On Finding Balance

Ever feel like life is spinning just a wee bit out of control? Like rather than acting, everything seems to be about REacting?

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

"We're All Mad Here."

"Entirely Bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are."

I ask you, how can you not love a story based on THAT premise??

Yes, I saw Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland this week, and thought it was amazing. Which is really saying something for someone who normally loathes people messing with the classics. Have you ever seen "The Scarlet Letter"? Truly painful, but I'm getting off track here...Back to Alice.

To be honest, I could have done without the booming, epic battle scene at the end (de rigueur in movies these days) but there was plenty of magic to make up for the spectacle. Johnny Depp was brilliant as the Mad Hatter, and I loved the on again-off again Glasgow accent. Helena Bonham Carter was perfect as the Red Queen, and Alan Rickman's voice as the Caterpillar, well....I could listen to that voice all day. I mean seriously, I wouldn't care if he just recited the phone book.

At any rate, it's no surprise I came away inspired to paint an Alice piece. Not fashioned after the movie characters, but my own vision. Not sure why, but I've always pictured the Cheshire Cat as being a ginger tabby.

Fortunately, I had one of those handy to serve as the perfect model, hehe. This big boy looks very much like our Arthur. The tea tray is listed on eBay now, with the auction ending Monday evening at 9PM eastern.

Lots of other pieces are in the works as well, including a few commissions, and I'm happy to say I have a newly cleaned workspace to accomplish all this....

Would you like to see it?

You can click on the photo for a larger view. That's Merlin under the table, and just a wee bit of Arthur over by the window. :)


The actual "studio" is upstairs, filled to bursting with wood pieces, shipping supplies, show displays, etc., but I prefer to work downstairs in this space because of the big window, and overhead skylight (not shown here). Nothing compares to natural light for both productivity and sanity, hehe.

It's more functional than decorative, although I DO have a few of my "favorite things" scattered about; the large papier mache cat (painted by a Mexican artist, and named Tequila) was a gift from my late father many years ago.

And giving credit where credit is due, a big thank you to Courtney for putting my space in order last weekend. Being completely organizationally impaired myself, I marvel at her magical powers.

So yes, we're all mad here. Entirely Bonkers. But we wouldn't have it any other way.

How about you? A little mad perhaps? Just a little?

Or entirely bonkers?

All the best people are, you know. ;)

Until next time,
♥ Carolee