Influencers

“being here and being known”

I chose a different grocery store yesterday, a less populated side of town and because I was driving my husband’s (treasured) truck and thought I best not venture far. I saw someone in the distance I hadn’t seen in a long time, a “church lady’ from the church in the country.

She smiled and we stood in the place where the buggies are collected and just talked for a little bit. She shared how she now lives alone and how her days are spent.

She reminded me of a time she almost died and thought surely she should have. She said family told the doctors to “let her go”. The doctors just wouldn’t, she said and added, “I don’t know why I’m still here.”

We talked about family, about grandchildren. I sighed and told her I’d just returned from a trip with mine and how they are unending energy, chatter, mischief and joy all together and how exhausting it can be. “I love them”, I added.

She told me she hasn’t seen her grandchildren in several years. They live faraway. One time she chose to drive herself all the way across three states just to see them. She added that she drove in the middle lane of three interstate lanes the whole trip. “I let everybody pass me, I just kept on heading their way.”

She’s not sure when she’ll see them again.

She asked, “Are you still writing?”

The conversation paused and I told her, "I believe I know why you’re still here”.

She looked at me, tilted her head in a puzzled way. I said, “To be an influence on people like me, to take the time to ask about my life, to “listen to my life” and most of all, to remind me how very important family is and how grateful I should be.

She beamed with, I suppose, the realization that she does, at 86 years old, have a reason to be here.

I’ve been thinking about influence, about myself and my art as a “brand”. I have been resistant to such an approach to sharing my art.

But, I’m beginning to believe that my paintings leave an impression on others, maybe even influences them in pursuing their own heart’s longings.

We influence each other.

Sometimes we know it. Most often, we do not.

I’m inching my way to 3000 followers on Instagram. Will this change the direction, exposure or anything else as far as my art?

(I’ll celebrate with a 30% off sale once we reach that number!)

Most likely not; but, I’ve been watching the notifications as the number increases and I find myself seeing this change as less a number to reach and more a recognition of more people who will “see me”.

Are they curious over my women with no facial features?

Are they drawn to the posts that go a little deeper into my faith at times and other times explore my fears and insecurity? Is it my colors that draw them closer?

Is it simply a quiet longing to look at the life of another?

It’s a gentle use of “influence”, one that I believe I am embracing.

Like the me who the sweet “church lady” saw and sees.

The kind soul who asked, “Are you still writing?” who influenced me although I didn’t tell her so.

But, yes, yes I am.

I’m still writing.

I have something(s) I’m excited to tell you about very soon.

Did you see the 2027 calendar theme I decided on?

“Songs of Peace”

Inspired by a well loved verse:

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

If you’re close to Aiken, SC, you should stop by the next exhibit at Aiken Center for the Arts on July 30th. I have three paintings I love in the Member Show.

In December I’ll be there again in the Main Gallery, an exhibit of my own, This is more surprising and wonderful than I can say.

“such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

Psalm 139:6

I’m working on a large collection that blends angelic with soft abstracts, the theme I keep sensing?

“Serenity’s Strength”

Again, I’m grateful you’re here.

Lisa (Anne)