Whoa!

Whoa! I am supposed to have more time to paint, blog, read....whatever. But here it is almost May, and my last post was in January. I have been busy....still. Amazing. But life is more relaxed. And I have painted. I sold the second one of these from my Archives series.

I am beginning a year-long program at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art called Seasons of Creativity. More on that later. But I am gearing up for a year of making art. Exciting!

My Nest

It has been a little over two weeks since I left my position at the Art Center.I am beginning to feel more relaxed. But of course I have been busy.

First I worked on the studio. It isn't perfect, but much better. Now my own files are in the top drawer. Then I spent most of a day on the garage. And then my handyman and I spent another day organizing the garage. He also repaired a ceiling and painted it, made some repairs to and repainted a bathroom, and helped me haul boxes of old documents from the garage to the studio. Now I can shred and shred. I am buried under paper! And it is all over my just-reorganized studio. Sigh. I had thought I would spend all day today on that, but Papa and I opted to take his new Honda for a drive. But back to work tonight.

Meanwhile the studio kitty went to have her claws out. I am sad we had to do that, but she showed affection by patting my face - claws extended. She is doing so well that I am managing my guilt. I am already tired of the shredded paper in the litter box - but I have an excellent supply of paper.

I have managed to finish so many projects that needed to be done.....but there is always more.

And I have actually painted a little, too. What a relief to be back to work. I am not happy without it.

Vacay is Sweet

Whoa! My life just turned upside down!

Vacay was nice. But I did work. And I wrestled with whether I should remain the Art Center president or not. Because no one was waiting in the wings eager to take my job, I accepted nomination and election for another year. I thought I could still bring energy and passion to the job.

But a few days ago, after working many hours getting ready for important meetings and still working several days later, lightening struck. I had just passed my seventy first birthday, papers from work were spread over most of the surfaces in my studio, I wanted to go into town to order paint and deliver brochures, and I needed to be at the Center for a meeting at four. What was I doing!

So I finished the last email, and Papa and I took off for town. My head was spinning.

About two minutes into the trip, I told Papa I needed to resign.I am sure he didn't believe me.

Back home at three, I went straight to the Mac and typed my letter. Then I picked up my president's binder, my key and went to my meeting.

That night I packed up files and got them ready for Papa to deliver the next day. Done!

Of course I am mopping up and have a few meetings and obligations left.

So.......what next? If you know me, you know I don't sit still very long. Once the word spread, interesting offers started cming in. But I will move slowly. Collecting hugs from two adorable grandchildren and painting come first. And Papa and the rest of the family, of course.

Vacay

Whew, what a whirlwind. But now the Art Center is closed until January, the kids are in Colorado until January, too, and we are planning a small Christmas gathering. (Not that I like for the kids to be away, of course.)I am feeling the tension give way to vacay mode. I still have a few meetings and other preparations for 2012, but at an easy pace....I hope.

And I sold a painting! I am pleased.

I am enjoying lunch with friends and carching up, too. Nice.

Winding Down

I am winding down the year, but making plans for a new year with the Art Center, too.

Summary:

Cooking for Thanksgiving
Shopping for Christmas
Writing a grant report - almost done!
Wrapping up business details for the Art Center - not almost done
Planning for 2012 at the Art Center - making progress
Catching up on reading and relaxation - making progress
Enjoying Buddy and Roo - ongoing
Painting a little, now, but mostly planning new work


Our last show of the year at the Art Center is always our student scholarship show. I am proud that we give thousands to high school and college students each year. Receptions and awards were last Sunday.

The Law

So I am required to collect sales tax on the art I sell. To do that I must have a sales permit and a business license. Most artists don't do this, I am sure. But we are supposed to. So Papa and I traipsed all over town taking care of the business license. Now I have to mail in my app for my sales permit.

At this point in life I need a business license? And I may never sell any more paintings. Sigh. But I am compliant.

But the process was fun. The folks at the county tax collectors office and county planning were all pleasant and helpful. No long lines. No hassle. One woman even remembered talking to me on the phone this morning. Enjoyed watchng the puffed up suits running around trying to look important.

I am the curious sort, so I liked poking around. Then Papa and I ate New Orleans food for lunch. Fried green tomatoes - hold the hollandaise. Add red beans, rice, and collards and I feel transported. Beer washes it down pretty well.

I did not need that chocolate cake tonight, but I had to get rid of it. Sigh.

The Griddle is Hot

A creativity and aethetics workshop with David Limrite last weekend was a good way to emerge from my painting hiatus. The outcome is that I have begun a series of paintings based on the magpie.

According to legend, the magpie brings good news, is a healer, can bring riches - even though he is a thief, represents healing of rlationships......and I could go on.

I saw magpies for the first time this August. How beautiful! Yes, they are noisy and they like to dive bomb people, but still gorgeous.

In my research, I found a couple of versions of this chant:

One is for sorrow, Two is for mirth
Three is for a wedding, Four is for birth
Five is for riches, Six is for poor,
Seven is for a secret, I'll tell you no more.

The chant is supposed to invoke the spirit of the magpie:)

I am so relieved to be painting again. And I am enjoying my new direction.