It has been awhile since I have written anything, on here, in my journal, and just in general. I feel as if I am off track a little. Work has been draining me, my creativity, and my time. I figured when I went back to work full-time again that there would be an adjustment period. It’s been three months and I suppose I can say I am finally starting to get into a routine, but the feeling of being out of sorts hasn’t gone away. It’s as if I have two left feet. I hope really soon to feel as if I have found some balance, some time for everything I want out of life. For now this is just how life has to be I guess. Little shifts, and changes can create big change over time. That is the approach I hope to take, am taking. So here is to another week beginning, another opportunity to make time, to create the life I want to live, and be the best person I can.

I recently picked up Good magazine, and the issue was called their slow issue. All about the slow movement, slow food, and everything else related to slowing down. It’s a very interesting read if you feel so inclined to pick it up.

It got me thinking about how I recently decided to let go of expectations in my art, and slow down. That is one reason why there has been a slight lack of posting around here. Since I’ve been busier lately, and a longer commute means less time at night. I decided to set a time limit, each night I spend an hour on my art, in whatever form that takes. I don’t pressure myself to finish anything, or to start anything. Some nights I simply organize my studio, others I have spent just doodling and sketching. It is a slower approach to art for me. I used to work quickly, and liked to finish paintings in one sitting if possible. I still work quickly, but find that setting a time limit has helped me to let go of the finished piece and focus on the creating part more. It’s only been a few weeks of trying this out, but so far I feel like though I’m not cranking out art left and right that there are some good pieces coming through, and in due time they will make their appearance in this world.

Winter is a slow season, a time for reflection, and a time to slow down…

Life that is. Sunrises and sunsets the days are passing quickly, and with starting a new job as well as the holidays setting in life has been at a frantic pace. I really am hoping to find more time for blogging, art, and a little relaxation once things settle down a bit, but for now I am just riding this wave letting life have its ebb and flow and trying hard not to freak out that I am letting my art fall by the wayside along with many other things.

Finally got some outside time today, as it was not raining, and finally the sun was out and I wasn’t inside working! Was under the weather late last week and now am finally crawling out from under it. Hoping to get back on track here.

Sometimes it’s as simple as lighting a candle… I need to pay attention to all the little things and not take them for granted, I like lists so here you go…

• lighting candles
• the beautiful fall colors, and how awesome the street looks right now
• getting to wear sweaters again
• pumpkins and corn stalks
• pumpkin spice lattes from starbucks
• apple cider
• shorter days, longer shadows
• getting to see cotton fields blooming
• rain boots in all different colors
• sleeping in on dark, rainy days
• sitting by the fire outside
• the smell of burning of leaves
• seasons changing…