I felt like I had failed horribly.

There were no words in the moment--just a hug.

And that was exactly what I needed--

comfort, security, consolation.

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The Studio Tour kicks off with an opening reception at the Chester County Arts Association. Every artist enters a piece.

My painting in the show was this one, Hugged—that feeling of being wrapped in someone’s arms. Someone who loves me. Someone safe, who understands. Like what I experienced at the end of the Media Show a couple weeks ago, when my husband came to help me pack up. I’d had a wonderful day being out, seeing people see my work, soaking up the buzz. But I hadn’t sold a thing. I blurted out, “I failed.” What could he say? He just gave me a big hug—exactly what I needed.

When I looked around the room at the opening, my painting definitely stood out with its bright colors and bold design. No surprise there!

But there was a surprise me later that night: I had one of those dreams that’s so vivid, it feels like it actually happened. In the dream, a colleague—someone who’s been through such a tough few years—came to see the show. We started talking, and before long, both of us were in tears. I found myself holding her in this long, quiet hug. No words. Just hugs. I was giving, not getting, the hug this time.

The power of a painting to speak into my life—to guide me along the way. Sometimes hugs are all we need!