This is my fond farewell to the Creative Group at Bedlam Farm, as the time has come for me to move in a new direction with my creative life. I very much appreciate the wonderful people who make up the CGBF- people who have become a special family to me- and I will continue to be grateful for the friendships I have made, for the incredible kindness that was shown to my mother, “Heavy D”, in the last two years of her life, and for the unfailing encouragement and inspiration I have received from the group. Priceless gifts, all.
Life is change and change is life, and I have witnessed a great deal of change on the group. Much of it enabled the group to grow and improve. However, somewhere along the line, things changed for me; where once I felt artistic freedom and the all-important safety that is so necessary to nurture the tender creative spark, I find that now that feeling has greatly diminished. As a teacher of thirty years, truly safe and supportive learning environments are sacred to me. Healthy learning and growth aren’t possible where the expressions of encouragement and/or input and criticism are too tightly controlled or mandated. I wish only the best for this talented group that holds so much potential and that has put so much beauty out into the world.
I have decided to focus my efforts on my blog, my Facebook author’s page, and some other outlets, and I hope that some of my friends who have been kind enough to read my blog will look for my work there. I will continue to read and support the great blogs, photography, and other art of my friends, and will do my best to put beauty and light out into the world with my own words and photos. As I begin this new chapter, I can’t help but think of one of my idols, Carol Burnett, who always ended her show by singing:
I’m so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long.
….a sentiment that I love. I have been in the Bedlam Farm groups from the very beginning, and am grateful for the years that I have been a member, giving my heart and soul to the mission of this group, doing my best to learn, grow, and encourage others. Now it is time for me to be true to myself and work in an environment that I know is best for me artistically. Thank you all for the wonderful memories, and for all the good things that are to come. You will always have a huge fan in me.
The View from Here 
I will always be a fan of yours (and your mom).
Thank you so much- I really appreciate that. I will be here! ❤️
I will miss your Beauty and Love, Neese yet know where I can find it.
Peace be with you…
I’m sad you are leaving but I totally understand. I haven’t been very active on the creative group much myself. It does feel different. I hope we stay friends on fb, I love reading your stuff and seeing the goofy pictures of you and Dan. The love you two share shines bright in them. Brings good memories for me the way Steve and I were….inseparable. Take care my friend, see ya in the funny papers….:)
I hate to see you go, but I totally understand. I haven’t been very active on the creative group lately either. I will continue to read your blogs, and hope we stay friends on fb. I really enjoy seeing the pictures of you and Dan. The love you two share shines bright in them. Brings good memories of me and Steve and how we once were….inseparable. Take care my friend, see ya in the funny papers. …..:)
Of course we can stay friends! I am not going anywhere- just won’t be posting on the CGBF. Thank you for your very kind words, and for being such a supportive friend. ❤️
I love your writing and will certainly continue to read your blog!
Thank you, Nora- I really appreciate that.
So glad you will be easy to find! Your perspective and how you consciously choose to move through life is fun to read as well as grounding and moving.
Thanks so much, Mary. ❤️
What you so eloquently stated , mirrored some of the thoughts I have had myself. Your I put will be missed, but we know where to find you….I do not think we have heard the last of you Denise Gainey….God speed and safe travels…
Thank you so much, Beth. ❤️
Thank you, Denise, for your honesty. I loved your story about your mom. She reminded me so much of my own mom and her final journey. I also love hearing about your music and your students as my son majored in music at SUNY Fredonia and played cello there. Best to you. I’ll still follow you! Happy Holidays to you and Dan.
Thank you, Jane- I really appreciate that. ❤️
Denise I can’t begin to tell you how much your positive outlook on life has meant to me and your beautiful writing. How does one follow your blog now? Love to you & your family on these holidays to come…. Janette
Thank you so very much, Janette- I really appreciate that. I think you just ‘like’ the blog…but there may also be a button to click to follow. I will check on it and let you know. ❤️
Thanks Denise☺️. Have a wonderful day!!!
You, too! 😁
Figured it out Denise 🌞🌞🌞. Janette
Yay! 😁
Denise, thank you, as always for your honesty. I’ve signed up to get your updates in my inbox, as I don’t want to lose touch with you. I’ve gained so much wisdom from you and so enjoyed getting to know Heavy D through your beautiful posts.I admire your courage for doing what you feel is right for your heart. XO
Thank you so much, Barbara. I will co to he to follow your wonderful, joyful blog. ❤️
Thank you, Denise. That means a lot to me.
❤️
Denise, Heavy D would be proud of you. I don’t feel the same zing either in the creative group and find myself wanting to leave comments that are not positive when a new dictate is issued. I will continue to read your blog and enjoy the holidays.
Victoria,
Thanks so much for your message,and for following my blog-I appreciate it. I thought a lot about Mom and what she would do…and I followed my heart. It was hard, and I shed a lot of tears. Now we move forward. ❤️
Have a great holiday!
Denise
I’ve been busy lately and haven’t been keeping up with CGBF. I am so glad I saw your post. I look forward to your writing here! You’ve really got a gift!
Thanks so much, Sue- I appreciate that. ❤️
Thank you for your kind encouragement of my handful of newbie attempts/ posts. Being new can be awkward, especially when others are experienced writers and photographers. You made me feel welcome and like I have potential. Your posts hit home for me, as I also lost my mother (and father). You have a wonderful gift, Denise. I will follow your positive kindness on your blog .
Jeanenne, thank you so much for your kind words. I very well remember the first things I shared, and how scary it was (and sometimes still is!). Keep on creating and sharing – it’s important. Share your posts with me if you can, and I will keep cheering you on! ❤️
You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety.
~ Abraham Maslov
I’m glad to see you are choosing growth my lovely friend. For a while I felt you losing your “self” in what you were posting to fit a certain identity for the group. I wish you (and Dan) much love and continued growth. ❤
Glenn, thanks so much for your message…I was feeling the same. Time to grow. I hope that you and your lovely bride are doing well. ❤️
We are! 🙂