Two things

[fabrisse]

The first is that I pulled out my watercolors and watercolor pencils and painted tonight. It felt good. The lamp is too wide, and the fruit are better than the landscape I tried, but I just really enjoyed playing with color.

One of the women I was in class with took me aside on the last day and told me that "You have a terrific artistic energy," which is something that I find flattering, but I'm not entirely sure why. She didn't say I have talent, because, frankly, I don't. Actually, now that I think about it, what is "artistic energy."

The second item is a question. I'm possibly interested in taking a self-defense course. I'm not feeling threatened in any way, just for the record, but this, like taking a drawing class, is something I've wanted to do for years.

The question is "What type?" I've always been attracted to the philosophy behind Aikido, but several people have said they think I may need to know how to attack as well as defend (as a psychological issue). Capoeira (sic?) interests me. And I think I could possibly find Savate/Canne courses in DC (It's French kickboxing. Its weapon is a walking stick.) But I don't know enough about any of them. It's also always awkward to be the fat girl in the room. Being the old lady is also going to be a challenge. Suggestions, thoughts?

Comments

[snopes-faith.livejournal.com]

Well, until my fantasic class disbanded, I was loving Judo. And as you've met me, you will know that a career as a supermodel probably doesn't beckon for me, weightwise and I always got on okay in class. They just often paired me off with one of the guys so the weight/height thing was more equal, rather than the friend I went to class with.
FWIW, I never think of Judo in terms of attacking people, more getting them into the space where I can line up the right throw/fall.

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Judo always looked pretty to me. Good to know someone who enjoys it.

Thanks.

[mystery-sock.livejournal.com]

i think "artistic energy" is a palpable drive to create - I know a couple of people like that who are just always making things, and even the things they make that aren't completely successful are still really cool somehow. It's a function of just having ideas, and pursuing them. It's a good thing!

And I think savate sounds really cool. And worry not about the exteriors - enjoy yourself, be careful, and everything'll be just fine. Fun and learning and jumping around! It's great!

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

OK. I'm not sure how cool my paintings are, but I can paint a good pear. *G*

[(Anonymous)]

I took aikido my first year or two of college, & enjoyed it. It has had a noticeable & long-lasting effect on my balance. Not sure I ever picked up on the philosophy of it, but it was good for me at the time.

Also, the (not-my) boys are doing Chung Moo Doe, FWIW. The place they go seems very open to folks all ages & abilities.

[atricilla.livejournal.com]

Uh, that was me. Helps to log in, doesn't it?! :-/

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Balance is very important as my long recovery from ankle injuries proves. Another stroke in the Aikido column, then.

And, I've forgotten to log in a couple of times myself. It's always a "D'Oh!" moment.

[riverfox.livejournal.com]

Very cool. I'd love to be able to paint again. I sorely miss it. "Artistic energy" is, for my understanding (way back in HS art classes) it is putting yourself into what you're doing and being happy while you do it. I think your classmate had been observing you as well as your work and perhaps that's what she meant. There's a lot of energy transferred in the work, regardless of the theme or the medium, and I'm glad she could see that. It was a huge compliment--at least, that's how I see it. :)

I'd go with Tai Chi. It's a very mental, meditative art that centers a person's Qi. While it is mainly a defensive art, like Kung Fu, it's also offensive in that it keeps a person's emotions balanced while exercising it.

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Thank you for both.

[riverfox.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. One day I'd like to see a picture of what you've done. :)