"With my art I just want to survive."

A close-up of the charcoal drawing in progress of one of my favorite images by a certain Swedish surrealist who I absolutely love.

I've been working on this for a couple weeks now, only drawing in 1 hour increments because I'd get so excited after completing a section, I didn't want to ruin the glorious moment when I step back and gaze in awe. - Whoa, did I really just do that? 'cause that looks awesome! [charcoal down, reward self with Blow Pop] - It will be done by the end of next week, with only the hand to finish and light detailed work. I want to buy a mat for this and hang it up in my living room, but I may end up giving it away.

So hab ich endlich von dir erharrt: In allen Elementen Gottes Gegenwart.

Freed from the confines of tranquility, my mind wants to shoot off in all directions, emotions splattering all over the walls.

So many things begun, left unfinished. I lack the concentration, my motivation sapped away as quickly as it appears.

Solace will be had.

Fitness Update

Rummaging through my closets, I did some long overdue spring cleaning, filling a garbage bag full of clothes that didn't fit me... way too big, which means my exercise routine is starting to pay off.

I changed up the usual routine again, doing about 100 crunches along with a military inspired core workout. I'm also slowly bringing back straight up weightlifting to build muscle and weight.

Yesterday I finally increased my dumbbell weight from 5 lbs to 10 (yes, I know - don't even say it) and can definitely feel the difference.

I would post an updated picture of my flat stomach and defined abs, however the mosquitoes have found me and think I'm just delicious... i.e. no one wants to see swollen red insect bites. So here is a shadow silhouette of me after my workout during a sunset:
Fun with Sepia! Here's two more I took during my weird "Sepia tone looks cool" phase...

This is what happens when you are the first to show up at a party... awkward.

"...Please don't take my sunshine away."

Two small black birds build a nest between the splitting wood of the weathered deck. The forsythia forest surrounding the mailboxes out front bursts with thousands of yellow flowers. Me in a thin black dress, sporting bright orange polish from my bare feet, pushes open the crooked kitchen window.

Spring is upon us; all is green, fresh, new, and I am ready. The window is open and I am ready to jump through it.

I received a job offer from the Census Bureau (finally!), which inspired an idea. An idea I've already been juggling around in my head, but the reality of diversifying my income gave me the motivation I needed.

With commissions in place for next year's pen and ink note cards, and the slough of pending projects I have yet to complete... why not take this creativity out of personal gratification and family gifting and make a contribution in the world, however slight it may seem?

Why not sell my art?

Why not?