October 2015 Sunset
A summer to remember has ended and we are headed into Fall with temperatures dropping faster than usual for this time of year. Sure hope we get some more average Fall temps before winter sets in.
I haven't had any time to be in my studio to create art this summer but sometimes there are more important things in life that take precedence over what we love to do. Loving, helping and caring for a family member or friend during a difficult and challenging season is one of those opportunities and one which I embrace to the best of my ability. It is another aspect of who I am as an artist and as a person. As I lay down my desire to paint and allow myself to be available for a loved one, I know in my heart that I will be rewarded with joy and there will be time to paint at a later date. So until then, I am making mental notes of creative ideas for new artwork.
My mother-in-law, Marjorie, fell in June and broke her hip. At age 94, this started a chain reaction of events that have required much time and energy but she is now settled into a Memory Care facility and I am happy to say she seems to have adjusted well to her new environment and made new friends. She is not aware where she is or what happened to her but she is happy and that is what matters most. It has been a difficult transition for the family but it has also been rewarding and a season full of blessings with gifts of love along the way.
Besides seeing that Marjorie is properly cared for, my husband and I have also had the responsibility of getting her home ready to sell and feel we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As we cleaned out her house, I was acutely aware of all the "stuff" we, as humans, accumulate over the years. Stuff that once held precious memories, now has little or no meaning and has to be processed. In the end, it all winds up being donated or sold for pennies, way less than it's initial worth. Once the one who held the memories can no longer remember, things lose their value. Note to self: Quit accumulating and start cleaning out stuff so the children won't have so much to do when I'm gone. They'll have more than enough to handle with processing all these paintings I have sitting around my studio. (Smile!) Needless to say, it has been an eye opening, emotional rollercoaster of a summer. There have been so many changes, new responsibilities and adjustments which have required attention but we are very thankful it has gone as well as it has.
It's interesting how the circumstances of life can consume your time and zap your creativity. Although I have missed being in my studio and painting, I am eternally grateful for the special times I have had with my mother-in-law over the past few months. They are priceless and have been and continue to be a gift -- memories I will carry in my heart forever -- and this season isn't over yet so I'm sure there are more memories to be made. I remain hopeful the energy will return and the creative juices will once again flow and I look forward to when I can get back in the studio. Until then, I am determined to enjoy this journey, the time we have left with Marjorie and soaking up all the memories possible.
I did manage to accomplish one thing this summer. I put prices on my website to make it easier for collectors to chose their favorite artwork. I invite you to take a moment, browse the gallery and let me know if there is anything you are interested in. I accept PayPal, personal or certified checks. And, of course, cash is always welcome for local purchases.