So many beautiful and heartwarming comments. I am so touched and happy that you are all greeting me here with open arms! It will make my Substack journey so much easier. More very soon! I have lots of ideas.
I also bought a dress today for a close friends 50th. I figure I need to embrace this milestone, as I have no choice! It's a fun dress, and that always helps.
Guess I'm kind of lucky about turning 70 2 yrs ago. It's amazing to live this long and have history. I wish I knew about sketchbook journaling when I was younger. In meanwhile, there's the emotional stuff to deal with, but it only makes us stronger, right? Yes it is time to start a new journal for a new life. So glad I found your book "Draw Your Day" 5 yrs ago on vacation. Here's to an exciting new adventure for all.
Really enjoyed reading this...it felt warm and inviting❣️As for age....ah yes, those decade birthdays can be rough. As someone else said, we feel so young inside, how can 50, 60, 70 years old be true? One thing I do when I’m being challenged with my numeral years is remind myself that when I am (whatever age plus add on 10 or 20 years) I will look back and be envious of this “young” age. So I’m 71 now and I bet when I’m 90 I will look back and think how young I was in my 70’s. It’s kind of a mind game but it works for me--makes me feel fortunate to be where I’m at right now. 🥰
Love your work! I love dogs and the way you paint them is incredible. I'm glad I found you (thanks to a Substack article), and I look forward to reading your posts.
Just found your Substack. I checked out your book via the Libby app from my local library, and while I didn't get to finish it, I liked what I saw. I'm trying to get back into sketching myself, so I'm glad I found your newsletter to help me stay focused—and I don't have to return it to the library!
Sam, this message is so true and honest and brave. I will be 69 in April and happy to hang on to that 6 in the decade column. Next year is another story. However, I have to agree with others here. Life is full and abundant and I feel lucky to be alive. I also will say that it was so difficult when my kids left for college. I find our new adult relationships are awesome!!! I communicate with them frequently, often daily, and with much joy. I am so blessed that they include me so thoroughly in their lives. I hope and expect the same for you and your sons. Meanwhile ART has taken on new meaning for me in such a positive way! Thank you for being part of that inspiration!!!
I'm turning 65 this year and that was the age you were officially "old" when I was a kid. (the age for social security keeps changing and getting older now, but back then it was 65.) that was also forced retirement. (I retired a few years ago after an injury.) I'm coming to the conclusion that internally they're just numbers. externally, the world starts treating you differently, so there's some learning curve there. at least that's my experience.
Firstly, I’m glad you came to Substack! Secondly, I’ve had the same issue with life lately. I recently turned a milestone age and while it’s a shock to the system, I can’t blame it entirely for how I’ve been feeling. We’re all coming out of a funk that’s lasted far too long, so we need to be kind to ourselves. Lastly, t’s a strange experience we’ve had and none of know how to handle it, nor should we be expected to. Finally, I’ve been feeling like I’m coming back to myself, and hoping the next step is to get back to drawing. It’s probably close to a year since I’ve practiced. But I did take on pottery, so that’s something. Anxious to see what you share here. Happy to join in.
I’ll be having my last birthday in my 50’s mid way through this year! Next year’s birthday will be confronting. I love your drawing style and just recently bought your book ‘Draw your World’. You’re helping to inspire me to get back into drawing/painting and to make it a more regular practice Fingers crossed!
Your post was a lovely surprise in my Substack feed, and it brought a tear to my eye. I'm feeling all of those things too - a dip in my inspiration for art and design (something that has always had me bouncing out of bed filled with motivation and energy), a sense of sadness because my kids are growing up, and I'm approaching 50. I'm going in small with my art and also focusing on just drawing or designing something every day, especially the things I love to create the most, and it's really helping. I love your dogs in waiting, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them! Thank you for all that you share x
Samantha, your new newsletter on Substack is excellent. I love your Dogs Waiting theme. I am a dog lover, so your choice to pursue this theme is dear to my heart. Will this newsletter be weekly or monthly, or haven’t you decided yet? I bet you have a million ideas swirling around in your head. I’m sure your choices will take you on an awesome artistic journey.
The ebb and flow of creativity.....and life changes. I love learning about your process (es). It is hard when your children leave, and even harder when they return home under duress. Mine have all been launched now, and I am happy for them. The great thing about art is that it is always with me in some shape or form. "Draw your Day" has been such an inspiration for me. Thank you.
Jan 21, 2023·edited Jan 21, 2023Liked by Samantha Dion Baker
Hi Samantha,
I really resonated when you said what you did about turning 50, as I too will do so in September. I mean....I feel about 25 so HOW could I possibly be almost 50?! It's shocking. And, I can't believe I missed your Sneaky Artist Podcast! So now I have something to look forward to this evening ♥️ You have been an inspiration to me since I discovered you in late 2018 - I can't wait for your next class! Thanks for all you do - Stacie (The Lucky Bandana)
I'm so glad you are writing this newsletter! You have been hugely inspirational to me...I'm approaching 50 and learning to DRAW, thanks to you! Thank you for the beautiful art you put into the world <3
So happy to see your new Substack Samantha! And I look forward to more Dogs Waiting.
I too had a very rough time when my kids flew the nest (and then had to re-adjust all over again when they resumed their lives after 6 months of lockdown with us). Transitions are hard!!
