Hold Fast to Dreams

Today, as I sit down to write my very first blog post, for my very first personal website–I can’t forget what it has taken to get to this point in both my life and career as an artist. This morning, for also the very first time, I viewed my newly designed website (thank you Tyler) on a laptop. I will confess I often view and showcase my social media on my hand-held IPhone, as I’m sure many of you do; however seeing my artwork, let alone my own photo on a big-screen is mind-boggling, dream-like and somewhat surreal. However, as I gracefully enter the final chapter of my personal story, I am brought back to and reminded of a poem I shared for many years–harkening many to memorize and embed the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes. 

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

I know what it is like to have your dreams die, to wither away, and to feel the agony, first hand, of a broken-winged bird. I’ve been to the barren field–more than once, but have never forgotten the words of this 1922 poem, written with the amazing wisdom of a young Langston Hughes. Fortunately, I have been surrounded by those who truly love me, those who care, those who continue to amaze me with their unending support. Family, friends, and dozens of people I have never met in person–continue to amaze me with their enthusiasm and encouragement. I wish everyone who is close to seeing their dreams fade, experience the love, hear the rallying-cry, and begin to feel emboldened once again. Hold fast to [your] dreams.