In Progress – New Art Journal 2013
I don’t think 2012 was a very productive year for me. It became an inner examination and regrouping year and ended up a starting platform. It became the year when my denial blinders were rudely pulled off – both personally and publicly. I’ve done some good work with several of my obstacles.
The causes that I had taken part in seemed subdued and barely functioning. Even my volunteer work seemed feeble at best. I still donated, but withdrew from discussion and debate. It seemed as if I was “preaching to the choir” or talking to people who did not listen or care. For a positive jolt, I went to Kickstarter and helped someone else start their magic-super-hero-cape making business. Positive vibes are coming back to me.
Early in the year, my art went toward a creative cliff with no signs of veering away at the last-minute – so I let it. I had three of four break-through paintings and drawings, but most of the time, I could not get started. I bought materials and stared at them. I’ve started a come-back, especially with a new set of markers (A SET!!) my sister gave me for Xmas. I started my 2013 art journal today. (see above)
Beading has stopped – the spark that fueled the energy was smothered out by a rise in raw materials – and a drop in quality in the middle-price market. I have bowls of finished necklaces sitting around the house. I wear a different one every day, so they are getting a good use – but this little voice says, “You want to make another one? What about all these? Where are you going to put it?” (The bad muse) So, I’ve been thinking – what else could I do with them? I’ve listed some ideas (gourd decoration and hanging spirit cords), so things are looking up in the bead department (my downstairs workshop). I did pull out a bowl of beads yesterday just to think about more creations – who cares if I need them or not?
I started going to the gym in April of this year – and since I’ve been going, I’ve dropped (ha, wish it was that easy) 23 pounds with an overall 37 pound loss since moving to Georgia. I was sick in December, but plan to get back to the treadmill this week. I can’t breathe well when colder weather starts, but my meds have started to kick in and I feel better. I am cooking meals for myself even if M doesn’t want to eat. I’ve discovered the chipolte sauce is good on brussel sprouts and that 1 cup of pasta is more than enough on my plate. I still have long-range goals on the health scene, but I am on my way. It’s not so much of a denial eating pattern, but more of a choice to have real foods.
I had some great times this year with my nieces and nephews – some by long-distance, but, I want them to know that I am thinking about them. M and I hosted one visit: a rocket-launch, remote-control airplane demo, tractor rides, art lessons and general all around singing and enjoying the outside event with a niece and nephew and it was a blast. I forgot how much fun running to the house to get carrots for the horses can be – if you skip and sing at the top of your voice. Recipe for fun? Look through the eyes of a three-year-old.
Let’s hope the art uptick keeps on its path to the sun. Speaking of the sun, where the heck is it? For being the South, this is cooler weather than I like.