Fence Sitter
I wrote to my friend, Leslie Sigal Javorek, trying to describe the images and feelings I have when I consider ways to help my adult son in his healing journey, which has in the past meant navigating the mental healthcare system.
Leslie is a talented artist and author of the blog, IconDoIt, which is how I first came to know her.
The drawings of the “FenceSitter” surprised me. I loved them right away. The insight I saw in the image amazed me. Little details, such as the red velvet fairy-like trousers and the white ruffled shirt reminded me of myself.
The cute alligator came first and the dogs later. They were perfect really. I’ve only played with painting and drawing a few times in my life, so the Fence-Sitter was the first time I had seen my experience and feelings in a tangible form.
The woman I imagined can never decide which side of the fence she should be on. “She has one leg on each side,” I had written Leslie. “I’m not sure what is around her or the fence. She simply can’t decide which road to take or what opinion to have. She’s always wondering which side has less potential for harm. Hard choices are on both sides and the fence is starting to hurt. She needs to be free. She knows in her heart she will probably never fully stand on either side of the fence.”
I haven’t always been a Fence-Sitter. In my twenties I had strong opinions and was not afraid to express them, at least to people whom I trusted. I was reluctant in academic arenas and sometimes in the jobs I held. I knew what I liked. I knew what I thought was right or wrong. I knew what I believed in, but over time, I lost my footing. Everything changed when my son was diagnosed with a mental illness.
“Fence Sitter” Image copyrights belong to Leslie Sigal Javorek. Visit her here: IconDoIt.
Also, I wanted to share that Leslie has a store on Zazzle where she sells her original art– (IconDoIt, the Store). Her art is very cool! Thanks for visiting DogKisses.
DOGKISSES 
Posted by Rosemary Lee on June 6, 2010 at 2:18 AM
I love this graphic. You know, sometimes it is a good thing to be indecisive. Maybe it’s protection because you can sit back and assess the situation before deciding what to do. Sometimes we jump too fast. I hope all is well with you. Are you okay? Let me know…….I worry about you.
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Posted by dogkisses on June 6, 2010 at 7:31 AM
Hi Rose!
Yes, I’m okay. Very busy lately. Went out last night and had a great time!!!! (where’s my smiley face?)
I saw a band. It was awesome, along with great food (smiley again!!!), and my favorite friend who recently returned from Europe. He told me all about Switzerland, which sounded like a fairy tale.
I agree that sometimes it’s best to sit on the “Fence”
My friend looked so cute last night I almost jumped off that fence! I hope you are well too.
hugs and dogkisses to you!
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Posted by Leslie Sigal Javorek on June 3, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Thanks for the plug for my zazzle store! If anyone wants the Fence Sitter in a different size or on a different product (like on a shirt or mug or whatever) Just send me a note either through my blog (http://icondoit.wordpress.com) or zazzle store (http://www.zazzle.com/icondoit*)
Oh, and Dogkisses! — GO TO SLEEP! 😉
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Posted by Connecting Sole To Souls « IconDoIt on May 22, 2010 at 2:40 AM
[…] “The Fence Sitter – v2″ – For the story behind the image, read this post at Dogkisses. […]
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Posted by Rosemary Lee on April 16, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Good for you! You used it!!!!!!!! I read a book once that indecision is a pattern of being neither left or right brained dominant. I’ll have to see if I still have the book. The graphic is wonderful and says so much but then your blog does too. It’s always spoken to me, though.
There comes a day when it becomes more painful to stay in the bud than to bloom.
Hugs to you!
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Posted by dogkisses on April 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Hi Rose! I’m glad you commented. I would love to hear about that book.
I hope you are doing okay. You are in my thoughts.
Blessings and hugs to you!
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