October!

As you may remember, I didn't post any specific goals for September other than dealing with some personal issues. Which I did! I cannot say that I am at 100% yet, but I am getting there. I was going through some situational depression, and with the help of my doctor and my acupuncturist (did you know that acupuncture can help with major life transitions?!? It really really can!) I am feeling SO much better. I am also exercising every day, eating better, and going to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep every night, the benefit of which cannot be underestimated. I am so truly and amazingly grateful for my acupuncturist, however, because that has been the most immediately and overwhelmingly helpful thing in getting me through this time. Also for my amazing friends who have been so incredibly helpful and supportive, as they always are :)

My sales in September were fantastic, including some art sales and some unexpected but much needed side jobs! So for October I am looking to more of the same. I am applying for some holiday sales, increasing my inventory, get back to creating art every day, and listing a lot of new artwork that is just sitting here waiting to get into my shop :) I am also posting more flyers for my portraits, applying for a part-time job (about 10 hours a week is what I'm looking for, just for some steady extra income), and getting ready for some holiday action in my supply shop. Sounds like a great month just waiting to happen!

Weekend Project--Crayons!

This weekend was a blast! Friday night was a great time at the show; I had a most delicious dinner and margaritas cooked by my lovely friend Katie and shared with her husband, Chris; I caught up with my friend Jill; I even managed to spend time with a new friend. I'm not normally such a social butterfly, but it was just what I needed.

Between all of this socializing, I also managed to get some new supplies listed in my shop! I recently added a destash/limited stock section with some really fun stuff. Finally, I did a new and super-fun project--made crayons!!! These whimsical lovelies were given a new, rejuvenated life from Indigo's old broken-up crayon graveyard. I have listed one set of three in my shop--the others will be coming throughout the next couple of days.

Here's to a great week!

Vacation!

Ah...vacation :) Indigo and I woke up in the wee hours of Tuesday morning and flew to Denver, where I grew up. It has been quite the whirlwind trip since them, running around with my mom and Oma (grandma), and my aunt who is also visiting. Tomorrow we're driving up to the mountains to visit my dad for a few days, and we're also squeezing in some extra time with my brother, his girlfriend, and my niece, as well as my ex-stepmom. Somehow between all of this family I am also managing to keep my business afloat, checking emails and even shipping supplies, PLUS catching up with old friends!

It all sounds a bit crazy, but I have also managed to sneak in some naps (something I can only seem to do on vacation--normally I can't fall asleep in the afternoon even if I'm tired) and lots of time reading. Now I'm at a local coffee house, about a block away from one of the gazillions of apartments I lived in before I jumped ship for Portland almost 12 years ago.

It is strange, coming back to the place where I grew up. Even though I've been back to visit many times, it feels less like home every time I come here. I am in touch with less people, old businesses have disappeared, the face of the city is constantly changing. More so, my memory has distorted itself. I can't remember names of streets or where they are located, but I give directions to my mom to a post office that I maybe used 5 times in my whole life. I feel odd, comfortable and out of place at the same time. Still, it is good to be back.