Birthday Presents

So there I was, a few weeks ago, celebrating my birthday. Although I haven't celebrated my birthday in recent years, I had invited a few people this year. And by a few, I mean just a few. But as they say, it's not about the size of the party, it's about the people around you and the little things that make your heart sing.

She Knows Me

My sister, @gejami, is one of those people who knows exactly what I need, even if I don't realize it yet. I can't imagine a birthday without her, and she was there again that day. Armed with some treats for our three monster dogs, she stepped through the gate. After the dogs had greeted her and received their treats, the sincere congratulations came and I was allowed to unpack a bag full of surprises. It's my sister, and she knows me inside and out. Our bond has changed in recent years, but one thing has not changed, she knows my ups and downs better than anyone. She knows that I suffer from those moments when life overwhelms me a little. But she also knows my strength, my ability to be creative. And she likes to steer me in the right direction so that I can harness that creativity and use it as an outlet even in bad times.

And so, with a twinkle in her eye that I know all too well, she handed me a surprise package. And there it was: a beautiful set of aquarel paints and Faber Castell fineliners. For the moments when my creativity flows like a waterfall. But she has now also prepared me for the days when the dark clouds gather around me and threaten my emotional stability. For those moments, she unveiled a coloring book for adults. Yes, you heard right. A coloring book. For adults. And let me tell you, it wasn't just any coloring book. It was a work of art in itself, full of detailed pages waiting to be brought to life with colors that I would choose to tell the story.

Now I have to admit, the idea of coloring as an adult has never really appealed to me. I always thought it was something I left behind as a child. But why exactly? In those moments when my thoughts take on a life of their own, that coloring book offers a safe haven. A place where I can get lost in the rich patterns and forget my worries. It's kind of like meditating. A chance to calm, and center my mind. Maybe you could even say that I rediscover my inner child in this way. Anyway, it works! It calms me down!

The Surprise From My Love

But that wasn't all. I promised to wait until he got home from work to unwrap my partner's gift. A mysterious package that had piqued my curiosity for a week. He had placed the package next to a photo of Rowan, where it was waiting for me to finally unpack it. When my partner finally came home, and after eating a delicious pastry, I was finally allowed to unwrap it. The moment I had been waiting for all week. And that revealed a completely unexpected gift, a professional pyrography set.

Now, for those who are not familiar with pyrography, let me tell you what it is. It's like drawing on wood, but instead of using ink or graphite, you burn the wood with your pyrography pen. You could also compare it to tattooing, instead of spraying ink under someone's skin, you burn wood. I had played with it a bit before but lacked the right tools. And thanks to this new set, I can finally take my skills to the next level. The precision, the control, the possibilities are endless. With this set, I can play with different temperatures and different nibs. And I can let my creativity flow.

Why pyrography, you may ask? Why not just paint or draw? Well, there's something timeless about pyrography. While paintings are subject to fashion and trends, wood has an inherent beauty that stands the test of time. It is a completely different technique, but the result, if you master it properly, is truly fantastic. It is elegant and timeless! Creating deep, rich images that never lose their charm through the elegant simplicity of wood.

Now of course I'm just a beginner in the world of pyrography. Yes, I have practice boards, thanks for your thoughts, partner! And while I know you can reproduce this art more accurately with a laser printer, for me, it's all about the process. It's the feeling of the pen in my hand, the smell of the burning wood, seeing my vision come to life and occupying my thoughts. Getting lost in the work I'm doing. I can't do that if I let a machine do the work.

The Big Question Remains

But then there is another question, also given a goal that I have to achieve this year. Financial security! So the big question remains: can I make a career out of it? When I scroll around the internet through artists who make significant amounts of money from their pyrography, I wonder if I can do that too. Well, for the time being, my level will have to be raised first, and I still have something to work on in terms of level, but after that? Can I do this, is there a demand for it? Let me be honest, I would love to put a piece of my soul into each piece, which will then hang on the wall in someone else's home. But for now, it's a journey of discovery, learning, and growing.

Burning With Desire

So here I am, with brushes in one hand and a pyrography pen in the other, ready to level my creativity up a few levels. If you have any tips, advice, or just some encouragement, please share. I am burning with desire, full of passion, and ready to continue on this creative journey. And maybe, just maybe this could be what I need. Maybe my creativity can provide financial security.