Who am I? OR Who do I think I am?

This question has always sparked fear in me. To define myself and then have to live up to myself. Yet, the answer is an ever changing one and maybe that is why I try to avoid it. But then again, I guess it should be given that we need to grow daily from our experiences and gather wisdom along the way.

OK, enough of the personal philosophy. I’ll just do the basics.

I’m an artist, currently working primarily in oil painting. Married and mother of 3 ‘only’ children (daughter 19, son1 12, and son2 4). I was also trained as a teacher. I went in that direction because I happened to have followed the advice of others “you can’t make money as an artist, you need to do something else”. There was no support for me being an artist, let alone following my passion. So anyway, I worked a few years in the field before turning to youth development in the human services field. Always, having my art, wherever and whenever, I could squeeze it in on the side. After some time, I realized I needed to focus on my own youth (my kids, instead of others’). For while I was working after school hours with other children my own kids where left to there own devices with negative consequences. They were being stiffled and where in need of people who understood them and could help them blossom. As well as a more calm household with parents who could help them thrive, not just survive. So I return to my heart’s desire & calling, my children and my painting.  Without being torn in too many directions I was then able to have more energy and focus my creative energies on my art and my children.

Though coming full circle in description, all these aspects are part of each other, integral and continual to “Who I am?”

Also, as part of who I am, I am always thinking about many things often to obsession. Hence, this blog: To get it out there. Trapped here in the Midwest where there is little outlet for free thought and expression. You are either talking to the snobs who think they have the whole answer and no need for expansion of thought or idea or to the ignorant who think they have the whole answer and no need for expansion of thought or idea … OH WAIT they are the same type of people who just won’t give new or old ideas consideration. OK I KNOW, I sound pompous and arrogant. But Hey, IT’S My Turn. It’s just the frustration talking.

I have many soapboxes and I will get on every one of them and shout to the crowds (well anyone anyway) sooner or later given the chance. Here’s a partial list: Art, creativity, children, education, politics, religion, personal responsibility, privacy, life, self actualization, etc….

OH YEAH, the short answer to “who am I?” — My name is Nyssa. From somewhere in the armpit of the Midwest, USA.