by 
I first read Robert Frost’s poem in 7th grade, with Miss Spicer as my English teacher, a young, beautiful, and intelligent woman who somehow managed to inspire my 12/13-year-old mind in spite of the challenges I presented to her. It was the 60’s which meant the world was at war (when is it not?), seeking peace, and filled with music and literature that filled our impressionable minds with hope. We had a dress code, but we wore white lipstick and fishnet stockings. We learned how to “talk back” even though our parents were mortified with our behavior. We felt the stirrings of puppy love but were still innocent in how we perceived its expression.
When we were given the assignment of analyzing “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, I approached it how I read most poems at that time – with speed and haste. This one was different, however, and I found myself lingering over each word, phrase, and meaning.
Fast forward 50 years to the present. I have been down many roads I should not have taken, and many that proved worthwhile. Looking forward to the future, it is a much shorter distance to the end than when I was in my 7th-grade classroom. I now find myself at a new crossroad, wondering how I can use my art to help others who might have taken an unplanned turn, or through circumstances not of their own choosing, must take the “road less traveled”.
I have lost two great loves in my life, but have an incredible family to enjoy each day with. My art is personal, but I love sharing it. Many of the people I am drawn to or who God puts in my path have been on or are now facing a road that they do not wish to be on. I hope this new art series can help ease your heart as you face current challenges. Maybe you are at a crossroad or on a new path that is rocky and filled with weeds. There are many things that have helped me to date including my faith in God, painting, meditation, prayer, yoga, sharing my heart, and music. Oh yes, music.
My art project entitled “The Road Less Traveled” will showcase prompts that help me ease on down the road (sorry, I love quotes, lyrics, and puns). I’m trying to figure this life out as much as you are. Maybe something will resonate with you as I start this art journey. Maybe you will enjoy some parts and leave others behind. Maybe you will smile a bit if I post one of my silly puns with accompanying artwork. My hashtag is #theroadlesstraveledproject, but will also include #theroadlesstraveled #instafollow #instagrammer #community #journey #feedgoals #hello #newbeginnings #possibilities #freshstart #wordsofwisdom #quote #wordstoliveby #wisewords #thisisme #simplyme #justbeyourself #fromwhereistand #thepsalms #livethelittlethings #dreamsmall #beautifullybroken #scripture #meditation #thankful #gratitude #grateful #thankyou #reflections #blessthebrokenroad #grief #yogalife #bibleverses #findyourpeace
I hope my experiences on the roads I’ve taken and am now on will help you on yours as you search for peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ” John 14:27
By Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,And both that morning equally lay
In leaves, no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
If you hadn’t traveled one of those paths then our paths may have never crossed and then we would never have been friends my friend.
If you hadn’t traveled one of those paths then our paths may have never crossed and then we would never have been friends my friend.
Diana I am so happy we met and shared great times in Vernon. I hope you and your daughter are doing well! Lots of love!
Me too! How are you doing and your son? Brittani is living her life in Boston where she lives with her boyfriend! She is working at EY doing external auditing. Me same working at same places and at the Vernon senior Center as well.
Good! Miss you!