The gift is always wrapped in risk. It takes courage to open it and dive in. From cradle to grave we’ve been indoctrinated to dedicate ourselves to safety. Which doesn’t seem like such a bad thing, until you consider all you’re likely to miss. I’m convinced real safety lies in the willingness to be surprised by life. A mind that weaves safety nets ends up boxing itself in. Being open leaves room for the unimaginable to enter.
At the end of my days, I will be glad I followed my path as an artist. Sure, it’s risky. There isn’t a steady paycheck, and I walk hand in hand with rejection. If I had abandoned my gift for a more conventional career, no doubt I’d have more money in my pocket. But to experience the fullness of life is why we are here. I am in agreement with George Bernard Shaw when he said, “I want to be totally used up when I die.” Yep, life is for living.
My muses for this piece were my great-niece Aine and her little brother Colin. Notice a younger version of Aine in the banner at the top of the page.
The beloved Quincy modeled for the dog in my art.
Text and images © Sue Shanahan. All rights reserved.
Commonplace Grace 
Well, Sue, receiving this in my email today was certainly a special gift for me! These grandchildren and Qiuncy have been real treasures in my life. I Love,
Judy —– O
riginal Message —– From: Commonplace Grace To: jjarson@cox.net Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 9:27 AM Subject: [New post] Life is a Gigt
Sue Shanahan posted: “Life is a Gift The gift is always wrapped in risk. It takes courage to open it and dive in. From cradle to grave we’ve been indoctrinated to dedicate ourselves to safety. Which doesn’t seem like such a bad thing, until you consider all you’re likely t”
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I was just sending you an email when I saw your post. All of you have been a gift in my life too.
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Great post, to see and to read!
robert
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Thank you, Robert. Being a photographer, you know first hand how risky it can feel devoting your life to your art.
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Dear Sue
Louise and I love your art … and especially to see “behind the veil” to compare your real-life models with how you have evolved to a finished piece. But … we also love your prose. Nary a wasted sentence … your every articulation paints a picture with words or sculpts a statement.
Good wishes for more godwinks
SQ
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How did this post pass me by? Thank you for the kind words about my art and the wink to keep going. I’m deeply honored that you and Louise like my writing too (another wink.)
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Artwork is beautiful.. love the soft pastel colors.
-Reshama
http://www.stackingbooks.com
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Thank you. That comment makes my day. I just checked out your lovely, informative website.
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