Phoenix

I lived in Phoenix Arizona (moved back to the PNW because I missed trees), but that's not what this post is about. I have a tattoo of Phoenix rising on my shoulder, but that's not what this post is about. The Phoenix is also a symbol of Scorpio, which happens to be my astrology sun sign as well, and that's kind of what this post is about, but not entirely. 

I've been in a rut where I haven't wanted to put out much artwork recently. It's mostly to do with external circumstances that are heavily impacting the path of my 'well organized and laid out plans for the future'. But then, a cat named Phoenix has taken my heart because of a path she is taking that most cats will never do.

I won't go into retelling the story, but most of us by now have heard of Sailing With Phoenix, the young man who left his corporate job, emptied his 401k, bought a sailboat as a novice sailor, and sailed from Oregon (my home state!) to Hawai'i with his kitty Phoenix. Health issues also impact his decision to embrace the decision to start over, which in itself is enough to ponder our purpose.

While Oliver (the young man) has many posts documenting his journey and lovable nature, it's his kitty Phoenix who has captured my heart.

She was found in a dumpster several years ago, and Oliver rescued her from what I can gather on his social media posts. He then continuously expresses his love and devotion to her, and frequently displays their bond throughout his video posts. And all I keep thinking is, that lucky cat! So of course, being a painter of people's beloved pets, I had to capture her with watercolor and ink.

 

I laminated this piece to keep it waterproof because I honestly hope I can get it to her and her first mate as they continue sailing the oceans!

Oliver and Phoenix's journey was incredible to watch. Human vulnerability and humility (to me) are ultimate displays of human courage. That's already on top of his impending health issues, quitting the rat race life we are conditioned to believe is our purpose, and draining the 401k pot of money held for the 'future and security'. 

In Oliver's speech as he was welcomed to Hawai'i at the Waikiki Yacht Club on May 24th, he mentions that the world is in a weird place, and he has displayed that it's possible for people to 'break out'. In the past 6 months with the world being in that weird place for me personally, I am learning to let go of carefully laid plans for the future and embrace uncertainty with hope, vulnerability and humility.