Despite the passage of those years, it was as if time had stood still. Meeting our friends again, it felt like we had just seen them yesterday. Sure, there were a few more wrinkles on our faces and a couple of gray hairs (OK, maybe more than a couple!), but in our eyes, everyone looked the same. This experience was a great reminder that the essence of true friendships endures, irrespective of time and distance.

The entire journey reminded me of the parallels of art and creativity. Much like picking up a paintbrush after a long hiatus or exploring a new medium like watercolours instead of the usual acrylics, reconnecting with old friends brought back familiar feelings, albeit with a touch of rustiness (our French-speaking skills weren't the same as when we once lived there!). It might take some time to find your rhythm again, but once you do, the joy and comfort that return are immeasurable.

I encourage you to dive into your own creative journey. Dust off those old art supplies you haven't used in a while or explore a new medium. Revisit the feelings they stir within you and embrace the transition. You might be surprised at how quickly the old familiarity comes back.

"True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart." - Helen Keller

Here's to embracing new beginnings and reconnecting with cherished parts of our past!

https://www.nicoletoerber.art/home

This week, our family is celebrating a big milestone: my eldest son graduated from high school. As a proud, yet slightly anxious parent, I'm finding my way through an entirely new landscape. From orientation to registering for classes and applying for housing to meeting new roommates, it all feels excitingly overwhelming. And yes, I’m talking about me, not just my son!

The whirlwind of activities has brought back memories of my own college days—packing up my stuff, saying goodbye to childhood friends, and stepping into a world that was both a bit scary and super exciting. I remember the first time I walked into my dorm room, curious about who my new roommate would be and wondering how we’d get along. Now, seeing it from the other side, it’s a fun reminder of how life comes full circle.

Change can be a bit scary, but it's also super exciting. I just know my son is going to have an amazing time at college, full of invaluable learning experiences, both academic and personal. In those moments between classes and studying, he'll be making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. And it's not just him feeling the wave of transition; we parents feel it too.

Reflecting on my journey, I think of my own big transition this past year. After more than two decades in an established accounting career, I took a leap of faith to become a solo-preneur artist and surface designer. The fear of the unknown was real – worrying about success, the judgment of others, and the challenges ahead. Yet, this transition has turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I now spend my days in my home office/art studio, drawing, painting, and designing for my job – something that used to be just for fun. The joy I get from my daily "work" is beyond words, even if calling it "work" feels a bit strange.

The freedom to create has opened up new avenues for self-expression that I had long neglected. I’ve rediscovered the joy of trying new things and watching my ideas come to life and grow. Every piece of art and design I make carries a part of my journey, making each one special. As I'm just starting out in this new career, my main goal for 2024 is to CREATE. This word captures everything I'm aiming for this year. Balancing creativity with life's other obligations can be tricky, but I cherish every moment I get to spend on my passion. What once seemed daunting has smoothly become part of my everyday life. And I'm sure that after his first semester or two, my son will feel just as settled into his new college life routine. too.

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” – Robin Sharma

Let's embrace our transitions with open hearts and minds, ready to grow and thrive in our new chapters. Here's to the amazing journey ahead, for both my son and me, and for anyone else navigating their own transitions.

https://www.nicoletoerber.art/home