Planting Seeds and Sowing Hopes

I've been an artist since the day they let me loose with a box of crayolas at the Cracker Barrel. It's been a constant in my life the way friends and money can never come close. But, it's taken until the eve of my thirties that I've finally decided to call myself an "Artist," with a capital A. (The capital means it's legit)
I thought that, because it was enjoyable, it wasn't valuable. Because it was fun, and didn't stress me out, that it wasn't a good use of my time.
Why have I been in the supply closet for so long? I dunno. I never kept my arty-ness a secret, but I always made it sit in the back seat. There was important stuff to be done. There were nations at war and forests being destroyed, and science and MATH!
How could I, in good conscience, waste my time and intellectual potential on artistic pursuits? I thought that, because it was enjoyable, it wasn't valuable. Because it was fun, and didn't stress me out, that it wasn't a good use of my time. Pile on top of that a well-meaning Midwestern "getcher self a real job" ethic, and there was no way I could see myself as an artist.
But a Maker's Gotta Make
I went to college and majored in Environmental Science. I got a Master's degree, served in the Peace Corps, and then settled down to be a bona-fide scientist in a predictable nine to five job... That didn't last long.
I wanted to save the world. I wanted to create a positive impact. But I couldn't make a difference if I couldn't MAKE.
That was the kick in the pants I needed. Now I'm out here, in the bright wide-open of the internet, sharing my doodles for all who care to take a gander. Thanks
My name is Penny. And I am an Artist.
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