A thanks to all

[Mariner]

Hello my friends,
I've been a member here for a few months now, and I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has been so encouraging as I explore this wonderful hobby.
I feel I know many of you well enough to share something with you.
Last year, I lost my 12-year-old niece to a terrible accident. She was my brother's only child, and it has taken our family a long time to deal with it. I wanted to find a hobby that I could eventually excel at, and perhaps teach children. I believe I have.
To all those who have helped me along as I paint away, my heartfelt appreciation for your advice, encouragement and friendship.
cheers,
Mary

 

[gordy]

That's a touching story Mary . I debated on liking your post since it was tragic event in your life, yet I'm happy to see that you have found relief at a most difficult time, I have a 12 year old son and could not imagine going through that. I want to say thank you to you for demonstrating a positive and passionate love for the hobby and that deserves a hundred likes!

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Very brave post Mary. Sorry you and your family have had that to deal with. I have a similar tragedy in my family's past, as does my wife. Tragedy can can lead one to drop beloved hobbies while one deals with depression. But this can also be a very therapeutic hobby. It provides an opportunity to meet interesting and generous people. I'm glad it thas helped you deal with it to some degree.

Colin

 

[baronband]

Hi Mary
like you i am quite new to this group (compared to others) and i am so sorry for your loss, a terrible event.
Whilst i could never understand the pain of losing a 12 year old i can in a small way understand your post. For just over 20 years i was in a job here in the UK, when the job was finished me and some of my friends that had lost comrades in difficult circumstances were asked to speak to a psychiatrist about our feelings and how we would move forward. I was advised to find a hobby that would totally immerse my mind for a while each week and did i ever have such a hobby. All i could think of was how much i enjoyed making models as a child. So i recently took up figure painting and whilst i have so much to learn i am enjoying the practice so so much.

best wishes for the future

John (baronband)

 

[Mariner]

I know I'm not alone, gentlemen. I just felt comfortable sharing it. The friendships I've made here have been terrific, and this hobby has forced me to take up something that makes you really work to improve. That's pretty therapeutic

 

[tonydawe]

Mary, thanks for sharing your personal motivation for taking up this wonderful hobby of ours and for bring so much passion and enthusiasm to your posts. You've certainly made your impact felt here on Planet Figure, and I for one certainly appreciate it. There's no doubt that this hobby provides some therapeutic value for us all, some spritual, some physical and some emotional, but most importantly, it's bloody good fun.

 

[Mariner]

Thank you, Tony. I'm an old news reporter, and as such I see all kinds of nonsense (and bad things) that happen online. I still caution my own two grown kids to be careful. PF is an example of how good the Internet can be in bringing people together for a love of something healthy and productive.

 

[Figurenfreund66]

Hi Mary

have it is my pleasure to help you.
Every time again gladly.

best regards
Hendryk

 

[kaz6120]

Thank you very much for sharing this story. I have a 12-old year son too so I really understand how hard it is.
RIP your niece, you are very brave, hope your family, your brother and his wife get over hard time.

 

[theBaron]

That is a lovely way to remember your niece, Mary! I'll say a prayer for her and your family, too.

Prost!
Brad

 

[chaRon]

I think that many here can understand your painful experiences, many of us have experienced the similar. All good things for your and your family.

The purpose of a forum consists in exchanging experiences, new ways to try and change in its results allow to participate. Importantly is about to respect the other and esteem his work. And this we find here.
It makes no difference on which ​​level you pursue this hobby. It is important that you make it with fun, which finds internal rest and forgets the everyday life for some time.

Cheers
chaRon

 

[Joe55]

My hat is off to you Mary. And, as gentlemen used to say in the past; ' We are at your service '

Joe

 

[housecarl]

I can't really say much the will console your family for the tragic loss.
But I can say that I'm glad you found a way to help you cope, and long may you reside here on Planet.
Carl.

 

[John Bowery]

Mary,
I second the posts here and thank you for your questions and information. Even though I feel I am not a novice, I still read and enjoy your posts. I am glad that you feel like family here, as you sure feel like family to us here.
Cheers
John

 

[TonyT]

Mary, I could never come anywhere near to understanding your grief and hope I never have to, I paint as I find it relaxes and allows me to switch off from the world around me for a while, it really is therapeutic, if you need any help in any of your models or painting, please do not hesitate to ask, although a relative beginner at this myself, I am always willing to help out.

 

[Dr Force]

A thought provoking thread Mary. I am sorry to hear of your family tragedy and I hope all of you can continue to gain strength. A hobby is a great way to help us through emotional difficulty and this in particular involves so many variable skills that it's almost a few hobbies in one. This forum is friendly and very helpful so you have chosen a great place to learn and ultimately rehabilitate!

 

[Mariner]

You are all as chivalrous and gracious as the knights I try to paint and have played a big part in restoring my faith in the world.

 

[ChaosCossack]

Mary
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Ironically, I lost my best friend December 1st, just before I joined PF, and found I really threw myself into painting since then as it allows me to zone out and get inside my head for a couple of hours each day. You can never forget but you can't dwell on your pain. All you can do is keep on keepin' on... carry on living life with respect and honour for the memory of loved ones.

Be strong

Colin

 

[Akritas]

Mary, this is a very touching story and it takes a lot of courage for anyone to share such loss in the open. Losing a child upsets the balance of things utterly, both for the parents and immediate relatives. Words don't come easy in such cases but I am really glad as the rest of the guys that our hobby (and believe me I have hear all sorts of descriptions for our hobby) is helping you cope with this. And save your thought about teaching children because I think that will be a wonderful thing to do.

 

[Gellso]

Ah this is so sad. no one can even begin to imagine what it's like to lose something that precious. i'm glad you've found something which can hopefully help you through some hard times and also we also enjoy your boundless enthusiasm and willingness to learn on here too.