to art....but here I am.

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