My Staycation

"Home Sweet Home", Collage, 7 x 10 inches, March 25, 2012

Did you know it’s been three years and I’ve barely taken a break from running my art business!  Time’s taken its toll; so I decided to get some much needed R&R this month.

Well, it was seven glorious days off, sleeping in, pampering myself and going wherever the wind blew me.  Here in Ottawa, I found a few oases of my own to retreat to: a local mall, the marketplace, my favourite restaurants, art shops, hair salon and spa.  I even made time to read – for fun!  It was great to curl up with Molly Peacock’s Paper Garden and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.  Several years ago the latter was recommended to me when I was making the transition from office worker to full-time artist.  A few years ago I bought the book for my hubby who was considering other career paths.  On one of my recent whiny days this past winter he too insisted I read it; so I did!  It was just the remedy I needed.  I felt an instant connection to the story’s protagonist, Santiago.  I saw his dream journey reflected in my own struggles to maintain my art career and business.  Life has such a way of making you wonder if you’re on the right path even when you’re pursuing your passion; Coelho reminded me doubts are part of the journey of following your heart – no matter how lost I felt, one day, with a continued awareness of the challenges I encountered and the lessons I could learn from them, things would coalesce to help me achieve my dreams. 

That week, I was also compelled to make a mini collage book for an ailing artist friend.  Hoping to ride the tide of positive events of recovery that are occurring in her life, I was fixated on fashioning something to keep up her optimism.  It’s hard to know what to say or visualize for someone whose livelihood and life are slowly slipping away, but eventually I found some encouraging words and, as usual, the right pieces found their way to my work table.  The piece was finished in no time and sent off.  It was good to make art; it was good to give away a piece of myself to someone I love.  It also helped to put my own miseries into perspective – I counted my blessings.  A few days later I was elated to receive a call from my friend who’s sounding better ever!  Miracles abound – thanks Great Creator.

Coincidentally, this same week I was the recipient of several appreciative notes.  Their timing was perfect – after three years of working 24/7 on my business and not necessarily reaping the financial rewards I’d hoped for, there’ve been times when I’ve really felt like throwing in the towel.  The thing that always keeps me going are the encouraging words of others… spurring me on, giving my new entrepreneurial wings and creative spirit flight… I’m so grateful for this.

My week ended on an inspiring note thanks to friend Wendy Southin who insisted I listen to a talk on the RBBP Summit given by Artizen art biz coach Jennifer Lee and her colleague Jeremie Miller who discussed using Livestream to connect with on-line audiences.  Their talk was rejuvenating and a great way to ease back into my work routine.  I’m excited about the prospect of adding video and other interactive components to my website.  In the future maybe I’ll give you a tour of my studio… or introduce you to an artist colleague… or host a live student spotlight!  Wow, all of a sudden, the world seems like my oyster again!