Sure, there are times in all our lives where circumstances push us into reaction mode, but when that becomes the normal state of affairs, it's time to take a deep breath, take stock, and take back the reins. ;)
I'm not sure when it happened that the workday became 12-14 hours, and 10PM dinner became the norm rather than the exception. I can't pinpoint the moment when time for reading and knitting became a luxury, or when carving out enough time for lunch with friends became an impossibility.
Yet somehow it did.
Granted, we've faced some serious challenges these past couple of years. But even with the need to work longer hours, I can't help but think there's a better way.
So what to do?
Well, for one thing, I'm reluctantly going to have to limit my computer time. It's just too easy to fall down the rabbit hole into the great internet vortex, and before I know it, two minutes to check an email becomes and hour, and I lose momentum. So there's that.
Further, the workspace is in for a thorough cleaning this weekend. It's valuable time spent not painting, but in the end, it makes things a heckuva lot easier if I'm not spending 20 minutes looking for gesso or scissors. Can you believe this mess??
I can't believe I'm showing you this. Not the stuff of those pretty studio-type magazines, that's for sure (although I do wonder how much art is really produced in perfectly pristine and decorated studios, ya know?)Finally, I'm planning to offer a few prints of my work very soon. I'm actually ordering them this week, and can't wait! It will hopefully make my work more accessible, while also adding a little income. I can't tell you how many emails I get from people who love the work, but just can't purchase an original. And I get that. I sooooooo get that. Believe me, I couldn't purchase my work either....which is weird to say, but there it is. So yes - a few prints very soon!
And I'm reading. Even if I have to get up earlier to do it, reading is my absolute, hands down favorite pastime, and I miss it. I'm finishing this one now, the latest in the Outlander series...
And starting this one, written by one of my favorite bloggers. Can't wait...
So how about you? Do those of you working full time struggle with the balance issue, and if so, any thoughts on achieving it? Seriously, I'm all ears....
In the meantime, it's back to that messy studio for me. There's a new treasure box calling my name, something with a Celtic knotwork border, I'm thinking...
Deep breath. Cup of tea. And stepping AWAY from the computer...
...just as soon as I remove Lady Guinevere from the new printer. ;)Until next time,
♥ Carolee
9 comments:
I find TV and internet, big time black holes, although radio in UK at least has stories, and really witty programmes, that don't distract your eyes or tie up your hands from working, not much but might help a bit.
Nah, I never have that issue ....
Ok, now that I'm back up off the floor & done laughing ..
Hahahaha...I LOVE your lady Gueneviere! LOL What a beautiful kittycat.
Wise words indeed. Lady Guinevere is such a lovely purrmeow! I think you're right in that most, if not nearly all artists work tables look rather a jumble. lol Carolee, where did you get the cool rack for your paint bottles?
Were you picking my brain while you wrote that.....even down to the mess on your work place and the cat on the printer! LOL!!!! Parallel lives that's what it is! I want one of those prints since I can't afford your work either anymore than I can afford mine, lol.....Pam
I'm still looking for last year......days roll into weeks, weeks into months, months into years....... and poof! Another year bites the dust.
What I find is I'm way more messy, and I have the time to keep things clean without kids in my way, and for that fact not having their mess to clean up along with mine.
I've cleaned out my work ROOMS out more than once so why isn't there more room?
So here's what I thought I'd do...call Merry Maid....get a secretary.....then find myself a Sugar Daddy to pay for them....LOL
No, it doesn't look like a studio in a magazine.
It looks like someone went in there actually made something instead of just taking photos!
Audiobooks and headphones for the win!
Thanks for following on my blog Carolee. I"m following on yours now too. Such a cute header and projects.
Coleen in Ukraine
Truer words were never spoken Carolee, the computer is the biggest time vortex in my life. I love reading what everyone is up to but by the time I've checked out blogs, email, twitter, facebook, forums, etc., etc., etc. quite literally HOURS have passed and absolutely nothing has been accomplished. I've heard others post that they sacrifice sleep in order to keep up and keep going but that's a rather short sighted answer to the dilemma in my estimation. So I have been coming to the same conclusion; the computer time will have to be seriously curtailed in order to try and get some balance injected into daily living. On a brighter note, prints of your absolutely amazing work, I can't wait!!! Love your work so much and would love to own even a wee piece so this is such exciting news to me! And a new Diana Gabaldon book??!! Yay, love the Outlander series! Thanks also for the pics of your workshop, I dunged mine out last fall but it's starting to revert to chaos so must start tidying as well! Hope Lady Guinevere didn't get her lovely tail caught in the printer! Deb
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