One of my friend on Facebook is I A the Muse.  She is incredibly creative and also a writer.  A magical, mythological sort of being. Check out her Facebook page to learn more about I Am the Muse.

Awhile ago I am the Muse asked a questions on Facebook and it really made me think.  I am sharing I Am the Muse’s question here, along with my own (long and winding answers – it kept me thinking and I would write more). You may find out a lot more about what has been going on for me than you knew.  Please SHARE YOUR OWN ANSWERS HERE!!  Thank you for whatever you share … This question touched my heart and I hope it touches yours too!

I just found the original post.

 I am The Muse
If you could open the door to “success”
~ what would your “success” actually be? ~

Diane’s answers:   I am here thinking about this – the last few years have been rough taking care of family through surgeries, my Dad’s death and my own doctor’s appts … I am sitting here reevaluating – thank you for this opportunity – I will let you know as I know ~ Diane Clancy

A little later:  I used to be very clear where I was going and very focused until the last several years (see above) … so now – once I am clear about what success is, then that needs to guide my actions. I have accomplished some things important to me that are very successful – like in the relationship realm.

I have been an activist for environment, social justice, health and such for over 40 years – but I don’t have the same drive anymore to take the leadership and make things happen.

This has been a very helpful question to me – so that leaves Art and Creativity (and as much health as possible to support them)

I used to have a focus on getting my art out to the world so that my art can inspire others in their daily life (I wanted my work on mugs and such and now that is true (that is, it is already happening)). Especially given that people aren’t buying in droves … my focus has shifted – and I didn’t realize it until this question.

I want to be creating art – painting, digital, it doesn’t matter – but art that stretches me and allows me to be in that play where I love creating and playing and sometimes feels like I am jumping off a cliff. Success to me means that I am doing that.

Thank you, Muse and thank you to all the others who replied who inspired me to truly figure this out!! ~ Diane Clancy

An Update: I had a pretty serious setback with painful walking, but things are getting better.  I am truly enjoying setting up Zazzle shops now that I have made a whole lot of decisions and learned a lot more in the last several weeks.  I feel I am more back on track than I have since my life felt derailed several years ago.  Thinking about success helped me get my vision back.

Thank you very much for reading my blog and reading about my journey!!  I am eager to hear your thoughts!!  ~ Diane

Bliss, Digital © Diane Clancy

Artisans of Western Mass: Quality Products from Western Mass
Design Style Guide: Best in Handmade Decor
Visual Arts Street Team: VAST Blog

Facebook Artist Page: DianeClancyArt
Blog: dianeclancy.com/blog
Website: dianeclancy.com
Twitter: dianeclancy

Etsy Shop: dianeclancy
RedBubble: dianeclancy
Imagekind: dianeclancy
Bonanza: dianeclancy
Zibbet: dianeclancy
ArtFire: dianeclancy
On Merchandise
CafePress: dianeclancy
Zazzle Shop: dianeclancybubbles*
Zazzle Shop: dianeclancyart*

Technorati Tags: I Am the Muse, Bliss, creativity, meaning of success, success, facebook

I like to enter the 2 Things Challenge each week. This week is Cloud / Up. This is my vibrant, colorful painting of Cloud & Up. This Cloud & Up keeps us with Bubblescapes.  I do have a new Zazzle Shop: dianeclancybubbles* – it only has several Bubblescape in it so far – but on lots of items. If you have a favorite Bubblescape that you want merchandise on, please let me know!! Thank you for this challenge! Here are the entries for the other week’s Bubbly / Flat. Anyone can join in, and I hope you give it a try!! We would love more people playing with us! Thank you! ~ Diane Clancy

Cloud & Up, Soaring, Digital © Diane Clancy

Artisans of Western Mass: Quality Products from Western Mass
Design Style Guide: Best in Handmade Decor
Visual Arts Street Team: VAST Blog

Facebook Artist Page: DianeClancyArt
Blog: dianeclancy.com/blog
Website: dianeclancy.com
Twitter: dianeclancy

Etsy Shop: dianeclancy
RedBubble: dianeclancy
Imagekind: dianeclancy
Bonanza: dianeclancy
Zibbet: dianeclancy
ArtFire: dianeclancy
On Merchandise
CafePress: dianeclancy
Zazzle Animals Shop: DianeClancyAnimals*
Zazzle Bubbles Shop: DianeClancyBubbles*
Zazzle Art Shop: DianeClancyArt*

Technorati Tags: 2 Things Challenge, vibrant colorful painting, Diane Clancy

Every week Illustration Friday has a challenge for a specific word. It is a great way to showcase your work and a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people!  Anyone can join in with their entry to Illustration Friday.  I so much enjoy doing this challenge. This week is Instinct.  These are parents taking wonderful care of their little ones!  Instinct is one of my vibrant, colorful paintings from the bubblescape series.. I encourage you to check it out! Lots of fun people and paintings!

Instinct, Digital © Diane Clancy

How do you tackle any creative endeavor that you are producing?  Thank you for stopping by!

~ Diane Clancy

Technorati Tags: Illustration Friday, Diane Clancy, vibrant colorful painting

This is part of the Simple Pleasures series – this one is Nightfall … for resting for all of us! Any healing sent my way is still appreciated!! I am going to have to catch up tomorrow with your blogs …

Nightfall, Digital © Diane Clancy

Remember that ACEO book that I am part of? I am on the cover!! Here is the blog about it … it looks great! And here is the listing in case you would like to buy this exciting book.

~ Diane Clancy