I am so glad to write again on here after a long break. I wish I could say I have been on an actual break, but it's quite the opposite.
A few months ago with only a couple days notice to my family, I packed up two bags: one for my clothes, and another one just for a few art supplies, and hopped on a plane.
"When duty calls, you answer" or something cliche like that.
I haven't allowed myself to fully feel how much I miss my kids, because if I did, I will probably fall apart.
I like to tell myself is that this work is for them, too. It helps--I think.
Sometimes we ought to do something bigger than ourselves, and I am truly proud to be able to do that in my lifetime.
One thing I also learned to be okay with is reclaiming time for myself. When I have some days off from work, I'd drive a couple hours to the beach and just sit on the sand and listen to the waves. I'd drive to a cute town an hour away and take pictures. I've been visiting art galleries and museums, different coffee shops and book stores.
I'd forgotten what it was like to go on solo adventures.
I am grateful to still be able to find the time to paint these days despite the limited time, space, and supplies.
In fact, I have finished two paintings so far, with several in-progress haha. I may have overestimated how much I'll be able to complete while here...I also finished a commissioned charcoal drawing, and now working on a commissioned painting. If I am not painting, I am sketching on my sketchbook.
This is also my birth month! Naturally at this time of the year I reflect a lot about my life. I have been an avid journal writer since I was in my pre-teens, but have gone on and off throughout the years. Lately, I have made it a point to journal daily.
As I sit here writing this blog post, I dream about several things simultaneously: being home with my kiddos, painting in my dream studio, smelling the flowers in my garden, walking along the beach, and a world that is kinder.
How has the first half of the year been for you? I'd love to hear below.