It's all about the shoes!

As I’ve gotten older, my feet have gotten to the point where cheap shoes won’t cut it, and if I want to stand a chance of being able to stand on my feet years from now I need good shoes with good support.  I felt like Goldilocks over the years trying the many different brands of shoes recommended by others for their orthopedic qualities, but in the end I have pretty much determined that when it comes to flip flops I’m an OluKai girl, and that when it comes to all other shoes (except gym shoes) it’s nothing but Dansko’s for me.

I know, I know, most people think Dansko’s are just for work, and when you mention the brand name all that comes to mind are the traditional Dansko clogs.  But they actually have some pretty cute sandals, boots, heels, and dress shoes.  Dansko’s can’t be that bad, Vogue just had an article out this past September about how they were the current fashion darlings (Dansko Clogs Are Fashion's New Ugly-Chic Shoe Trend – Vogue)  Who knew that frumpy ‘ole me and my collection of Danskp’s would be on trend for once!

When I started buying Dansko’s I quickly learned that there are some that are highly coveted and collectable.  Yeah, I was surprised too!  It took a little over a year, but I finally managed to procure a pair of the “Paint Splatter” Dansko’s in excellent condition. 

Why the paint splatter clogs – Why not?  Hello, I’m an artist!  They are brightly colored, much like my art and best of all they are comfortable to wear.  They are sooooooo me!

I LOVE these shoes – I can’t wait to wear them all around town, and to events related to my art business! 

They are fun to look at, and inspire me to dream about how perhaps one day maybe I could design a colorful “art” clog for Dansko – wouldn’t that be fun!  A dream, but you never know – perhaps just putting it out into the universe, maybe someone reading this may know someone who could make that happen! 

Speaking of smiles – I would love to know what shoes make you smile when you put them on and why?  Be sure to share your stories in your comments below.

Dream big, wear comfortable shoes that make you smile as you journey through life!

Worth the risk...

I arrived at my studio today with the intent to get caught up on my paperwork, but as I was checking my email, and later after a phone conversation with a colleague I decided what I really needed to do was to take a moment to pause and reflect upon my feelings about issues that were of concern to me. 

"Worth The Risk"  (c) Amy Yosmali, 2018 All Rights Reserved.

A few days ago, a friend had made a post on social media that were essentially along the lines of the famous quote “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished”.  I can most certainly feel as though this is a true statement, as many times I have gone far and above what others would even consider doing in supporting a person or cause in which I believe in. 

I think that it’s important to point out that there is always a risk of putting oneself out there for another, or for a cause.  There is the risk that, if I may quote Luke Skywalker “This is not going to go the way you think”.  I think it is because of this risk, that people are often too afraid to step up and do what’s right, and support whom and what you believe in.

You know what, Luke is right.  Often it does not go the way you think.  Often, you are successful to some degree in helping, but in the process, it may alter your belief in others or the cause.

Belief.  It’s what drives passion.  It is the strength that allows me to overcome the fear of risk. For me, I need to “Believe” in the person(s) or cause in which I am of support of. 

There have been many times in my life where I have helped where others would not have.  And on occasion, although I may have been successful on many accounts on assisting where there was a need, I may walk away from the experience having lost belief in who/what I have supported.  Perhaps it’s because by being involved, it gives me a front row seat and access to information that makes me more aware of the entire breadth of the situation.  It certainly has often provided me a unique perspective.

I have never questioned “why” I help others, and if I asked would I do it again the answer will always answer “yes”.

But that’s not to say that my opinion, or respect for the people who I was in contact may not have changed because of my helping.  In most cases, it has elevated my respect for others, but on rare occasion, it has lowered it.

Disappointment in others – it happens. 

Loosing respect for someone, hurts and certainly gives pause to helping others.  When I feel like I want to give up on helping others, I always “test” myself…  just to see, “Do I still have it in me”.  Most often it’s a small act of kindness for a stranger or a friend, but it is always effective in giving my soul the fuel it needed.

But for every disappointment I have ever experienced in helping, I can point to how my relationships are flourishing, appreciation and respect in others has deepened, knowledge was gained, and new relationships gained continue to blossom, and for that I am grateful for having offered to help.

The risk is ALWAYS worth it if it is something that is in line with your values!

"Worth the Risk"
by Amy Yosmali
(c) Amy Yosmali, 2018. All Rights Reserved

Acrylic on Yupo
Painting: 11x14  Mat: 16x20 (not pictured)
$270

Click here to inquire about purchsing!

                             

Dusting things off!

It's been awhile.... bloging that is!

Many of you have indicated that you would like to know more about what inspires me.  So, I've decided to blow the dust off of my old blog, crack my fingers and give it a whirl again.  I invite you to join me in my adventures, and take a peak into what inspires me.  

I can't make any promisses in terms of frequency so I'm going to take is slow and see how it goes.  Audience participation can be both a motivator and a sorce of inspiration as well so please feel free to share your thoughts as well!

~ Amy Yosmali, Artist