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