Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Yay! Art Content! One Assignment complete!

Howdy folks! I actually have accomplished something in my online art classes! I have several sheets of fabric paper, and other surfaces completed, and now I am working on turning those surfaces into actual things. One of the assignments was to make a triangular vase from 3 long rectangles out of a fabric-paper surface. I wasn't inspired by this vase at all, and kept putting off it's assembly until it hit me- I could use the surface to make something else! So, I made a bowl. I love how easy to assemble these bowls are, and they are simply elegant. (Note: Blogger is not cooperating at the moment, so I will post a photo as soon as it will let me.)

Today is East Side day- Youth group at 6 pm, and taking Gramma shopping before that, as well as making sure school work gets done this morning, but I am hoping to squeeze in a bit of studio time before we leave. I have already washed, dried, and folded 3 loads of laundry (I am telling you- it is so much easier to be integrity with the laundry when I am only responsible for the Dude's and my clothes, plus the linens!) this morning, the dishes are done, and the kitchen has been swept. I was actually okay with the moms coming into my living room during art playdate on Monday. I like having a bit of order in the house.

About that studio time I mentioned above- I am working hard at being intentional in my studio time, and finishing some projects that have been sitting unfinished for close to a year now, so I can put them into an Etsy shop. This is another step towards being a "real" working artist, rather than a wanna-be artist who never finishes anything. I am focusing on being intentional, and being committed to my art as a career (in addition to being good therapy as well) from which I can be contributing to my family.

And a note about homeschooling- I have been homeschooling the kids formally for over 10 years now. Those who know me in real life know that over the last several years, this has become less enjoyable for me, and a great deal harder as the kids have become teenagers with attitudes, and as their work has gotten harder. I have decided that I will not be schooling them next year. We are looking into several online highschool/homeschool programs, and my role will become that of supervisor/cheerleader, instead of planner, executor, and administrator- in other words, I am giving them much more control of their education, so that I can focus more on the things that are meaningful to me. This should give me much more time to dedicate to my art. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about this new change- don't get me wrong- I still believe in home education in a classical manner, but it just hasn't been working well for us lately, and I am just so ready to be done, and on to new things in my life. I have been putting the needs of my children before mine for the last 17 years, and I need to be able to focus on my own life without feeling guilty or selfish about it. Congratulate me and the children as we begin this new adventure! Of course, we will be schooling hard this summer to finish this year's work.

Well, that is all for now. I am going to head into the studio, and see if I can finish something else, and then when Blogger lets me upload photos, I will have a few for you.
T.T.F.N.
L.B.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your decision. It sounds like such a good idea to begin focusing more on your art. I'm looking forward to seeing the bowl. The memorial service was very nice and went very well.

Hey, do you remember where I put my brushes after you gave them back or did you stick them somewhere? I can't seem to find them. LA.

dee said...

Hi Dear, Just checking in to say Hi. I've been reading your posts and feel your pain regarding the flashes. It's all a memory for me now but during that time sleep was illusive. I read so many good books and finished so many small quilts at 4 am. It really does end at some point and if you are lucky like me, you will begin to feel a huge sense of peace and a large dose of energy and up-lifted spirits. It's not all bad as much as it sucks right now. Thinking of you.

Dy said...

I can't wait to see the work you've done!

SO glad to hear that you've committed yourself to doing wonderful things - this will be so fun to watch as it all progresses. GOOOOOO LB!!! *rah**rah**rah*!!!

Love you, honey!
Dy

Anonymous said...

Who's claiming their good?:) Isn't it grand to know you can create the fabulous experience you most desire, if you wanna? I'm tickled pink that you wanna.

I'm ready to celebrate your success, and the kiddles too!

Pamela
local, north end, cheerleader:)