Thank you for the flowers in my life.

As with most people, the new year brings thoughts and reflections of the last one. In some ways last year was kinda rough, I was injured and I lost my job. Being fired is very humiliating! It is demeaning of all that you are raised to believe; being a productive citizen while not being a burden to society is a valuable lesson in life but its not the most important. What an ugly misconception of true value of Life. Looking for the beauty and finding it in today's society is rare and one thing that has kept me sustained at times is the beauty around me. When you turn away from ugliness you are sure to find beauty.

And so I reflect... First I have to say this right up front. Even though that happened, last year was my most blessed. The best year I can remember in lots and lots of years. So many things have happened because of that single event that its changed my life tenfold! So many blessings that I cant recount in this one little page.but my true Blessing in disguise was being fired.  They say God doesn't shut one door without opening another and I believe that's just a way to say, there's always another way; another outlet, another opportunity and a way to direct you in the path He chooses you to go.I trudged and struggled along the path of my choosing, not His! ...and believe that some things are meant to be and no matter how hard you try, if its not the right path that door will eventually close. Yet during those travels you do gain strength whether you know it or not.

I am reminded of the blessings of friends I have made since then, and if not for that event I would have never have met them. These are people who stepped up and tried to help me and in the course of that, became my very good friends, inspirations for what we do and how we should be. I have been raised to have morals, to be compassionate to those less fortunate, and to stand up for those who cant fight for themselves. Whether that means they are physically or mentally or socially unable. Lend strength or a helping hand to them and maybe that's all that's needed...just a spark of hope that someone truly cares can make a difference. Sometimes in your own struggles and fight for yourself, you forget to do that.

I have found myself in company of a group of people just like that. They show compassion, yet they are fierce in their battles for injustice! During my struggles I found people I thought I'd known to be friends fall away while others rose in their place. It makes me think of all the pretty sentimental sayings you always hear about friends and in that I will compare, that when you are in the company of such beautiful spirits blooming all around you like wild flowers, they will choke out the weeds. Weeds are like the friends you thought were friends but soon shrivel in comparison to the friends that bloom in their place! They are the ones who will sustain your values. Thank you God for the flowers in my life.

I have been fortunate enough to have many friendships that have never faded and lucky enough to find more.I look forward to what the new year will bring us and also of what we can bring to the new year! Much beauty is my wish.

Introduction

Osiyo, My name is Tana.

I have lots of interests but mainly artwork. I was introduced to Scissor Cut Art a few years back and fell in love with it. It didn't really take me long to pick up on the technique but a few of the reasons I love it are : one thing it is one of the oldest art forms around. Scissor Cuts are derived from the old silhouettes from long ago. The same technique is used to create pictures and since one of my first interests is Indian Art, my scissor cuts are mainly Native style.  I also like to do nature scenes.

Another reason I love it is because not too many people do it. The last I heard there were just over 200 SC artists in the US.  And I'm always up for the unusual. I've created art my whole life which has included sculpture in alabaster, wood, clay and about anything I can mold or create. Sculptures allow for a lot of individuality also. I've painted and drawn nearly my whole life and recall sitting at a table with my dads friend Jerome Tiger when I was barely big enough to hold a pencil. I've not always promoted my artwork but have done it as a form of pleasure and therapy. Doing artwork for me is like someone else reading a good book. I go places with a pencil in my hand.

Other interests include Poker, Others creativity, and Cherokee History. I'd say Cherokee politics but I hate it, even though I have somehow become deeply involved with the goings on of our people. One reason I used Hides with Scissors is because I prefer to stay hidden, do my own thing and remain unseen while I create that next piece of art, no matter what it might be.  But somehow I have been dragged into it "kicking and screaming", after being introduced to a strong circle of Cherokee women. This I love! I have always admired Strong women. Those who can make a difference in the world are definitely worth being around and am happy to call them friends.

My blog will consist of my interests, thoughts or goings on, and with all things diverse in my life. I hope you will enjoy my artwork and ramblings about life as I see it. Wado