But art is always waiting when we're ready again :)
So many beautiful and heartwarming comments. I am so touched and happy that you are all greeting me here with open arms! It will make my Substack journey so much easier. More very soon! I have lots of ideas.
I also bought a dress today for a close friends 50th. I figure I need to embrace this milestone, as I have no choice! It's a fun dress, and that always helps.
xoxo, Sam
Guess I'm kind of lucky about turning 70 2 yrs ago. It's amazing to live this long and have history. I wish I knew about sketchbook journaling when I was younger. In meanwhile, there's the emotional stuff to deal with, but it only makes us stronger, right? Yes it is time to start a new journal for a new life. So glad I found your book "Draw Your Day" 5 yrs ago on vacation. Here's to an exciting new adventure for all.
Hi Sam,
Really enjoyed reading this...it felt warm and inviting❣️As for age....ah yes, those decade birthdays can be rough. As someone else said, we feel so young inside, how can 50, 60, 70 years old be true? One thing I do when I’m being challenged with my numeral years is remind myself that when I am (whatever age plus add on 10 or 20 years) I will look back and be envious of this “young” age. So I’m 71 now and I bet when I’m 90 I will look back and think how young I was in my 70’s. It’s kind of a mind game but it works for me--makes me feel fortunate to be where I’m at right now. 🥰
Turning 50 didn't bother me. But something about the number "6" in front of a zero felt shocking!
Love your work! I love dogs and the way you paint them is incredible. I'm glad I found you (thanks to a Substack article), and I look forward to reading your posts.
Just found your Substack. I checked out your book via the Libby app from my local library, and while I didn't get to finish it, I liked what I saw. I'm trying to get back into sketching myself, so I'm glad I found your newsletter to help me stay focused—and I don't have to return it to the library!
Sam, this message is so true and honest and brave. I will be 69 in April and happy to hang on to that 6 in the decade column. Next year is another story. However, I have to agree with others here. Life is full and abundant and I feel lucky to be alive. I also will say that it was so difficult when my kids left for college. I find our new adult relationships are awesome!!! I communicate with them frequently, often daily, and with much joy. I am so blessed that they include me so thoroughly in their lives. I hope and expect the same for you and your sons. Meanwhile ART has taken on new meaning for me in such a positive way! Thank you for being part of that inspiration!!!
I'm turning 65 this year and that was the age you were officially "old" when I was a kid. (the age for social security keeps changing and getting older now, but back then it was 65.) that was also forced retirement. (I retired a few years ago after an injury.) I'm coming to the conclusion that internally they're just numbers. externally, the world starts treating you differently, so there's some learning curve there. at least that's my experience.
Firstly, I’m glad you came to Substack! Secondly, I’ve had the same issue with life lately. I recently turned a milestone age and while it’s a shock to the system, I can’t blame it entirely for how I’ve been feeling. We’re all coming out of a funk that’s lasted far too long, so we need to be kind to ourselves. Lastly, t’s a strange experience we’ve had and none of know how to handle it, nor should we be expected to. Finally, I’ve been feeling like I’m coming back to myself, and hoping the next step is to get back to drawing. It’s probably close to a year since I’ve practiced. But I did take on pottery, so that’s something. Anxious to see what you share here. Happy to join in.
I’ll be having my last birthday in my 50’s mid way through this year! Next year’s birthday will be confronting. I love your drawing style and just recently bought your book ‘Draw your World’. You’re helping to inspire me to get back into drawing/painting and to make it a more regular practice Fingers crossed!
Your post was a lovely surprise in my Substack feed, and it brought a tear to my eye. I'm feeling all of those things too - a dip in my inspiration for art and design (something that has always had me bouncing out of bed filled with motivation and energy), a sense of sadness because my kids are growing up, and I'm approaching 50. I'm going in small with my art and also focusing on just drawing or designing something every day, especially the things I love to create the most, and it's really helping. I love your dogs in waiting, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them! Thank you for all that you share x
Samantha, your new newsletter on Substack is excellent. I love your Dogs Waiting theme. I am a dog lover, so your choice to pursue this theme is dear to my heart. Will this newsletter be weekly or monthly, or haven’t you decided yet? I bet you have a million ideas swirling around in your head. I’m sure your choices will take you on an awesome artistic journey.
Shirley
The ebb and flow of creativity.....and life changes. I love learning about your process (es). It is hard when your children leave, and even harder when they return home under duress. Mine have all been launched now, and I am happy for them. The great thing about art is that it is always with me in some shape or form. "Draw your Day" has been such an inspiration for me. Thank you.
Hi Samantha,
I really resonated when you said what you did about turning 50, as I too will do so in September. I mean....I feel about 25 so HOW could I possibly be almost 50?! It's shocking. And, I can't believe I missed your Sneaky Artist Podcast! So now I have something to look forward to this evening ♥️ You have been an inspiration to me since I discovered you in late 2018 - I can't wait for your next class! Thanks for all you do - Stacie (The Lucky Bandana)
I'm so glad you are writing this newsletter! You have been hugely inspirational to me...I'm approaching 50 and learning to DRAW, thanks to you! Thank you for the beautiful art you put into the world <3
So happy to see your new Substack Samantha! And I look forward to more Dogs Waiting.
I too had a very rough time when my kids flew the nest (and then had to re-adjust all over again when they resumed their lives after 6 months of lockdown with us). Transitions are hard!!
But art is always waiting when we're ready again :)
xxoo Julie