Sunday, May 24, 2009

Ups and Downs

I'll start with the "ups". :)

When children grow up and move away, it's easy to forget what it was like to have them around....They leave for college, you settle into a new routine, and very quickly get used to this new found freedom, and a more relaxed schedule. At least that what it was like here. I have friends who went through the "empty nest" thing, fretting and worrying, and generally feeling a bit lost...But I have to be honest in saying I just never felt that.

Here's the thing. We raise them to be independent, to make thoughtful decisions, to be caring, compassionate people, to go out and make their way in the world, to spread their wings...to fly. If we've done our job in preparing them for these things, there's nothing at all to feel uneasy about. Sure, we miss them. But their leaving is as it should be.

And what a joy it is when they come back for a visit displaying all those qualities you tried to hard to impart...

I'm reflecting as I write this - and as Courtney is in the kitchen making a wonderful dinner for the three of us - having also (are you ready for this?!) spent the day organizing my studio space! Yep - she put together a large bookcase, went through endless boxes of supplies, reference materials, receipts, etc., and generally made my life a LOT easier. I've even promised to keep it that way - no small task for someone who's admittedly organizationally impaired.

But beyond the studio help, it was just good to see her, and spend some time together. She's absolutely my best creation. ;)

Another "up" was completing a new piece - this set of Halloween coasters, listed now on eBay...


Sooooooo much fun - like lots of little paintings! I'd hoped to get to a wine glass set too, but tomorrow is another day.

There was also much playing in the backyard with Cadie and Cosmo, who have been absolutely wilting in the heat, but are always up for a game of fetch. :)

So all in all, a good weekend.

Just one "down" really - one of the best pieces I've ever done, and one of the closest to my heart (the fairy tale chest shown a few posts down) failed to sell. I'm torn between re-listing it, listing it on Etsy, or just hanging on to it for a while. I know I'll end up selling it because I must...but it's upsetting to think about letting something so special go for not much more than the price of materials. It also makes the coming week absolutely crazy, as I scramble to make up for five days work with nothing to show for it. Some VERY long nights ahead....

Speaking of which, I should be off to bed now...the dogs wake us at 6AM like clockwork, and I can't go back to sleep once I've seen daylight. ;)

Wishing everyone in the U.S. a relaxing Memorial Day! I'll be painting like mad, and will hopefully have a few new creations to show you very soon. :)

♥ Carolee

8 comments:

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

A lovely post Carolee! So glad your daughter is there with you, it makes many things worthwhile.

I too am organizationally impaired and there are spots in my house that will never be organized! My DH has crowned me the Queen of Clutter.

Sales are bad. It is so discouraging to spend hours on an item only to have it not sell. I laughly call all my pieces "inventory" which hopefully will sell one day when the economy recovers. Meanwhile they sit at Etsy or my eBay store, or my selling blog or Art Link!!

Dianie said...

Carolee,
You write so beautifully! I can surely relate to your story :)
It sounds that you have raised a lovely and caring daughter.
I love the coasters. They are so bright and fun..

~Diane

Gamescapist said...

It's just great to read a post like this, since I miss my mother quite a lot at the moment. I moved away far from her and home six month ago, and flying i so my thing (if you get what I mean), but I think the missing part works both ways =)

Michele said...

I wonder ... has your daughter inherited your creativity? She has got to be so proud of you.

Being unemployed myself for too long now, I can speak to the sluggish economy. Although I am in no position to purchase right now, your beautifully expressive blogs and wonderful works of art make my day!

Keep your spirits up Carolee ... the best is yet to be!

~.~

Zan Asha said...

Aww, such a sweet post! How wonderful is your daughter!

I am sorry about the sale..sometimes it happens, although I agree, who wouldn't want to buy your work?! However, I could say, from my point of view, I WISH I had the money to buy your work! I think it may be the economy...or also maybe, everyone's on holiday for the 3 day weekend?
Don't be discouraged, Carolee!!!

Tristan Robin said...

I'm so sorry that your faery tale piece didn't sell ... I know all too well that kind of frustration! That faery tale chest is simply enchanting and I can't imagine somebody not buying it.

Well, yes I can. If I were to buy it, I'd have to hope that the mortgage company had a very good sense of humour.

There is only one upside as far as I can see - if I sell a piece and can then afford it, I'll own it and love it!

KatHreN said...

reading you post made me think of my daughter, Kaitlyn she is 17 and will soon be going off to college. I am not sure how I will handle that considering I worry about her when she goes to the mall. But like you I have taught her well and she is very smart so I know I will have nothing to worry about.
Your art is amazing!!! shoot sometimes I cant even sell my work....and its cheap...LOL...looks like your newest ebay item is doing great though!!!!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Happy 4 you with the good news part and what a great read! :-))

Sorry on the bad news part...I am really bummed with eBay right now and taking a break over there for awhile. I'm tired of giving stuff away. SO I feel your pain. '-)

Have a great week.

Chris