Thursday, October 8, 2009

dreams

photo taken on my road on Tuesday

I've written a dozen posts in my head over the last few days, but it felt important to return with something worthy to say, not just "wow, I'm so busy." Becoming one of Etsy's Featured Sellers brings many things besides more sales. The amount of lovely e-mails, sweet comments, and thoughtful convos has made my heart (and head) swell. You really all came out to cheer me on, and there aren't words enough to thank you. Something interesting came up for me that first day of being perched out there on the precipice of the front page. An exposed and vulnerable feeling mingled with my pride and exhilaration. It reminded me of opening night in the theatre when the curtains parted... and I was center stage. It has been decades since I've had that particular kind of adrenaline rush. I studied theatre very intensely all through my teens. I went to San Francisco School of the Arts (SOTA) for high school. Acting was my life. Seeing my name in bright lights was my ultimate dream. As much as I wanted to be a serious actor, I hoped for stardom, as well. I went through the entire process of auditioning for top theatre schools for college... I even was accepted to my first choice, but the financial aid wasn't sufficient. It was a turning point... a fork in the road. We all have them. I'm sure you can look back and find those pivotal moments in your life, too. The path I took led me away from theatre and to this beautiful life. I definitely don't have regrets, but because some of my closest friends from that time(SOTA) do have their names in lights, I've always wondered what it would feel like. Do you see where this is going? Thank you Etsy! Who would have known that this honor you bestow would awaken such old memories and desires. What a gift to finally feel such incredible recognition for my creativity. That's what we all want. Whether we're artists or writers, nurses or fire fighters, we want our efforts to be appreciated. We all want to see our name in those so called"lights". But I've recently learned that you have to be receptive to the many ways dreams can manifest themselves. You never know when and how they will finally arrive. So stay open. Remain optimistic. Put envy of others' successes aside. Each time I attain another dream, I realize that it doesn't end there. It makes room for new dreams and creates space for more reflection and growth. There's a little message in the clouds above... go ahead and click on it. A little hokey, but authentically so. I'm feeling hokey right now. I'll be back with an old family recipe. Pin It

31 comments:

  1. Beautiful photo and lovely thoughts. I have had just such a turning point, and am getting better at looking forward with excitement rather than backward with doubt.

    Very best wishes to you with your recent Etsy success...it is well deserved.

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  2. I like hokey...& I like you too. x

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  3. As beautiful and as eloquent as ever, Miss Maya. :)

    I am so happy that your sweet dreams are coming true!

    Jenny

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  4. thank you for that lovely boost! needed it. and super congrats for the Etsy stardom...you have such a lovely, organic style and I'm so glad it's well liked by all--gives me hope that green, organic things will soon become the norm everywhere!

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  5. oh Maya how beautifully put.
    We as mothers do really get put behind stage...the lime light on out children and spouses, and other family duties. I as are we all proud of you more than you know...and when you succeed then all of us that support you feel it too. Your art is so down to earth and feels so right. That is why I think that it is popular... it is not flashy, but what we would really use. So truely beautiful. Thank you Maya for just being you, you are awesome.
    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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  6. This is just such a beautiful way to look at life.

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  7. Well done on your Esty feature!!! My word how exciting! Loved reading your interview... we also love Amelie! Have a great weekend!

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  8. you deserve every bit! and you know I'm all about dreams coming true. I did not know about your acting dreams...um as I like to say. It's not over til it's over.

    I especially love the little message typed into your gorgeous photo. keep on keeping on Maya!

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  9. Wonderful encouraging thoughts! Congratulations on the front page, I really joyed your interview...you come of as being so eloquent and confident, and of course inspiring!

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  10. Being authentic shines through and you darlin' are the real deal. That's why we love you! :)

    Congrats!
    Betz

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  11. Congratulations on your new found stardom. Everything you wrote totally connected with me. Well done.

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  12. Your beautiful picture is my desktop image now so I can be inspired everyday! Thanks for your words of encouragement for all of us.

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  13. your post here and interview on etsy really gave me a window into your life..for someone with a very new and small shop you are very inspiring
    ~ elk

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  14. Thanks for your words! really nice, and beautiful picture!! I'll do the same as Silvia and put in my desktop!
    Lucia

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  15. Beautifully written Inspiration! I think we have all been at that fork in the road. The goal is to take the changing of dreams with grace and courage.

    Our dreams from childhood, teenhood & adulthood make us who we are.

    Great job, Maya! We are all proud to have "known" you first. ;-P

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  16. Beautiful post, wise woman, and so neat to learn something so formative about your early years that I had never guessed at.

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  17. I don't know you Maya but I'm proud of you , and happy for you! I know exactly what you mean, I'm and independent artist a homemaker and writing what I hope to be my first novel (yay) It's so wonderful to see what I like to call "Renaissance Women" you know the ones like you and me that create, write, live, bake, sew out there, its so fabulous to meet and read from these women who have dimension! Congratulations Maya !- Sarahlynn

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  18. I am so happy for you Magical Maya! I had no idea your background was in theater! You really are mulit-talented. :) It is wonderful that your amazingly creative soul is being recognized and I am so, so proud of you! (a huge hug to you my friend)
    xo
    Melis

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  19. Congratulations, Maya!!! You deserve this so much.
    I know that feeling about the stage and all the eyes on you. I love that (on stage), and I miss that a little right now. I have to get back on track!
    I am happy for you.

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  20. Such a wonderful and genuine post. Congrats and enjoy that spotlight you star you! :D

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  21. Wonderful, Maya. Thanks for the inspiration and lovely, lovely words. A much-needed reminder this morning! All your success is so well-deserved, and we are all so happy for you!

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  22. Maya, how brave of you to write about all of this- it's so interesting to know about your personal history with acting! Many, many hugs and huge congratulations to you. Its seems you live the most creative, rich, loving life, and to be recognized like that makes all those moments of what-if-I'd-stuck-with-acting fade into the background. You deserve the world, my friend! Just look at the flurry of comments this morning already- you inspire so many of us.

    I'll raise my glass to all of you fine women, all you creative souls tonight!
    xo

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  23. What a beautiful post. Thank you, thank you!

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  24. Congratulations! it's so tough sometimes to think that my dreams of doing creative work could come true, but it's so encouraging to see that sometimes it's a surprise on the journey. I guess I'll just keep at it.

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  25. I'm so glad to see you in the limelight, Maya. Your creativity and good nature shine out from everything you do. I appreciate your sweet words in your post. I've taken a fork in the road or two throughout the years and you've encouraged me to look at my choices with a new perspective about what I thought I wouldn't have because of it.

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  26. how great that your dreams are being realized! wishing you much more success and more dreams come true.
    it's inspiring to see these good things happening for people!

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  27. Just remember Maya when you run out of sky there is still the universe and beyond.
    I have been overjoyed with your stepping onto the center of the stage and I see many a standing ovation coming long after this week has passed.
    I also see you combing the acting with some video e workshops in the future to reach your adoring fans all over the world.

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  28. That was beautifully put, and just as heartfelt as your work. Nice job!
    Looking forward to the recipe and whatever else you come up with!

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  29. thank you for your lovely words. You blog continues to be an inspiring and wonderful gift! xo Mindy

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  30. What a wonderful inspiring post! I'm new to your blog and am so looking forward to exploring your lovely blog and reading many more eloquent thoughts. Congrats on your Etsy plunge, sounds like it went off with a bang. : )

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  31. well... after all, you are THE toilet paper roll genious!!! hehehe, but seriously, you deserve the delicious spotlight & I am loving witnessing you art & journey :)

    thea.
    xx

    www.spoonfulzine.com

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