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This would make a nice toy. I like the little guy a lot.

I love your post and your painting.
Great stuff.
love

Wonderful post, thoughtful illustration!

Your illustration is beautiful--caught at the tender moment just before 'soaring'. I loved reading your post too. Wishing you an inspired year!

cheers,
Dave

love the picture and the meaning behind it- very thoughful and heartfelt.
eBeth

Dare I say it but the hand bag is particularly impressive, hopefully the new year brings creativity.

Beautiful and meaningful painting.

Here's wishing you good luck and more blessings in 2008- and thank you for all the wonderful paintings you shared with us.

Laurel, I think all who dare to care about their place in this world struggle with these same issues. I love that you have expressed it here so well for so many of us. Your art and your words are very inspiring.

just beautiful...the sky is amazing....

Great work! I enjoy your style and your stuff is very nice! keep on the nice work!
www.ruisousaartworks.blogspot.com

Your painting and your words resonate with me. The little bird looks ready to let go of the baggage and take flight. What a lovely combination of words and artwork you've put together.

lovely!

Don't be so hard to yourself, Laurel. I bet you did much more than you realize. Next year will be even better, you'll see :)

Happy New Year!

I love the painting... it speaks even without your post! I think your resolution to replenish your soul is worthy. It is so difficult to find a balance between creativity and marketing... so my new year's wish for you is that you find that balance and feel happily in touch with your creative self:>

Very powerful and full of power. The painting is beautiful, and the thoughts you provided give us all something to ponder as well. May your year be blessed.

Amazingly beautiful! And great post too! Happy New Year, Laurel!

MMMMWAAAAHH!!! that was SO nice to read and for you to express. you go get em, ms. 2008! get em right with your heart! :)))

Laurel, I wish you the very best for this new upcoming year, may it be your most courageous and creative!

[I also agree with you and Steve about taking the time to do the very thing we wanted to do in the first place, art and creating and drawing that fine line of balance between networking and creating.]

Beeeaaatiful work!!!!

The best pieces always seem to have a deeper meaning than just that first glance. Thanks for filling us in.

Awesome sunset! I like seeing the canvas come through in the close up.

Thanks for all of your encouragement.

What a wonderful sentiment! I hope the new year brings you an abundance of joy and fullness.

lovely painting; like you, looking for a change of focus this year on many things

http://ascenderrisesabove.com/wordpress/

i miss painting using acrylic on canvas. it's inspiring to see people doing it. keep up the good work. and don't worry, we all have baggages we wanna leave behind ;oP

Great concept and painting. The idea of the bird with 2007 baggage is great, and the sky is beautiful.

You have put your finger on the problem. There is always the danger that the temptations of flogging ones art are not entirely consistent with the kind of playful risk taking that was the chief pleasure that git you into making art in the first place.

Lovely!! Good luck on your very worthy goals!!

This is fantastic! Have a 2008 just like you dream to be!

Thanks for a wonderful illu and words of meaning. Thanks for comment on my blog. Have a happy new year and make spirit soar.

great piece of work.. best wishes for 2008..

thanks for dropping by the blog.

Laurel, your paintings and words are always so inspiring...i'm so glad IF is a keeper...i'd love to visit your blog every week!

Hope in 2008 you realize all your goals! good luck and Happy New Year!

hugs!

Insightful post and wonderful symbolic painting! Sounds like you are getting to the layers and that is great! Soar and be free my friend! Your talent speaks for itself! Happy 2008 to you!!!

Cute pic, sweet story. Have a merry new year & good luck soaring.

As always, great work...leave the baggage of 2007 behind but take with you the positive accomplishments of the old year into the new one. Keep up the consistent posts and best wishes for 2008...cheers!

Very nice, and an awesome big preview to fully enjoy!

Beautiful illustration! I feel as you do. . .I need to stop and smell the roses more.

wonderful painting Laurel!
Thanks for the comment on my piece :)

hellloooo from oz and new years wishes to you and yours too. knowing what we did wrong is one thing, fixing it is quite another, maybe 2008 can be just a 'ME' year for you! bless you.

I know what you're talking about!

It's so easy to get caught up in all the trappings and forget the real reason you are an artist. Not that you can't enjoy all the rest, but I guess balance is the best way to go. Not always the easiest thing to attain, but it is possible.

Thanks for reminding me of the real reason for art. Self expression and nourishment for the soul.

Always great to visit your blog.

Beautiful painting love the colors & design and how it says visually what you wrote about and more- can feel the bird is just about to soar into the brand new '08. You are wise and kind. It's all good! Thanks.

Great color and super post!!! Funny how life works out sometimes ;)

Happy New Year, Miss L. Wishing the best of everything!