A post by artist Marylou Falstreau:
People think of me as a “coloring outside of the lines” kind of girl because of the way I paint.
I’ve led workshops that encourage participants to break rules, push through creative boundaries and question their ideas about perfection. I splatter, scrape, tear off and glue things on. It doesn’t bother me a bit. I love it and feel strangely powerful and juicy at the same time.
On the other hand, if you asked me to drive in L.A. traffic, eat non-vegetarian sushi or go to a high school reunion, I would probably say, “no thank you”.
Over the years, I have drawn invisible lines around the idea of who I am. I have drawn lines in the shape of a girl and stepped in.
Statements like “I am an introvert, sensitive, I enjoy simplicity and a quiet life” have kept me from saying ‘Yes’ to a Lemon Drop Martini and a girl’s trip to Las Vegas. The truth is; fear, lack of confidence and bad habits slipped in to my self- imposed box while I wasn’t looking, and have used up more than their share of oxygen.
So today, I banish the tight little lines that hold and contain me. I will be an adventurer who wears a funny hat and colors that don’t match and I won’t think of myself at all. I won’t even wear make-up. I will take risks. I will say Yes!
Will you join me and break free from the lines that have defined and contained you?
I hope you will say yes…
Giveaway! Marylou is offering a “Color Outside the Lines” print, card, and magnet to a lucky Friend for the Ride reader. For a chance to win, please enter a comment by July 1 saying you’d like to be the winner. U.S. and Canada only, thanks!
Read Marylou’s menopause post on Friend for the Ride.
To learn more about Marylou and her empowering art check out her website.
The Women and the Hourglass Series: See the first Friend for the Ride post on Marylou’s art and watch her video on the series.
Friend For The Ride 
I just wanted to say how terrific it is that you do these periodic giveaways! I am still enjoying my book that I won here! This print/card and magnet looks terrific (but don’t pick me again!) Thank you for being so generous!
Stephanie
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Hi Stephanie,
Yes,Barbara is so generous and I am grateful to be featured here! Thank you for liking what I do….
Happy day to you!
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As a fellow artist, love Mary Lou’s writing and art work 😀 Thank you for sharing! I’d love to be a winner of the give away ❤
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Thank you, heart peace, for your comment. I love your name! From one artist to another, I appreciate your kind words…
You are the Best!
Keep smiling….
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Thank you my friend, you are an inspiration! Keep creating! ❤
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I love the art. I love the concept of living like you are coloring outside the lines!
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Thank you, Haralee. Let’s practice “coloring outside the lines” together!
We’re going to need a really big box of crayons with bold and unusual colors….
Lets have a blast creating!
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What an inspiring post! And I love your artwork (I am one of your friend’s on fb!!)!
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Hi jfrances40….it is so nice to see you here. Thank you for being my friend and liking what I do. I appreciate you!
Have a lovely Tuesday…
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As i have told you on so many occasions.. my entire sangha reads your cards every week, there are 10 beautiful women, with an amazing teacher, your cards are there for the choosing, we pick one, sight unseen.. and share.. keep living and coloring outside the lines..you are so inspiring to women all over the world.. and when are you going to do a workshop in philadelphia area..
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I love your story Ellen, and knowing my art is used as inspiration for your Sangha group. It does my heart good!
Thank you always for your encouragement. It means so much and is not taken lightly.
Give my Best to your friends!
with gratitude…
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Such a great suggestion!! I am very relaxed and accepting of all those who “color outside the lines” but truth be told, I have always had a fairly narrow idea of what is acceptable for myself. I wear makeup everyday and would rarely think of going out somewhere without it. But a recent illness that has caused my eye to remain open and not blink as well as waters much of the time, has forced me to do without my mascara. Not only did I have to go to work with a my eye this way as well as a droopy mouth, but I had to go without makeup. OMG!! As I am getting up there in years, it is time for me to let go of all the previous restrictions on myself. Time to let lose and do the unthinkable for me!!!! I would love that magnet to remind me to relax and color outside the lines.
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I love your comment, Gail, and your openness and honesty. Life events can be humbling, that is for sure! You have a great attitude and are aware of the need to let go of restrictions. I know you are flying right now, and certainly ready to color outside of the lines.
You go girl!
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Pick me, pick me! I need this reminder in front of my face on my fridge!!
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I love your enthusiasm, Carol. Why don’t you create a message to yourself now, and post it on your refrigerator? I’m sure your fridge will love being adorned in this way…and love encouraging you on your journey.
Enjoy coloring outside of your lines!
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Your work is fabulous and I would love to be a winner of your “color outside the lines”.
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Thank you, thank you, Linda! I love the word fabulous!
You are already a winner…in my eyes..
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Your work is beautiful!
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Thank you!
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I love this post. Good for you for recognizing the boundaries you self-imposed and for breaking free of them. You have inspired me to do the same!
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Thank you, Elena. It is great news that you are inspired to break free. Life has so much to offer….it is just a matter of diving in!
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I appreciate your artwork and am encouraged by your message-definitely hope to win!
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Thank you, Diane….for your appreciation!
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Hiya Barbara!!! (I’m playing catch-up on my (very-far-behind) emails). Thank you for introducing us to another lovely lady. I just spent a half hour on the website just absorbing the wonderful prints and words. I definitely want that card deck. And I will have it; it’s too important not to. To keep reminding ourselves of what we’re capable of and deserve. Thank you again. Would love to win this one. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam
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Hi Pam,
You’re sweet to catch up. So glad you like Marylou’s work. She’s a wonderful person and has been so much for to connect with.
On Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 2:06 PM, Friend For The Ride wrote:
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Thank you for the kind words, Pam. It is lovely to meet you here…..
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