Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Lenore Angela

  "Why was I a late bloomer?"

Lenore Angela-Artist
When Teresa asked me if I wanted to leave my comfort zone for this interview, I wondered how honest I should be? Do I keep it light, only showing my public face or do I speak of my life the way it really was? And I wondered if the community I was trying so hard to be a part of would shun me if they knew. I, also, struggled whether my past was really part of my late bloomer story? If I’m being totally honest with myself, or anyone who might read this, it’s definitely a part. And I’ll add, not a part of me to be ashamed of, but to be celebrated as a sign of hope.

Why was I a late bloomer?  To put it simply, I didn’t believe in myself.


I left home at 13 and spent the next 22 years fighting my way through life as an alcoholic, trying to be a good wife and mother. Unfortunately, there was little room for art and growth during that time, as anyone who travels that road will know only heartache and guilt are the signposts along the path. I was 35 before I was able to turn the corner and begin my real life. July 8th will mark 21 years that I’ve lived in freedom and joy. After I got sober, I spent another 10 years convincing myself I was not only good enough but, good as a person and deserved to be happy. And believe you me it took some heavy duty convincing. I still bring out the big guns every once in a while to wipe out the lies I tell myself.


I became very passionate about writing in 2002 when I wrote my first short story. I’d never been a big reader, never finished school and had little faith in myself as a storyteller but I had a desire, so I wrote. I sent that snippet of my childhood off to 16 publishers, disregarding their no simultaneous submissions guidelines, hoping for some crumb of validation. Well, 5 literary magazines wanted it. I was shocked. I accepted the first offer down the pike and then in a mad frenzy, wrote apology letters to the rest. Beginner’s luck, surely to God that would never happen again. I wrote a second and repeated the process. I was very confused. How could I be good if I didn’t know what I was doing and how on earth could I ever hope to do it again? Since then I’ve written many short stories, self published and illustrated the cover of my first kid’s novel with a second in the works and indulged myself in any art form I could get my hands on. Still, I don’t think I have one particular passion, as every week I’m in love with something new. In order not to rule anything out I think I’ll say my passion is colour. Colour in any form, that’s what really makes my mouth water.

As well as starting my own publishing house, Rare Rabbits Press, I create knitted rabbit collectibles and greeting cards for my little business, Rare Rabbits Designs.
I find it hard to call myself an artist out loud and even harder not to put the word “real” in front of it, though I’m trying. I love to work with pencil crayons, water colour, photography, oven- bake and air-dry clays and fabric. The next big step for me is fabric design but for the moment, I’m mad about miniatures. I’m not sure where my art will take me and I can’t bare the thought of paring it down to pick just one thing over the other or even if I should, my gut tells me it’s all connected. I think I’ll trust my gut; it’s what’s kept me alive all these years.

You can find me at:

7 comments:

  1. Lenore, thank you so much for your honesty and sharing what you have lived... what a beautiful story of transformation. You have incredible talent and gifts... and a story to tell to give hope to others. May your life be filled with colours, richness and blessings. You are a true gift to our world. xo

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  2. What a great post Lenore! I'm glad you decided to be honest and share your story.
    All the best. Cheryl

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  3. Inspiring story, and very moving. Nice to "meet" you here!

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  4. Thank you, girls, for being so accepting.
    xo Lenore

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  5. Lenore,
    Thanks for sharing yourself so openly and honestly. Congrats on being a late bloomer. I wish you the best with your art and writing. You are very talented!
    Debbie

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  6. Lenore, so glad to make your acquaintance! Your story has the power to change lives, and I feel so privileged to have read it here! Thank you for your honesty and inspiration!

    And Teresa--I love this site! It's so uplifting and offers healing!

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  7. Thank you so much for being so open and honest about your early years. You had it hard, but it sounds like you've made good. Congratulations. sue:)

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