Balance...

This week is all about balance... Ive been running so tight for so long that its time for a break.

It seems sacrilege to hurry through the changing of the seasons without giving pause and thanks to the creator who makes all these things possible. Hearing the birds in the morning, the breeze through the window, a nice night temperature of +30 and peace all around. Its a shame to rush through such gifts.

So it is with a set mind that I'm taking a lot of this week as time for myself. Ive still got work to do but the massive migration of tourists wont be happening for a little while yet and the work I still have lingering can be done here and there. Most importantly I want to have a clear head when I get back to work on my large commissioned piece. I never wish my art to suffer because of stress or time constraints and I always produce my best products with a clear head.

I look up to my friend Tim for so many reasons and his ability to stop, reflect and take care of oneself is a trait I wish I had more of. Its hard for me to take time out but that is where the business is headed. I am making the transition from working for others 100% of the time to working for myself creating works of art that come directly from my heart. Its a challenging leap, with some elements of risk but my gut says this is the right thing to do and that this is the right time.

During this transition I will be working with the dogs more heavily on their rotations. Today Juno, Spock and Gaea all had outside time while Calypso and Boreas had their time in the office. They are still a bit hot since their coats have only just started coming out but they sure loved crashing out on the carpet. It was wonderful to have them so close at hand...

I'm also going to make time for creations to our loved ones who have departed. There are five Ive been putting off doing for so long. Its a mental crutch not to create them. If I don't do it I wont have to face the reality that they are no longer here but there has to be come closure and their graves need to be tended to. Ive gotten grave stones for the most of them, statues and angels to watch over them but most of their names are not there yet. Its a vital piece of their resting place. Today Aquila's was created...

Tomorrow I hope to get to work on a smallish canvas Ive had some plans on for a while. Its hard to put those first few strokes on the canvas, I'm still not all that confident with paint, but I am determined that tomorrow will be the day. It will be a challenge since this type of painting needs to be done in one sitting and stay wet throughout the entire process. I'm not sure how it will turn out but it will be one step in the right direction to claiming my artistic vision instead of giving so much of it away to others.

Ive greatly enjoyed the commissioned pieces Ive done and Ive been so grateful for the support in my work but I believe there is so much more I can do if I look inward rather than trying so hard focusing on paying the bills.