Nine or Ten Things I Know for Sure

Hello friends,

Today is a very special day. It's like Christmas and my birthday combined. Today is my last day in the field in which I have worked for the past 17 years...and tomorrow is my first day as my own boss (though I do gratefully and willingly answer to a girl named Rena at a certain business we own together). Yep, starting tomorrow it is Rare Device and Lisa Congdon Art+Craft all day, all the time. And, perhaps, a little more time for myself. Big days like today cause me to reflect. I have a tendency to think about absolutes. I've become less "black and white" (as my mother used to call me when I was a kid) as I have aged, but here are some things I know for sure:

1. I would not be where I am without the support, love and inspiration of my amazing family (my mom, dad, sister and brother), who are all very talented in their own right. Their confidence in me has bred my confidence in me. I love them so much.
2. It is never too late to do what you want to do in your life. I did not start making art until I was 33 years old. It started with a painting class I took with my brother for fun, and it has become a career.
3. You can not only reinvent yourself at 40, you can do it in style. In four weeks I turn the big 4-0. It helps that I walk through the world as if my aging stopped at 27, but I also think that is what has kept me young.
4. I love making art. I live for it.
5. I love owning a store with Rena Tom. And I have so much for which to thank her. She is one of the most solid, kind, savvy, wise women I have ever met. I am so glad she came into my life and had the confidence in me that she did and the foresight about what we could create together.
6. I love living in San Francisco. I am never bored. I am always intrigued. I feel blessed to have found this place 18 years ago to call home.
7. In addition to becoming a great artist one day, my biggest dream is having the means travel the world.
8. I would never give up the 17 years I have spent working in the field of education. I started at 23 as a teacher and at 30 I went to work in the world of education reform at a cutting edge non-profit. I have worked for the past three years as the Director of Program and Professional Development at another amazing organization that is committed to achieving educational equity for poor students and students of color. I will continue to hold the passion I still have for this work in my heart as I move on to something new. I leave with no bitterness--only hope for the future and with immense respect for the commitment of my colleagues.
9. The friends I have made through this blog, through Flickr and through the world of art inspire me everyday, keep me working, and make me feel like I am doing something that is making a difference. Thank you to all of you.

{this is a 20x20 inch shadowbox which is going to this gallery for a show that opens January 4. notice the spread wings.}

Oh, and #10: I love pepperoni pizza and eat it regularly. And for that reason I will never be a vegetarian.

The end.

Comments

[Robin]

you are a true inspiration. The heartiest congratulations from this dedicated fan!

[Marissa (aka mLee)]

An inspiring list. Especially since you seem to be just ten years my senior so I have much to look forward to!

Congratulations.

[jenny]

absolutely amazing.
i've never heard your voice or laid eyes on you in real life, but that doesn't stop me from being totally proud of you. and hearting you and what you do to the moon and back.

congrats, lisa.

[Mudrick]

Lisa, I'm a looong-time lurker and can't tell you how inspirational this blog (and your previous one) has been to me. I'm closing in on 40 myself and have been slowly transforming my worklife to be more fulfilling. I really celebrate you for figuring out a new path and going for it! Wish I was an SF local because I'd jump on that internship in a second.

[sandra]

so fun reading and i'm so so happy for you!! :) pizza... you made me hungry.

[Lili]

Gorgeous piece.

Congrats on being your own boss!

[rena]

xoxoxo it's all coming true!!

[noell]

Wow, congratulations, Lisa! Your life as an artist intrigues me, and as I've said before, both you and your art inspires me. I'm very happy for you.

By the way, I consider myself 45% vegetarian. :)

[liz]

wow Lisa, not many things can get me emotional but i can't lie... this post did make me tear up.

congratulations to you for following your heart and making it all happen.

just as an aside, i cannot believe you're turning 40! you SO don't look it.

all my very best! xo

[beki]

congratulations, lisa! you are truly an inspiration!!!

[Dawn]

Oh...I am just so proud and happy for you!!! You truly amaze me and I feel very, very lucky to have found you. You inspire me to be more courageous and to believe in myself. I adore you and wish you the best of the best...you deserve it. xoxo

[Julie]

a big congrats to you, lisa! your story is inspiring to say the least. one day, i'll make a post like yours on my blog. how wonderful it must feel! and what a great gift for the holidays/your birthday; doing everything you love, all the time.

[bugheart]

you are
an amazing woman
and
a great inspiration...
and i hope
you ended up
being happy
with your
bird
because
the spread wings
make it
so amazing
and dynamic...
congrats
on the
new life
as a freelance
artist...
see you in
portland!
xoxox

[abbyjane]

Congratulations on this new step in your life, Lisa. I wish you the very best!

[Teresina]

yea for pepperoni!

[alissa]

Many congratulations to you Lisa! What an exciting time in your life. Live it up and keep sharing the beauty! Love coming here to get a glimpse into your creative world! Thanks for being such an inspiration to me!

[martha]

GO Lisa!
You are an amazing and inspiring woman. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

[Gerrie]

Well, Happy New You day. I am so incredibly proud of you and your siblings. I think you must have gotten the pepperoni gene from Dad, however.

[Zoe]

Pepperoni pizza.mmmm. You've achieved so much, even in the short time I've been reading your blog. Well done, you're a talented and inspiring lady. x

[AmyH]

I've been lurking around your site for about a year, and I have truly enjoyed seeing your career as an artist take off. Thanks for sharing yourself and congratulations on your big step! I can't think of a better Christmas/birthday present to give yourself! Oh, and when I go to SF in February I'm putting Rare Device on my must see list!

[sally]

You continue to be a wonderful inspiration to me. I can't wait to see what exciting things will happen in this new chapter in your life.

[tracy]

fantastic! congratulations lisa! the future is yours... and i know your spirit will continue to touch many - whether through your art, or your passion for public education. (i know you have inspired me!) hugs to you xo

[anja]

Congratulations Lisa! This is such a great, inspiring post. I really love the bird piece, too!

[shimmery footsteps]

Big congratulations to you Lisa! And thank you for all the inspiration you bring through your art, creativity, spirit.

[Gwen]

Congratulations! Also, thank you for the inspiration & beauty you've given us through your art & your blog. I don't think you know what an influence you've had on me in the past year. I can't wait to see what's coming next!