Today we worked on value contrast (dark vs. light) and color transparency (opaque vs, transparent colors) and at each step along the way I keep thinking of how these same principals apply to my life.  How the dark times give resonance to those times filled with light, how being absolutely authentic, transparent, is important not only in my own happiness but in how I contribute as a member of my family and community.  At the same time, I look at these paint-stained hands filled with the marks of my life and appreciate what they have done for me.  I have been drawing since I was a little girl, cutting out paper dolls from old cracker boxes, creating villages and gardens, and learning to draw faces from the Archie comics (where, incidentally, my immigrant parents found my name).  I didn't know what I was doing then, and I certainly don't know what I'm doing now...but I had fun, and am having a blast now.  Learning gives me so much pleasure, experimenting and researching are two of my greatest strenghts.  And so I have decided to continue to study after I complete this course, to finally achieve my dream of completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts after all these years.  I don't care how long it takes or where this road will twist and turn, but I am excited.